This is the fourth year running the half marathon (my first year I ran the quarter) and this was the first time they switched up some parts of the course in comparison to previous years. There was a new start and finish line which I thought worked well. It had you beginning and ending in the festival grounds as opposed to starting a few blocks away on a side street and ending just outside the grounds. This did cause the race to be delayed though since you had go through security to get to the corrals but the old adage reigns here: be on time or even earlier! I also liked the subtle change on the course in between miles 7 and 9, where instead of staying up on the bluff like previous years, they had you go down a winding road and then go north along side Bradford Beach before doing the turn around to head back to the festival grounds. Music seemed better to me this year,with an exception or two. The guy playing the saxophone is a great player but I just don't think this is the place for soothing jazzy sounds. Also, the race management needs to improve what they use for music at the mile markers. Little iPod speaker bases don't provide anything until you are right on top of it and that last for a split second as you go by. Louder please or bigger speakers please!
T-shirt/Swag: I found this to be lacking. Women received a tank top while men received a runner's shirt. BUT, they were both the same powdery blue with light yellow writing/designs that are barely visible. Where is the tank top option for men? And that it with the second year in a row having an UGLY color for a shirt. Highly disappointed. Also, there wasn't as much chances to acquire things at the expo. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of awesome vendors selling shirts, water bottles, gels, etc but there wasn't a spinning wheel where you could get more Summerfest tickets or other raffle options. They did have BMO Harris Bank giving away short socks again, which are so soft and comfortable. The coupons in the bag were also disappointing; no nice discounts for local stores like in years past.
Aid Stations: Plenty on the course with water and Gatorade. Also several misting stations as you ran by which was very refreshing and around mile 9/10 a station handing out soaking wet cool wash cloths for your neck/head/arms/etc. They do an excellent job with this.
Course Scenery: I always love it! You run across the Hoan Bridge and get a great look at Lake Michigan, then you are up on the bluffs later, coming down towards the beach; nice breezes at times and then the brief section where you run though some residential areas and the crowds of people cheering you on really provides a boost. And once again, the "happy go lucky fans" manning their own "aid station" handing out shots of Schiltz beer (this year I did take part in this.)
Elevation: Difficult parts again with the steady grueling climb up the Hoan Bridge and then the "big " hill by the Colectivo coffee shop, which I always find daunting.
Parking: No issues this year but that's because me and my brother in law took a ride sharing service to the starting point.
Race Management: Great. Plenty of email updates in the months leading up to the race and then every day on race week. Also, I have to give extra credit this year since for some reason I registered myself for this race twice this year, but they kindly refunded me one of my entries and it was the more expensive one too! I was appreciative of that.

I say this all the time; this is a fun race to run. Great after party with a band and beer (more food options were needed this year) but the amount of fun and happiness going on is great. Everyone supporting one another and having a good time while doing it. Plus this year had the added bonus of good weather!