I'm from the Triangle, and have participated in many races in Chapel Hill. I'd been warned about Laurel Hill. Do NOT underestimate that "hill," which is the nice word for it. Nearly a mile long, it doesn't quit. Neither should you, because the support from the neighborhood along it is fantastic.

Course scenery: it doesn't get prettier than CH in the springtime. Everything's blooming, campus is radiant, and the weather is at least balmy.

Expo quality: easy to get in and out.

Swag: love the t-shirts and medal, great quality. They also had promos along the way for additional swag, like a hat, additional shirts, pint glasses...I'm a sucker for race gear. :)

Aid stations: they were well stocked and in the right locations. I just hate yellow gatorade. Can a girl get some blue to match the Tarheels?

Race management: everything was pretty seamless until the finish. The chute narrowed tremendously, and lots of runners were stopping immediately and squatting to catch their breath. It would have helped to have volunteers move them along. Also, all the sides were blocked in and runners had to exit past all the bananas, bagels, etc. Crowded was an understatement, and in the heat, it was not a great scenario if you were trying to quickly get into the shade and cool off/stretch. I hope next year they'll move all of that to a different location than the finish line and not corral it in for an additional .15-.2 miles (seriously felt that long).

Overall: I am already signed up for next year. It's a challenge that can't be beat. More than a 10K, not quite a half, and nobody is going to call you a wimp after they remember the feat that is Laurel Hill! Thanks for a great race!