I needed "state of Alabama" race and this one was recommended by Jeff Galloway who was there for a short shake-down run on Saturday and his running school.

This is really a "Runcation" race. Staying at The Lodge overlooking the beautiful white beaches and gorgeous sunsets of the Gulf was like staying at a resort. (Pay the extra $ for an ocean-view room.) It was an ideal location - across the highway (with a pedestrian overhead crossing) from the start of the 7K on Saturday, a shuttle was provided to the start of the Half/Full Marathon, Expo was on site.
Race Course: Both races were in beautiful Gulf State Park. FLAT on the wide asphalt trail and across the very unique wooden elevated walkways. Generous finish time made it very walker friendly. Plenty of water stops and restrooms. Bring your own nourishment, i.e. gels - there were none on the half marathon route. Quiet route since we were in the park but there was little chance of getting lost on the route. Course ends the last 2 miles along the road parallel to the beach.

Race Swag: Tech long-sleeve shirt for half, soft t-shirts for 7K and Dolphin Challenge (if you did both 7K and half), Great medals. Half had a moveable runner and the Dolphin hangs from the bottom of the Half medal. 7K was patterned after a giraffe, the Alabama zoo charity supported by the race.

Expo: Expo was large for a "small" race. Loved the steel drum band and the animals brought from the Alabama zoo.

Pre- and Post-race: Wonderful experience pre-race at The Hangout where we could sit inside and keep warm before the race. Post-race, again great to have a place to sit inside (it was overcast and became rainy); food: yummy box lunch and 2 beers and many snacks.

Negative: The only negative about this race was how disrespectful the runners were towards this fragile wetlands environment. The empty gel packets and cups scattered all over were so disheartening, especially when they blew off the path into the wetlands. There were enough trash locations that could have been utilized. Come on Racers!!!

Overall: This race had almost all 50 states represented so really enjoyed talking to runners from all over. Definitely recommend this race and although it requires an airplane ticket, I'd fly there again to experience it.