This has become one of my favorite races. I ran the 10k in 2016, and since I was coming back from injury I chose to do that distance again this year. I choose this race in part because it serves as the perfect weekend getaway.

Pre-race communication was good, they kept me informed of all the logistics associated with the race.

The expo/packet pickup is small, but there were a ton of friendly volunteers to keep things moving along. I was able to score a Sedona Marathon Event tank top.

The race offers free shuttle pickup at area hotels, but I chose a hotel I could walk from. The race has a later start (yay!), starting at 9 am with the full marathon, and each race staggered 10minutes apart. Mine started at 9:20.

Yes, it is hilly. I don't know anyone who runs a PR on this course. The red rocks provide a scenic distraction from the hilly terrain.
The start is fairly crowded, but we all spread out pretty quickly. I noticed a few aid stations, but spectators are only at the finish area. The last hill before the turnaround is a killer. But overall I find the second half easier to run.

Medals - It's a "collect a piece of the pie" type of medal - but unfortunately all race distances get the same thing (except 5k which is a totally different medal altogether). I wish they would diversify a little.

T-shirts - we all got nice tech shirts, which is always a plus

Finish area -there were bananas and cookies, plus a ton of different items for sale from vendors. There is a long walk from the finish line uphill to the medal and refreshment area.

Overall, this is a well managed race. We took advantage of other activities in the area after the race and made a weekend out of it. The scenery is 200% worth doing this race. Period. I hope to make this an annual event!