I arrived at the Expo/Packet Pickup right at 2:00 on Friday, it was easy to park and get in, but small venue.
There were only a few vendors, but I didn't do any shopping, so it was quick and easy.

The shirts/swag are ok. I wish there was a little more color, but loved seeing Bibrave on the back. Otherwise, there really wasn't any other swag.

My boyfriend went to the start line with me, and we had no problem at all parking a few blocks from the start an hour before race. I love that with small races. There were plenty of port o johns, so very limited wait time.

I loved the stocked aid stations every 2 miles. They had water, gatorade, GU blocks and bananas at all stations. I had to stop and take a picture at mile 18 where they had the Marathon Shoe repair :)
The volunteers were very friendly and enthusiastic.

I was fighting a chest and head cold, so thank goodness for the beautiful scenery which took my mind away from how I was feeling. I took it easy and slow, and had a fabulous day! Yes, there's hills, but I'm used to them being from Worcester, MA. we have no flats. I took walk breaks second half so, I had no muscle soreness the next day, which paid off to enjoy some hiking the next few days. Did I mention the gorgeous views? OMG.... amazing

I have to say I was a few blocks from the finish line, but there was no signage at the 4 way stop and I waited as I was unsure which way to go, once I had a runner catch up we both were confused and decided to go up the hill, and others behind were yelling to us, unsure? Otherwise, the course was well marked.

I loved the enthusiasm at the finish line! The announcer had trouble pronouncing Worcester :) and was happy to see someone travel so far to join them.

I have to say my only disappointment was at the finish line we only received a bottle of water and a small sample size of cliff bar? No salty or protein foods. There's usually always some type of food box or post food at finish lines with that distance. As I was reviewing the race, I figured well maybe their FREE post party that they advertised in the paper and online, would have pizza etc... We went to the 4pm party at Old Sedona Pub, but when we walked over to check-in, the volunteer said "sorry but its for volunteers only, you can go to the bar where there's runners". We walked to the other room but it was just a dark bar, with people drinking, so we went upstairs to the deck and there were only 2 other runners at a table eating. I was starving as I didn't eat all day, so we stayed and I ordered a veggie dish and beer. I was starting to feel blah again and coughing so didn't finish my beer, and took the food to go, it was ok. So I wouldn't really suggest the Old Sedona Post party for runners if they have it next year.

I would love to go back again next year! I did spend 5 nights in Sedona and loved every minute, need to go back.

I highly recommend this race.