This was my first the Tobacco Road Half Marathon and I really enjoyed it. Race Management sent ample emails to communicate leading up to the event. Expo was small, but well organized; got your bib number, went the area marked by your number, You checked in, went to another area for your parking pass, went to another for your shirt no problem with size, I like the vibrant green color. I got my BIB and parking pass without any problem. Other side of expo where products displaced I feel it was bit unorganized, layout was not so free flowing!!
Race day parking pass, It gave me access to one of the closest spot to the start line. My biggest complaint about race was they told us that even with a parking pass they could not guarantee our spot if we were not there by 5:30 am! It was cold out so I decided to sleep in car for an hour. The start line was well organized and the Half and the Full started at the same time at 7 am.
The Half and the Full followed the same route for the first 2.5 miles on the roads and the rest is on trail around 8 miles. The road portion is slightly hilly and tricky towards finish line, keep in mind last few feet are downhill that so much relief.
There were a few places of crowds leading to the trail, but once you got onto the trail, space became limited, it was the other runners, and gray trees to keep you company. The miles were marked clearly and regularly and there were several aid stations with Water, Gatorade and Gu packs. The route is flat, if you are aiming for your PR this is the route. The trail surface is packed gravel I ran one of my training run on this trail, advantage being local.
At finish line there was lots of cheering, an announcer called everyone's number. I finished race with 2:00:43 not my PR however with all shortcomings and challenges in last 4 week I would say it was PR without proper training nevertheless I crossed the finish line without injury. The Runners Village where there was lots of food/drink options. Standard fruit, Papa John’s pizza slices, free water bottles, Gatorade, juices, coffee and a Beer. There was also a good band playing on stage at the end of the Beer Garden.
Next year will try for marathon on this route! Over all enjoyed the first race of this year for me.