This was my first half marathon and the course was very challenging. It's an out and back lollipop with plenty of gain, something I didn't realize would be so challenging at the time.

The course is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and runs through Gloucester and Lockport right along the beach. The town comes out to support the runners; I was handed water by a lady who was just hanging out on her lawn with bottles for whomever was passing by. The aid stations are manned by local charity groups and after the race there's a competition for "best water station"; whichever group wins receives some sum of charity money towards their cause (which is pretty awesome!).

Along the course, I saw beaches, lighthouses, pirates, cheerleaders, and a whole lot of hope. It's at a great time of year, too, to be running. If you can handle the hill work, I'd say sign up!