I did the inaugural half marathon in 2011, and raced again in 2014 and 2015. I've seen this race get better each time.

Parking: give yourself plenty of time to get there. There is ample parking, there are just limited roads in and out (small beach community with few roads in and out of the beach). Earlier finishers should expect to wait in traffic while leaving, partially because of the one road in/out, and partially because other runners are coming in to finish, slowing down road traffic.

Bring a throwaway layer. There's a chance of high winds (we are standing near the ocean front). Temps will go up as the race starts. The weather is a little different each year.

There is an early start for walkers! It is great to see a race that supports all paces. If your finish time is over 3 hours, definitely take the early start.

Each year the shirts and the medals have gotten better! I love that they change the shirt each year. The race staff has done an excellent job of asking for and listening to feedback every year and you can see the improvements.

The course has a lot of hills, either rolling or constant uphill or downhill. What goes up must come down (and vice versa). Remember that the fast downhill you have at the beginning will become your tough uphill in the last 5K of the race. If you need hill training for a longer distance race- this race will definitely cover that.

Since it's an out and back, you will go out on what you're going to finish back on. When you go out on the course and see the water, look for the two lighthouses- those are the "Twin Lights" that the race gets its name from. The out and back course gives you a chance to see the lead and faster runners returning while you head out.

The race goes out into the town of Rockport and passes by a quaint New England shopping and residential area (a nice place to check out if you don't have to rush home). If you have to go to the bathroom and miss a porta potty- when you are by the oceanfront area, look for a white building- it's actually a public bathroom.

The race does a great job of providing post race food AND making sure everyone gets post-race food (there's plenty still there for the last people coming in).

Safety tips: make sure you stay to the side of the road the race wants you on. Traffic will increase dramatically as it gets later in the race. Do not wear earbuds in both ears and blast your music/be oblivious to the other runners and cars around you.

Overall this is a well-run race that shows off old-style New England, our beautiful coasts, and great shore communities.