Although I now live in Wyoming, I am originally from Central California, so in November 2017 I traveled there for a visit. During the two weekends that I was there, I ran a 5K in Fresno, a 10K in Porterville, a Spartan Sprint in Sacramento, and this race - the Two Cities Half Marathon.

This race offers two half-marathon choices, one is the Fresno version and one is Clovis. They both start at the same time and place, but follow different routes in different directions. I ran the Fresno half marathon. This race event also offers a marathon option.

The race expo was easy to navigate, but also had a good supply of vendors. I was able to get in, get my bib/ timing chip, look at a few potential purchases, and leave the expo all in less than 20 minutes. Race morning went off without a hitch, although you should be aware that parking is 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile from the race start/finish area.

The course was easy to navigate, as it was a road course. The water stations were plentiful and although I carried a hand-held water bottle, I never really needed it. The course I ran was not flat by any means, but the hills in it were not too terrible. In fact, of the 13 or so half-marathons I have run, this is the only one I was able to run in under 2 hours. The 1:59 and change finish earned me first place in my age division, and a very nice stainless steel finisher's cup.

This race was well-organized, well-staffed, and is run through areas that are populated enough to give runners spectator support but also a little bit remote so we had some tree-lined streets and pretty views along the way. I saw runners there from all over the US, so apparently this race has earned a reputation, and with good reason. It's certainly worth your time. :)