I think it's always critical to indicate a race as an inaugural effort, as there are always things to be criticized but commended for in a first-go-round effort.

Nte that I did not attend the expo but heard from multiple friends that it was small and a little disappointing - I did not rate the expo based on my lack of attendance. Thankfully, it is easy for someone else to pick up your bib and race jacket for you with a copy of ID and signed waiver.

The course starts on the end (last 4 miles) of Rock 'n Roll San Diego, rolling uphill through Balboa Park and at some point runs down the massive downhill of Washington Ave (almost a mile-long downhill), where the San Diego Half runs straight up. Last half is fast and flat if you didn't kill your legs on the hills in the first five miles!

Fantastic volunteers, quiet on the support/spectator front if that's critical for you, and fantastic medals at the end. My only disappointments were the change of the jackets (website made it look as if they were to be windbreaker-type jackets whereas they turned out to be pocketless track jackets that ran large in size for most everyone). Overall, a good effort, but not quite the price tag I remember paying for it.

The race is marketed as becoming the Boston of half marathons, because it requires qualifying half marathon times per age group and gender, which certainly adds a fun level of competitiveness, though not many elite runners were present. I know as the years move on and the race gains popularity, they will continue increasing the speed and qualifying times, so get in soon if you're just squeaking in to your age category now! :)

Free race photos are always a plus (from BuzzMedia).

You can read a full review on my blog: http://runnermegan.blogspot.com/2015/11/race-recap-inaugural-usa-invitational.html