This was my second time running Richmond and I was much better prepared for it. The scenery was amazing, the people cheering were great and everything seemed to run very smoothly.
Compared to other events the Expo seemed very small and lacking.
The course is well laid out but deceptive. Around mile 16 or 17 when you turn on Main St it is slightly uphill the entire way and unless your with someone it can take some punch out of you. Luckily one of the local watering holes had Mimosa's handy and were cheering everyone on. The section after the bridge around mile 20 had the biggest crowds when you turn back into the neighborhoods and head toward the finish.
The last half mile to the finish is all downhill and is rather jarring after that distance, but the view of the finish and the river is worth it. The after party was a lot of fun, and standing in line for a massage was worth it.
Finisher swag is a medal, a fleece blanket, and a hat. While I like the medal and the blanket was very handy with the cold weather, they could drop the hat and do something else. Maybe socks or a Buff. Or stainless steel cup.
Overall, this is a great fall race and I'm planning on running it again.