After a change in work schedule, I was able to run the Windermere Half Marathon this year. Because it was a few weeks before the start, it was about $100 for the half, which is on the high end for what I'm willing to pay, but it's one of the few races I've been able to do that's local and that I didn't have to travel for.

The Expo: Held at the U District PT site and only on the Saturday before the race from 10 a- 4 p. I wish there would have been something available Friday as well. Not a whole lot of parking available, so people were trying to find something in the lots or on the road. I feel like a better location just in terms of more Parking space would have been nice. Quick in and out, to get your bib and string back pack. Shirts are handed out at the finish. Supplies were there to make signs and that was about it. I didn't necessarily mind no vendors because I have so much running stuff anyways.

The race: Point to point with shuttles available from the Spokane Convention Center to the full start (from 5-6 AM) and to the half start (from 6-7 AM). Starts are in different locations so make sure you get the right shuttles. There was limited parking if you wanted to park at the start, but for me it was easier to park in one of the garages downtown and shuttle up to the start. Bag checks at the start with them being shuttled to the finish area.

The Half marathon started at 8 AM sharp. The course is mainly downhill, though there were some soft hills. It's a combination of Centennial Trail and road, but everything is paved. One minor complaint I had was with the active traffic on some of the roads. The river waters were elevated this year where there was some flooding on course, which I believe led to some of the course being altered. Since this was my first year doing Windermere, I'm not sure what normal is for the course. Aid stations were ever 1-2 miles, but there didn't seem to be a rhyme or reason as to what the spacing was. Plenty of gels and water, but they could have had some more electrolytes (Powerade/gatorade, whatever). The finish was by the convention center.

Post race: first came medals, then came finisher shirts. This year, they were long sleeved 1/4 zip shirts, which I appreciate because I can actually wear it when it's cooler out. Chocolate milk, water and some food was available. There was an area to check results, another area for massages ($15 for 15 minutes) and some other things to do. I couldn't hang around though, since I had to work at noon.

Good race overall, but I wish the expo was somewhere with better parking.