I have done this half marathon in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

The race is hosted by the Turning Stone Casino, which is immediately off I-90 in Verona, NY. If you need to stay overnight, you can either stay at the hotel or at nearby hotels.

Parking: extremely easy. Parking is free in the casino garage and parking area. An easy walk to packet pickup, the start and finish.

Course: mix of flat and rolling hills. Goes through some farmland and small neighborhood areas. Pretty views of the area. Almost no shade- so definitely wear sunscreen. Most roads are closed to traffic or have ample cones and police support for runners. Course can get humid/hot so drink up at the aide stations if you need it and take it easy if you need to.

Swag: medal and shirt are always good. Very small expo/area- packet pickup is walk in/walk out.

Alternate sightseeing: baseball fans can do a detour to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

UPDATE: In 2016 this race changed organizers- my rating is based on the prior organizing company and may not reflect the current organizers.

If you love the New England Patriots, add this race to your calendar.

I've actually done the 10K four times and seen it improve over the years. Originally, the race was held on the morning of July 4th, but was moved to the night before for several reasons, including the heat/humidity. The other benefit of having a night race is that (weather permitting) there are fireworks held after the race.

Parking is free and very convenient, as the stadium parking is used. The course has improved over the years, and last year, there was more time inside the stadium as we went partially around the concession level. The end of the race involves running through the big inflatable Patriots helmet and finishing on the 50 yard line, while seeing yourself running on the jumbotron screens. It is an awesome experience for any sports fan. In 2014, they added a medal. The race shirt is a cotton shirt, and is typically white (and is nothing to be excited about).

Tips- definitely make sure you are properly hydrated for the race. Slow down if you are not used to running in late afternoon/heat humidity. Try to do some afternoon training runs to get used to it. If you're going to eat before the race, get there early. If you plan to eat after, make reservations at a restaurant, or expect a wait. If the fireworks are being held, also expect a long wait/traffic line when you leave.

The St Michaels Running Festival includes a 5K, 10K and half marathon. I did the half in 2014 and I'll gladly go back. The course is extremely flat (we put a ball on the ground and it didn't move), and is definitely a PR course. The scenic course takes you down a charming store-lined street, showing off this cute little shopping village, before we head out through a nearby golf course. The course also gives waterfront views. The community is very supportive of the race; the volunteers are great, and people came out of their homes to cheer us on.

St Michaels MD is a beautiful little town in Maryland with quaint stores and restaurants, a nice maritime museum with a waterfront, and great tourist stops including a local winery, so there are some great places to stop at while you are in town.

In terms of a place to stay- if you're looking for regular hotels, plan to stay about a half hour's drive away from the race site. The expo was small, so race-day morning pickup works well.

3C Race Productions is a quality race organizer in the northeast. They offer several half marathons and other races in the northern states. Their races are a value for the price you pay: good shirts, good medals, good timing, and good support. This race takes you on a tour of Rhode Island's Bristol State Park, an ocean-side park.

The double-loop course takes you partially past the waterfront. Some sections of road may be crowded during the race because the roads are narrow, but as you get going, it will thin out. If cement/hard surfaces bother you, know that some of the road surface is hard concrete. Other portions were recently redone with new asphalt.

The key things are: the park roads are very confusing if you are not familiar with it. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and park. It's easy to wind up going around in circles.

If you have the time, check out the cute stores and great restaurants in the Bristol area. Bristol is the home of the nation's oldest Fourth of July Parade, and the area takes great pride in it.