This race was really hot. Mid September in Texas, it's to be expected I guess.
Pre-race "expo" is the festival itself which is like a county fair.
The saving grace of this race is the scenery when they release the hot air balloons right after the start. By the time you get to the first hill they are high enough to get some good photo ops. A lot of the course is through residential areas. Finish line aid is not great. Just un-manned water tables. Post race breakfast was gone for everyone coming in after 2:45 hrs. Pros are the fact that the festival is open for family members while they wait for you to come in. Thats a bonus for slow runners like myself. And the fact that we could attend the festival the day before because I wanted no part of staying out in the heat after the race. All in all it was an "ok" race. Good starter half for newbies that might be intimidated by the big crowds of a big race.