I had lots of fun running the Pints to Pasta race (I have fun running every race so is that new?) Here is a category-by-category breakdown of why I would run this again, but wouldn't recommend it to anyone who wants to run the 10K!

Overall: Smooth, fast, and over before you know it. The start line seems congested, but it was easy enough to get loose and find your position.

T-Shirts/SWAG: I always love the designs that the HTC Race series comes up with, and the Pints to Pasta was a unique green and yellow color that I got to add to my collection. Their bibs (which I collect) are uniquely designed and well colored, and the medals are absolutely fantastic. If you are a fast runner looking for some cool swag if you win, the age division and overall prizes were very nice. Placing 3rd overall and 1st in my age division, I got two headlamps for Hood to Coast by Led Lenser, two beer glasses (oops, I can't use these!) and two active headphones.

Aid Stations: I don't use many aid stations, but I want to give it 5-stars because the volunteers remembered me (either from previous races or earlier that day) and they even have younger children volunteering and they always try very hard to get you water and I honestly think it's awesome. I love seeing the younger children getting involved in something I love.

Scenery: It was through downtown Portland, so it wasn't going to be the trees and forests like a cross country race. I did enjoy running alongside the Riverfront (which is also a part of the course for Hood to Coast) and running across the bridge feels fast. However, after you cross the bridge, making it to the turn-around point was a little dull.

Other key points: One thing I would touch on is the elevation. It's a noticeable incline for the first mile and that threw off my pace, but then you go down for a long time (1.5 miles or so?) If you are going for a PR (Personal Record) maybe not the course. Although I was able to secure one for myself, the extremely long hill at the end definitely didn't help.

Why would I run this again? Because I want to challenge that hill again! I also love the unique bibs and shirts so if I'm paying for a race, I feel like I really got my money's worth in the end! If the smile isn't enough proof, what is?

EDIT
So I totally forgot (and was reminded by a friend) on the confusion at the race start. The original start time was pushed way back, and the starters were very inconsistent with their decision. We ended up starting half an hour later (or so) and getting closer they said "10 minutes" which turned out to actually only be 3 and resulted in me stripping down out of warm-up gear really fast. They also lacked any smart mode of transportation to the 10K start (half-marathon was out-and-back) so people were starting way off time in waves. To put in to perspective: I ran to the 10K start from the Half start and turned around and as I passed through the 10K start the second time, there were people still getting off the shuttle bus to start their race. That's like 40 minutes after the leaders of the 10K had started. They needed about 5 times the amount of busses than what they had calculated for the amount of people running. So I would do this again, but so I don't get caught up in the bussing situation I would run the half, not the 10K.

Ever since 2010 when I ran Portland to Coast, I fell in love with this race. This review will tell you why the HTC relay is the Mother of All Relays!

Overall: The most important part about Hood to Coast is having the right team. I cannot stress it enough. No matter how bad other things get (parking, feeling ill, not running super fast) having the right team will shape your experience.

T-Shirts/SWAG: The medals in the past have been very amazing and outgoing (this years were slightly disappointing and plain). However, to make up for that Dick's Sporting Goods engraved medals in the Portland area. The only downside is you still had to be in the area, so if you are traveling from far away, you may have missed that opportunity. Otherwise the gender-specific-shirts and Hood to Coast/Portland to Coast separate shirts and bibs is always a cool idea.

Aid Stations: The map in the pamphlet gives a good heads up on where to get food and at what time. Lots of local schools' cross country teams take this opportunity to sell delicious breakfasts or good hydration stations which makes for a good pitstop along your 198 mile journey!

Course Scenery: Breathtaking. Standing on top of Mt. Hood was awesome, and being able to watch my best friend run down that hill was pretty cool too. There seems to be photo opportunities wherever you go. Forests, cities, mountains, beaches: the whole package. You'll get a little of everything in your run.

Expo Quality: Usually very awesome except this year there was a huge wind storm that blew down the finish line. But it's amazing how management was able to redirect and figure things out in short time, so major props to them! Otherwise, finishing on the beach is always a cool experience, and the after party is fun even for kids (while the adults sneak away to get in a refreshing drink or too).

Elevation difficulty: I gave it five stars because I ran leg 5, the hardest of them all. The hills definitely left my quads aching over the rest of my legs (segments) that I had to run. Ultimately though, it's only as hard as you want to make it, and can otherwise be a very flat experience if you choose the right legs.

Parking: Since the whole thing is in a van, parking isn't the easiest thing to do. When you have a competitive team, it is hard to drop off your runner, pick up the one who just ran, and then beat your currently running person to the next station. However, if that is of no concern, and missing a few minutes here or there isn't an issue, then by all means take your time to pull over and cheer on your current runner (heck, do it anyways! Make good memories!)

I've done this race so many times, that I look forward to my next adventure every year. Unlike other races, this one seems to change every year. And even running the same legs can be a totally new experience. I've never had one Hood to Coast experience that was like another, and if someone was like "Hey, Jonathan, want to do Hood to Coast?" I would sign-up in a heartbeat.

So if this isn't on your bucket list, put it on. I've seen people of all different backgrounds run this race, and I've made some of my best running memories through it.

This was a rather unorthodox race to put it nicely. I'll explain why scenery and overall bring down the review to my first "do not recommend".

Overall: This race was rather weird. You start on the riverfront; that's a good sign. But immediately you are turned around and end up running on an on-ramp up to a main bridge. Coming off of this on-ramp is a "nice" homeless community (maybe wait to take a breath?) and if you're breathing hard, be ready for the smell of urine and alcohol to smite you down. Then you run through a business district taking sharp turns and run back on to another bridge (going up a spiral ramp) where you cross the river and start another loop (if you run the 10K distance).

T-shirts/SWAG: As always, the HTC series did with an awesome bib and some cool shirts. The tech fabric is really nice, and the design is pretty cool. If you collect bibs like me, this might be one to add.

Aid stations: Again, HTC series always finds the nicest volunteers. The aid stations were equipped with water or Nuun Hydration drinks to help you through (and it was placed about half way into the 5k). The younger children helping out were more than eager to try to give you something to drink.

Course scenery: The aforementioned booze/urine smell was a real turn off, and slightly uneasy. There is nothing really beautiful about this race. More than the scenery, I looked forward to seeing people who were participating as everyone cheered on other people. That was the really cool part. Participants encouraging others is always a plus.

Expo quality: The after party was kinda cool. It was a small "blues festival" (I believe) and being able to relax there was nice.

Parking was a big deal since it was downtown Portland. Luckily since it was a weekend, I was able to get away with parking on the side of the road, but even that was a slight walk from the start line.

In conclusion, if you want a low-key race and just want to get out there and celebrate the Fourth of July, then this is a good race. The costumes are cool and people enjoy themselves. If you're looking for scenery and something not repetitive and runner-friendly (for Personal Records and fast times), then I would save your money and invest in another race.