Let me preface this with - I'm not a trail runner. But when you see a half marathon for $35, you sign up! The race sold out quickly with both a 10K,13.1, and 13.1 relay option. Pre-race communication was fantastic and very informative.

Packet pick up was the day before the race at a small running store - it was quick and easy. It was very no frills - just your number, a chip, and a long sleeved shirt. The shirts were nice, but a bit big.

I arrived about an hour early, as we were told parking was limited. I didn't have a problem, but as I finished I could see people parked way up on both sides of the road (NOTE: I know of at least one person who had their car broken into). There were only 6 porta potties, which I thought was dismal for almost 1,000 runners. The race was to start in waves to avoid congestion - there was great communication without this and it seemed to go off without a hitch.

The course was lapped - one lap for 10Kers, two for people running the half. There were some flat portions, but also three big hills. The terrain wasn't super tough overall, but I would recommend trail shoes if you have them. The scenery was absolutely stunning - I can only imagine what this race would be like in the Fall! The end of each lap consisted of two "bump outs" where you could tell the race organizers were struggling to reach mileage. The directions for these were not great, and I saw some near collisions with racers going different ways. At the end, my watch came out with 12.7 miles, which was consistent with many others when compared on Strava. There were only few water stops which were close together, however this was communicated and runners were advised to bring their own water.

Post-race we were given a pint glass (the print already partially worn off) and there was a decent food spread - fruit, bagels, and chips. I didn't see any sports drinks, which I tend to appreciate.

Overall, I would do this race again. It was well organized and cheap. The terrain was friendly enough for a non-trail runner, but I think still challenging enough for those who live for the trails. I was pretty disappointed that the race wasn't closer to 13.1 miles, and I think I'd do the 10K next time.

I won an entry to this race on Twitter, so while I wasn't sure I wanted to run, I figured I may as well go. I was not disappointed.

One of the flaws to this race was the packet pick-up. The store pick-up option was out in Baltimore County, and with traffic that was not convenient. I did like that they offered race morning pick-up, however that was only offered on the website from 5-6 am when the race started at 7. It would have been nice to have had until 6:30, so I didn't have to sit in my car for so long.

There were plenty of clean porta johns at the start, which is always a good thing. The start was very organized and went smoothly. The course was as flat as it could be for Baltimore, with just a couple of short inclines. It was an out and back course, with a beautiful finish along the Promenade in Canton. It was a great tour of some of the best parts of Baltimore for someone who was visiting - you even got to run around the Under Armor Headquarters. A flaw of the course is that some areas were in public areas with pedestrians walking around, but honestly it didn't bother me all that much.

There were plentiful aid stations that were spaced well around the course. They were staffed with great volunteers and some had entertainment (including a drum band!). Only water and gatorade were available, but I feel most runners can/do bring their own gels/chews anyways.

The finish area was great, with space blankets and bagels and pastries from Panera. I didn't stay long, and when I left is when the race became flawed for me. We were recommended to park in a parking lot near the start/finish. This lot took well over an HOUR to get out of. It was horrible. Not only that, but the machine malfunctioned and I paid $50 to park instead of $15. Not cool. While this isn't exactly the race's fault, it would have been nice to share more parking options. While this won't keep me from coming back, it would be a factor in my decision to run again.

Disclaimer: I won an entry to this race on Twitter through a raffle, but all thoughts are my own.

My race experience started with the Expo the night before the race. I waited in a short line for just a few minutes, and it was a breeze. I liked that there were multiple options to pick up your packet, varying from running stores in the Annapolis/DC area, the night before the race, and on race day.

Race morning started smoothly. Parking was free at the Navy Academy Stadium and getting there at 5:45 allowed me entry without any traffic. There were porta johns in the parking lot which were nasty, however there were plentiful clean ones near the finishers area. There were plenty and they were clean. The start was self-seeded, however there were pacers for the half marathon which allowed you to gauge where you were standing.

The first 2-3 miles of the race were pretty crowded, with the 10k and half starting together, but it opened up after that. While the back half of the half marathon is hilly, the 10k has a few rolling hills, but nothing too challenging. The course provided great views of the Maryland state Capitol, downtown Annapolis, and the Naval Academy.

The finish celebration was great, despite waiting upwards of 10 minutes to get in. There were bananas and bagels, and you picked up your premium as you went in (a great t-shirt for the 10k runners). Each runner got 12 oysters and unlimited beer! The band was great as well, I could have listened to them all day.

My one complaint about this race is the aid stations. They were very small, just one table on each side of the road. There weren't many volunteers, and I frankly ran past the first two (I was running on the outside) without even realizing it. Once I did find an aid station, I was bummed to find out that the advertised Nuun was not available. I'm glad I brought my own water bottle!

All in all, I would recommend this race. Despite the size of the field, which is moderate for this area, it felt like a small-town race. I also loved the free race photos! If I run again, I will be very conscious about the aid stations and course support as I find those essential factors in a race.

The Marine Corps Marathon is an incredible race to be a part of, whether you get in through the lottery, running the 17.75, being in the runner's club, or being a charity runner.

To start, the expo is a great size with awesome vendors. You can spend an afternoon there. The 1 hour Brooks line was well worth it for the quality runner's jacket and other merchandise. Getting my bib was easy and quick, with Marines volunteering their time to the cause. The hour long Brooks line was well worth it for the quality runner's jacket and other merchandise. From the minute you walk in, you can feel the spirit of the air. The mock turtleneck is of great quality and is awesome for winter months. I hear that many people get it modified into a 1/4 zip, which is a great idea. The worst part of the Expo was the location. It was beautiful, however it was an absolute pain to get to. I'd much rather have a place accessible by the metro than somewhere pretty but outside the city.

Race day was a bit stressful as the metro did not open until 7:00 this year. There were plentiful shuttles. I stayed in Alexandria, where my hotel shuttled me to shuttles provided by Alexandria, where we were shuttled to the Pentagon. It was approximately a 15 minute walk to the runner's village, but not too bad. From the runner's village, the start was just a short walk away. This was easily the most stressful part of my day, but it went seamlessly.

The race is as organized as you can imagine. Plentiful water stops, Marines everywhere, and many spectators. The first two miles were challenging, with a decent uphill. The first 10 or so miles were definitely crowded, but it didn't bother me. Run/walkers were for the most part polite and stayed towards the sides and there were plenty of spectators and bands to go around.

After running past the Lincoln Memorial around mile 8.5, runners move towards Haines Point. This is where you'll find the Blue Mile - pictures of soldiers who gave their lives for their country, followed by their family members holding flags above you. It is so touching, and worth the months of training! The rest of the island is admittedly boring, but the hard work is worth it when you return to the National Mall.

Around mile 18.5 is when you start "the Bridge", which I'd say is the worst part of the race, even if you aren't worried about the time cut-off. You go from thousands of spectators to nothing. It's a long (2ish mile) bridge, with no shade or support. Coming off of the bridge, you run around the Pentagon for a mile or so. It's a rough three miles and it will test you - no one said a marathon is easy! Coming into Crystal City afterwards is amazing. There are so many fans, blaring music, and during the hot 2016 race fans were giving out ice. The out-and-backs in this section can be exhausting, but for those who thrive off of spectators, it is a great area.

After Crystal City, it is a few miles of emptiness until mile 26. You have to EARN that medal. When you get to the finish, you will be completely overwhelmed with emotion. There are so many people cheering, and while the hill at the finish feels like Mt. Everest, Marines will help fire you up to the top to receive your medal from a Marine and get your finisher's photo in front of the Iwo Jima memorial.

The finish area is large and obviously crowded. I explored the day before and was happy I did so, in order to plan with my family the details of where to meet me after the race. I was also glad I went earlier in order to truly be able to appreciate the beautiful Iwo Jima memorial. Food was okay - if you're a picky eater you may as well pack your own, I'm glad I did (sugar wafers for the win). Gear check pick-up was a breeze, albeit a little walk.

I can't recommend this race enough. The organization of the Marines are incredible, and it is a completely positive atmosphere. This was my first marathon, and I can't imagine running any other marathon as my first. Take some time to forget about time and enjoy yourself - high five the Marines, cry during the Blue Mile (it's okay, everyone does), and reflect on how many people give their lives to protect your country. It is a race you'll never forget!

Packet pickup: In the couple of days before, you can get your packet at a local running store. For others, race-day pickup is available. I arrived around 6 and the pickup was easy and seamless.

Race day, pre-race: Arrive early to park closest to packet pickup and the start, at the Rockville Metro. I arrived around 6 and the parking lot was almost full. It was about a .5 mile walk to the start from the Metro lot. There were plenty of porta-johns, and it was nice to warm up in the neighborhoods. Self-seeded corrals appeared to work well.

Course: The first part of the course runs along a highway in Rockville, Maryland. I personally love running on highways in races, so I loved it. Around mile 2.5 runners enter Rock Creek Park. The terrain is generally flat, with some slight rolling hills. Nothing too treacherous, it is just enough to keep your run interesting. The last two miles are uphill, which I only know due to my Garmin. It's so subtle, but it does get to you and slow you down a bit. Once you hit mile 13, you come out from under a bridge to a great, spectator-friendly finish. The energy was electric and carried me the rest of the way.

Finish area: Along with a medal, finishers are often gifted an extra "present". In 2016, it was a fleece blanket. The food spread was incredible and included eggs, pizza, pasta, and cookies. It was about a half a mile walk back to the subway, which provided a quick ride to Rockville and your car.

For $65, I would most definitely recommend this race. It's on the smaller side for this area, and is a great race put on by a local running club. The Brooks premium is high-quality and there are free race photos. It's definitely a PR friendly course, if you accept that there are some rolling hills and there are some more narrow places in the course where you may have to be strategic with passing others.