Bittersweet it is! This review will only serve as a "wish you had done it" race because sadly, Rock and Roll Marathon series decided they would not be returning to Raleigh in the future. I have been fortunate enough to run this race every year since it started 4 years ago, and this year felt like a swan song. The expo was small, but did have some quality vendors participating.

The course itself is very challenging, but it's that challenge that kept me coming back each year. This year they decided to change the course up a bit and advertised it would be less hills. Well let's just say, they lied. I personally thing it was the complete opposite and there were actually more hills this year. The whole race it felt like you were either going up a hill or down a hill. If you like to eat hills for breakfast, you definitely will get a healthy portion. While you are fighting through the hills you are treated to some great water stops. From people being dressed up like dinosaurs, to the senior citizen cheerleading squad, you were guaranteed to get a boost of energy to continue on. The race takes you through beautiful downtown Raleigh passed several museums and government buildings. The last 3 miles takes you through Dorethea Dix park and finishes with 1 last uphill climb. R n R will be missed in Raleigh, if you didn't get a chance to run it, you missed out.

Let's start with the swag for this race, no basic t-shirts here, you get an amazing fleece half-zip pullover. The race itself was a fun atmosphere, although we had to deal with on and off rain the whole time. This course was surprisingly hilly, so it provided a nice challenge. The race management was superb, with cops at every intersection protecting the runners from cars. Once you cross the finish, you are met with a nice medal that looks like a bitten chocolate bar. Post-race festival provides you with a huge mug/tray, with a cup of hot chocolate, marshmallow, pretzels, rice crispy treat and some melted chocolate for dipping. If you haven't experienced an Allstate Hot Chocolate race, find one near you and just do it! I see Charlotte's race getting bigger and better going forward

I ran Kiawah Island for the first time this year and I was not disappointed. I'm from NC so this South Carolina race was the last marathon of the year within driving distance. It isn't a huge race, around 1300 marathoners, but race management rivals some of the larger races. Scenery on the route was beautiful with huge houses and stunning views of water. Course is relatively flat, with a few inclines. I think it's a fast course, but does have a good amount of turns in the last 3 miles that can play havoc on your legs. Beautiful finisher medals and large buffet for runners afterwards. The resort tenants are on the course cheering. I PR'd so I would definitely recommend this race. I'm sure I'll be back

In 2012, I ran this race as my first ever half marathon and it was rough, especially for a first half marathon. I returned back for my 5 year runniversary to see how I had progressed over the years. First off I will say that this race has some of the nicest feeling race shirts, super soft and super comfortable. Now for the race itself, it has a staggered start. The half marathoners start at 7:30, followed by the runners doing the 5 miler at 8:00. They didn't have starting corrals, just pacers for every 30 minute pace, beginning with 6 min mile. I am not going to sugarcoat this race, the course is filled with rolling hills, making it a good challenge. The whole race you are going uphill or downhill, but mostly uphill. The course takes you through downtown Durham attractions and at some points through the campus of Dook University. Race management had water stops about every 1.5 miles and pretty much every stop had water, gatorade and gels. Between mile 10 & 11, you encounter the largest hill of the course. If you can power through that hill, the rest of the race isn't nearly as bad. The finish is slightly uphill, but nothing like you would have already experienced earlier in the race. Upon finishing you are given a very nice finishing medal, free beer and access to one of the nicest food truck rodeos around. While this is not a race I will do every year, I would recommend it to anyone that likes a more challenging course with a great finish line party. Run Bull City