Dead-flat out and back Boston qualifier. Only the second year, nice course, good post-race party, they are still learning- growing pains with the aid stations, but really friendly folks. Nice medals this year (full disclosure, I ran it last year, did not this year because of injury, my wife did run and I was all over the course on a bicycle). Beautiful venue for a December run. Not much of an expo, but very quick and easy packet pickup.

Fantastic experience, from the hotel starting breakfast 2 hours early to accommodate runners to the incredibly friendly volunteers who outnumbered runners (1900/1800) the city of Albany rolled out the red carpet. The race is followed by a music festival for the entire city. This will become an annual event for us.