This was my second 15K, and a much better experience than my first, which was this race last year. The swag was a major improvement from 2015, LOVE my jacket and wear it everywhere. The course didn't change, from my memory at least, from 2015. Still just as difficult! The added difficulty was how cold and windy it was. 12 degree windchill at the race start- BRRR.

Only major downside to 2016 was the use of Nuun at the aid stations as their sport drink...wasn't a fan at all. The m&ms were also frozen solid- an unwelcome experience when you throw them back and chomp down! The medal was updated from 2015 and I like the 2016 medal even more!

This was my second half marathon- and still one of my favorite to date. The staff is amazing and does an amazing job. The swag CAN NOT be beat for the cost of this race. In 2015 runners received a vest, shirt, headband, and pair of gloves to go with their handmade medal. NOTE: The women's shirts ran SUPER small. I normally wear a women's medium to large and couldn't even get IN the XL, had to switch to a man's shirt. The race course is 90% flat...the other 10% makes up for that in about .5 miles. The worst hill is at mile 6.5 and will leave you breathless. There is no expo for this race, but the post race was amazing. I had my first "post race chocolate milk"...or three...at this race and I haven't turned back. There is ample parking and wonderful support on the course.

BONUS: Getting to run through a sliver of the National Park and getting to see some elk!

100% Recommend this race. Will definitely become a staple for me!

This was my first year running the Hot Chocolate series. I signed up for the race to get back into running, and failed. I was very under prepared for the race. The swag was a zip up jacket, I love it for going to the gym or running errands. The aid stations were well stocked, but the marshmallows being the only option were a bit gross. The course takes runners through beautiful (and oh so hilly) Atlanta. For Atlanta, I think the course is fairly on par, for other areas, it's quite difficult. You better have your hill work in beforehand! Parking was super easy. We arrived early and parked over by the Olympic flame. As always, the post race is amazing. Definitely would do this race again!

This was the first half marathon I did. I signed up 7 months earlier having only run 3 miles a couple of times and never having done a race. But, it was the weekend of mine and my roommate's 23rd birthday and we decided we were going to do it.

The course took runners through downtown Athens, and the UGA campus- hills and all. The course was a LOT and definitely earned it's 5 star rating.

The expo, in true Chick-fil-A Style, went above and beyond. So did the swag & post race biscuit. The highlight of this race for me was the GIANT crowd waiting, still after 2 hours and 50 mins, for me right before the finish. They were screaming and cheering and people reading my name off my bib. I'm pretty sure I cried crossing the finish line...but I do know I completely ran over the girl handing out medals...oops. Sorry dear.

This race will always hold a special place in my heart and I've returned every year to either run the race or work the expo. Must do!