A couple disclaimers first!
I ran this race as a BibRave pro, I was given free registration. As always, all opinions are my own!
The weather sucked. It was in no way dangerous, but it was miserable and it definitely changed my enjoyment of the race. It was also in no way the fault of the race company!
So let's get started!
The Expo was within walking distance of our hotel which is nice, so I can't say anything about parking. I do know that parking was available right across the street, from a previous race in Atlanta. They had an amazing system for bib pickup which I always marvel over. You stand on any line, if there even is one (there wasn't when we arrived). They scan the QR code from your email, a label prints out, and they slap it on a bib. Done! You go to the swag table next for your cozy fleece jacket.
They had lots of vendors and we had fun testing out Kind Bars and visiting the sweet station with samples from race day.
Race morning it was pouring. Legit pouring and at times it felt icy and painful. I didn't pack well and my clothes were not warm enough, no poncho, because before we left the forecast said light rain and 10 degrees warmer. Shame on me!
The race had warnings on their website and were super fast to reply on their Facebook page about the conditions. Again, not dangerous, just miserable, so the race must go on.
They were offering the option of running the 5k and still getting your 15k medal. Hmmmm.... already considering this before we even left the hotel.
The race company had music going, and dancing, and they were doing their best to keep everyone motivated.
Corrals were easy to find, and they checked our bibs as we entered to be sure we were properly placed. The anthem was sung and we heard from Taylor, who benefited from Make a Wish. They kept everyone motivated and made sure we knew that mile 1.7 was decision time.
Did I mention the rain and cold? Ugh.
I cannot comment on the scenery because I spent the whole time looking down. Lots of puddles y'all, and I didn't want to step in one!
The aid station we passed was well manned, and on My side they had little cups of chocolate chips! Yum! I heard that there were marshmallows as well but i wasn't really looking for them and didn't see them.
All of the streets were well marked and well manned and I always felt super safe. Atlanta is hilly, and there was one big one at the beginning and end of the 5k. It can't be avoided in a city that hilly!
At the finish line we were given our medal if we had a 15k bib, a bottled water, Nuun samples, and they had cups of water as well. Straight ahead was the tent with the giant treat mugs. The only thing missing was a Mylar blanket at the finish. It would have been so welcomed!
The merch tent was open and plenty of room was available to huddle for warmth. I was waiting on my bestie to finish her speedy 15k there, and it was nice and dry, but just a little foggy! It was so kind of them to let us huddle there!
My favorite part of the race was the free pics. Mine weren't super amazing but a photographer did catch a funny moment in the corral. There were plenty of them out on the course too, and they were all super nice!

There was no expo for this race, packet pickup was at the Charlotte Running Co store and was quick and painless. The shirt was a long sleeved cotton hoodie that was a delightful shade of green and super comfy.
Parking on race day was a breeze and they had all kinds of tents set up at the race from different running companies and other health related companies. There was a 4k and an 8k, so you did one or two loops depending on which race you were running.
The course was well marked, and the scenery was beautiful. I am not usually a fan of double loops, but I did like knowing where the hills would be, and the lake was gorgeous.
The finish was well marked, so important when you are running a double loop, and the volunteers were on the ball.
The medal was nice and there was water and snacks at the finish.Plenty of Porta Potties to be had, I never had to wait. The parking lot was easy to exit.
Definitely will be returning to this race!

I ran this race (injured) with a huge group of friends from my running club. Most of us were running the half but a handful ran the full. We all stayed on property which I highly recommend. The condos are super swanky and if you get a group going they are super affordable as well. We checked in and walked across to the expo. It was super small and a little cramped, but they had some vendors there and the long sleeved tech hoodie is one of my favorites. Very comfy and really beautiful. Because we stayed on property I cannot speak about event parking etc. We walked to the start from our condo. Have I mentioned how great it is to stay on property? It's so great.
It was drizzly and cold at the start but the rain stopped which was great. The race started on time, and everyone started together. The course winds around the island and the scenery is amazing. One small part of the course was a dirt road and of course this was where the speedy marathoners were passing me!
There was lots of place for spectators, and the medal was amazing! We were given mylar blankets at the finish, and the age group awards were Growlers. The food at the finisher tent was amazing, and we all got plenty to eat.
I really enjoyed every aspect of this race, and i took advantage of a special deal the next day and registered for the 2018 marathon. I may bump down to the half, but I will decide that later. Looking forward to another great race!