This was my 3rd full marathon (I have also run the Buffalo Marathon and the Wineglass Marathon). This was my favorite race so far, even though I did not PR. It was a great experience! Here's my breakdown.

Registration: Signing up is easy, like any other race. There were numerous emails to keep me informed. They created a Race Information Center page with everything you needed to know about the weekend, including the expo and race. The cost for the race was in line with other races, though they offer a VIP Package which I will discuss later.

The Expo: The Expo is held at the DC Armory right next to RFK Stadium and the finish line of the race. I took the DC Metro and got off at the Stadium/Armory stop. I arrived just before opening (10 AM) on the 2nd day (Friday). After the brief security checkpoint, picking up the bib was a breeze. As you walk to pickup your technical shirt and gear check bag, you can scan your timing device to make sure it is working properly. It takes 2 seconds. Then, you are directed to pick up your gear check bag and technical shirt. The entire process took less than 5 minutes. From there, you enter The Expo. Brooks has a wonderful merchandise store along with Rock N Roll Marathon Series Gear. Then, there are many other vendors, some offering free samples. Science In Sport Energy Gels, Sabra Hummus, and Oikos Yogurt were three of my favorites. The Expo had a positive and fun energy. It was a nice experience.

Race Morning: If you plan to park at RFK Stadium, you purchase your parking ahead of time. There are links from the Rock N Roll DC Page. It costs $16.50 for the entire race day. For a large city, this is reasonable. I arrived at the RFK Stadium Parking lot at 4:30 AM. For the full marathon runners, they offer free shuttles from RFK Stadium to the start line over by the National Mall at Constitution Ave and 14th St. You do need to sign-up ahead of time...again from the Rock N Roll Marathon site. The shuttles were already there waiting at 4:30. We were allowed to board the shuttles as soon as we arrived. This kept runners warm. I was the 2nd person on the 1st shuttle. The shuttle filled up and left right at 5:00 am. (The one negative here is that the driver was not from DC (he said) and did not know the way to the start line. He had to turn around twice. He did get us there, even though shuttles that left after us arrived before our shuttle. No big deal).

VIP Package: This was a racecation for me. So, I upgraded to the VIP Package for $89. On race morning, the VIP package included food and warmth at the Hard Rock Cafe before the race. This was awesome! I didn't really eat because it was 75 minutes before the race, but we had use of the bathrooms and we were warm until just before heading to the start corrals about 8 mins away by foot. The VIP package also included parking (So you DO NOT NEED to buy parking if you buy VIP, but I bought parking already BEFORE I bought VIP). You get private gear check separate from the other runners. This means absolutely no wait in line when you finish the race. The VIP package also included a catered brunch/lunch after the race, post-race massages, private changing tents, and VIP Only restrooms. I thought it was worth it and will do it again!

The Race: This was my 3rd full marathon. It was also the most challenging course. There were hills, hills and more hills. Even the bridge at mile 15 past Nationals Baseball Stadium was larger than any "hill" in my other 2 marathons. Don't let this discourage you. The scenery is worth it! The big hill is around mile 5.2 to mile 6. It is a monster. However, it doesn't feel all that long. The WORST hills are in miles 22-23, after you pass through Randle Circle. It is not the steepness of the hill (though it IS steep), it is the length of the hill. Just when you think you are at the top, it starts to descend before ascending again. At this point in the race, it was brutal. But, I am doing it again! I want another shot at those hills! The course itself is wonderful. You see the mall, the Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, Watergate, Rock Creek Parkway, the Capitol Building, the Nationals Baseball Stadium, Anacostia Park, a wonderful finish at RFK Stadium which you see from more than a mile away...it pulls you into the finish line...and much more. I loved the course! I believe it is the only marathon that is entirely in Washington DC (and not Virginia and/or Maryland). It is challenging, but worth it!

Course Support: I found course support to be wonderful. They have clocks at the mile markers. The mile markers even play rock n roll! There were plenty of aid stations, medical tents, and volunteers along the way. I enjoyed the SIS gel as they do not require water. There were bananas around mile 21 or 22. Lots of water, gatorade, gels. They did it right!

Post-Race: This is a party! There is plenty of food, beverages and everything you would expect of a large race. They have a concert stage with a band headlining. There are tents for race sponsors and a large merchandise tent. You can pay (ahead of time or on the spot) to have your medal engraved with your name and finish time. Again, I was in the VIP section getting a massage and eating a catered brunch.

Overall, this is a great event. It was only my 3rd Full Marathon, but I already signed up to do it again next year. Great Job, Rock N Roll Marathon Series!

My Cons:
1) The Shuttle Driver didn't know where to go.
2) I wish more people ran the full. There were only 1900 or so. Most runners did the half.
3) I have to wait 361 days to do it again.