This was the first half marathon in Evans, GA with potential to grow and become a popular race in the area. The price for this race was $60, but then I registered for it five days before the race. With it going to a good cause I had no problem paying the $60.

The Expo wasn't much to brag about. They had a local shoe store and a couple of local vendors at the Expo. With this being the first year for the event, I didn't expect much at there. There was no race day packet pickup. Packet pickup was the Friday before and was pretty smooth. The packet pickup hours where pretty good, 12 - 8 pm, allowing everyone to get their stuff.

Now to race day. Again, being the first year not many vendors were present. One complaint I have is with the sound system the organizers used. They didn’t put it in a good location. The National Anthem was halfway done before we realized it was being sung. The speakers where up the road from the start line making it hard to hear. Also, one of the organizers was standing at the start line giving us runners some information without using a bullhorn or the sound system. Those of us near the front could hear him but those in the back I know didn’t hear a word he said. Now to some good points. The organizers got us to the start line at a good time and the race actually started on time, which was 7:30 am. I love when a race starts on time. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful at the start and along the course. They made sure we stayed on course as well as encouraging us to keep going.

The course was an out and back type course. There were water points at the 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 11 mile points keeping the runners well hydrated. The stations seemed to have plenty of water and Gatorade to cover the fast and the slow runners as well as those who walked the course. The course was a bit hill though, I don’t think we really had any flat areas. Some of the good runners commented that this was a tough course. Despite the hills there was a fair amount of shade to help keep the sun at bay. There were a couple of port-o-potties at the start, plus restrooms inside the gym located at the start area. The organizers also had port-o-potties located at a couple of points along the route. The county sheriff did a great job at controlling traffic so we could have a safe route.

Overall, despite the hilly course and the Georgia heat and humidity, it was a pretty decent race for the first year. If the organizers decide to do a second year, which I hope they do, runners need to make sure they are well hydrated prior to help prepare for the heat and humidity. Also, be prepared for the hills.