This was my first half as well. I was cleared to run by my doctor with some ongoing low back pain. Luckily, the excitement of the race helped dissipate it!
Pros:
-the parks were gorgeous at sunrise
-ample pro photos (and video!)
-quickest porta potty lines ever for a race so large
-everything from packet pick up to the finish line was organized very well
-thanks to Team Sparkle for the free pro pics and the much needed encouragement around mile 11
-theme park note: it was much less crowded than I had anticipated for a holiday/event weekend
Cons:
-we spent over twelve minutes in line for pictures during the first 5k because my running partner really wanted them
-finish time was 2:34, see above for some explanation why (still an okay time for me, especially since I am injured, but you always wonder what if...)
-miles 10-12 could really use some entertainment
-there's not much to do once you finish...I expected more of a party atmosphere
In the future I will not show up at the expo at opening time. I didn't realize the line was there because they hadn't opened the doors. I didn't have anything better to do, so I waited. And then I got nearly trampled by the people after the official merchandise! I really wasn't impressed with any of it (I so wish the race logo showed up in a simple form on just one shirt, but no luck). Also, I didn't want to jinx myself by purchasing something ahead of the race
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All in all, a good time was had. I was especially impressed with the kindness of our fellow runners. A special shout out to Barefoot Tarzan, the man who randomly gave us his Tower of Terror fastpasses, and the couple from Michigan who gifted us fastpasses to Radiator Springs Racers when stand by was 3 hours long.
See you at Wine and Dine!