Signed up to do this race online and found a great package with Canadian Affair. The hotel was right next to the start line and race village which was in a central and good sized location and had a lot of volunteers and designated family meeting points as well as easy bag storage.

Two days before the race you can pick up your race shirt and numbers and a drop bag. This was very easy and they laid on shuttle buses to the Expo Centre where this was happening. The attached expo was a nice touch and friends could record video messages which played as you ran over timing mats at different locations on race day. 

The start of the race was well organized and the corralls set off every five minutes meant there was no walking the first few k. There are a lot of tram tracks though, so watch out for uneven ground especially when being jostled for position as the marathon and half both set off together. There is a lot of support for the first 20k but it drops off as you head out of the city on a long and somewhat dull section which looked like an industrial estate. Sadly you don't go very close to the water and in hot conditions there is a lack of shade and a breeze so bring sun cream and a hat! 

Water stations were a plenty but bit of a lottery how much you got. Had one cup with only a splash in so had to grab more. Gatorade comes first as well so you need to go to the second refuelling stations which wasn't made clear at first, but it was cold which certainly helped.

Pacers were a bit hit and miss for some but there were options to do a full running marathon and a ten minute run and walk one minute group as well. Also everything was in k rather than miles as well, so keep that in mind.

I met some great people and there was plenty of cheering from friends and family and space to do so. The t shirts and medals are good quality and there was a fast elite field. The course is fairly flat but the hill at the 40k mark certainly tests tired legs. It's not too bad though and the turn to the finish is well lined with support and there wasn't a crush getting across the line. Cold water and voltarol gel was generously supplied to finishers but I totally missed out on the food station so remember to peel off and go grab some as it's not handed out. My fault entirely.

Overall it's a good race and easy to do if travelling from abroad. Very friendly and memorable but easier when the weather is a bit cooler as it was unusually warm this year. The course could have been nicer to look at and more water was required at points but generally it was well organized and certainly one to do if you're after a fast half. Felt good to finish and loved the fact my family could track me online and using the marathon app. The social media side was great and race instructions were clear and emailed out well in advance.

Definately worth the money and great for a running holiday :)