Disclaimer: I received free entry to Rock and Roll Seattle 1/2 marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”
This was my first ever Rock and Roll race, I have heard both good and bad about it. I would say my overall experience was good, and I quite enjoyed the race, let me tell you about it.
First off, Rock and Roll does great with the emails, I knew where things were, what times they were, when the park would open for the race, all of that, never had a question about anything and what time it was. Also, they have an app, that also has all the info, which also tracked me as well. The Expo was small, mostly Brooks stuff (their shoe sponsor) and then about 3 rows of other things. I walked through fairly quickly, but getting my bid and bag and shirt was all super quick and smooth. They have lots of shirts and sweatshirts to get if you want one, I did end up getting a sweatshirt.
Race Morning, was early, but I don’t mind that. Race started at 6:30 am, and the park near where the race started and ended, opened up at 4:30 for runners. I stayed at a hotel that was a bit out of the way, so I made sure to get my lyft early and I got there around 5:30 am, which was nice, the park was fairly quiet, I dropped my bag off at bag check (all UPS trucks, pretty easy to spot) and then made a visit to the portopotties, which they had tons, but being one of the first people there, I got a never used one (race gods smiling upon me) I then just relaxed and waited until it was time to get into my corral.
Once in my corral, I didn’t have to wait too long for the race to start. I was in Corral 13, so I did have to wait a bit, but they sent the corrals off about every 2 minutes. Also the corrals were not packed, which was nice, I could stretch and warm up without smacking people. Once off, it was hills, oh yes hills. The course was really nice, lots of see and while not tons of people out, there were people out there cheering us on. Also, HILLS, not easy hills, SUPER STEEP hills, but hey, not all races can be flat. I will say, by the end the water stations were a bit bare, there was always water, but they were pouring it sometimes. There is also a mile where they put of pics of Military members who were KIA and then their families are there holding flags, holy moly, that was amazing and I think I picked up speed there with all their cheers. Also, after the steepest hill, you go through the St Jude section with pics of kids who have survived cancer, which was just awesome. After that we got to run on the freeway and I got this shot 
One last hill, then you finish and they send you through the shoot, and you get water, your medal, and chocolate milk, there was also fruit cups, and KIND bars and bananas, then you could go hang out in the park and stretch and just relax, it was a beautiful day so I hung out for a bit, then went off to find Donuts.
Overall, I really enjoyed the race, and I really enjoyed visiting Seattle. I thought the race was well run and even though the course had some seriously tough hills, I enjoyed it. I would recommend it.
And hey, I got another state checked off my list, 19 + DC are done
in these shoes. I ran 2 races, Bay to Breakers and Rock and Roll Seattle Half. And, I love these shoes. I have no blister issues, they are a bit heavier then other shoes, but I do not notice when I am running in them. They have a great bounce back and I have had way less PF pain since I started wearing them. Pretty sure these are now going to be my go to running shoe and I need to get myself some more pairs.
