Q: You are given a review about a place. You need to provide a rating from "1 star" to "5 stars" for this place.
So, I just got back from running the 2011 race and my perspective on this one has changed quiet a bit. This is a fantastic novelty race or a race for the first timer! There is lots to look at, people are in awesome spirits, lots of other first timers that are there or there for "fun" but if you are trying to PR or do a PB, forget it. There are way too many people on the course - the first year there were 25,000 runners, give or take a few thousand, this year there were 44,000 runners...I spent soooooooooooooo much time trying to leap around runners, walkers, baby joggers, a few cycles that I think were there for safety or flat out stuck behind people due to zero openings to pass. My side glutes will serve as a testimony to that as it was similar to trail running and dodging nooks and crannies. I exerted way too much energy just trying to stay safe because if I wasn't trying not to trip on someone, I was trying to not be tripped on. Aid was crazy...I opted not to get any because of the mass of people, thankful for the 6 jolly ranchers I packed and for loading on sodium and Gatorade.

Aspects of the race that I really loved about the 2011 race is that it was held at night - the conditions were perfect, but I love running in the evening and in cooler temps. I had the opportunity to fuel perfectly and not be up at 4am for a morning race to make sure I was ready to rock. All the hotels were lit, people had AMAZING costumes on and just wonderful spirits. I had a flup up with my registration (which I'm still trying to figure out) and the Competitor staff was amazing and accommodating so that I could still run...that I *really* appreciate it! Expo was pretty cool as usual too - RnR continues to be my favorite of expos.

If you are considering a first time race....DO IT, or if you just want a "fun" no pressure race - great choice, but if you are mentally stuck in your head to do well or want to be able to move without stepping on someone or being stepped on....skip it....unless you're in the elite class and naturally ahead of the pack. They're hoping for a 100k runners next year...uh yea, unless it's on the highway...no thanks.
A:
2 stars