The race offered gear check which was really nice. While gear check at a lot of 5Ks isn't always needed, I must say that I was super thankful for it today. There was a bit of coolness in the air which I loved having a jacket before and after the race, but I didn't need to run with it on.
All of the course was through Dorthea Dix Park which meant no dealing with traffic and you could just enjoy all of the pure beauty of the course around you. Leading up to Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh weekend, all I seemed to hear about was "oh, those hills!". I didn't think that the 5K course was that bad. There were a few uphill portions, but also a lot of downhill to make up for it as well. Maybe it is because I am from Atlanta, but it was a pretty good little course. Yes, there were hills, but they were forgiving in my opinion.
Of course it would not be a Rock 'n' Roll race without some awesome music along the way! We had two great bands playing along the course along with another band at the finish line festival area.