This race was billed as having a series of hills to climb after mile 10 including a very steep section called "snake hill". That was true but actually the entire course was very, very hilly. Constant climbs and descents. Very few and brief flat sections. In fact the only flat section was running under the runways at SeaTac. Probably one of the more difficult half marathons I've done. Not a huge field (thus my age group win) but large enough to keep things interesting. I think the difficulty of the course scared away a lot of runners. If I were looking for a PR course, I wouldn't have chosen this one. Anyway, well organized. 7:30 / 7:47 / 8:19 / 8:55 / 7:27 / 8:40 / 8:17 / 8:12 / 7:30 / 8:38 / 11:35 ridiculously steep sections, all uphill / 8:30 / 8:00 At mile 11 I was running behind 3 guys who had passed me at various points during the race. One guy (green shirt) looked like he was in my age group. Neon green and blue shirt looked to be younger. I was running with the eventual 2nd place female when we approached the last aid station. She and green shirt stopped for a moment. I noticed blue shirt was coming back fast and neon green was matching my pace about 100yards ahead. Also heard green shirt trying to chase me down after he stopped. Focused on catching neon guy hoping to stay ahead of green shirt. Passed blue, caught neon finally but saw green shirt right behind me. Really wanted to beat the guy in green because I thought he was in my age group (later found out he was in the younger age group). Green shirt passed me but then just stayed 5 yards in front with about a mile to go. Legs recovered enough to pass green shirt and keep going. One of the few half marathons where I improved my position rather than faded at the end. Not a fast time but a good effort. | 