40,000 people being pushed through a keyhole sums up the race and post race experience. I was looking forward to my first half with  my boyfriend, but listening to people curse each other out. in the first 5 miles was not what I expected. Walkers began at the 2.5hr corral - really?! I expected a lot more bands throughout the race, but there were quiet pockets and water stations seemed pretty deserted towards the end of the race. We stayed at the Mandalay, but when we got to our room - famished from the race, we were told that room service was a 2hr wait. We ate at midnight.\nAn $80 meal, wings, sandwich, chicken fettucine. In 30 degree temps, we began the race 1.5 hrs later. It took me 2 miles to feel my limbs again. I would not do this half again.