I had the pleasure of running the inaugural ING in Atlanta last year, and even though it was one not one of my target events for the season and I was therefore not 110% prepared, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Packet pick up was surprisingly efficient and the accompanying expo was a fun walk-through. (I did find some closeouts of my favorite training shoes at one of the vendors and stocked up for cheap.) The shirts and schwag were all cool – orange shoelaces, how rad is that? On race day the city was crawling with thousands of athletes, fans, spectators, etc. yet the start was easy to find and get through. Once on the course I enjoyed trucking through some of the best neighborhoods our city has to offer. The cheering crowds in Decatur were awesome as were the fans around Little Five. Towards the end of the event, just as I was about to fade, the course swept through Piedmont Park and out onto Peachtree whose crowds were enough to carry me to the finish. Metal in hand, I partook of some refreshments and met up with some other friends to reflect. Everyone seemed to have a great time – runners and our support crews alike. The course was well organized (no unmarked sections or surprise turns) and the volunteers were numerous, helpful and enthusiastic. The topography was varied with a few mild hills and ample shade. (Though it was a slightly chilly start, the temp was toasty towards the end.) I’ve registered again for ’08 and am glad to welcome this event to my annual repertoire.