Like many, it's hard to pick a favorite, so I'll have to pick several.
>> Wine and Dine Half 2012 - my current PR race. I ran faster than I ever thought I would, especially the first 11 miles until I hit my brick wall. Plus, it was pretty, though I have to admit, running through HS and Ecpot was bit of a blur, and I was so wiped after the race I felt more like puking than partying, and skipped the after party.
>> Tinker Bell Half 2012 - my first half marathon ever, and the reason I started running in the first place. I'll never forget it. The course changes in 2013 made that race even better.
>> New Orleans Rock n Roll Half 2012 - gorgeous city, super-flat and scenic route, and I got to run the first 6 miles with my speedy friends for the first time ever. I'd do this one again in a heartbeat.
>> Seattle Rock n Roll Half 2012 - my hometown, and my speedy friends paced me the whole time to a PR (at the time). Plus, nothing beats running along the top level of the viaduct along the waterfront, all the way to the Space Needle. I'm doing the full marathon this summer, too, which will be my first!
>> LA Rock n Roll Half 2012 - the course itself wasn't that special, but this was a Halloween-themed race, and I've never seem so many people in costumes, even at a Disney race! I had blast people-watching as I ran, and my friends and I dressed up as superheroes - me as Supergirl, my friends as Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Captain Marvel!
I could go on, because I have good things to say about almost all of the races I've done, but I'll leave it at those.
The races you guys have mentioned sound fun, too, especially that zoo relay! I have Flying Pig in Cincinnati on my list to do, too. Probably the only one I *don't* want to do is one of those color runs. I know so many people who have done them and loved them, but the idea of being sprayed with colored powder, even if it is non-toxic, freaks me out! Lol.