Good luck in the race this weekend. Whether you walk or run it, I hope that you enjoy yourself, and stay pain free! The course has some little lollers (rolling hills) but nothing you aren't prepared for. The hills in your neighborhood have a steeper grade, and can aggravate many knee troubles. So I'm hoping the smaller inclines will help to stave off any knee pain. (I'm not sure what your diagnosis is, but runner's knee, pain is worsened running DOWNHILL, ITBAND issues are also associated with pain running down hill, esp at foot impact.)