I learned last year - my time is "money" when it comes to the Expo, so it's worth it to me to pay for the Race Retreat for one day to get in, get my stuff, and get out without a wait.
I totally agree. I bought race retreat for the marathon only, and it was well worth it. I had no stress at the expo...except figuring out where the race retreat wristband pickup was. If I ever participate in Marathon weekend again, I would buy race retreat again as long as it gave early expo access.
I didn't use the race retreat itself that much on marathon day. In the morning, I ate my usual pre-race meal in my hotel before leaving for the race, so didn't eat any of the offerings at the retreat. I was there for maybe 10 minutes to drop off my gear bag before walking to the corrals. I finished the marathon at 1pm, which was when the race retreat was supposed to close...luckily they kept it open until 2pm so I could have a late lunch before leaving the finish line area.