The course was very different this year than two years ago and while it was tougher, I appreciated it more because it felt more like a true trail race. Starting at 4pm on a Friday didn't seem ideal at first, but in fact it meant we were actually in the shade for most of the race which helped keep the heat off. The controlled start (forcing people to start single file) allowed for a manageable crowd once we hit the single track trail around mile 1-2. Training hill was no joke! But you are rewarded with lovely flowy trails once you reach the top for the lollipop loop. This year did grace us with a LOT of mud because of the rain earlier in the week which slowed many people down in certain sections but not so bad that anyone lost a shoe. The team did a great job organizing this year and it always feels like an official kick off to trail running season.

The little 25k is a great race to get someone started in this. It can go into the night so a headlamp is necessity unless you know you will finish early. It was just enough gnarly climb flat and technical to be a bit of everything including some wild pool crossing. The aide stations were just right. The only thing that sucked was the streamers on the later half into the river. They were non existent.