I appreciate that a lot of effort has gone in to remaking the Portland Marathon. The new course is not fast, but it is a great way to see the city, especially for someone coming from out of town. Unfortunately there was a major flaw in execution and I along with 2nd place through 15th were sent the wrong direction winding up miles off course. The race director acknowledged the mistake and issued a full refund which I appreciate. However, a refund will never cover the full impact this has on me. In the scope of the human experience, this incident is tiny and unimportant. However, when considering just under the lens of a race review, a mistake like this can only earn one star. I'd sit this one out until the current organizers prove they can execute a flawless race.

I highly recommend this race. This was my second 50k after having done the TrailFactor 50k earlier in the year.

The course is sort of a reverse lollipop, with runners going to one side of Timothy Lake on the way out, doing and out-an-back on the PCT, and then returning via the opposite side of Timothy Lake. The course does have a few technical sections, and periods where you have to pick your footfalls carefully, but a large majority of the time the trails are quite fast and runnable. There are a few longer climbs, and descents along the way, the but the grades are never too steep. The middle section of the out and back can be a little dicey when passing runners who are going the opposite direction, but it's doable.

The Aid Stations were really well stocked, and were quite plentiful. I hate carrying my own water, so I still can't get myself to give 5 stars, but I totally understand and respect the advantages of cupless races. All aid station volunteers were very helpful, especially as I became a bit more delirious.

Loved having the option to not get a T-shirt and the glassware.

The food, beer, and gathering area after the race was really enjoyable.

My favorite aspect of this race, may be that it is far enough away from "dodge" to feel incredibly beautiful and somewhat secluded, yet its still quite easy to get to in a short trip from Portland.

This was my first official 50k trail (or road) race. I've run 25 road marathons and several 10Kish trail races, so that background is my main frame of reference for this event.

I highly recommend this event to anyone in Portland, OR who wants to do an Ultra and sleep in their own bed the night before the race without an early alarm clock. This would also be great for people looking to visit the PNW and check out much more of Forest Park than the average tourist sees.

To a flat road marathoner, this course was extremely hilly. While, it doesn't have any major peaks, the course quite consistently goes up and down difficult fire lanes. This isn't your ordinary run along Leif and Wildwood with a few hills in between. But, that makes it really fun. This helped to motivate me to spend more time on trails I don't typically touch while training in the park.

The race is cupless which I completely respect, as I admit having so much waste as a result of a bunch of runners using a paper cup once is silly, but the road racer in me really hates carrying a bottle to each aid station. That said, the aid stations were well stocked, well placed and all of the volunteers at each location were fantastic.

The shirts for this race have my favorite feature in that they are optional for purchase. 5 stars for that. The glassware that was given for finishing and as awards were a nice keepsake that I can use.

The post-race food, drinks, and hangout area had a great atmosphere and was appreciated.

Go Beyond, the group that puts on this race is top notch, and I'd never hesitate to recommend giving them your business.

This was my 5th time running CIM. It's a great event.

If you are looking for a race that has a fast course, decent climate, runner friendly aid stations, and is very reliable for nailing the logistics, I think you'll love this race.

If you are choosing your races based on scenery or pre and post race experiences I'd suggest other races. The finish area in downtown Sacramento at the state capital is nice, but a majority of the course weaves through suburban strip malls. By no means is this a negative experience, jut not particularly a highlight.

This is a point to point race which requires a bus ride to the start. The process of arriving to the start, using the bathrooms, and getting to the start line is quite easy, even if you are a runner trying to weave his or her way up to toe the very front of the line.

Ran this race with a group of 5 or 6 friends. It was a relatively small event, but the logistics were great and we all enjoyed our experience. The course was fast and easy to follow as the course marshals were well placed.

Weather forecast was dreadful and we worried event would be cancelled. I think some race organizers would have cancelled the event citing an act of god, but the organizers kept the event on as scheduled and the forecast ended up being inaccurate. Great decision.