This was the third Northwest Trail Runs event I've done, and it lived up to my expectations. This event was held at Saint Edward State Park, a small park by Lake Washington in Kenmore, a short drive from Seattle.

We were early, but there was no trouble finding parking. Because it is a state park, a Discover Pass or day pass is required to park. They had a volunteer providing useful instructions about where to park and how to find registration (useful due to construction onsite that blocked the usual route). As with prior events, bib pickup was day-of only and went smooth and easy.

The race director provided a short briefing (e.g., how course was marked, watching for other trail users) and then walked the group to the start (which had to be moved due to construction). Although we started out on wider trails, the first stretch was crowded, and some runners shifted erratically to avoid puddles and effectively cutting other runners off. We had strung out some by the time we hit the first single track, but there were quickly small clusters governed by the pace of the runner in front. In time though, there were places to squeeze by, and other runners were considerate in letting people pass.

The 1.5 miles or so was mostly rolling before a fast descent of more than 300 feet over less than 3/4 mile. Most of this section was wide enough that you could pass, and it wasn't terribly technical. At the bottom of the hill, we ran a technical trail along the lake shore for about half a mile before making a steep climb (>400 feet over less than 3/4 mile). The last mile was a short downhill followed by essentially flat ground. The loop totaled about 4 miles, and the 8-milers just repeated that loop again.

There was a single aid station, positioned at the end of the 4 mile loop, which was also the registration tent and finish line. It was stocked with an assortment of trail race goodies—candy, dried fruit, chips, water, hydration beverage, etc.

This was our first time at St. Edward, and the trails were a lot of fun. The course was also arranged so that the hard descent was over wider, easier to maneuver trails, and the technical trails were reserved for the flat midpoint and slow climb. As with other NW Trail Runs, the course was impeccably marked (I know an 8-miler got a little confused about a small section that we doubled back on, but overall people seemed to follow the course markings fine). Since it was a short distance, it was also easy to mostly follow other people—little worry about getting lost here.

In keeping with the season series & trail event spirit, it was pretty low frills—clock timing, day-of bib pickup, no finisher swag (though they did have top 3 prizes and then a raffle—many folks had already left, so you probably had a good shot at picking up something). But this approach helps keep costs low, and if you complete 4 or more events in the series, you do pick up some swag. There was a photographer or 2 on the course, and photos were available for download at no cost.

In short, the course was a blast, and the management was what I expected. Northwest Trail Runs puts on a professionally run and fun event, with clear course markings and at a great price, no matter the distance.