I loved this race. There were not thousands of people pushing me around or people walking dogs or pushing strollers. I live in the central states and it is flat, flat, flat. This course was far from that. I think there may have been about a foot of pathway that didnt have me going up or down. My quads screamed at me one way and then my calves screamed at me the other. It was GREAT.

The scenery was gorgeous. As we climbed up I could look back and see the road and the Gorge where we had begun the race. We encountered stairs along with a switchback or two.

There was plenty of encouragement from the volunteers at the water stations. They seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the runners.

I met up with some runners who ran at my pace and ended up becoming friends. Three hours on the trail is a long enough time to get to make friends.

The food at the finish line was fantastic. They served real food, not chips and a bagel. They served a hot meal. Yum!

I ran with great friends and we had the best time. I really enjoyed this race and I am thinking about a return trip.