Charlevoix and the entire surrounding area is absolutely beautiful. The race itself is a fairly small, yet well-done event. I estimate this year it had around 800-1,000 participants combined between all distances (5k, 10k, half, full), maybe less. Packet pickup was a complete breeze, walked up directly to the staff, no waiting in line. Swag was the bib and a nice tech shirt. Parking was also ultra easy, both on packet pickup and on race day, with all sorts of easy options on the street blocks around the event. The weather was perfect for racing, with temps in the high 40s, low 50s at the start and maybe just a few degrees warmer a couple of hours later, with sunny skies and relatively low humidity. Out and back, rolling hills course. None of the hills have an extreme grade or incline, but there are a couple which are long and sustained. Plenty of trees and shade with some sections fully exposed to the sun. There is a long segment, maybe around a mile long, that runs on a wooden deck path. Tons of hydration/aid stations, and very few pockets of expectators here and there along the way. Post-race is a small event also, with an easily accessible tent full of all sorts of snacks, fruit, protein bars, and water. Plenty of open, roomy areas to stretch and relax afterwards. Huge, nicely designed finishers' medal. Overall, a well-produced event. If you are looking for a low-stress, low-key, getaway race to connect with nature and explore the northern Michigan area, this is the one for you.