For my full race report head to: https://funsizeathleteblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/cloudland-canyon-50-35ish-the-frozen-chosen-edition/

This year's race had a repeat of year 1 with temps topping out in the low 20s and clear skies. We had the added fun of snow and ice this year which led to a delayed 8am start and cutting out 15ish miles at the request of the park service and local EMS. When many other races in the region were canceled due to weather, race director Sean "Run Bum" Blanton managed to make a great day out of a potential bad situation.

In the future, this race will be changed to half marathon and 50k options, and you bet I'll be there! I highly recommend the $50 bunkhouse option. You get to stay right at the start/finish line with kitchen and hot shower access. It makes for a very easy and comfortable weekend trail running retreat. Plus, you get to meet a lot of other runners.

You can't go wrong with this race: beautiful scenery, rolling, non-technical trails (minus the final rocky jaunt around the canyon), great volunteers and aid stations, yummy food at the finish. This is a southern annual classic for me.