This was the longest trail run/race I'd done, and one of the first trail events I've done. NW Trail Runs and Seattle Running Club had a well-oiled machine—rapid checkin, clearly marked course (reportedly someone messed with some markers early in the day but volunteers fixed quickly once they knew the problem), smart start with a loop around a field and then onto a wide trail to stretch the ~200 runners (~90 for 8 mi, 60 for 20 mi, 50 for 50K) out before the single tracks.

Trails were mostly hard pack dirt, damp but not too muddy from overnight rain—just need to watch for tree roots and rocks. The first half of the course was surprisingly runnable, with a few climbs that brought most of us to a hike (about 1400' total in the first 9.5 miles). The first half ends with about a long descent (about 1100' over 1.5 mi). The second half, immediately after the 2-1/2 hour cutoff, starts with about a 1000' of ascent over the next 1.5 or so miles. The rest of the course is a nice mix of up, down, and flats, with a final 700' climb a mile or 2 from the finish. Overall gain for the day was about 3900'.

The aid stations were well distributed and placed, with lots of tasty snack options. The volunteers were fantastic. The post-race was pretty quiet and chill, which is up my alley.