This is such a great race and location. It is what I would call boutique...very small, full of local flavor, and only for those who like the experience of running. The half marathon course at mile 4 takes you across a hand-built kayak bridge to cross water, and following that is nearly a 900ft climb straight up. It will drain you but it's also the best part of the half!!
Aid stations are largely local boy scouts, which was uplifting and they were a joy! Lots of fruit choices, pretzels, they had a pretty good set up at every aid station.
The hills on the back end of the half are punchy and really hard. I was worn out with all the other climbing, but those hills do not end!!!
The finish had a great party!!! Local BBQ, beer, sweet tea, and music!! It was so much fun. They also gave away a kayak in a drawing!!!
Of note: it is Tennessee in February so expect there to be weather. One year had a full on ice storm and they still ran the race (albiet with much fewer runners).
I will do this race again and again. Hope to actually tackle the full marathon one year! The locals are great supporters and I loved the small town feel. Very few runners of the half and the full made it feel more like a running club which was awesome!