This was my first technical trail race so I wasn't sure what to expect. All I can say is I should have trained a little better for it because it was tough. Packet pick up was very easy with lots of parking. Race day came and I was a bit nervous but decided way ahead of time that this was to be a just a fun race and I would not push myself to hard. I met up with some Twitter friends and we had a few laughs before we took off. I really enjoyed the course even though it was very tough. I mean they don't call it dances with dirt for nothing right? I am not used to this kind of terrain but I did my best. I was worried about getting off course but it was well marked and there was almost always others around me. I did fall once and tripped once but didn't fall a second time. There were some beautiful views from on the course as well so the tough times made it well worth the beauty. There was a gravel hill that I swear was a mile long. I walked up it with a gal I met on that hill. We walked and ran together for quite a while. I think this was my slowest half marathon ever but it was probably one of my most satisfying and fun ones as well. I thought there should have been a few more add stations on the course. All and all I thought it was a good race and would do it again. I really liked the shirt as well as the medal. If you were lucky enough to place they had very cool awards. They also have a nice meal for you as well as a beer. The food was amazing but I was not thrilled with the beer. It tasted a bit skunky for me but I drank it anyway :)