Ran this off-the-beaten path trail race last Saturday and was amazed at how fun it was! This was my first trail 5k race ever and my first time racing in Yaktrax. My only regret is that I didn't come out the day before to familiarize myself with the course. The course is found in Carol Joy Holling Camp and was well-marked for the conditions (partial to all-covered with snow and ice). There were even lane dividing flags the first half-mile or so (bright orange neon ones). The first mile or so was not too difficult, some winding and just trying to find my footing. I settled in behind a runner not wearing Yaktrax and followed his feet/footsteps closely. I learned pretty quickly that there is a big difference between running slowly and cautiously in Yaktrax and racing in them. Near the one-mile mark there is a cross marking a point that you return to (it's an out and back course with a small loop on the southern side). The second mile was difficult, hilly, with challenging constant turns. Had to slow down on some of those, just very tough to negotiate safely. There were two small bridges to cross and we had to cross those walking because they were icy. After two miles, I was really winded, the hills and the varied terrain were challenging. So I took a tiny walk break there. Saw the cross again on the way back. Some of the downhills are not extremely well marked if it's snowy so be careful with those. Found the cross on the way back and knew we were headed back north. At about 3 miles, a runner passed me and I debated passing him back. Decided it was fartlek time and pressed the turbo button. Chased him down, barely caught him at the end. It appeared to be a photo finish but I beat him by 2 seconds (net chip time). Great event! Loved it! Then we were spoiled with a hot lunch courtesy of Lazlo's of Lincoln including BBQ sandwiches, soup, salad, chips, and cookies. And 2 beers to slake your thirst from Empyrean Brewery included with cost of race entry/lunch. Nice! Wonderful event! Ran 20th place of 319 (5th in age group). Very happy with that. For more info, see my race review at my blog (Sledding WIldly post at www.runninggrooveshark.com). Highly recommend this race. Great raffle gifts including free beer for a year for one person, a vivofit, and other prizes. Loved it, want to return and run this again. Maybe I'll practice running there a day early next time. I should note: there were no aid stations except at the end. But the turns all had people there to make sure you took the right turns. And people warning us at the bridges to be careful (they warned us about the bridges before the race). And no starting gun: just a 5-second countdown. Nice rustic race. Go try it, you'll love it!