This race was a trail-running BLAST! The weather on race day (July 2011) was hot and very humid - to be expected in Minnesota's July.

Expo: There wasn't a race expo or race swag but the trail itself and the awesome awards made up for it (more on that later).

Race Swag: There were no finisher's medals the year I ran it (or else I totally ran by where we were supposed to pick them up?). Though I did receive a hand-made pottery mug for placing 3rd in the women's division and it was beautiful! Totally made up for the lack of medal or "race swag". It is my favorite race "medal" to this day. According to their website, finisher's DO receive medals now and the top 10 men & women receive a pottery mug.

Course: True trail running - jumping over tree roots, hopping on rocks, climbing up hills - it was awesome. This race was full of scenic trails and lots of downhill and uphill running. That particular year, the course was a bit muddy due to rain prior to the race day and that made the hill climbing interesting. The Power Line section of the race was intense. Because of the mud, I did end up crawling up the slopes, using my hands to keep traction. It was an adventure and I LOVED it!

Aid Station: I carried a handheld water bottle and was able to refill it at the aid stations. Pretzels and cookies were offered at one of the stops. That was the perfect salty fix for such a humid, sweaty day.

The Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon (or "Half Voyageur", as it was called when I ran it) has been the best trail running experience of my life. I highly recommend it to any trail enthusiasts - especially if you are eyeing running an ultra. This race follows along the Voyageur 50-Miler course.

http://www.livinglifetruth.com/p/upcoming-races-and-results.html