I loved the race this year and I'm already signed up for next year! It sold out within hours, but it has a good transfer policy, so you can get on the wait list with a good chance to get in.

It is truly beautiful--probably the most beautiful I've experienced to date--and it has the best RD and volunteers! I became lost adding 4+ miles and significant time to my run causing me to come in last well behind the other runners. Even with the generous cut-off time, I expected to be forgotten, but the volunteers kept the aide stations open and the RD made sure to greet me at the end and give me the finisher's buckle.

It is a challenging course as it is hilly (the famous hill is named Big A$$ Hill but there are many more) and has several stream crossings knee or so deep. Some years there is even a deeper river crossing with a rope to hang onto, but the RD made a game day decision to reroute us this year because of especially high waters and rough current.

But FTPR is not so challenging you can't enjoy the view. I really can't say enough about the scenery. The trees, hills and rivers are idyllic. There are romantic covered bridges, an old church and waterfalls. Other points of interest are the fire tower and vertical ladder of roots you must climb. The only part I didn't like was that the mud was ankle deep through much of the course this year because of the earlier rains, but I say that with a chuckle because it's part of trail racing. In other words, I loved it all.

A must do...if you can get in.