This friendly local race sponsors the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. The race begins and ends at the Hendersonville YMCA, and loops through beautiful old neighborhoods along the lake, including the property where Johnny Cash's home once stood. There are plenty of rolling hills on this course, and the scenery is beautiful.

It's a partially open course, but because it is tucked away in a neighborhood that doesn't get much through traffic- I only remember seeing a few cars. Police officers were posted at any existing intersections, and I never felt unsafe.

There were excellent aid stations offering water and encouragement. Volunteers and fellow racers were friendly.

This race also had a $5 kids race that was held on the indoor track at the Y, and there was a kids bounce house party in the yard to entertain children while a parent (or 2) runs.

There was a LOT of food afterwards inside the Y, and of course indoor toilets.

I will definitely be back next year for the small town 10k experience!