It all started with the thank you letter in the mail, hand written from the race director. Every person who signed up got one, and it made me realize, this wouldn't be like every other trail race. But this would be a gathering of friends. The race director also sent out email updates every Wednesday before the race. Definitely helped keep the hype up!
On race day, I arrived 45 minutes before the race to pick up my bib. I parked a whole 50 yards from the packet pick up area and start of the race. This was so nice since it was raining very hard and I still had to drop off some gear to the drop bag area. Right before the race, when we were all lined up, the race director talked about how much he loved his wife and friends who helped put this event together. It was great to see how this wasn't just another race....this was his dream.
The race itself was 4 loops that we did twice. The first two loops were more technical and the last two were open prairie for the most part. Aid Stations were set up so there was at least water every 3 miles, but most aid stations had potato chips, m&m's, PB&J sandwiches, granola, Trailwind and water. They had two drop bag areas, though, one was enough considering you loop to this area about 4 times throughout the race. The race day was extremely rainy, which caused for the course to be very muddy and slippery. But this is a trail race, everyone embraced the mudfest! The race was also very spectator friendly, since it loops back to the same area. The scenery was amazing, despite the rain. We ran past an old Lime Kiln, cliffs, beautiful forest scenes, and open prairie lands. I can imagine this could be a very hot race if the weather especially in the open prairie area. We were lucky that the rain kept the weather very cool.
At the finish, you are greeted by the race director with a sweet looking wooden medal. I've never gotten one like this and it's very unique. Right next to the finish, they have food set up for all the finishers, as well as, spectators can purchase food. A local pizza place had a stone oven set up and made fresh stone fired pizza to order! THIS WAS AMAZING! You also got free soda, cookies, and chips. They had picnic tables set up lining the finish area, so everyone was eating and cheering as others crossed the finish line.

Here's the run down:
Pros:
+Friendly and inviting environment
+very well laid out course and easy to follow
+beautiful scenery
+spectator friendly
+Awesome medal and pizza at the finish!
+so much more....

Cons:
-hmmm....I'll have to think about this

I definitely look forward to more races by this race director. I'd love to make this race an annual event!

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