As a runner from Kentucky, I was concerned about this race going in because of the high start elevation (nearly 9,000 ft) and the downhill drop (drops almost 4,000 ft). I trained through humidity, did downhill repeats, and added daily squats to my training. Let me tell you--none of that helped. The course kicked my butt, and three days later I can barely walk.

PROS:
- Amazing views. Seriously, awesome. You can't beat the race views.
- Small enough race that you're not jam-packed but big enough that you have others to run with.
- Easy navigation on race morning. Parking and bussing to the start line from the park by the finish line was very simple.
- Good water stops and race support. Every 2ish miles they had water and Gatorade, and the later ones had Gu and snacks. People were also friendly at the stops.
- Even though the road wasn't closed, I never felt unsafe.
- Quick post-race results printout available, and the awards were cool too.

CONS:
- The downhill is great for running fast, but also a leg crusher. If you're prepared for it and used to running downhill, it's not a con. But my prep still didn't get me ready for this intensity (you know it's bad when the overall winners are even hobbling up to get their awards).
- Would've loved a post-race beer. But alas, it's Utah.
- The T-shirt wasn't anything special.
- The "expo" was weak. You picked up your packet at a Gold's Gym in Ogden. They had some race merch for sale, and some vendors. But the vendors looked so lonely--I don't think the race was big enough to warrant vendors at PPU.