What. An. Experience! I signed up for this race originally planning on the half, and in a brief split decision...signed up for the 50k. This was my first ultra, and prior to this I have had just one marathon under my belt. I thought the communication from sign up to race day, on part of the Race Director, was fantastic. The two practice runs as well leading up to the race were very organized and stress free. Leading up to the race, as most likely do, I was monitoring the forecast. Being a fan of cooler weather for races, I was not liking the forecast for Saturdays event, and I believe my fellow runners also were feeling a bit of stress the morning of the race. It started with a light chill in the air but quickly warmed up and when the 50 milers came through after their first 9 mi loop, you could tell it was going to be a hot day. The 50kers started promptly at 8:15am. You start with 13 miles out and back on mostly single track course. This was a tad bit challenging at times to really get a good pace down, especially when runners started to head back toward the start. You arrived back in the start area which was convenient. Bag drop was easy to get to and it was nice to see family and friends and grab some fuel. You then head out to do 2- 9 mile loops on cross country ski trails so there was much more space. Mostly shaded, but it did have a few miles of open prairie and some killer hills in direct sunlight so my pace suffered considerably here. The high reached 80-84 that day and runners were definitely struggling, myself included. The aid stations however brought a certain level of energy back. The volunteers were fantastic and quickly grabbed anything you needed. By far the best volunteers I have every had at an event. Pickle juice was my saving grace that day, but the stations were stocked with soda, pretzels, cookies, gummy worms, plenty of water, etc etc. Although the stations were somewhat oddly spaced, I don't believe there would be a way to space differently due to the trails themselves. Coming into the finish after that second loop, after feeling pretty exhausted and somewhat disappointed with my lack of speed, I was amazed at how much energy was buzzing through there. The spectators were fantastic, along with the announcer, and I was able to gain enough energy to sprint on in. Afterward it felt great to just hang out with fellow runners and see the others come on in. Unlimited beer (which was delicious) and a large quantity of food was part of the post race party. Honestly it was such an inspiring day and I couldn't have picked a better race to have completed for my first Ultra.

Pros:
-Communication/organization of Race Director
-Great course
-Parking (plenty of options and even a shuttle available)
-Post race festivities

Cons:
-Heat (not controllable)
-Distance between aid stations