I liked this race -- This year the start had a temp of 14 degrees with ice and snow on the ground.
1. prerace/packet pickup -- very easy -- use the same number for the entire series -- if this is your only race of the series packet pickup/registration takes minutes -- parking is at the starting line -- plenty of parking -- easy to find -- starts on time
2. course --- trail run around Clayton Lake state park -- very scenic -- there are hills -- and the elevation is about 5200ft above sea level -- I live at 300ft -- the air is a little thin 1 mile up -- today the course was Icy/snowy at the start and when the sun melted the icy it went from slick to muddy -- but I did get to see the dinosaur tracks at the lake -- this is a loop course as are all mainly marathon races -- there is only one water stop but it is a doosy -- lots of food/candy/cookies -- you label your bottle/cup and it sets on the table and they keep it full of your favorite beverage (sorry no alcohol - I asked) -- there was chicken noodle soup and hot dogs during and after the race -- there is an 8 hour time limit for the marathon --
3. post race -- very nice bling -- and great refreshments both during and after the race -- there is a caboose trophy for last place in the half and full marathon.
I recommend one or a series of mainly marathon races -- overall this can be very serious or social event -- everyone is friendly and helpful -- you can pick up great running tips and meet lots of nice people -- one runner was running her 100th half and another his 300th marathon --