This was my first ever ultra. I decided to tackle it for two reasons 1) It was local; 2) A many-time finisher told me it would be an amazing one to try out the distance. My friend was not wrong! Taking place on the Alcoa/Maryville Greenway system, this race is a mostly easy elevation run. Granted, once you're 20 miles in I don't think any hills feel easy!

The weather was good for the morning of my race considering I was finished before the rain came in. One thing to note is that this course is prone to flooding if there have been heavy rains near the race day. The good news is Pistol Creek recedes as quickly as it rises! Otherwise, running a race the last weekend of December/first weekend in January in TN will more than likely be great temps for running during the daylight hours.

At nighttime, especially since it's technically winter, they do a great job with warming stations for the runners both inside the school and out on the course. There are bikers monitoring the course throughout the night to keep the longer distance folk motivated and safe.

The aid stations CANNOT be beat! Woody's is the most amazing aid tent I've ever seen. Every time I ran past someone would immediately ask if I needed my bottles filled. While I was eating food, the volunteers would ask if I was warm enough and if I'd like some warm soup or a warm drink. They take their "aid" status very seriously!

As for the race director I cannot say enough amazing things about him. This race is one of the smallest I've ever run and it truly feels like a giant family. You'll see Will out and running around the entire weekend of the event, taking pictures with participants, lending a hand wherever someone needs him. I have to say that you can definitely tell this event is being headed by someone who is truly passionate about running.

All in all this race was an amazing place for me to dip my toes into the ultra distance. Only a few days after the event I'm already itching for them to post the dates for next years' event. I can't wait to run again!

Lastly, I gave this event a 3/5 for the expo for the reason that I just personally don't like expos. I never have, so it's nothing personal against this particular race. Bib pick up was easy and volunteers were well-informed and helped you through the swag lines. Also, when I discovered my T-shirt had a hole in it, I easily was able to exchange it. Since the bib pickup was an hour from home each way and I wanted to go to the 'almost mandatory' prerace meeting I had to go. Hence, the 3/5 review.