Due to some issues with permits, the location was somewhat last-minute, but ended up being at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, which is 10 minutes from my house, but I had never been there. I parked in one of the lots across the street, which we were told were okay to park in. (They weren't. But I ended up finishing the race and moving my car before it was an issue.) If you had spectators who wished to watch you run, they were out of luck, since there was nowhere to park.

The course was a simple out-and-back on the limestone path. A HUGE hill at the very end before the finish. Not too muddy, and not really all that difficult as far as trail running is concerned.

The big attraction of the race is the monk - aka the race director in a monk costume. If you beat him, you get a special prize (this year it was a can koozy). All participants get a (cotton, cute design) shirt and finishers get a glass (this year it was a glass beer mug, and I am using it right now, in fact).

Post-race party is pretty great. Tons of snacks, as well as good craft beer. Art puts on great races, and I highly recommend them!

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