This was my first time running this race and I selected because it was close, I had heard some challenging things about it, which intrigued me.

Signup: Was super easy, there website is super informative and easy to navigate. They offer discounts and no high processing fees like other races.

Expo: The expo was very basic, I got there mid-expo and there were not many vendors or free samples like some of the bigger races. However, grabbing my bib was fast with no wait. The shirts were very cool, one of the best designs I have seen.

Race Day: Parking was at a nearby college and overall it was easy to get in and out. For this race you have to get on a bus and they drive you up for about a half hour. The bus was good, it was very cold in the morning and the buses were heated so that was good. Once you got up to the start, the cold just hit you. They did provide those "fake" aluminum type blankets to keep your warm and some gloves. Those helped a little, but the coldness was very difficult, especially if you are not a fan of cold weather like me. The race started on time, and everyone got rid of their jackets and sweaters right before the race started. Those things were placed in a drop bag and put in a truck before the start.

Course: OK so this is a downhill course for 96% of the way, the first three miles you do hit some up hills but they don't seem so bad because the downhill makes up for it. At approximately mile, 10 or so you leave the canyon and the road is mostly flat for the next two miles. At mile 13 there was a uphill portion that most people myself included found difficult with tired legs. I saw many people walking that hill, and so was I until i got some motivation from a runner next to me and I was able to push through.

Finish Line: The Finish line is nice with a good amount of people cheering you on. The medal that you receive is Amazing and well worth the effort. They did provide water, bananas, cold wet towels, energy bars, bagels, chips, and PIE. It was enough to get some fuel in and start the recovery process. The process to find your grab bag was fast and easy. There is a small walk back to the parking area, but it was not too bad.

Overall: The best part of this race is good communication and organization. The medal is very cool and the views are great. They provide free pics, if you they happen to take some (i only had one). The Cons: It is cold out there in the morning!

I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a change to the common half marathon, it is a challenge, but well worth the money and time