If I could give this race 10 stars for Course Scenery, I would. The race is at Cataloochee Guest Ranch, up in the mountains of Western North Carolina. It runs through pastures, woods (including a "tunnel" of rhododendron) and up and down gravel roads with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. The course is definitely challenging because of the mountains, but it's not a very technical trail, so footing is easy.

This is only the second year for the event, but it is very well organized. It was a little odd that the water stations on the course had water bottles instead of small cups, but that is my only complaint. Parking is convenient, the pre-race communications (website, email, and on-site announcements) kept us well-informed, and the volunteers were all fun and friendly. The t-shirts are cute, the post-race party included a blue grass band and catered barbecue, and there is a free lift ticket to the ski resort in the SWAG bag!

I would definitely recommend this race, and I plan to run it again.