Overall I loved this race and will absolutely be back again next year! Most trails in the area are really flat and not technical at all so I was super please to find majority of these trails were single track through the woods, full of rocks, branches, streams, and more. There are a few points where it opens up and flattens out. You somewhat have to wait for those points to easily pass people (but also I'm new to this so maybe it was just me). I was toward the middle of the pack as it was my first technical trail race and found myself "stuck" at the perfect pace, with someone in front of my to help guide me a bit. The 10 mile race is just the 5 mile trail looped twice (usually I hate repeating a course), but it was so pretty you barely noticed you had to do it again.

For swag I got the softest, nicest feeling technical t-shirt I've ever owned. You also get really nice free race pictures. People who placed got to choose from a variety of local beers and drinks as their prize.

I believe there were one or two aid stations with water along the 5 mile loop so two or four along the 10 miler. Since it was described as technical I was afraid there would be no stations and took my hydration pack so I'm not super sure about the stations and what they had.

The race is along the trails in a state park so the views were really nice scenic woods. At one point you dip down right by the water for water views too!

I don't believe there was an expo.

There were a few pretty steep sections. Wasn't a mountain or anything but compared to most of the flat trails around it was pretty difficult elevation wise.

Parking was great since it was at a park with plenty of lot space.

Race management seemed like really nice, chill people, who planned things out really well. A Better Pace puts on other races and I am definitely going to be looking into those as well for next year.