The original course was bombed in 2016, and thus, for 2017 they changed the course. I'd run it all the years prior on the first course, which was a simple out on the road, back on the boardwalk at the end PAST the sawmill where there were no shops. For 2017, it was changed to the complete opposite direction on the boardwalk, starting at the Beachcomber and running in the direction opposite Sawmill. HOwever, the volume was tough in this direction because starting on the street gave the crowd room to spread out within the first mile. Instead, the first mile was treacherous with those wooden things in the middle of the boardwalk sneaking up on you in a crowd of runners. I saw someone take one on the shin and go down. Lucky it wasn't me. Also, while you get more time on the boards, you then cut down and around by 35 for the middle - pretty boring. Then you come back up on to the boards and finish in front of Beachcomber. 2017 was hot hot hot and by the end, it had spread out, but the beginning was pretty tough with the large crowds on the boards. Hard to see your feet ahead of yourself and not trip on anything! The swag for this race is always great - long sleeve underarmour shirts. Of course, the spirit of the race cannot be beat, even though I wish they'd revamp the changed course back to the first version of it.