This was my first in-person race since the Covid-19 pandemic shut down races globally. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but I'll begin with giving kudos to the race organizers - the Methow Valley Trails - for doing a fantastic job with communication.

This race isn't huge to begin with, but this year (2021) was smaller in an effort to keep people safe. There are options for a marathon relay, half marathon, and full marathon. The relay tends to fill rather quickly! I chose the marathon because I wanted the challenge and the full experience of what the Methow Valley had to offer.

This course DID NOT disappoint! It's a point-to-point race from Mazama, WA to Twist, WA. The terrain varied throughout the course, weaving along the rivers, down country roads, across mountains with sweeping views of the Methow Valley and outrageously beautiful sunflowers that were on display.

The elevation was no joke - Strava clocked it as 2,591 ft of gain and 2,951 of loss - but it is 100% doable. The race took me a little over 5 hours to complete. Oh, and the course is more like 27 miles, not a true 26.2.

If you're looking for a medal, this is not your race. You will get a decent cotton shirt with registration, but it's nothing special. Take some beautiful pictures while you're out there and enjoy the journey!