The tab this race as "10 is the perfect distant", and it is kind of hard to argue with them. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful COURSE! This is my 3rd year running this race and I enjoy it each year. The course takes you through the beautiful campus of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and down the well-known Franklin Street. You start right out the gate with a hill and it is relatively hilly throughout, BUT those early hills only serve as appetizers for the BEAST you encounter between miles 8 & 9. Affectionately known as Laurel Hill, this hill is so intense that they time you from bottom to top, and give out awards for the runners who get up this monster the fastest. The good news is after you finally get to the top of Laurel Hill, you have less than a mile left to the finish line. A few more minor hills, including one leading you to the finish. The race is very challenging but the scenery and medal makes it all worth it.