When we reached the starting area the race workers were still setting up cones. We noticed they were marking a turn around point right at the start. All of the racers were now very curious. We had all heard they were adding mileage at the top of the mountain but didn’t know where. Soon the race director Sean was telling us the last bus was on its way up and we would be starting soon. The start ended up being around 10 minutes late.

When the last bus arrived, they explained the course change. We were to head down the mountain for 1.6 miles, turn around, head back to the start and then turn to go back down. This was an interesting add to the race!
Miles 1-3: elevation: (gained 221) (lost 298)

The first mile was a slight uphill and then mostly down hill until the turnaround at 1.6, then we headed right back up until returning to the start to head back down. By the time I hit mile 2 I had already witnessed several people walking. The mountain air along with the steep incline was proving difficult for a lot of runners. I had tried to go out conservatively which helped a lot in these first few miles. I knew I wasn’t burning myself out early the race coordinators even suggest this. I grabbed a water at the first station around mile 3.

Miles 4-6: elevation: (gained 174) (lost 436)

Mile 4 proved to be very difficult. We just came off a pretty intense downhill and then hit a long uphill that curved quit a bit so much so that your ankles were at an angle. We passed an aid station at about 5.5 where I snagged a sports drink. The road down was so beautiful!! Every now and then you would get a glimpse off the mountain into the valley!
Miles 7-9: elevation: (gained 42) (lost 899)

The elevation loss during these miles was intense. I trained on hills but could feel the beating my legs were taking. I was focusing on shorter sides and light feet. We hit the aid station at about mile 8.5!
Miles 10-12: elevation: (gained 0) (lost 866)

At mile 12 there was an aid station so I grabbed water they also had sports drink available.
Mile 13.1: elevation: (gained 9) (lost 56)

This section really flattened out. It was mostly rolling hills but what really hit me was the sun! We had been having a nice breeze and shade while coming down the mountain. Now we were on the streets of Chatsworth with full sun up above us! It made the last mile a little challenging but it was nice to know you didn't have much further to go! The finish was great and you could smell some great BBQ waiting on you when you finished along with the RD shouting out names as each of us crossed the finish line!