After doing a couple other NFECS races, I was really excited to try this one out. The race is well organized and managed with easy race kit pick up at a number of North Face stores or at the start line.

The course is flatter than I thought it would be with no major climbs but small rolling hills throughout. The trails are not technical making it a great place to run a fast trail race. There is some nice single track on the Ice Age Trail in the middle of the race and the rest of the trails are pretty wide. The whole thing is very runnable, unlike many trail races. There are a number of road crossings and a lot of time spent running through fields, which means no shade if it's hot out. It was hot out this year!

Like all North Face races, the aid stations are well stocked and the volunteers are great. The aid stations are also nicely spaced out every 7-8km.

The race conveniently starts at Ottawa Lake Recreation Area so you can camp within walking distance of the start line, a definite perk on race day! There's also a lake to go swimming in after the race is over which is always a nice treat.

Overall, this was a great race! It's a great place to run a fast trail race because it's relatively flat and has really nicely groomed trails for much of it. I'll definitely be back to run this race again.