This was the inaugural event for The Willow, which offers both 10 mile and 20 mile distances. Held at Willow River State Park in Hudson, WI, this race offers beautiful views.

The entrance into the park was the only place that could have gone smoother when it comes to this race. Since the park requires a permit, if you do not already have one, there was a bit of a line getting in. I would recommend bringing cash (as I did) for the park fee, if possible, because it helps the line move faster.

Once entrance is admitting, runners follow the winding road deeper into the park until they arrive at the Nature Center. There was ample parking in the Nature Center lot. I was able to grab my race bib and trucker hat, use the porta-potties, and wander back to my car within a few minutes. There were more than enough bathrooms, so that the line never took more than a few minutes - they have a few porta-potties outside, and flush toilets inside the picnic pavilion.

The start line was very low key, with runners gathering around someone with a bullhorn. They gave a few announcements about the course, and we were off! I chose the 10 mile distance; the 20 mile was two loops of the 10 mile course.

The thing that sticks out most about this race is the HILLS. They were no joke, especially for someone whose entire running career has been based in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These were the steepest hills I think I've ever run (or walked) on. And, they just kept coming.

There were multiple (3, I think) aide stations with a slew of fuel choices - chips, pb&j, electrolytes, soda, etc. I did not stop at any of the aide stations, but they looked to be well-stocked and well-staffed.

The course was well-marked, and there was only one time I was concerned that I was going the wrong way, because of the angle of the intersection. I asked another runner if I was going the right way and she confirmed that I was.

The best part of this course was the WATERFALL! Of course, this is also the reason for some of the hills, but it was probably worth it.

As with every trail race I've been to, the organizers were fantastic, the other runners were friendly, and the logistics were easy. I would highly recommend this race.