The first mile is a STEEP uphill that even had the front of the packers speed hiking, after that is levels out into a slight uphill for the remainder out section, running along the side of the canyon. The RDs instructed us to try to avoid passing here, as it's quite narrow and there's a huge drop-off down to the bottom of the canyon. The view here is incredible.

When you get close to the turnaround you very quickly drop to the bottom of the canyon and the run to the finish is right below where you were just running, but it's completely different terrain. From running on rocky and steep single track you go to nice path with trees, lots of green grass, and a small creek.

The Black Hills Trail Running Series always has TONS of swag to give away, and they do so by random drawing. They keep track of your placing for the entire trail series, but no awards are given for individual events. All of their events are very affordably priced and you always get something much better than a horrible cotton shirt.

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