The 2018 Triple D event took place on January 13 in Durango, IA. The half marathon started with the full and 50k at 10 am. Race starting temps were a feels like -6 and it was cloudy.

Registration: The race has a website with online registration, but this closes a day or so before the event. Race registration is available on race day. I paid $60 on race day and received - 2 stickers, a bib, a unisex cotton t-shirt and 2 Hammer gels. No chip timing.

Expo/packet pick up: There is no race expo. There is a bike part to this event too, which has a different situation, I will just describe the run. Packet Pick up was before the race at the race start/finish location - a small town bar. Lots of parking for free and an indoor bathroom.

Pre-race: Before the race there was a "meeting" about the course. We were told where to turn around and what to expect. No National Anthem, runners started at the spray painted line on the trail. It was really cold, and standing around was not fun.

Race/course: Out and back on the Heritage Trail
-Terrain: Trail - crushed limestone - weather will change this surface to be icy or muddy. For this year it was frozen and had some icy spots, or light snow cover.
-Aid Stations: There are no aid stations, this is a self supported event.
-Course Markings: no mile markers, no arrows, no one watching the road crossings. There is a turn around cone and spray paint at that area.
-Scenery: This is rural Iowa, pastures, farmland, back roads, and a ski resort.
-Elevation: FLAT!! one hill that crosses a road
-Photographers: no photographers
-Volunteers: No one on course
-Spectators: None

Finish: The person keeping the time was huddled in a tent at the finish, and others would come in and out of the warm bar to see who was finishing. A finisher medal was handed to everyone.

Post Race: The post race was held indoors at the bar. There was FRESH, HOT homemade pizza and runners could choose a bottle of water or Gatorade as part of their participation. I am not sure if beer was in the deal or not, or just available for purchase. As most half marathoners were finished, awards were presented and raffle prizes were given out.

My race: I needed to run some longer training miles as part of marathon training. I had also been training outdoors, so the cold wasn't a huge deal to me. I warmed up from standing around after the first mile and moved the entire time and had no issues. I carried water and snacks with me. I knew it was going to be a lonely event from looking at past participation, but that was ok, I like running on this trail. I also love races, and having a choice in frigid Iowa in January is great. I finished with a time near 2:21, which is average for me.

Overall: I am torn, I really like running this trail but I would say for a self supported event it is kind of pricey. What will make me return is knowing that the money goes to maintain and create new trails, and having a race option in January. I also liked the low key aspect, it was very laid back.