This is a beautiful course held in the sky town of Vail Colorado. It's an out and back course that starts in town, through the residential area and back.

During the packet pickup runners are given the option to run in honor of a service member. The bib has the runner's number on it and placed on the honor board. This then serves as the backdrop during the awards ceremony.

Each runner is given a t-shirt, washable bag, trail runner magazine and samples of products. There really isn't an expo unless you consider all the great shops in the area!

This isn't a chipped timed event, and the start isn't a big show. The race director gives the route directions and a few other instructions then runners are off. For full marathoners, they run the half marathon course twice. A 5k is also held that starts after the full and half take off.

The course is a paved bike/running running route with rolling elevation increases. During the race it is still open for others to use, run with cation! The course scenery is just beautiful with the mountains lining the course of both sides.

I utilized the host hotel for my stay which offered on site parking. The packet pick-up, start/finish line was just steps from the hotel. If a runner drives in, parking may be a little more difficult.

The race director was great! He really honors the service members as this race is on Memorial Day. The course route is line with small flags.

It's a new event, this being its third year and there are no signs of it slowing down!