Whoos in El Moro is a small, local trail run in Crystal Cove, Newport.
May: hit or miss with weather. The week before the race was gorgeous, the morning of the race was 50 and rainy. It made for an exceptionally muddy start, which was messy/tough/hilarious being that the first couple miles were uphill. Some parts of the course stayed muddy but others dried out.

The course itself got a tad bit confusing because you do some loops. But there are people telling you which way to go, so it wasn't too bad. As per usual with trail races, there were times I wasn't sure I was on the right path because I was all alone for a while. This isn't an easy course, lots of hills. Course markers were a little spread out but I never had to stop and look around. There was really only one way to go most of the time. It had a nice mix of fireroads and singletrack. Lots of hills. Scenery itself was GORGEOUS. The park was very peaceful in the morning, just us. It's an open course though so by the end, there were hikers out.

Camaraderie within the race was HIGH. Such a great group of people running! Everyone was friendly and we all talked. Made a lot of new friends that day.

Aid stations were well stocked and had the usual suspects plus watermelon and pineapple chunks, which were incredible.

The finish line and festivities were exactlyright. The MEDALS were handcarved wood pieces that are absolutely beautiful. It was a really nice, calm, but happy-mooded gathering. There were snacks, a food truck (runners got tickets), a place to buy extra race swag (I got a trucker hat - I'd gotten a shirt in my race bag). None of those extras (massage, etc.). I've never talked with SO MANY people after the race. Great community.

Other notes: you have to pay to park there, I can't remember what it was, maybe $10/20 but have cash!

I recommend this race so hard! They run it twice a year - Spring and Autumn.