This was my first trail race, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I thought this was an incredible race. The race organizers did a great job, and I don't have many complaints at all. Here are some major highlights:
- Packet pick up - bibs can only be picked up day of. The race is small enough however, that this wasn't a huge deal. We arrived at 745, parked really easily, grabbed our bibs and shirts, and still had 30min before the race started.
- The race started on flat road for about .25mi, which was nice to help everyone fall into pace before hitting the trails. I did a bit of going around people once on the trails, but it wasn't bad at all.
- The course itself is crazy technical - most of it is single track, lots of small rolling hills, huge inclines toward the end, and a big area with rocks and a some flooding.
- There are unmanned water stations, but they do put out water jugs at 3 locations on the route to refill or grab some water. I didn't take any, so it could have also been gatorade.
- The trail is clearly marked. There were a few times I questioned if I was following the right trail, but there was a marking probably every half mile.
- The finish has LOTS of hills. Do not expect a break. The last few miles are probably the most difficult. You will also remain on the trails until mile 13, ending the .2 on the road.
- Each finisher of the half got an official race pint. It was awesome, and in my opinion a lot cooler and more useful than a medal. The top 3 overall and top 3 in each age bracket did get a medal. I liked that, pint for all, medal for those that placed!
- There was not much food at the finish, maybe a few bananas, but I would definitely recommend bringing something to eat. There's not much nearby either other than fast food.
- The overall winners for both men and female got a gift card to Alabama Outdoors, which ended up being a really awesome outdoors, REI like store, with many Birmingham locations, along with a pair of Solomon trail shoes!

This race was a ton of fun, a huge challenge, and organized extremely well. I was recommend this to anyone, and can't wait to do more XTERRA races next year!