Each March one of my favorite trail races comes to the Sweetwater State Park just west of Atlanta. The Yeti Nightmare 5m/10m has become one of the top 5 must do races on my race schedule.

Why? Well, I love doing trail races to break the monotony of road racing and to do one at night is even better. This year's race had very little in the way of a moon, just a sliver so you had to be sure that you had a good, high powered headlamp (it is required to run the event.) And while the course has not changed in the past 3 years, you never know how the trail itself will be once you start running; from roots, to rocks, to some wet areas. And running along the shore of Sweetwater Creek and hearing the water as it rushes by, or the sound of an owl (or other creatures of the night) makes for a relaxing run. And If one dares, turning off the headlamp opens up the beauty of the night sky - but don't stay dark too long as you may get lost.

The RD puts on a fantastic event, keeping things low-keyed, and provides a race atmosphere that is lost at the "big" events. Nothing better than hanging with your friends, old and new, while enjoying your finishers beer.

This race always sells out, so if you want to do the 2017 event, be sure to sign up early. In fact, this year he decided to add a 6-mile race on the night before the event and it too sold out. Why, because racers know they will have a good run, with good people and finish it with good beer!!