This was my first Ultra, and was everything I expected an ultra distance event to be. The overall feeling was relaxed and chill. Myself and many others were running their first 50K. This event is perfect for that because it was a rails to trails path. This equated to a very flat run and welcoming to those attempting a new distance. The management of the race is top notch with no details overlooked. I wanted for nothing either at the start line, aid stations, or finish line. The event starts at the Municipal Park in Carthage, MO in a nice building to stage runners and drop bags. Bathrooms and showers were available. There is more than enough parking immediately next to the building. I didn't rate the expo because there wasn't one, nor a need for it. The course is nice. The trail is variable in quality from well traveled packed gravel in the more heavily traveled areas to loose bigger rock in the remote areas of the trail, some areas of the trail had light vegetation growing in it. The loose stuff was more difficult to run in for sure, but I signed up for a 50K trail race so no complaints here. The trail has trees along both sides but from time to time will open up to get a view of the surrounding farmland. The aid stations were top notch and stocked with everything I could want. The volunteers were properly instructed or knowledgeable on how to assist runners. Water bottles were filled for us and words of encouragement were given. I think 6 miles was the farthest stretch I went between stations on this out and back course. Be prepared to carry a handheld or other source of water to get you by. Runner received a long sleeve cotton T that was distance specific and decent. I think 50K deserves a tech shirt, but this race was not expensive to enter so I get the economics. Finishers were awarded a very high quality plaque instead of a medal. Two thumbs up for that. I love it and it is displayed proudly above my medal rack, kudos! Overall it was great. I'm not an Ultra veteran, but it was exactly what I expected an ultra to be and would recommend the race to anyone.