I arrived Friday night by 6:00pm at Blue Mountain Village, and packet pick up ended until 6:30pm. I didn't see any signage for package pickup when we were driving around looking for the Resort, where the email said it was held. I stopped in the hotel, and another runner said in the village, as she had trouble finding it also. We then proceeded to park and look around village, still no signage, and found a few more runners franticly looking, as no signage in village either. We seen a new North Face tents but they were closed, so we thought maybe due to rain they closed early. We did get help from another runner, who pointed us in the right direction. The volunteers gave me my bib, and a north face water bottle, my shirt was not printed yet, so they said I could pick up the next day after race. No expo or any other booths. I was happy to get my bib, as I get nervous on day of pick up. This was really the only negative experience of the weekend, and really not negative. Just surprised there was not more signage.
Parking for the weekend was free, as you had a large lot outside the village.

I was so excited and nervous about not waking up that I never ended up going to sleep :) I arrived at the start bright and early at 4:30am, for our 5:00am start. There was about 100 eager runners. It was much warmer and more humid than expected, due to the rain the day before. As I was already warm at the start :) But very excited to see the beautiful course.

Off we went! A mile into the course and about 10 of us already went off course, I just followed the crowd :) It was ok, only couple hundred yards or so. Everyone was so happy and hot. I was impressed with the aid stations and volunteers, so happy, helpful, and motivating. The course was beautiful.

I had the pleasure to be back of the pack and spending some time with the sweepers back and forth. It was great to hear how organized all the aid stations, pacers, volunteers, medical and RD ran the race, as the sweepers and aid stations had hand held radios and really stayed on top of all injuries, drops and locations of runners.

Every aid station would cheer even before arriving, giving inspiration and asking right away if I needed anything. They were well stocked with electrolytes, water, food, and a great variety.

I had a fabulous time out there, but knew around mile 20 that a second loop may not be in the cards, due to my sleepless nights and the heat, humidity and mud. I had mentioned it to the aid stations and sweeper, but they were so supportive and said, you are doing great and have plenty of time. I knew my body had just gave my all, and a second loop would be slower. I was walking and taking photos, 2 miles were almost 29 minutes :) Once I started that decline in to finish (25 miles) the technical section was very slippery and I twisted my ankle several times enough were it was very tender. I don't take any NSAIDS and prefer to listen to my body, and absolutely knew then a second loop would get me hurt, cut off on times, and I would not be happy. As I arrived I told the staff I was done, they said I looked too good to stop, and could go for a second loop. I said thank you, but I know a second loop was not in me.

It was a tough decision as I only DNF 3 races, but I learn something and enjoy every race and wanted to end on a good note to return to The North Face Utah race in Sept. injury free :)

The course is Beautiful and challenging, I wish the temps were lower and no mud, as It may have been easier for me, but some amazing runners still rocked the course with fabulous times. It was funny as I got to see the first 50k winner cross the line, as I had just finished. My Garmin said 25.90 miles at 7:04:02. So I went to get my NF shirt, which I felt a little funny wearing as I didn't finish my 50, but I got a solid 7 hours in, and needed a dry shirt :) They also had a tent for free socks, which I could use.

I then went over to the tent which had buckets of Ice water and chairs! Perfect medicine for my ankle, which was amazing and hard at the same time. Next, was the best post run massage ever!!! Due to my ankle my gait was a little off so the therapist worked on my gluts, hamstrings, hips and performed magic. Thank You NF for the ice and massage :)

The Village is such a beautiful and perfect spot for the weekend, as they had great restaurants, shops, Starbucks, Ice cream, sprinkles, and live music Sat. night 7-9pm.

I highly recommend this race!

I was proud to be an ambassador this year! It was my first time in the area, but found it very easy to get around and find expo, start line etc.

The pasta dinner was very nice. We had a nice sit down buffet outdoors in a tent, with tables dressed up with fresh flower bouquets and flags ( nice touch) Inspirational speakers and getting to socialize with other runners.

The course was flat and easy, with great support. They had a wonderful post party celebration, with food, beer, vendors, and family friendly.

The swag was great! All finishers received a really nice backpack, tech shirt, medal (wings).

I was happy to place second in my age group, and received a really nice watch in the mail for my prize.

I was very excited to go back to this race this year, as it was my first Ultra and Trail race in 2006. I have now have 4 finishes at BRR. I have to say, I love everything about this run!!!

Some stay over Friday night, but I hear you don't get any sleep :) As the excitement is in the air. I'm lucky as my brother lives about 30 minutes away, due to the early morning start and no traffic. I arrived early Sat. morning for Bib pick up with my friend Diane, since we car pooled we had a great parking spot in front. It only took a few minutes to check in, register, park and meet up.

The course is hilly, rocks, roots, and fun, so beautiful when the blue bells are in bloom. This year it was a few days too early, but the weather was nice and warm, and first time running on dirt trails, as here in MA it was a long winter. In the past, two years rain and mud, but this year nice and dry for the most part.

The volunteers at the aid stations were so awesome! So enthusiastic and helpful. Great ultra buffet tables, loaded with fruits, veggies, potato chips, candy, soda, pb &J and more. Post cook out, I think you could gain weight on this one :)

This year all finishers received a duffle bag, buff, and tech hat.

Timing for Cherry Blossom Festival was perfect. Sunday we went to DC and the weather was perfect, sunny and 60's with Cherry Blossoms in full bloom!!! Such a treat after running all day Sat., to sit on a nice open tour bus and take photos.

The 20 mile race started in Kittery, Maine and for 5.00 you could purchase a bus pass and get shuttled to the start from the finish line/post party location. There you could pick up your bib/tshirt and stay warm in the school. The course was beautiful, flat, dry and sunny along Seven towns, three states - all in one race!

The volunteers all worked hard to make it a great experience for all of the runners. Nearly 1,000 runners crossed the finish line. Designed as a pre-Boston Marathon training race, the Eastern States 20 Mile (formerly Border to Border) Race has been called "the single best and freshest idea in road running in ten years." The race runs through historic Portsmouth, along scenic Route 1A overlooking the Atlantic, to the finish in Hampton Beach.

At the finish line you can get on a shuttle for the 2 mile drive across the bridge to the Post Party/ Awards ceremony. They had 3 hot soups, pizza, cake, fruit, nachos, cookies and drinks :)

Put this one on your list!