Easy to find, street parking, bib pick up at the race. Swag was ok: cotton t-shirt, but the after race snacks and beer were yummy.
Many creative costumes and music gave the race a party feel. The setting was unexpectedly pretty! Rustic, old cemetery, beautiful views as you make some turns.
The course was not well planned at a spot where you had to loop around 3 times. I think some runners accidentally went the wrong way and either cut themselves a loop short or ran an extra loop. The hills were rough! There just seemed to be so many!
But it was at a unique place and running with some friends made it entertaining:))
I would recommend it.

Have you ever had this moment on your run when you body kicked in a whole new gear on its favorite terrain and you felt like a wild animal flying through the trail?!

It is my absolutely most favorite part of trail running, this moment when you feel that you are running with your heart, when the clock stops existing and it’s just you and the earth beneath your feet. When I have this moment on my run, it makes every effort that took me to get there worth it. The five hours spent on the road to run less then two, the lungs that are burning from the bronchitis you are still recovering from, the nausea – it all disappears, it all makes sense, you feel a part of the woods and it reflects in you.

As I was running the single track of Michaux Forest, the trail race that made me completely and fully without a doubt fall in love with trail running a year ago, I felt exuberant to cognize the creek crossings, the grueling ascents, and the serene beauty this place struck me with. But THIS moment was waiting for me at mile five where the trail became technical with rocks and roots, mud, and puddles. That’s when, suddenly, my body knew how to make a safe passage, where to place my quick foot, how to balance on the narrow edges of the grey stone. I caught myself flying through ankle twisting trail with ease as if it was a field of wild flowers!

In that moment, lasting for about a mile of this twisting passage, I knew why I was on this trail again a year later, driving hundreds of miles to run this nine mile race with bronchitis that was holding my chest captive, not letting me take breaths of air deep enough to quicken my pace, exhausting my energy, and causing nausea every time I pushed myself.

That’s when I knew I got what I came here for and that I’d be back next year!

This race is very well organized, marked, and timed. All the proceedings go to preservation of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Would highly recommend! The race is open to both, runners and hikers. Food and beer at the after race picnic.

I am a single mom and a full time teacher. My personal goal(set in February 2015) is to run in every state and Washington DC. PA was state number 2. I chose this race for many reasons: it's local, many of my close friends and two running clubs were racing in it, and I wanted my 4 year old daughter to run the last .25 of a mile with me. The race was a success for me personally. I finished in a decent 2:06 time and got to cross the finish line with my daughter over my shoulders. It was definitely the most empowering moment for me as a mother and as a runner.
The expo the day before was great. Many vendors, great products, and the race giveaways. I got some rock tape to support my knee that has been giving me trouble and it worked wonders.
I chose to start with 9:30 pace. I may try a 9:00 next time. The courses was easy and exceptionally well managed. Frequent aid stations had water and Gatorade. I didn't see any energy gu:((
Great views, flat course with an exception of two hills. Food snacks and water at the end were greatly appreciated.
I'd do this one again.

What a fun trail race today! This race is held next to my home and in a park where I often run and hike, so I couldn't not run it! Many of my local running club members were there volunteering or running today, which always makes it extra special. Nothing like seeing familiar faces cheering you on at water stations and on the course!
There were plenty of parking. You had to walk a little bit through a muddy field to the start line, but that was barely an inconvenience. Hats off to all the volunteers for being there at 5:30 am to set everything up, for standing there in the rain to hand us water and yell your enthusiastic cheers!
Due to the weather conditions, the trail was incredibly muddy, which made it challenging, but super fun! I've been wanting to do a mud run and it looks like my wish was granted! I definitely got more mud today that some of the "mud runs"!
The course started off with a short road distance and then took you on the trail. Besides the mentioned above abundance of mud, the trail had some left over ice and snow, as well as ankle deep puddles and streams. The park is known for it's hills and we sure got some elevation, but nothing extremely difficult.
A few runners lost a shoe here and there or slipped and fell, but there were no serious injuries.
This is the kind of race conditions you learn the most from. I remembered to make small steps, not over stride, and chose grassy trail spots when I could. You definitely had to be strategic with your footing, which to me, personally, is the best part about trail running!
The course was very well marked. The miles were not marked with numbers, which is common for trail races. There were 4 or 5 water/Gatorade stations that were well stuffed with volunteers.
This was my friend's first trail race and what a race to pick! It was definitely a challenge!
We crossed the finish line together and had a tie for 3rd place in our female age group.
The shirts and the hats you got with your packet had an adorable leprechaun image. The tents at the finish line had plenty of pancakes and fruit.
We also enjoyed a complimentary draft beer (the beer voucher was included in the race packet) at a local bar. It was a great way to catch up with some friends from the two local running clubs and thaw off after running through puddles filled with ice cold water.
What a great day! Till next year!