When it comes to what was under the control of the race organizers, this race was top notch. There is no denying that. 2018 was just an awful year to run it. After seeing the weather forecast, I adjusted my goal time from 4:30 to 5 hours flat, thinking the conservative first miles would pay off, but I had no idea just how hot it would get and how very little shade there was on the course. By the time I hit the halfway mark at a little under 2 and a half hours, the sun was blazing and the "feels like" temperature was well into the 90 degree range. The signs at each of the water stations warned us that we were running in "extreme conditions" and I found myself struggling to keep even a 14 min/mile walk going. About 2 hours later, just as I passed the 21 mile mark (which tells you how slow I was going), everyone was told that conditions had become too severe, the medical staff were overwhelmed and the race was being called. We were put on a bus, drove to the finish line and allowed to run the last stretch to receive our medal. I think it was handled in the best way possible and the conditions were truly "extreme", but it was disappointing nonetheless.

So, my final thoughts...great race...great organization, but understand when you sign up for a mid-September race you are taking a serious gamble with the weather.