Vacation Races know how to put on a race! Prior to the race, the communication from the RD was awesome. Parking info, expo, weather, race day...everything was covered! Expo was fun. There was a fun pic opportunity with the four presidents (characters) next to a Mt. Rushmore sign which we all took advantage of. Race Day: anyone staying in Keystone had the ability to walk to the finish line which was super convenient. They offer a raffle from 5 to 6 am to encourage runners to be on time and the race started on time which I always appreciate. The course started at elevation of approx 5,000 feet and climbed up approx 1500 feet. The views were spectacular and the bridges we crossed over and the tunnels we crossed through were super cool. The only part of the course I didn't like was the last 3 miles when cars were allowed to share the course with us. Although there weren't a lot of cars, I didn't care for them being on the course at all. Finish line was great! They provide the usual chocolate milk and bananas, but they also provide a race box full of snacks. The medal is huge! I adored this race!

This was a small race so some some of my lower ratings deserve explanation. The expo was just music and honestly, that's fine. I don't need hoopla, but it wasn't eye popping or anything. Started on time with the MC breaking the group of just over 300 runners into groups starting every 30 seconds or so. He made a significant point of saying how well the course was marked, better than most trail runs. He also made it very clear that this was a trail race with rocks, hills, etc. Here is where I wasn't happy with the race. I run trails every day. I have run many trail races. I have only run two races at night. This was a trail run at night. In my opinion, the trail was difficult to follow. As it was a smaller race, I was by myself several times. I had to stop and locate trail markers and on 3 occasions thought I was lost. The trails were extremely rocky and difficult to maneuver in the dark. Had this been a day race, I would have LOVED it! But I felt that as a night race, it was downright dangerous. I found myself walking on several occasions as I was unwilling to risk injury. The finish line was great! There was the traditional bananas and water bottles, but there was also an amazing amount of other snacks like Fritos, Doritos, Goldfish crackers, and Rice Krispy Bars. But the best were the snow cones! Bear in mind that this race took place in Tempe, AZ and it was 100 degrees so those snow cones were Nirvana. I also liked the way you could text your bib # to them and get your results immediately. Swag: There was an option to choose a soft cotton tank which is soooo cute and the medal was enormous, the outside of which spun - so extra, lol. Loved it.

So it comes down to this, I was glad I did the race. I can always enjoy something about a race and the experience. I would do another race by 131 Productions, just not this one.