If you don't like hills, then you should probably just get over it and do this race anyways :) It felt like there was no flat ground during this run, but you were doing downhill as much as you were going uphill. And the scenery of the red rocks all around you is a great distraction.

The expo was bigger than we were expecting with lots of good vendors selling some great stuff. The purple race shirt is one of my favorites of all my races and I still wear it all the time! The bus system to get to the start of the race was very well done, with pick up spots all through town so you could go to whatever stop was closest to your accommodations.

The end of the race was great too because of the massage tent and the photo op that was set up with a big backdrop with the race logo. Our only complaint was the beer was $5 and a really small tent. Overall a really great race and I would highly recommend it.

The morning was very organized and it was easy to arrive. The parking was a breeze, and we actually didn't get there as early as we usually like to but it wasn't a big deal. It was a little chilly, but we were prepared with ear warmers and running jackets.

The race was very hilly, in a great way. The hills were tough, but you could see the end each time and knew right after was going to be a nice downhill.

If you live at a higher elevation running at sea level is quite a pleasant surprise. My sister said she “felt like she could run all day

Of course the best part about the race was their after party. They aren’t lying when they advertise “One of the best post race parties you have ever been to.” They have it in the same tent as the bib pickup and the expo, and it’s HEATED! This was almost as amazing as the free beer, fresh raw oysters, grilled oysters with bacon and cheese (super longs lines that went really quick! Definitely worth the wait… **we also wished we had a couple bucks on us to tip the shuckers!**) and a couple of really fun and talented bands. (They also had an area of “runners food” with bananas and all different types of bagels, which was empty) ”

One major con of this race was that they ended up shortening the course. We turned a corner and boom, it was over. Everyone was very confused and some even finished the 13.1 miles on their own. That was really disappointing because Sarah and I were together and having a really good race and would have gotten one of our best times. I'm sure they won't make that same mistake in the future.

We got up early and made the hour drive the day of the race, which was fine. We realized during our previous race in South Dakota that we like having a few hours before we actually start running. Parking was a breeze in the parking garage, and it was an easy 5 minute walk to the buses.

The Buses were prompt, and bused all the runners up to the starting line. When you stepped off the bus you stepped into… the middle of the porta potty line. This race DEFINITELY could have benefited from 10-20 more at the start. As usual during these mornings we froze our butts off for a bit, but then the sun came out, we got going, and it was perfect. The bag drop was really convenient too so you could keep all your stuff (aka your jacket on) until the very last minute.

This mostly downhill and flat race was so beautiful. I just cannot say enough good things about this place. Starting up in the mountains, a tour around some gorgeous neighborhoods, and through downtown to the finish line there was never a lack of scenery.

Of course our one problem with this particular race? No Beer. The post race had a few snacks, but not too much. It was right downtown which was nice you could do a little shopping or have your friends and family meet you down there for breakfast or lunch. The running store downtown was giving great deals to racers too so that was nice - I bought my OOFOS there!

Race day came and it was perfect. We woke up early and had our coffee and bagels, then drove to the lot where the buses were driving everyone up to the starting line.

There seemed like there were A TON of buses. They left at 6:30 in the morning and the race didn’t start until 8:00. At first we felt like this was way too much time to be up there before it even started. Let’s get this thing going so we can get it over with right!? Turns out, the extra time was amazing. Changed the game. We had time to shake out the jitters, fuel up, pee (three times) and find our spot in line.

The starting line up was looooong but it was great. They spaced it out extremely far based on pace because it was on a very narrow trail. No getting stuck behind people or getting slowed down (or slowing down others.)

This was also the first race that we stayed together the whole time. Sarah is a faster runner than me so this is always a challenge but we were both feeling good and keeping a great pace. AND THEN I SET A PR!!! My 11th race and I finally made it under 2 hours. 1:57:30 to be exact! (Sarah’s time was 1:57:29, of course!)

The “after party” left a lot to be desired in our opinion. A few people in a small room in a nearby casino with tiny cups to be filled with Bud Light, some watermelon, pretzels, and peanut M&Ms were not going to cut it. We had such a great race experience that we didn’t care, and it turns out there are some pretty great breweries in that area. Hence, our own after race party for two. Cheers!

Race day came and it was perfect. We woke up early and had our coffee and bagels, then drove to the lot where the buses were driving everyone up to the starting line.

There seemed like there were A TON of buses. They left at 6:30 in the morning and the race didn’t start until 8:00. At first we felt like this was way too much time to be up there before it even started. Let’s get this thing going so we can get it over with right!? Turns out, the extra time was amazing. Changed the game. We had time to shake out the jitters, fuel up, pee (three times) and find our spot in line.

The starting line up was looooong but it was great. They spaced it out extremely far based on pace because it was on a very narrow trail. No getting stuck behind people or getting slowed down (or slowing down others.)

This was also the first race that we stayed together the whole time. Sarah is a faster runner than me so this is always a challenge but we were both feeling good and keeping a great pace. AND THEN I SET A PR!!! My 11th race and I finally made it under 2 hours. 1:57:30 to be exact! (Sarah’s time was 1:57:29, of course!)

The “after party” left a lot to be desired in our opinion. A few people in a small room in a nearby casino with tiny cups to be filled with Bud Light, some watermelon, pretzels, and peanut M&Ms were not going to cut it. We had such a great race experience that we didn’t care, and it turns out there are some pretty great breweries in that area. Hence, our own after race party for two. Cheers!