Expo/Bib pick up- Because I came in from out of town, I had to do the day-of pick up. The process was super quick and straight forward which was great, because we got there later than we had hoped (it was a 4.5 hour drive)!

Race morning- There were plenty of Porta Potties and short lines. There was SO MUCH PINK! I LOVED IT! The race came with a tutu, before it started and then a boa and tiara for the last couple of miles so you could finish with everything on without having the worry about wearing stuff the whole time- great idea! It was a little difficult to find a spot on the course with my pace group, the race doesn’t have waves or anything even though there are a bunch of people. But still a really fun and pink start!

The course- The course was great! Really flat, and mostly on little asphalt roadways made for golf carts! There were some big hills on the roads, but once you hopped off of those it was pretty flat throughout! You go through a beautiful golf course neighborhood where many folks are on their decks cheering you on! Really just a lovely little town where the locals are excited you’re there!

Aid stations- Pretty standard aid stations, but good cheers at each and every one of them! I carried a hydration belt and found I didn’t need as much as I carried because the weather was super great.

Finish- Really amazing finish! You go up on last hill with the end in sight. The hill is a bit steep but the excitement of the finish gives you the kick you need to come in fast! Wearing you tiara and boa you are a pink tornado of energy! Once you finish there is a long corral of bananas, drinks and swag.

Bling- Super cute medals for this race! The regular medal had a cute Pandora charm on it and is pink and glittery! I also placed in my age group, so that medal is super heavy and still sparkles! Also, the race shirt is really great! It fits to size and is one of my favorites!

Expo/Bib pick up- I picked up my bib the day of the race. This was a super small race so there were no lines!

Race morning- The race was pretty small, which was fantastic for my first trail race ever. There were super nice PortaPotties at the start and plenty of parking that was super well organized by volunteers who coordinated the cars into the lot. I don’t know if it was because this race was on the small side or because the organizers were super well prepared, but everything prior to the race ran like clock-work, it was fantastic!

The course- The course started on a wide dirt road, but then was funneled down to a single path, which made the beginning a little slow, but as runners began to disperse (about mile 5 or 6) there was plenty of space for the rest of the race. The course has varied textures (some soft dirt paths, some 2×4 wood planks you had to be careful crossing, a lot of rocky bits, and a MASSIVE hill on asphalt), it was really nice to have the varied textures because it kept me focused and engaged through the pain!

Aid stations- There were some aid stations, but 100% bring your own hydration for this race. Because of the narrowness of the trail, they can only set aid stations up where convenient, which are few are far spots between. So long as you’re caring about 12-15 oz. or so with you though you should be set.

Finish- Amazing finish! The race announcer cheers you on by name and the crowd joins in! It was so great to finish with so much love from complete strangers. A perfect end to my first trail race!

Bling- Super great race shirt, just runs a little small so order a size up for the women’s shirt. The medal is also super beautiful!! All in all, impressed with this little trail race!

Expo/Bib pick up- There were a couple of pick-up dates, but I went to the one at Road Runner Sports in Tempe. It was a little busy but the line moved quickly! They were very organized!

Race morning- Parking was easy, and is just steps from the start of the race. The race finished in a separate location however, so unless you have a ride back to your car I’d suggest perhaps scoping out some spots that are mid-distance between the start and finish a day prior to the race so you have a parking plan! There was an excellent energy at the start of the race, but there was no water, ANYWHERE. If you carry a pack you have have have to fill it up before you get there, otherwise you’ll have to wait until the first aid station to fill up.

The course- The course was BEAUTIFUL and SUPER FLAT!! A first portion of the race was on the road, the middle portion was in packed-dirt (not like a trail, it was still really firm), and the final portion of the race was back on the dirt, going THROUGH the Gilbert Days Parade! AMAZING!! It was great for those last few miles to have THOUSANDS of people cheering you on! I thought we would only be in a small portion of the race, but you essentially run alongside the ENTIRE THING! This was definitely the coolest race experience I’ve ever had!

Aid stations- Really well dispersed and some local high schoolers run them so there’s a lot of cheering and energy!

Finish- By far the best finish EVER! After getting that extra motivation from the parade-watchers you are immediately able to disburse from the course (there’s no long trail of corrals or anything) and go meet up with your loved ones!

Bling- Super fun, cute orange medal! This race also came with a PERFECT dry-tech long sleeve race tee!

Expo/Bib pick up- Bib pick up was at road runner sports in Scottsdale. Not really an expo, more of a line of booths that you move through! Got some amazing swag, especially some Knockaround sunglasses that totally got me hooked to the brand! Also bought a waist hydration pack while I was there, which was super convenient!

Race morning- Parking was incredibly easy, as the race is situated to start and finish right next to a huge parking lot! There were a bunch of porta potties but I’d definitely suggest going as soon as you arrive because there were still lines to use them when the half marathon started. A lot of running groups run this race together, so it’s an awesome chatty crowded (not usual for early morning races!), really got me pumped to started with everyone so amped!

The course- This course was by far one of the most challenging I have ever raced. Super hilly, but the differentiating slopes allow you to work different muscle groups which is nice! Expect to go slow if you haven’t trained for hill after hill after hill, because this race is one slope after the next. The hills also make it tricky for your loved ones to cheer you on, so a majority of the race is solo with the other runners. I really enjoyed it though, it’s a great challenge!

Aid stations- I ran with a hydration waistband, but towards the end it was nice to have frequent stops if I needed to refill. I would suggest at least carrying a handheld for this race, because between each stop is about two or three huge hills.

Finish- The finish was AMAZING!! Music, beer and LOTS of dogs running around! The weather is still really nice but I would bring a jacket so you don’t get too chilly while drinking! Really great vibe at the finish!

Bling- This medal is one of my favorites because it doubles as a bottle opener!! It has some serious weight to it, but its higher quality than most. The medal is also magnetic so you can slap it on your fridge! Very neat!