Before: I chose to pick up my packet same day. We arrived and all parking spaces were taken and was forced to park in the grass. Only the the park … MORE
Before: I chose to pick up my packet same day. We arrived and all parking spaces were taken and was forced to park in the grass. Only the the park restrooms were available but the lines moved quickly. No line for same day packet pick up. Pre-race meeting describes the course and where you should watch your step.
The Race: This was my favorite start of all the races I have been in so far. There are waves by race distance starting with the half marathon and 5k is last to run. The start line lays across a field instead of causing a bottleneck through a corral. Within 100 yards, you are already running down a STEEP hill so watch your step. Then you loop around a flat shale area before hitting the trails. It was dry so we there wasn’t much mud to worry about. Roots, cut stems, and rocks protruded from the ground so you are continuously watching your step. I fell down running down a slight hill with roots across the trail. There are points where the path narrows into stairs where there is a holdup; good sportsmanship and cheering each other on keeps everyone moving. Afterwards, everyone is telling their tales of the swinging bridge and how they handled it. The course is out and back so you are crossing paths with runners and see the same area.
Post Race: The crowd cheers runners on as they come in. Medals are collected at the shelter next to the finish line. The race was originally advertised to have a barbecue but switched to snacks instead (water, sports gummies, cookies, banana, etc). Ceremonious awards are held for the top 3 overall runners for men and women. Top age group awards collect their winnings at the shelter. They had posted the overall results but I did not see results for age group standings. When the online results were posted two days later, we found out my girlfriend was top 3 in her age group. She Emailed asking if she could have her prize mailed and they did not message back. We were happy with our medals. I got Mjolnir and she got the mace. Both heavy and the mace was surprisingly large.
Overall, we were happy and signed up for the National Championship in Muncie, Indiana!
May need to hold back on the pace
Before: I chose to pick up my packet same day. We arrived and all parking spaces were taken and was forced to park in the grass. Only the the park … MORE
Before: I chose to pick up my packet same day. We arrived and all parking spaces were taken and was forced to park in the grass. Only the the park restrooms were available but the lines moved quickly. No line for same day packet pick up. Pre-race meeting describes the course and where you should watch your step.
The Race: This was my favorite start of all the races I have been in so far. There are waves by race distance starting with the half marathon and 5k is last to run. The start line lays across a field instead of causing a bottleneck through a corral. Within 100 yards, you are already running down a STEEP hill so watch your step. Then you loop around a flat shale area before hitting the trails. It was dry so we there wasn’t much mud to worry about. Roots, cut stems, and rocks protruded from the ground so you are continuously watching your step. I fell down running down a slight hill with roots across the trail. There are points where the path narrows into stairs where there is a holdup; good sportsmanship and cheering each other on keeps everyone moving. Afterwards, everyone is telling their tales of the swinging bridge and how they handled it. The course is out and back so you are crossing paths with runners and see the same area.
Post Race: The crowd cheers runners on as they come in. Medals are collected at the shelter next to the finish line. The race was originally advertised to have a barbecue but switched to snacks instead (water, sports gummies, cookies, banana, etc). Ceremonious awards are held for the top 3 overall runners for men and women. Top age group awards collect their winnings at the shelter. They had posted the overall results but I did not see results for age group standings. When the online results were posted two days later, we found out my girlfriend was top 3 in her age group. She Emailed asking if she could have her prize mailed and they did not message back. We were happy with our medals. I got Mjolnir and she got the mace. Both heavy and the mace was surprisingly large.
Overall, we were happy and signed up for the National Championship in Muncie, Indiana!
A must do!
I signed up for this as something different and fun. I had no idea what I was getting into but I truly loved it. The 5K was challenging as it’s … MORE
I signed up for this as something different and fun. I had no idea what I was getting into but I truly loved it. The 5K was challenging as it’s completely through the woods on all different types of terrain, hills, bumps, rocks. Although this course was very challenging (especially for it being my first ever trail run) the scenery going through was beautiful and it kept my mind occupied while running to which was nice. The medal for this race is by far…amazing! Plus you get you tech T-shirt and they feed you afterwards. Well worth the price of admission. On top of that of you finish at the top 3 of your age group (or overall top 3 winners for male/female) you are invited to Nationals next year. I’m going!! 🙂
Fun Trail Run
This was my first trail run, so I don't know how it stacks up to others, but the production was great! The prizes include full size replica swords, daggers, etc. … MORE
This was my first trail run, so I don’t know how it stacks up to others, but the production was great! The prizes include full size replica swords, daggers, etc. The medals are great, there is a post run BBQ meal, costume contest, etc. It was a blast overall. The trail was hard, with steep sections that were a bit sketchy, a bridge that would bounce so you had to be careful as you ran over it. It is certainly a good workout if nothing else!