Maisha Smith-Trau's Staging Area

I have to say—this was one of my favorite runs!

The Rattlesnake Dick Race delivers an experience that’s equal parts fun, quirky, and challenging in the best way. Even before the race starts, the energy is on point. The pre-race atmosphere alone is worth it—complete with a guy dressed as “Rattlesnake Dick” for photos, which honestly just sets the tone for how unique this event is.

The course itself was a blast. It’s a downhill start followed by a climb back up, which can be a little rough if you’re not prepared—but it’s absolutely doable, even for a first-time trail runner. It gives you that perfect mix of challenge and accomplishment without feeling overwhelming.

And let’s talk about the swag—because they nailed it. The medal is easily one of my favorites: heavy, beautifully designed, and definitely earned. It’s the kind of medal you’re actually excited to show off.

Overall, I was so impressed with this race. From the fun pre-race vibes to the course design and awesome swag, it’s one I’d recommend to anyone looking to dip their toes into trail running or just have a really good time on the course.

Oh. My. Freaking. Word.

I was not ready for this race—but wow, what an experience.

Running the Formidable Race in Auburn was equal parts humbling and incredible. If you’ve never done a trail race before, let me just say this: they are a whole different beast—and so much fun.

The scenery alone is worth it. Auburn has some of the prettiest running routes in the state, hands down. Between the rolling hills, natural landscapes, and peaceful trails, it’s the kind of race where you almost forget how hard you’re working… almost.

Because let’s talk about the difficulty—this race does not play around. The elevation, terrain, and technical aspects make it a true challenge. It pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, but that’s also what made it so rewarding at the finish line.

One thing to note: the route can be a little tricky to follow at times. It’s not impossible, but you definitely need to stay alert and pay attention to the markers. If you do that, you should be just fine.

And can we talk about the swag? Because they absolutely nailed it. The gear was high quality, well-designed, and actually something you’ll want to wear again—not just toss in a drawer.

Overall, we were beyond impressed with this race. From the challenge to the views to the overall vibe, it delivered on every level. We’re already looking forward to going back (and maybe being a little more prepared next time 😅).

As a first-time trail runner, the Auburn 10 Mile was no joke—and I loved every minute of it. The course was incredibly challenging with constant elevation changes, technical terrain, and moments that truly tested both strength and grit. The scenery was absolutely stunning, reminding you why trail running is worth the effort. To make it even more memorable, it rained during the run, turning the trails slick and muddy and somehow making the experience even more fun. Hard, humbling, beautiful, and exhilarating—this race pushed me out of my comfort zone and officially hooked me on trail running.

This is a race for all types of runners. The course was great with a few hills. You are able to take pictures with characters on. The vibe is so energetic! We can not wait to do more.