Be sure to read the course description. This was billed as a cross country run, which I figured would mean running on dirt paths. Turned out to be a really fun course with lots of imagination. Fortunately I prepared for the water crossings and didn't have to run in water logged socks.
Started off at a pretty quick pace as four other guys shot off the front. At Mile 1, I had moved up to third place and was about a minute off the lead. This is where we scrambled down a steep rock strewn hill to the improvised trial. Muddy and tough going. The water crossing wasn't so much a crossing as a jump in the water and run down the river a ways. Caught second place after this crossing on a short hill. Tried to run down first place through the rabbit trail but he was a fast 20-something. Nearly fell on the last water crossing and then hoofed it home. Overall I felt alright but was definitely a little flat. Trying to push through the terrain sapped me a bit I think.

Could almost have got away with spikes here. First bit on the sidewalk had a dirt trail next to it. How cool would have that been? Haven't worn spikes since college!

Walked around, drank a ton, it was already pushing 80 degrees! Obviously no aid stations for this type of race. Stretched but my legs actually felt really good afterwards.
Took second overall but first place was involved in the "Toughest Competitor Alive" and hadn't registered for the open 5k, so I ended up getting first place for the actual race. Still second in my book. Insultingly, apparently being 36 puts me in the "Senior" division. Seriously.


Different type of race than anyone really trains for. I don't do any hardcore trail running.


It was a fun race on a great course. I didn't come for the aid stations or post race activities. Just wanted to gauge my fitness against other peers (and show what a little guy can do ;)