Packet pick-up was a breeze….I chose to pick mine up the day before @ the race site. Nice little goodie bag, and a quality tech shirt. Free parking was available. Arrived early Saturday for the event, found plenty of parking. Noticed there were only a few porta-potties, so decided to hit them early. The long porta-pottie lines resulted in the race starting a little late.
Last minute course instructions were going at the start line, then we were off!
Course were marked, but around mile 3(?) it was a little confusing and I was sent off course by a volunteer. By the the time I was redirected, my early lead was gone, and we were actually running off course. We had actually bi-passed a section of the course, but they caught the error in time and we got directed back onto the trail and made up the missing miles, and still managed to run the entire 13.1. I got directed onto the wrong trail a 2nd time during the race, having to backtrack again (the joys of trail running!)
The course was beautiful!!! Loved the views and the single track trails the best.
We were instructed to carry hydration, but the fully staffed, friendly aid stations were enough.
I was surprised to receive a wine glass AND a finishers medal at the finish line. Score!!
Water, Zico coconut water, bananas, and oranges were available post race. And wine!
A DJ played music post race while we waited for awards making it a relaxed, fun atmosphere. I was disappointed there weren’t more local vendors at the post race party since I was hoping to get some information about the local wineries.
Awards for overall top 3 finishers fit the wine country theme. I received a a plaque covered with wine corks and also received a gift certificate from runningskirts.com. For a small race, they had better swag then a large race!
It was hard to believe this was an inaugural race because it ran so smooth!!! Some of the larger races could learn from this one.
I will definitely be running this one again next year!