Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
I am a glutton for punishment and every time I run the 12 or full I ask myself why do I keep doing this to myself? It's addictive. It's gorgeous. It's a true trail race. Climbing, crossing water, using my entire body with all its senses, not just slogging out miles shuffling my feet down some paved road somewhere. It's extremely well organized, friendly people, great aid stations. One year there even was beer at the top of the power line climb.
If doing the full marathon, pace yourself for the second loop. For me the down was more challenging than the up. Be aware of your feet.
Yes, there are rocks, slick single track, roots, water, yellowjackets (only happened to me one year), and lots of climbing. It's glorious.
Highly recommend a soak in the lake at the end of the race
Toughest race I have ever attempted. It is exactly as advertised. Slippery from an early morning rain. Very narrow single track for much of the first half. Really not thrilled with the yellow jackets around mile 3. Loved it, hated it, loved it, hated it, loved it. Not sure if I'm tough enough to go back next year.
Hopefully you are better prepared than me. I've done marathons on the road and trail half marathons, but this one caught me by surprise at how tough it was. I thought I went out slowly enough, but I learned a hard lesson.
Run extremely well by the group in charge - G.U.T.S. Great people, very encouraging all the way around. Food looked good at the end, but my stomach just wasn't going to handle it this day.
Get there early to get the lowdown on the course. It still may not help. Words will not do the course justice.