This race was my first 50-miler and my 4th ultra marathon. This is a real trail race on single-track, twisty/turny root and rock-covered trail. YUM!
The course support on this race is phenomenal. The course markings are perfect and you'd have to be a moron to get lost. (And I'm pretty directionally-challenged!) Aid station volunteers know exactly what runners need like ice, water, potatoes, gels, candy, pickles, quesadillas, chips, and anything else you can think of. They were encouraging and willing to even rub Glide on my sweaty back where my pack was rubbing me!
There is no expo the night before. But there's a great meeting where the race directors talked about what to expect. They also served an amazing pasta meal and gave us our swag--long sleeve t-shirt-like hoodies and nice cinch sacks. Also, the finisher awards were handmade, locally made mugs with the distance on them. (I LOVE MINE and ONLY DRINK MY COFFEE FROM IT NOW.)
This was the hardest race I've ever done. Of course, being my first 50-miler, I knew it would be hard. The terrain adds to the difficulty.
But, I'll be back.