To be perfectly blunt, if you require bands, costume contests, camaraderie and pace groups to make a marathon as a beautiful thing, then stay away from this race. If, however, you want to see what the roots of the organized marathon movement were about from the early 1970's, then sign up and enjoy.

There are many events happening at this race - bi's, tri's and foot races of every popular distance. There is a start and finish line, and minimal - but adequate - on-course support. Other than that, you are on your own for a two-lap, black ribbon, rolling, open highway, asphalt run through rural Elma, WA in the afternoon elements. The timing, pacing, traffic control and some navigating are basically up to the runner. Your only "crowd" support will be from another competitor, but those will be few, far and fleeting.

This to me is simply a runner's run - no swag, no nonsense. Line up and spend the better part of a lone afternoon with yourself if you dare.