Let me start with a simple statement. This is a seriously cool race that I will run again next year. If you love trail races and are happy to tackle a bad ass course then this race is definitely for you. However, if you haven't trained for trail, or haven't got a decent level of fitness then this course will chew you up and spit you out without so much as a 'ohhh look, Red Deer on the course'. 1200 elevation gain, mud, tricky technical sections, open fields with cross winds and a beast of a hill climb to finish. It's got everything you'd want! If you like the path less trodden and beautiful countryside then this is the race for you. I wore a hydration pack which served me well as the drink stations were not exactly frequent. Don't expect many spectators on route and getting away after the event takes time. The race village is easy to find and parking on site not a problem. This year we were given technical t-shirts before the event. A lot of people wore them which made for great photos but honestly the t-shirts weren't the best quality so I'd stick to what I know. Besides, a finishes T before finishing? The bling - totally nowt special and no goody bag. At the end of the day this is a great cause, the race is incredibly tough but beautiful and a real trail treat. If you love trail, this is totally for you BUT don't underestimate it. I saw seasoned runners suffering on this course.