I am in town on business and I see a sign along the road in front of my hotel for the race. I went to the races website and decide to sign up. The more I read on active's comment section for the race and hear listening to the other runners, this is going to be challenging. I don't do any trail running training, and I do much better at downhills than I do uphills, so the goal is to try and maintain a steady pace at or below 10 minute miles. At the start I just move with the crowd, it starts out up a hill, so it is a reasonable starting pace. After maybe a quarter mile we turn into the vineyards. From there it is up hill one row and down hill the next, repeat. None of the uphills are easy and the down hills are challenging due to the sand and washed out areas. Surprised that after the first 2 miles I am right at 9 minute miles, then the 3rd mile really hits the steep hill, I slow to 9:42. There was also the second water stop and I walk to get a good drink as the sun was beating down pretty good.
Miles 4 and 5 turn away from the hill and back towards the winery and when we re-enter the vineyards it is fairly flat, although there are a lot of critter holes that you have to watch to avoid serious ankle issues. I manage to turn my ankles several times, but none serious enough to create long term issues.
Final mile has a fairly long, but not as steep climb before the final downhill to the finish.

Nothing, I did this for fun and it was!!

I found Connie and grabbed some water and oranges and found a shady spot.


I have never done much running in sands or trails.


Very well run race with plenty of water stations and post race refreshments! Race announce at the finish does a very good job of making the race seem bigger than it is!
If you can handle the course, I would recommend this even with the higher price tag!