After a friend had recommended to do this race, I found myself at Timpanagos Park at 8:00 to do my first trail race at Utah. The weather didn't look very pleasent, but it seemed to clear up and everybody was hoping that no more rain would come. I saw some guys I had seen before at trail races belonging to the Cascadia Trail Series when I was cheering my wife. However, altogether it didn't seem to be too competetive. The first 1 or 2 miles we ran uphill on a dirt road before a left turn leading on a mountain trail. At position 3 - 4 I felt quite comfortable. However, after another 1 -2 miles we reached a very muddy road and I could feel my shoes picking up the dirt with every step. I had some trouble sinking into the mud a bit more than light runners. I was a bit disappointed at this point because we weren't on a mountain trail any more and it was quite flat. However, after having reached the first aid station after 6 miles it became interesting. We headed up dry canyon which was so steep that I sometimes had to walk. Being at position 3 with no one in sight in front of or behind me, I could stop to enjoy the view on the Utah Valley and on the Provo canyon at the highest point of the race (1980 m). Then, it started it rain and to hail turning the trail into a creek. I could run downhill very controlled because I didn't have to worry about my position. After 1:46 h I finished third. Total elevation gain was approx. 700m. It's a great race and I think I will do it again next year with hopefully less mud.
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