We stayed toward the back of the 15KM pack – in hindsight, we should have started closer to the front as we found ourselves passing a lot of people on the course.
We started with a lap around the dusty dirt track field before heading up into the trails. Immediately, we were met with human congestion. Apart from the (concrete) downhills and the last couple of kilometers, the trails were packed with fellow participants.
Some stretches however, allowed for runners two (or more!) abreast and we were able to pass on the right. We encountered severe bottlenecks during the climbs and at the sole aid station.
Spring weather can be volatile. What had been a relatively chilly evening the night before gave way to a cool morning and a warm afternoon. I handle the heat well, but I was happy to be in a tank top, shorts, and trail shoes.
I carried the mandatory 500mL of hydration and with only one aid station, this requirement was not only understandable but very much necessary given the heat. Gloves were also mandated but I didn’t bring them, no one checked, and quite frankly, gloves would have quickly overheated me.