The race itself is a 10k double out-and-back on a mostly-paved greenway along the Little Tennessee River, starting and finishing at the Tassee Shelter Greenway Park. In addition to the 10k event, there was a 1-mile fun run called the "Half-Pint Race" which Kathy completed with the boy in the stroller. The park's main shelter was the headquarters of the race, with signup, checkin, packet pickup, food and drink, and post-race awards all taking place there. Great volunteers met us at the road with parking instructions, and it was no problem getting checked in and collecting our event t-shirts with the great Moonlight Moonshine logo, which was also on the age-group awards, which were laser-etched slices of wood, and the overall winner trophies, which were beautiful glass flasks (love how Dave sticks to a theme).
After the half-pint run was complete (about 8 young-uns took park), the 10k runners were ushered onto the greenway, and then we were off! The greenway had lots of curves as it followed the river, which made it hard to see what was going on ahead or behind you, but there were a few straightaways where you had a bit of a view. In addition, the greenway changed periodically from pavement to gravel and back, so you had to watch the traction a little bit and not get tripped up in the changes. But the route was very picturesque and included some nice views of the river and some brief elevation changes as we went up and down and across some covered or truss bridges across the water. Part of the course was along a municipal disc golf course, so we had some vantage points of where disc golfers were playing along the river as well.About two miles in, we made the first turnaround at a very sudden hill where we climbed to the top, went down the left side, circled a clearing, climbed back up the right side, and then returned the way we came. It was a serious hill and certainly focused us as we ascended and descended a couple of times. The return trip to race headquarters was a nice break from the hills. After passing the shelter about four miles in, where the assembled crowd cheered for us, we were off on the second out-and-back, along a waterlogged path and another bridge that crossed over to part of the greenway that went along the back of several businesses and shops, including the back of a lumber mill that must have been one of the biggest employers back in its day.
After the second turnaround in a park alongside the greenway, we were headed for home and could see anyone else behind us on the route. The last few turns and splashes through the puddles went very quickly, and soon I made the turn for home back to the shelter, where the finish line had been set up. I sprinted across the line and was very relieved to get some water and my prized RC Cola and Moon Pie for finishing. Dave had some great music playing to entertain the runners, and before long he was ready with the awards. I was very delighted to have run better than expected, and wound up taking home 2nd place in my age group! It was a nice surprise and I'm happy to have that etched wood back home on my trophy shelf.
The Moonlight Moonshine 10k was a great event, and I really hope we get to come back and take part in it again. It's a very nice, scenic course along the river with just the right amount of challenge and some great awards, directed by a race director who is determined to make sure every runner has a great time! It was a wonderful visit back to Macon County, and hopefully we'll run this way again soon!
