1. COURSE- As far as I remember, the design was identical to the previous year, which was a good thing. Using the boardwalk, nature trails, beach, and bay offered in this park, the three mile course was as diverse as you'll find. Obstacles were the same as the year before, but wished there could have been a few more added (6 total?) and some that were not so easy like the 15 yard tunnel crawl or the single 4 foot wall in the trail section (the 10k race does have additional obstacles). The mud pit was still a classic and was as sloppy as ever, leaving everyone covered in muck from head to toe. GRADE = B
2. FESTIVAL- Despite the early morning rain, the afternoon cleared up to be a great fall day for hanging around (caked in the drying mud) and partying with the other 5000 mud runners. A band kept the crowd entertained while chowing down on the "free" food, but the fact that there was NO beer has to knock it down a letter grade, since it's pretty much a staple of these events to include a free pint with your signup, or at least offer beer for sale. Vendors with samples and contests going on (won a free Marines shirt for doing pullups) were a fun option for before or after the race, and for spectators looking for something to do while everyone had fun getting muddy. GRADE = B
3. SWAG- Like I mentioned, free food but no beer- so we'll call that part even. Where they win an added letter grade is with the other freebies in the participant bag- awesome tech shirt, "versatile head gear" (ie head band/scarf), and a bunch of other samples and coupons. Unique dog tag finisher medal and placing medals stand out from the other races, and also help earn some points in this review. GRADE = A
OVERALL GRADE = B
