I'm in my mid 40s and been running CC continuously since HS. I liked this course, but it is the hardest course I have ever run. No single element was that tough, but repeating each 5 times made it very hard.
The start/finish straight was uneven footing with grass, gravel, mud and some snow on a decent sized hill. The loop uphill was over half the distance of the loop and several short steeps that really hobbled the stride. Only the last 200m or so after the hay bails was it possible to open up the stride. The upper portion (250m) of the downhill was somewhat gradual but with an off camber turn at the top, then enter a steep, rocky, muddy section where lots of people fell. Then a mild uphill with sharp turns, then a moderate downhill into a treacherous off camber right turn to begin the grinding climb. Through a series of very sharp turns in the trees, then out on the grass which was tough with the step ups, but good footing and fairly even. Repeat 4 more times, then bomb down uneven grass and gravel through snow and mud to the finish.
Weather was high 30s, partly cloudy with a decent wind.
If it had snowed or rained, there would likely have been some serious injuries. Spikes were essential in my opinion, but I do know someone who wore flats and said it was ok.
By the end of the 3rd lap, my legs were completely dead. Did not slow down much, but there was no attack left at the finish.
