The high level of competition, a fun and challenging course, and many traditions all contribute to an enjoyable and successful event. The course features a golf course while bemused golfers hold their shots, a wildlife refuge, a cemetery, Southwestern Michigan Community College campus, cross country trails through woods, over stone fences and hay bales, country roads amidst cornfields and wildflowers, markers in both miles and kilometers, and signs which encourage and entertain participants.
Runners do have the option of going around the obstacles.
Traditions include original stained-glass awards, and age group awards according to the number of competitors in a particular age group. Awards went to as many as twelve or as few as one in an age group. Another tradition is the music at the start, a dozen stations along the course and at the post-race party. Water at the start and along the course is plentiful and includes showers and hoses just when you need. Great post-race goodies include popsicles, watermelon, bananas, oranges, and apples.