Decided to try this out and was so glad I did. It is one awesome day!
After reading other trip reports, I decided to go CCW starting at the Chimmeys Trailhead. I started at about 6:30, though the sunrise was dampened by the cloud cover.
The first section of trail was definitely difficult to run and at times, difficult to navigate. Everything was soggy and slippery, due to intense thunderstorms the night before, so I started slow as I did not want the run to end in injury right off the bat. Where the trail was runnable, grasses obscured footing, so had to take it slow. There were multiple creek crossings and within the first 2 miles and my shoes were damp, but what can you expect?
The first climb was fun, and running the AT for the next section was very enjoyable. My legs were awake and I felt good. The run down sweat heifer creek trail was so fun! I loved that section. Coming up the other side was good and I started running into more hikers. Once again, the AT was generally runnable, though it got technical approaching the icewater springs shelter. I also thought I had missed the cutoff, so had to double check the map at this point.
Boulevard trail was nice and runnable up until the ascent up Mt. LeConte. I was tired and it got sunny and hot at this point. I ran out of electrolyte drink and definitely felt some cramping. I was so excited when I got to the top of Mt. LeConte! Alum Cave trail was slick on the way down and between that and the number of hikers making their way up, I couldn't quite push to catch the mixed team time, though I did try!
The road run section sucked as cars really were not paying attention. I would probably park at Alum Caves and run the road first before it gets busy. It did start pouring as I made my way down the road, but I luckily got to the car within a few minutes of the downpour.
Sore today, but had a ton of fun and would highly recommend!