The route was very engaging at the start, with about six miles of single track that was technical. The trail was well maintained, but covered with leaves and with some slick rocks from a light drizzle a couple hours before. The route was marginally shorter in person than it was online for this section because the intersection (where the trail to Loudon Heights hit the AT) was moved slightly down the mountain from where it had previously been. The section up to Maryland Heights was really just a fitness test with groomed dirt road extending all the way to the crest of the climb at an average grade of 13%. This climb is basically just a fitness test with no technicality and a very uniform grade. The last climb, the climb up to Weaver Cliffs, is the most trafficked of the three climbs and if someone was to attempt a fast FKT, I would start early. This climb is also a climb that would be easy to push hard because it is the last climb with almost no elevation gain after it. Once this climb is over, there is just downhill to the finish. Make note to stay as close as possible to Shenandoah road on that dirt path because it is easy to think that another trail is the intended route due to them all running parallel. Take the path directly adjacent to the road.
I treated this run like a long run and just ran at a moderate pace given no one has established a time near what a race effort on this route would look like. I ran with a friend (Logan) for about 11 miles until after coming down from Maryland Heights Trail. I carried about 55 ounces of water and about 200 grams of carbs. Since my effort was moderate, I only consumed about 100 grams. Given the colder temperatures, 40-45 degrees, I could have gotten away with a singular handheld or no water at all over this route. I also stopped to talk to someone that I ran into from home, Marin, on the trail to Weaver Cliffs and chatted for five to ten minutes which is another place where I gained a lot of time.
If someone was to push on this route, I think the time could easily decrease down to two hours for the whole route. Hopefully this run will make others want to attempt a much faster time or just try the route as a way to explore this area. I would not have explored this route without the route, so, I am thankful for this being created.