I started the course Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11:24. The weather was hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (a little warm for the season). I started the course at Dennis Johnston Park, which is at mile marker 13. I ran southeast toward Jessie Jones Park or mile marker 1 near I-69. Somewhere along the way, my gps watch stopped tracking, but I had Strava on my phone in my vest, so I was still able to track correctly. I made a pit stop at Jessie Jones Park to use the bathroom and get water and then continued until I reached the Interstate and turned back around. On the way back I made a pit stop at Pundt Park for water. Jessie Jones and Pundt Park are the best places for a pit stop because they are right on the trail. Carter Park and Dennis Johnston Park have facilities, but you have to get off trail a bit to get to them. I made it back to Dennis Johnston Park and enjoyed knowing I just had 3 miles to go until turning around again to finish. Mile marker 16 is under the I-45 bridge, but I kept going a bit more until the trail actually ends. So, while this advertises a 15.9 mile trail it is definitely 16+. I finished up the final 3 miles with a smile on my face.
The trail was gorgeous! There is plenty of undulation to keep things interesting, so you never feel like you're staring at a long stretch of running. It's tree line keeps the trail shaded throughout the day. On Friday afternoon there were people out using the trail, but not so many that it was a bother. I'm sure Saturday's have more people. Having several parks along the way ensures that you can support yourself quiet easily.
I felt like I had a good run. I don't do that much mileage on paved surfaces so that made me a bit sore, but it was worth it! I felt good most of the run but got a little nauseous by the end. All in all, pretty fun and easy way to run an FKT!