This has been on my list for years because I love a good scramble. Unlike previous runners, I took the original routing following the Timberline across the Muddy, through the blowdown, recently significantly improved by trail angels. While it's an obstacle course and less runnable, I'm convinced it's easier than the detour's extra 1.3mi and 700' vert. In its current condition I'd guess the original route is 10-15min easier.
The run went smoothly through the first 3 points. Barrett requires a bit of care but not too bad and a spectacular location. Surprisingly met >12 people scattered on Barrett. McNeil trail is kind of brutal, very steep and slippy. I bouldered up Ho Rock for fun and tried to avoid swarming ants. I greatly underestimated Yokum and it kicked my butt. It's a lot of miles, just steep enough that I couldn't jog. There's also blowdown. I made multiple bad choices in the last 800' Echoing previous comments, there is really no trail above 6800'. I forged on through talus to 7050' picking up traces of boot paths and banging myself up pretty thoroughly. One can scramble all the way to 8800', but traffic clearly tapers off above 6800'. Yet on CalTopo there's a "trail" marked to 7200'.
it was an unusually hot day, especially below 6k'. The heat probably slowed me more than anything else. I drank maybe 7L+. I started filtering but when I realized how long it would take I took the chance and filled directly from safe-looking creeks. Time will tell if that was a bad idea. It sure tasted awesome.
Lots of holiday hikers/backpackers/runners/friendly dogs on Timberline between Cloud Cap and Bald Mtn, busiest I've ever seen.
Logistics proved a challenge for me. I dropped camping supplies at the finish the night before and slept at the starting trailhead. Next time I'll stash a lot more water, food in a bear can, and more comforts/conveniences. Unlike the first completer who in pure form hiked back 18mi the next day (!), I was shuttled by a good friend the following morning back to my car.
GPS tracks are split because I started in the wrong mode, switching at 0:45:00. Reported time is final finish timestamp minus start timestamp.