Section 1

The start is at the top of McGee Hill, overlooking the Mississippi river valley. Enjoy the view as the first light of dawn illuminates the valley.

There's a nasty little hill shortly after the start, but the rest of this section is mostly downhill. Some of it is very steep, with a tight hairpin turn, so be sure that the number one runner enjoys downhill running.

Most of the section passes through a beautiful, quiet wooded area. As you near the exchange, however, you will see a huge crowd of people waiting to cheer you on for the last hundred yards.