For overall toughness I still feel it's pretty much a draw with perhaps a slight nod to Jackson. Jackson, as you know, gives you slightly more than a half mile to get into it and boom...that very steep first hill (although in the shade) and then rising into the sun which is even tougher on a hot day.

After that you could argue that it's a fast course except that the climb (although gradual) to Eagle Mountain House always tires me at that point in the race. Miles 4 and 6 are very fast...mile 6 is almost too fast, again, at that point in the race. I wear racing flats and after that pounding I've about had it but then there's that seemingly endless flat back through town and onto the field. I've always run pretty well there until this year. This old bod could not make the adjustment from a cold spring to the first really warm day. It's truly a tough course...the lengthy hill pretty much at the start can really take it out of you and you've still got quite a ways to go!! I never make up in the downhill what I lose in the uphill.

Pottle Hill is designed totally different but it sure as heck ain't easy!! You get a couple of miles flat to rolling before the hill (with quite a bit of shade) and then you face the hill which is totally exposed...and it was very warm and humid on Saturday! After the hill there is quite a nice stretch of downhills to Route 124 where once again it pretty flat and endless to the finish line. This part was the worst for me...with traffic, etc. The 10K is a tough race distance when you've put out everything on a major climb!

The course records indicate that Jackson is tougher but here's a thought...Jackson is certified. I heard talk of the first mile at Pottle Hill being long but I'm not sure about that. I had trouble finding the mile markers after the first couple of miles so am unsure of my splits. But...I'm wondering how I could have run about 2 minutes faster at Pottle Hill in that heat and humidity. They also moved the start this year so I'm wondering how this thing is measured. It may well be short. I'd like another crack at it.

For scenery and overall experience, you know that it's no contest. Jackson is gorgeous...Pottle Hill is country (not bad but not up to Jackson.)

Race amenities...you partook of the food at Jackson. Again...I'm not knocking it but I grabbed a soda, banana and orange segment at Pottle Hill. Awards ceremonies at both races were handled well with slight confusion at Pottle Hill which was resolved by yours truly!

Jackson has grown as a race...and it's a very good race with excellent organization, etc. Pottle Hill has been going on now for 24 years and probably was the same this year as when it started. It's really an "old tyme" race and yes...that's ok with me. Apparently participation was down this year. Pottle Hill is such a good cause and I really would like to see this race continue. The race director and volunteers are a bit naive (finding the starting line was a challenge) but...so what...they really want their race to be the toughest...actually they don't want to change the t-shirt logo!

Oh yes...Jackson was tougher on my legs...I always do Jackson and I would do Pottle Hill again.

Bottom line...with Pottle Hill not certified it's not a true contest but will give 10's to both for toughness.