Oh, Dave...that looks like a beautiful race. Sounds like a recipe for a fantastic run! My very favorite race course (a HM) is a paved path that goes all the way around a lake that we used to live near...same community where did works and the didlet goes to school. The entire course is visible from the street, but the path is safe, so it's more-or-less a closed course (runners just need to watch at side-street intersections). Much of the course in the shade, views of the lake, small race. I am really bummed that it won't fit into my marathon training this year. I think it is only 2-3 weeks before the big race...a little too close for comfort.

Nah...I have a feeling I'd still overdo it. I'd want to beat my PR from last year. Better to do a long run without paying a race entry fee.