This was my first time running the Dipsea and boy what an experience.  First off this isn't a walk in the park. This run consist of mostly trail running and most of it single track.  There are multiple paths/shortcuts to take.  Definitely wear some type of trail/hiking shoes as running shoes wouldn't cut it.  Ran in the morning so it was foggy at the top of Mt. Tam but still had some beautiful views and scenery.  This also made the trail very muddy at times and slippery.  The trail can become treacherous but that's all part of the fun! Overall this was a very very intense "trail" race to me anyway, one which I will now be doing every year from now on.