Miles 1, 3, and 4 are tough at over 8,000 ft. I overheard a course veteran suggesting not to worry, plenty of time to make up the difference. I ran an 8:44 on the first mile, and was over 9:30 on 3 and four and finished with a 7:53 overall pace...and thats with two slow miles at the end due to cramping. I train on hills, lots of hills. Most of this course felt like recovery running. Great course.