This race is one that I truly enjoy and look forward to returning to every year. The course scenery, organization, and finish are among the best I have been involved in. I have run in some of the biggest marathons around, but this race is my favorite. The new course change gets a huge thumbs up!!!

Grandfather Mountain Marathon is quite simply 'everything a marathon should be'. The race is held as part of the Highland Games, and finishes on a gravel track, in the midst of the Games, at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Contrary to other opinions concerning the connection of the marathon with the Highland Games, this race is an integral part of the games that is celebrated by both the runners and Scottish clans in attendance. No marathon (not even Boston) has a more spectacular and moving finish than Grandfather Mountain. When you start to hear the bagpipes about a half-mile from the finish, you know that you have accomplished something special. As a 7-time finisher over the last ten years, I am always amazed at the rousing reception I receive as I run the final 400 yards around the track. The original route of the marathon traces along secluded (curvy and hilly) mountain roads through some of the most beautiful sections of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is not a race for the needy runners who require hand-holding, Gatorade and PowerBars every quarter-mile, and a porta-potty around every bend in the road. The race route travels over remote mountain roads, and the race organizers have always done an excellent job of providing well-stocked (Gatorade & water) aid stations at appropriate intervals (every 2-3 miles). The Grandfather Mountain Marathon has a lengthy tradition that keeps hundreds of dedicated runners returning every year. Running in this race every year along the original, traditional route is a privilege that the true veterans of this race look forward to all year long. Its only been one week since I rounded the final curve at the base of Grandfather Mountain, and I can't wait to hear the bagpipes next year. If you are a runner who enjoys a worthy challenge and a fair test of endurance, come to Grandfather Mountain on the second Saturday in July.

I loved running this race. It was my first attempt, and I ended up finishing with a superb time. It certainly was tough, but I was expecting that. I have to disagree with some comments about organization. The race people could not have been nicer to me, as I had lots of questions. I also - based on previous information - knew that this was a no-frills event, and I frankly did not care. I brought sufficient gels and energy bars for during the race and after. The water stops were sufficient for me, and the people were nice. The course was different this year, but still scenic. I got lots of applause on the track and accepted it and clapped back the whole way around. I never got the feeling it was not for me or they did not care. The thing that got me to the end of this race was knowing I would get that lap. I caught the shuttle quickly, and was back in Boone before lunch. Granted, their was not much to eat at the finish, but I learned one thing: I frankly love eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and now wish more marathons would contemplate offering them. They tasted really good after that grueling run. I would definitely run this race again, and I love that it keeps its small-town atmosphere. You just need to look past frills, or pick a big city marathon if you can't.

I just want to say that I absolutely enjoyed running this marathon this past weekend. The volunteers were great, the scenery was awesome, and the course was challenging. I run marathons to be out in nature and to gain a sense of achievement. I don't run for a medal, or a shirt, or food. I have run Paris, Wurzburg, the MCM, and several others, and found this the most challenging. I enjoyed every aspect of it. I recommend it to everyone, but make sure you train for it. Well done!

I just read the comments by Fifty-Stater, and I agree wholeheartedly with him/her as to the Highland Games connection. What is the magic here? It means very little to the marathoners, and even less to the Highland Games people. The finish line is still a weak point with this race, as I said in a comment last year. I have done four straight now, and I'll come back because I love the course. I also love the Boone and Blowing Rock areas. And, I have no problem with a no-frills race, but if that is going to be the format, then runners shouldn't have to contend with so much traffic and a disorganized finish line. I vote with Fifty-Stater to sever the tie to the Highland Games, and have this race stand on its own. The purists among us will agree: all of that fanfare and carnival atmosphere appeals to the running dilettantes out there.

This was my 45th marathon and 26th state. Obviously, I liked the course very much - it was quite challenging (they call it 'America's Toughest Marathon') and very scenic. The weather was very good (60 to 70 deg. during the race). Overall, I really enjoyed the event and wouldn't mind coming back some day. This event could be world-class if several improvements were made:

(1) The organizers need to exercise a little more courtesy to the runners. When I contacted a race official via email, asking some questions and informing her I was running this race to get NC, she told me that '50-staters' probably shouldn't try this race, since the time limit is 5 hours - my friend and I both did it under 4 hours, and I was injured before the race began. Generally, the packet pickup workers were very short with us, virtually DEMANDING to see our photo ID, as if we were up to something. It's almost as if the race officials didn't really want to put on the event. There were no congratulations at the finish line. The 10,000 'spectators' at the finish were there for the Highland Games and couldn't care less about the marathon - we were just a nuisance. With dozens of tents set up for the games, the marathoners got one small tent located down in a hole, off to the side by the porta-johns, with a few stale bagels, some Gatorade, and cut-up bananas. The finisher's medal is very ordinary and small. Whoops! No porta-johns on the course! The first few aid stations had water only. (Talk about low budget)! The short-sleeved t-shirt was just OK, but the course profile on the back was totally bogus. We had to catch a couple of different vans to finally get back to the starting line. They need to get more organized and treat the runners with a little more care and dignity, rather than like unwanted stepchildren. It seemed like the first annual, not the 36th annual.

(2) The course in the Blue Ridge Mountains was fairly scenic ,with lots of trees, but there really weren't many good view of the mountains. The bus brought us down a slight different way (on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I think) which was extremely scenic. It would have been nice to go up that way, perhaps. Traffic on the course was fairly heavy and dangerous at times. The course is challenging, taking most people 15-30 minutes longer than a flat marathon, but I have run several just as tough or tougher. Even though it was sunny, the course seemed about 80% shaded with a nice cool breeze in your face most of the way.

(3) The whole thing about connecting this marathon with the annual Highland Games is a little odd. Again, the marathoners are viewed as just being in the way - virtually no one in the finish area paid any attention to the runners, except the other runners. The games made traffic heavy, and made hotel rooms expensive - we stayed in a dump at $130 a night. Seems to me they could hold a marathon in the fall when the leaves are turning and traffic is less. They could probably attract several thousand runners instead of limiting it to 400. I'm not trying to rip this event apart (and I really don't think the organizers care if I do or not). It's beautiful country and the volunteers were fabulous. Just pay attention to some of the details - charge a little more money if necessary, and give the runners something nice at the finish. Let the runners have their own celebration at the finish line. Forget the Highland Games and put on your own world-class event in the fall.

All that said, thanks for your hard work and for the fun weekend.

This was my first marathon. (I have run Disney World and Miami since.) It was a great experience. The organization was fine. The course was something to see. Beautiful forests, the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you don't need thousands of people that don't know you to cheer you on, this is a great race. Actually more like a fast nature walk than a marathon. I had no problems navigating the course and getting to the finish line. The workers were enthusiastic and very helpful. I live in south Florida and train on flat land at sea level so the hills were tough toward the end. But marathons are not supposed to be easy are they? The food and drink at the end were adequate. The event here is the run, not the food. Hearing bagpipe music in the distance while running in a foggy mist is an unbelievable experience that I will not forget. Stick around and take in the Highland Games. I'm coming back.

This is a great run in the hills. The course is beautiful and tough but far from impossible. I was about 20 minutes slower than a normal flat marathon time. The course is mostly deserted until you approach the finish at the Highland Games. It's quite a rush to crest the hill onto the cinder track and have about 10,000 people in all their clan gatherings cheering for you. The logistics of finding your way back to Boone can be a little challenging. It's definitely a race to try if you are up for an adventure.

Beautiful course, beautiful volunteers, beautiful race. The best run I have ever had. A thousnad thank yous to all those involved in the organizing of this very special event. To those who complained about the food: fresh fruit and water are all you should need at the end of a marathon. Do you run for the challenge or for the food at the end? If you run for the food, maybe you should stop running. Can't wait for next year and another beautiful day!

I have read all the posts on this race prior to mine and I am not surprised at the diversity of comments. GMM runners usually love it or hate it. Put me squarely in the love it category.

GMM was my 4th marathon back in 1993. I wanted to do something challanging and close to home. As I drove the course the day before with my spouse she remarked, 'I wouldn't blame you if you didn't run this.' Run/walk I did and finished in 4:45 a full 45 minutes slower than any of my other marathons. Although I was 'whipped' by the course, I knew immediately I would be back. Finishing at the Highland Games was exhilarating and should bring you close to tears (especially the first time). We attended the games that day and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Nearly everyone who recognized me as a finisher congratulated me on the run.

This marathon will deceive the first time competitor. You must avoid the temptation to run too quickly even though the first 15 miles seem to betray the mountain difficulty. After you leave the Blue Ridge Parkway around 15.5 the long steady climb begins to take its toll. Over the years I have witnessed many reduced to walking from 18 miles on in. I personally believe this race is all about miles 18 - 26.2. Relax in the beginning and you will thank yourself later. In 1994 I returned to run a 4:15 - course knowledge is so valuable.

For those who didn't like the organization, buses, food, course monitors, etc... FEEL FREE NOT TO RETURN. I have worked many race events and this one is far from being ill organized. I'm surprised the Director is able to put it together considering all the obstacles and small number of runners (please read this as limited budget). My thanks to all the very creative and enthusiastic volunteers. You were superb.

Please consider this marathon if you have not done it before. Do not expect to be pampered. After all - You are a marathoner aren't you? Overlook any inconvenience and be glad you have the health and desire to complete something like this.

See you in 2003.