This was my fifth time running the Ellerbe Springs Marathon, and each time I have had the time of my life. If you want to experience "smaller is friendlier," this is the race for you. The Ellerbe Springs Marathon is truly about experiencing the joy of running. After you finish an Ellerbe Springs Marathon, you start counting down the days till the next one.

Very rural, and very hilly (as advertised), but not so severe that you can't run reasonably well if trained. Super friendly!!! Great post-race atmosphere, including cold beer and hot food. They gave out unique pottery awards for many finishers, and also great sweatshirts with the course profile on the back. There were cheap accommodations in nearby Rockingham. It says a lot that, from this small field, there are so many good comments just days after the race.

Great job to all of the MTC folks! They did it again. This marathon is a must for anyone looking for a good challenge and downhome hospitality at its best.

Small-town marathons rule! The volunteers (who also served as spectators) were great. The hilly course was well marked. Couldn't have asked for better weather.

Great race. Stayed at the inn and walked out of the inn to the start line. The weather was great, the hills are real, and the volunteers were amazing. If you like New York crowds, this might not be the race for you; but I think this race is a hundred times more enjoyable.

Every Mangum Track Club event I have run has been an amazing experience.

There are a lot of hills, and some rocky pavement, but the spectators and organization are phenomenal.

Great atmosphere - small race, and everyone seemed pretty friendly.

Would highly recommend this race!

This was my first marathon - and I was very slow! :) Never having run a race in my life, I came alone and couldn't have done it without everyone's help! The aid station workers were extra helpful and encouraging. The EMS workers drove around giving me the thumbs up!! :) And the other marathon worker guys driving around to make sure we were all ok - they would drive beside me and talk to me. You have no idea how that got me through!! :) Everyone was SUPER - even though I was slow! Thank you!!! Crossing the finish line was more fulfilling than getting my bachelor's degree in nursing! :) Ok... maybe not quite... but pretty close!

This was my first marathon (on my 43rd birthday), so I have nothing to compare it with, but it felt like a relaxed atmosphere and race sponsors and participants were friendly and encouraging. It is pretty hilly, but I had done some hill training and it didn't seem too bad. Not a lot of spectators, but that is why I chose a smaller, rural marathon for my first. I will likely run this one again.

This was a scenic tour of NC with good traffic control on the roads. The course was very pleasant, without too much grade to the road. The weather was outstanding. The course was hillier than most; some of the inclines were longer than half of a mile (I think), but none of the inclines were steep. The course was well stocked, with energy gel and drinks. This was a great run for me and my family.

Beautiful country roads. Tough hills. Well organized, with great volunteers. Not for the narcissist - spectators are sparse, as you would expect, but they are enthusiastic. Overall, a great race.