This is not flat; it rolls down to 11 and then it seems like 12-14 is all uphill. Miles 15 to 18 roll up and down and the end is flat until the last mile. The age group awards are well worth the run, with over 70 pottery awards and only 150 runners. There are 11 aid stations (I'd like more). The scenery is beautiful and there's very little traffic. Great small-town race. The course challenges you and makes you want to come back and do better.

Over its 14 year history, Ellerbe Springs Marathon has developed a cult following in the Carolinas. The race has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most challenging, best-organized marathons around.

With that in mind, I was ready to run Ellerbe Springs after all the hype and huge crowds at big races like Marine Corps, Disney World, and Myrtle Beach.

Ellerbe Springs lived up to its reputation.

The two races directors have run more than 200 races themselves. They know a quality event includes a challenging, scenic course, good volunteers, and good organization. This race has it all.

The course really got my attention. Ellerbe Springs is designed to be a dramatic, ?thinking athlete?s? run. It may be more subtle than Washington?s Marine Corps Marathon, but running Ellerbe Springs is every bit as exciting as running past national landmarks. It also requires much more strategy.

The Ellerbe route carries runners over 26.2 miles of quiet country roads. Hills keep coming mile after mile and, on occasion, open up scenic views of the ?River Hills.? Many hills roll on for a half-mile or more ? and they do not come at random points. Consider the satisfaction of reaching the half-marathon point (and an enthusiastic group of volunteers) at the exact top of a steep, winding 1.5-mile climb. Just past the halfway point, runners face a two-mile downhill stretch that forces them to choose to either bank time or recover before the final miles. Then, not coincidentally, the straightest, flattest stretches (?flat? is relative at Ellerbe Springs) come towards the end, setting the stage for late-race speed duels among strong competitors. Try to find course designs half as exciting in a marathon for the masses.

Whether you are fast or slow, finishing Ellerbe Springs gives a certain satisfaction you do not find in big-city races. You will work at Ellerbe. Your will power will be tested, especially since you may be alone for some of the run. Then, when you finally reach the small, cheering crowd at the end to claim your medal and shirt, you will feel real accomplishment. The few who actually qualify for Boston at Ellerbe Springs are stars among marathoners.

It actually gets better. Runners gather for a free post-race pasta meal. Ellerbe Springs regulars are a friendly cross-section of Southeastern runners. They stick around for several hours swapping stories over chicken and dumplings and beer. You will not find friendlier folks anywhere. Egos are checked at the door. I guess anyone who finishes Ellerbe Springs respects the heck out of anyone else who does the same, regardless of how long it takes them.

If you enjoy running and if you are searching for a satisfying race, this is it. The whole Ellerbe Springs experience leaves me wishing I?d started long-distance running years ago.

If you are looking for a hard and rewarding course, this one is for you. This is the best put together race I have ever run. This race is not a Sunday walk, but wow was it worth it.

My congratulations to the Race Directors and the Mangum Running Club. This is a very well organized and run event.

This was my fourth marathon and most difficult by far. By Mile 12 the unexpectedly warm temperatures combined with the hills described previously made this run a test to finish rather than one to meet a time goal. However, the sense of satisfaction you'll enjoy at the finish is incredible.

In a short e-mail to my father afterward I said, 'I will never, ever have to prove anything to anyone ever again after this race.' Give it a go, I believe you'll feel the same way.

The webpage said something like 'some runners consider this to be a hilly course.' I'd like meet the ones who don't consider this to be a hilly course!
It was funny that when I drove the course I was more concerned about several large farm dogs hanging out beside the road than I was worried about the hills. I run hills all the time so I told myself I'd be okay.

The next morning we lined up at the starting line, I wished a couple of the other runners good luck, the race staff briefed us, we said a prayer, and then someone popped a blown-up paper bag (no kidding) and the marathon was officially underway.

The first half of the marathon went well. My legs were doing fine and my lungs never faltered. But I could not help but notice that every time I came around a corner I was looking up hill again... always running uphill. Slowly my legs started getting angry with me. My wife drove by me around mile 18 and told me I was doing great and I told her I was hurting. The look on her face was funny... I've never told her something like that. I ran with several different people during this one (no one I knew, just a "misery loves company" type of deal). By this time I was running beside a guy from SC. We were both fighting cramps but we talked each other along. At mile 23 I mentioned to him that three miles was usually nothing for me (I deleted the profanity here), but I was starting to get concerned. At mile 25 (where I usually start sprinting or doing a reasonable impression of it) the best I could do was a shuffle. I was never so happy to see a finish line.

I crossed it at 3:40 which was about where I should have been but I don't think I could have run faster if those farm dogs were chasing me. Someone handed me a shirt... you have to finish the race to get the shirt... and I hunted down a something cold to drink.
Afterwards the chicken and dumpling were great. The race staff and volunteers before, during, and after the marathon were wonderful. There is no crowd of fans but the people out there are great.

The post-race celebration was great. Lunch, free beer, and some nice awards (handmade pottery). I managed to get one of the handmade bowls for placing first in my age group (go figure).

I think it is fitting that this was the 13th running of this marathon. I am actually planning on running in the 14th one (maybe it'll be luckier)... I guess I'm a glutten but I can't help but think that I can run it faster next time.

I sent off my application for Grandfather today.....how bad can it be :)?

Bottom line, this was a nice, well run, small marathon worth doing. Once you're done, you'll know a little more about yourself... and the hills of Ellerbe.

This was my second time running Ellerbe and it wasn't much easier the second time. After preparing for the hills, the temperature was in the 60-70's range, adding another layer of difficulty. I second many of the comments before me. The directors--Doug and Mark--are excellent. It is truly a race put on by runners. The course is challenging and the volunteers are wonderful. This is a no-frills race in that there are not thousands of spectators, bands, expos, etc... It's just a tough race with friendly runners put on by good people (and, for me, that's the attraction of it).

This was a nice peaceful run in the country. Not much to see but scrub pines. The hills were not nearly as bad as I was expecting. Grandfather Mountain is tougher and has prettier scenery. Course is not certified, but only came up 1/4 mile long using a Timex GPS watch. Great post-race party.

This was my first marathon. I am from Richmond County, and finishing this course gave me a new respect for Ellerbe. The course is very tough and challenging; but once completed, you feel prepared for anything. I would recommend this marathon to anybody. The race directors, supporters, and fellow racers are great. I was encouraged throughout the race by everyone I met. The pottery awards are unique and beautiful. You have to do this race at least once - you'll never forget it!!

The website should rephrase 'most runners consider this a hilly course' to 'most runners consider this an extremely hilly course' The course rolls from step one to the last step with several long, steep inclines. It is a difficult but beautiful run. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a challenge and if you're afraid of hills... stay home. The marathon is well run with aid stations as often as they could get them around the hills. Frank was wonderful support in his minivan all day long and the chicken and dumplings post race were fantastic!

Now that I have your attention?yes, there were hills and lots of them, but they didn't take away from a great marathon. I was advised by some veterans that this was a course in which to go for a finish, not a time. Good advice, and for once I had the sense to follow it and not feel guilty about so much walking. In fact I walked so much that when I hit an ocassional down hill or flat spot I could never get into an easy breathing or running mode, so just walked and enjoyed the day. There is a two hour early start that is worth taking. The course is almost completly out in the country side, so there were no spectators, but the volunteers were great. Most water stops (although they were far apart) had fruit and one even had soft drinks which were a real bonus. Bottles of water were placed at intervals for the early starters since the aid stations were not yet open. Another nice touch. The food provided by the Inn was fantastic as was the setting. Very relaxing.
I do recommend that you make reservations either at the Inn or in Rockingham (about 10 miles away) early -- if there is a stock car race in Rockingham that weekend, rooms are hard to come by and expensive. (I found out the hard way).
This is a tough course, but well worth it!