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☰
Ellerbe Springs Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Ellerbe Springs Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 3.3
Number of comments: 82 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
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Shannon Price from Blacksburg, Virginia
(3/27/2005)
 "You need to try this race." (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Ellerbe Springs Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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L. M. from Virginia Beach, VA
(5/21/2004)
 "One Tough But Very Rewarding Race" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Ellerbe Springs Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. | |
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Scott Lyon from Greensboro, NC
(4/1/2004)
"Some people consider this a hilly course" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Ellerbe Springs Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. | |
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B. M. from Greensboro, NC
(3/30/2004)
"Still hilly (but hot this year, too)" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Ellerbe Springs Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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). | |
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d. c. from georgia
(8/28/2003)
 "Expected a lot tougher" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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. | |
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Christy Dixon from Hamlet, North Carolina
(7/13/2003)
"Tough, yet absolutely beautiful course." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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!! | |
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2nd marathon.... looking for easier third from north carolina
(4/1/2003)
 "extremely hilly but beautiful course" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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! | |
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C. M. from Pensacola, Florida
(3/31/2003)
"What hills?" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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! | |
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A Runner from Minneapolis, Minnesota
(4/7/2002)
"GREAT MARATHON! Had lots of fun." (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Beautiful course. Great location -Ellerbe Springs Inn. Well organized, with every detail covered. The pasta feed, the aid stations, the support along the course, and of course the after party with those wonderful awards. The people there are some of the nicest folks you would meet anywhere. I would love to do this one again. It was truly a fun event and a GREAT WEEKEND! | |
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Ross Baker from Charlotte, NC
(4/7/2002)
"a challenge of will and skill" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my ninth and, by far, my most difficult marathon. Beautiful but extremely demanding course (the hill known as Hannibal is aptly named) that should be undertaken by those who appreciate the purest elements of running without all of the fanfare and corporate claptrap of the larger races. Crowd support was pretty much relegated to the wonderful locals who manned the aid stations and the race officials themselves, who attended to the needs of the runners in a very personable way. The only real adjustment I had to make was watching my hydration more carefully due to the spacing of the aid stations (every couple of miles as opposed to every mile in most races) but they advertise this on the website so there are no excuses not to be prepared. The chicken and dumpling post-race meal was quite unique as was the down-home congratulations you receive when you cross the finish line. I recommend bringing a friend to run with unless you enjoy stretches where it seems you are the last man on earth, except for the occasional eighteen wheeler whizzing by. All in all, a very satisfying adventure that will introduce, or re-introduce, you to the undulating majesty of the North Carolina countryside and the indescribable feeling of accomplishment. |
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