I had read the reviews of 2007 and still decided to give this race a try, and I'm very glad I did. I think it was one of the nicer marathons I've run. It just depends on what your looking for in a run. I prefer the smaller crowds and less hoopla. I found there to be plenty of water stops, but I've always worn a Camelbak for each run just in case. The scenery is really very nice and the wildlife was abundant.

The only thing I found difficult was the flat course. I prefer some hills just to use more varied muscle groups; my calf was very tight at the end of the race.

The race directors were very accommodating and let us start early. The hoody is very nice; there was a nice bag as well as a mug for finishing. The winners got a railroad stake that was bronzed, silver or gold. The food after the race was adequate. I would do this race again. It was my 2nd favorite route. My 1st would be Grand Island Trail Marathon. My least liked would be the Green Bay Marathon. Give this one a try. The weather did stink this year. I hope it won't sleet and snow for 2009. Good luck!

JH is being a little tough on JD in my opinion. I, too, did my reviews of this marathon and I felt a little blindsided. Yes, it is small and yes we didn't pay much, but I certainly think we deserved more than pizza and water that had been sitting out in the sun all morning. I generally think cool and smooth after a 26.2 mile run... not spicy and hot. Popsicles would have been a cheap and nice touch. Way, way, way too little water. What was offered was warm. I also agree that if you are not used to running on gravel trails then I would certainly do some prior to this. My first two toes were numb for three weeks after. The finish line HAS to be addressed. I came in with a respectable time (sub 4) and I was shocked that there were no more than three people present. A woman actually had to tell me that I could stop because I wasn't sure that it was really the finish line and I ran past it. A finish line clock would have been great! Lastly, I feel obligated to talk about the farms that abut the trail. This was never mentioned before. If you have a week stomach or tend to feel nauseated around the smell of cows, then this is not the race for you. The scent of cow manure is present for about 2/3 of this race. I actually thought I might lose it at mile 21. I do feel like this race made me dig deeper than any other.

I like the rail-trail marathons because they're easy on the knees, and this was a very friendly run. As for some of the comments below, you shouldn't expect much as far as spectators on a rail-trail, as it's out in the middle of nowhere. I do think there could have been a couple more water stops, however. Most people don't carry water with them, and it was pretty dry throughout the run. I think the organizers/volunteers did a good job but I would recommend having the finish line a little more exciting. Perhaps instead of having to walk up a steep hill after the finish to get to the water and food, the water and food could be at the bottom of the hill at the finish. Think "tables in the grass" next year and the finish will be an event, and not just a card table and a box of timing chips. And as for the finishing award, I have plenty of medals. The mug I can use. Thanks.

I would submit that JD is running marathons for all the wrong reasons. There was never ANY indication that this race was anything more than it is. The race website and reviews of previous races all spelled out the situation around water stops (the race website itself recommends carrying your own water). The race website said that they give out coffee mugs and sweatshirts rather than medals.

This was a small-time race, and as such, your expectations should be modified. If you need all the trappings of a big-city race, go race in a big city.

First, the Pine Line Trail is a great place to run. It's flat, smooth and easy on the eyes AND joints. Second, the on-course volunteers are super. They're friendly, encouraging and helpful. This was my 6th Pine Line and there were some issues I'd not encountered here before. 1st, the mile markers didn't look quite right. I think they had them placed at the mile and 2 tenths points instead of on the mile. The finish line was weird at best. No clock, no 'chute' and no banner that said 'Finish'. Just a picnic table and some folks milling around. It was a little odd. The registration folks were friendly, but the post-race food was lacking. The pizza was OK, but water/sports drink/fruit usually seems to go a bit better. Hopefully, the organizers will read all the comments here and make some pretty simple adjustments. I'd hate to see this race wither and die.

This was the most scenic route that I have ever run, but that does not account for the lack of orginzation. First of all, one water station for the half marathon runners was ridiculous. Secondly, there could have been a few more porta-potties in the park and on the pine line trail. Thirdly, there should have been water readily available to the runners at the finish line - not at the top of a long hill. Next, FROZEN PIZZAS FOR RUNNERS!!!! I don't know, but I guess there could have been more and better food available to the participants. The scenic route was very enjoyable, but that does not account for the lack of organizational skills present at this event. For the poor 5K runners, they were being stopped at the wrong finish line.... I mean come on!! Better communication? I mean $40... and this is the experience we got. I enjoyed the run, but better organization would have been appreciated by all.

This was my first Pine Line and I would run it again. The organization was good, although there could have been more water stops. If you have never run on a trail before, be sure to do a lot of training runs on gravel. A great, low-key race.

The Pine Line Trail Marathon is a basic, low key 26.21-mile event on a nice gravel/grass trail 13.1 miles out and 13.1 miles back. Once you get to the trail (about 3/4 of a mile from the start) you won't see much except for greenery along the trail. For some, this is perfect, for others it may be boring. Seven aid stations are adequate and the workers are extremely nice and helpful. Because the race has a small field (even with the half-marathon and marathon relay) and because it is on an old rail-line trail there is very little spectator support. I would not recommend this to a first-timer or novice marathoner who may expect the hoopla that goes with the big-city marathons. My goal was to add to my marathon total and this marathon had everything I needed.

A lot of positive comments are listed for this marathon, which is why I signed up.

To be perfectly honest, I will not do this one again. First, the race website did not have directions to the park. No big deal; I figured it out by inspecting a map of Medford. Second, when I got there nobody knew where the start line was. Serious! I had several people ask me if I had any idea (I didn't). Third, a porta-potty or two would have been nice. The park facilities for those in need of a restroom were horrible. Fourth, the water stations are too sparse, and there were no gel stops. Not that a gel stop is necessary, but it is nice when you get to miles 18-23. Fifth, the finish area couldn't have been any more uninspiring. A few people milling about and a couple race volunteers. Sixth, no medals. Coffee mugs. Lastly, the goody bags were the worst I have ever seen. A sweatshirt and a couple lotion packets. That was it. I got 3X as much at a local 10K where I paid 1/2 as much. If the race charged $50 and offered more amenities, I would have been happier. I appreciate the low cost, but come on.

I have done this perhaps 5 times since the late 1980's. The organizers let me start 2 hours early, as I am so slow. The last time I encountered a skunk perhaps 4 miles into the race. I found a rock, hurled it and prayed. I won! This course is not for the timid but the few water stations were very helpful. Do not recommend for the novice but if you have done a few marathons, this is gorgeous.