First of all, don't let people fool you - there are 2 big hills, and then what people call "rolling hills." I still don't get that; a hill is a hill. When running this race, remeber you are in WV and they don't know what flat is. Not a bad thing but I think there was about 1 mile of flat ground and the rest you were going up or down. Fun though...

The people and volunteers at this race are amazing. They are the nicest I have run into. Also, I have never seen a RD do more for his participants than David did. I even saw him offer his couch to someone that could not find a hotel room. Others should learn from him.

The course was well stocked with water and the like. There was a spot where we were running literally intertwined with cars, which was bad. The ending mile was also bad, running on the sidewalk, but the rest was picturesque. Running on the golf course was fun, yelling to the golfers that we were playing through.

Overall, a great race. Put it on your calender for '08. It is worth it.

One more thing: expect to run about 10-15 minutes slower than normal - it is just that type of course.

I knew from past comments this would be a tough challenge, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I also suspected it would be a lot of fun. The volunteers were great. The spaghetti dinner and entertainment were great. I want to thank David Hatfield, the sponsors, and all the volunteers who are committed to making this a wonderful experience. Having water stops every mile was excellent. The conditions were hot and humid, so David, who ran the 1/2 marathon earlier, drove the marathon course checking on the slow finishers like myself. Where else would you find this type of hospitality? This is one marathon I would recommend to anyone wanting a fun weekend.

I've finished over 100 marathons and have never had so much fun. A great course - people opened their homes for restrooms. A lot of good conversation with people I ran with, including a long talk with the McCoys at the house where the baby was born along the way. No one was worried about their time - just finish and enjoy the day. Congratulations to David Hatfield and especially the volunteers - all over the course. If the volunteers only know how important they are to us and how grateful we are to have them. We cannot do these marathons without them. Again, thanks. I will be back.

This year the race was hot and humid but the volunteers did a great job with water every mile (even ice water!). They also had bananas and gel at most stops. The course runs along back roads and the river, so not a lot of folks on the course, but the ones that did come out were very supportive. Also you get to tour some of the more exciting historical sites... like the hanging at the PawPaw trees. The volunteers at the end were great! The towels soaked in ice water were outstanding and I walked, well staggered, to the massage tent as soon as I crossed the line and not one but TWO people massaged my legs with cold, icy towels to expedite the cooling. The course is challenging but not overwhelming. Only one large hill. A great place to stay is Chief Logan State Resort Park. Brand new lodge with great rooms/food. Only 25 minutes away from start on 119.

Quite the marathon experience! The course was one of the most difficult that I've done... but I gave it 5 stars for the challenge and the scenery. The lush mountain surroundings were magnificent! The marathon was well organized... and all involved in putting on the show should be congratulated! There were very few spectators. Many areas were quite isolated... but I had to give 5 stars to those who were there. They took such good care of me... and I REALLY appreciated it! It was warm, but the course was shady... except the last few miles... and they had plenty of ice for the heat! Everyone, including race staff, hotel staff, city police, etc., worked hard to show me great hospitality. I also enjoyed passing the historic sites related to the Hatfield and McCoy feud. Thanks to all... and congratulations on a marathon well done!

Dave Hatfield and the locals are some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet. Even though the spectators are few, everyone is very encouraging and genuinely glad you're there. Water and PowerAde were provided at every stop evenly spaced about 1-mile apart. This was one of my slowest runs, but definitely one of my most enjoyable.

It was hot and the hills got me - mostly because of my own ignorance - but I loved the whole experience. Learning about the feud and that whole area in general was very rewarding. It's neat that - because it starts in KY and ends in WV - the 50 States Club allows us to count it as either state - or both if we run it twice - so I hope to go back (plus run it a whole lot smarter).

It's definitely a "must-do" marathon. David Hatfield is a great race director - he also ran the half. We usually don't do the pre-race dinners but attended this one and would highly recommend it to anyone else.

If you're looking for a race with a lot of spectators, this is the wrong spot. If you're looking for a flat or downhill course to set a PR, this is the wrong spot for that too. But, if you want a one-of-a-kind experience or need KY or WV on your quest to do all fifty states, this is it!!

One other thing we liked is that all the money from the race goes to scholarships for local high school runners.

It was a great marathon. I can't complain.

Food: There were a plenty of vegetarians, who could not eat. I personally prefer vegetarian food myself. You've got to remember that this is an endurance event and we need healthy food.

Overall, a very impressive event with great organization. Keep it up!

Challenging course - the "big" one didn't bother me as much as ongoing rolling hills.... However, I really enjoyed the locale and locals. Many thanks to the volunteers, who stayed for the straggling backpackers, offering ice-cold helping hands. The ice towel massage at the finish really was great - and my legs were back to normal in under 48 hours. Hardest course of the 10 I've completed, but easiest/fastest recovery. People couldn't have been nicer. Plenty of canine spectators, and roosters crowing. My kids found enjoyed the FREE festival activities while mom marathoned. Great job, David and volunteers.

This was an amazing event. I knew from previous comments it would be tough and beautiful. Pasta dinner with homemade cupcakes & brownies, entertainment and door prizes galore. WOW! Where else could you see beautiful vegetable gardens, family cemeteries, a Hawaiian themed wedding, very nice houses, run-down houses, folks fishing in a nearby lake, a sheriff who gently tells you to be careful as he's letting some traffic pass and he waves each time, a woman who brings you the requested scissors so you can slit those too-long shorts, little kids bringing refreshments to you, people sitting on their porches waving to you, golfers whacking balls, a hen and her chicks in the toilet that you wanted to visit, blue feet on the pavement, a young man whistling at you (smiles) and a dog sitting on the roof of a house barking and wishing you well as you run/walk/plod along because you have been up mountains, hills, though gravel, grass and pot holes. Yea, that was almost heaven even it was mostly in KY. And you feel great at the end when all those folks are there to greet you again. Rode the shuttle to take a couple runners from GA back to their plane at the airport up on top of a mountain. Spectacular! It's the toughest and most enjoyable marathon I've done. And the price was so low! I'm trying to do 10 this year so I can join the 50-staters. I'm 65 and just started running/mostly walking fast..this year, so I may not be able to repeat this one for a while. Keep it going Dave, ARH lady and the gang.