Where else on earth can you make history as you run along the famous Hatfield & McCoy feuding grounds? And have the most fabulous relatives of both families cheer for you the entire 26.2 miles??? At the Hatfield-McCoy Marathon, that's where. Amazing. From running through all the history, to the friendliest volunteers, a race director that you can contact day or night and he will get back to you - as his website promotes - this race was just charming. I was the last finisher of the marathon last year and let me tell you: they took care of me AS IF I WAS A KENYAN. I have been running, walking, crawling a marathon a month in honor of a friend that passed away and I'M SLOW... at every water stop the volunteers would say, "We'll see ya at the finish!" and THEY KEPT THEIR WORD! They were all waiting for me at the finish. I even got an official time (which I wasn't expecting). They made sure I got back to my vehicle across the state line and that I was well-fed and taken care of... they were angels... all of them. This race gives me hope that if the Hatfields and McCoys can find peace, maybe there's hope for the rest of our wacky world.

Thank you David Hatfield and all for putting on this great race... it saddens me I can't be there to run it again this year... although I will be back another time for this fun run!

Sincerely,

Elisa - "The Singing Telegram Girl from Chicago," AKA "Shiggy Piggy" - Suehs

I echo many of the comments - the race is incredibly hilly, has a stretch road that's gravel and a bit hard on the legs, and the weather was quite warm/humid. But the people and scenery make this race special. The local volunteers were the friendliest I've seen (after 20 marathons), and while there were not a whole lot of volunteers, those that were out more than made up for the low quantity. The aid stations amazed me as well. Some of the most well-equipped aid stations, at every mile. Makes me wonder why some larger races can't (or don't want to) do it. This area was pretty rural, but each aid station was equipped with everything you'd need and smiles and encouragement to keep you going. The race was so well organized. You can tell David Hatfield didn't miss a beat - everything from registration to finish was executed flawlessly and in a runner-friendly manner. Host hotel, pasta feed, post-race party, start-line festivities... everything was great. Truly a world-class marathon worth experiencing, even if it's on a tricky course.

By far the marathon with the nicest set of people that you will meet anywhere. I knew that I wasn't going to have a PR on this race due to the heat, humidity and insufficient hill training, so I thought I would enjoy the scenery. Liked the idea of the swinging bridge, but I got a little freaked out when I was about two-thirds of the way across seeing it swinging while I was on it. But I made it ok because I wasn't going to stop. The ice, wash-clothes and sponges were excellent, I kept my washclothe filled with ice and put it around my neck

Volunteers were excellent, cheerful and helpful. There are so many examples of how nice these folks were?.I jokingly asked someone at the 1/2 marathon point if the next portion of the race was the 'sprinkler' portion and he replied by spraying me with a water bottle. One guy finished the race, but had parked at the start, and the race director handed the keys to his truck to a volunteer and asked him to give the guy a ride back. People driving by were courteous, waving and asking people if they were doing OK. Residents along the route came out to see if people needed water or anything. I saw someone run across the road to give a marathoner a bandaid for their blister. You can't find this kind of neighborly support in other marathons.

This was my first marathon and it was amazing. There's water stations at every mile and a lot of organization. But I could've done without the miles through a dirt road covered in rocks, too bad on the ankles.

Excellent race! Made possible by all the wonderful people that volunteered to help with this race. Lots of heat, hills, and humidity, but lots of shade to keep the sun at bay. Leave the garmin home. Tough course with character, beautiful as well. For $30.00 you get a marathon with water every mile, gels 3 times on the course,enthusiastic volunteers at every water stop. Also every mile was marked well, never missed a split! Pasta dinner included, which was very good, a skit about the Hatfield and McCoy fued during your meal and one of the best T- shirts I have recieved in quite some time. Also a very nice medal and your name, age and home town called out upon finishing!! Too much for just $30. David Hatfield, the race directer works tirelessly to make this race a fun race to be a part of and I sure plan on coming back for more. I have seen many big city races that pale to the Hatfield/McCoy marathon in many ways.

This was the toughest race I have done--no PR here--but I'm glad I did it. Although the course was brutal, I gave it 4 stars because it was well-marked with hillbilly footprints, so even when you were out there by yourself in the boonies you will not get lost. David Hatfield, the running club and the community do a fantastic job of organization for this race. I can't add anything more about the race events than has been posted already, because I agree with all the positive things that have been said already. I only gave 3 stars for the spectators because they are few in number, not because they are not enthusiastic and supporting. I believe that the number of spectators is due to the rural area, not due to their lack of interest. The people that come out mainly are the residents along the route; it is also the residents that man the water stations. After the long climb up Blackberry Mountain I was given water by a little 2-year old; what a cutie. You must do this race so that you can experience the hospitality of the people, and for the privilege of running through the scenic hills of Kentucky and West Virginia.

'Why do you come back?' the shuttle bus driver asked me after he found out I did this the year before. He continued,'Did you forget about the 1 mile up the mountain?' Thoughts went through my mind. I did remember last year, it was hot(mid-80's)/sunny/humid with occasional downpour. It also took me 10 minutes more than normal and I missed my qualifying time for Boston. Answer came from the race director at the start of the race: 'It is all about fun.'
Hotel: There are only 2 hotels in town, need to make reservation early if you do not want to stay 30 minutes away. Super 8 cost was reasonable at $44. But this year, no late check out. Since check out time is at 11am, you have to finish under 4 hours to be able to get back to take a shower in time for check out. Heard that you can take a shower at the community pool.
Pre-race pasta dinner: Start at 6pm, I got in late (after 8pm), still able to get my meal in, even though stuff had been put away, nice lady at the resturant brought out dessert for me.
Parking at finish: Downtown, lots of free metered parking on street and parking lot within one/two block.
Starting line: About 2 miles from finish line at a food city store, has shuttle running constantly early morning from finish line (and local hotels) to start. Food: City provided bottle water, energy gel, donuts, banana, grapes, strawberry, soda. No shotgun start this year.
Course: Open, part on country road, part on trail. No problem with traffic, which comes in slow and gives you lots of space. Pretty country, with views of hills and stream/river. Steep climb around 6/7 miles, with even steeper downhill. After the mid-point, there are quite a few short steep rolling spots on the trail. Section of the trail, you have to watch your footing on loose rocks/stones. Also have a bad hill around 23/24, which I ended up walking (I am not the only one walking that either).
Finish line: Trophy was handed out as you cross the line this year. Medal, sponge, wet towel, high suger food for everyone. Post race meal available at the resturant.
People: They make you feel welcome here. Festival atmosphere. Volunteers at the 25 aid station range from very young to very old. all friendly. Must have one of the highest volunteers to runners ratio of any race. I would like to thank each and everyone of them for coming out. Especially the girl in the car who handed me a cup of ice water at mile 24 after I missed the water stop.
Even with the better weather (low 80's) this year (not as hot/humid, no rain), I still missed my Boston qualifying time by 2 minutes. That will give me another reason to come back next year if I stay healthy.

From the quaint little towns, to the top of Blackberry Mountain?..and back down. This is definitely an adventure not to be missed!

This one will challenge you?..Mile 1 is flat. Then there?s a gradual up- hill from about 2-6 on 119. The incline isn?t noticeably steep (unless you drive it going back down the way you ran up). This is definitely a place to conserve yourself because mile 6 is a steep climb to the top of Blackberry Mountain and mile 7 takes you back down just as hard. Right before 20, terrain gets rough- gravel, dirt, mud for a little over a mile. It?s easy to lose footing when you are tired and running lazily, not properly lifting your feet with every step. Next, before 20 is the swinging bridge. It?s a fun, unique touch but would have been more welcomed had I not beaten my legs and joints up on the rocky trail just prior. Mile 23 is one last punch to the quads and knees. After that, it?s flat- well deserved by all!!

The reception at the end of the race is warm and genuine. It gives you one last boost to the end and through the chute.

I would recommend this race for someone looking for challenging hills mixed with a trail running feel. The scenery is breathtaking. Not sure if I would do it again, being used to the flat-land training of Chicago. But well worth this trip and 100% un-regretted.
Thank you to all who put on a wonderful race and celebration! I am so glad I got the chance to have the experience. Keep up the good work!

This was by far the hardest marathon I have ever done. Best described as Hazy, Hot, Humid, and Hilly. The course was very scenic, yet difficult due to the mountainous area, the dirt path for part of the course and the 'swanging' bridge. However, the volunteers made it all bearable. They were all so friendly and supportive. Thank goodness they were spaced every mile or so with ICE. I don?t think I would have finished if it hadn't been for the ice they provided. Also, at the end, the mother of the owner of Starters Restaurant gave me a beer! She was awesome.

The race indicated there would be a pig roast at the end of the race. Don?t expect a hog on a spit as I did. Down there, a pig roast means you will have barbecued pork available. It was good nonetheless. All I can say is, West Virginia is now marked off my list.

I really enjoyed this race. The course was very pretty, through the hills of WV and KY. The volunteers were wonderful. Powerade was the sports drink, it was chip timed. The course was a little off according to the GPS of the guy I was running with, but you were told the course was measured with a 'pickem up truck'. Everyone was wonderful including the other runners; there was a relaxed feeling knowing this course wasn't certified and you had to do nothing but finish. The pasta feed was free including a nice little 'Hatfield and McCoy skit.' I recommend this race highly; although it was very hot and humid, the sponges, the ice, and the cold powerade were great extras!!!!