Thank goodness it was rainy and cool. If I had had to run this in heat, it would not have been the wonderful experience that I had. Beginning with the "hillbilly"-costumed yokels available for photo at the start and ending with the impressive trophy table at the end (I got one), the Hatfield-McCoy is an experience runners should try. All of the runners run the same course, and my husband reports that the competition to actually win was fierce. For me, though, I enjoyed making my PWT (personal worst time) and chatting with the world-class volunteers on the way.

-Helen Garen

It's a fantastic race. The people are friendly, and the water stops were plentiful and well stocked with water, sports drink (varied flavors yet, so you aren't drinking one kind all the time!) and ICE, which is most welcome in hot sticky weather. Yes, it's hilly. It's the Appalachians. Flat isn't an option in this part of the planet.

Pasta dinner is friendly and welcoming, and the race director is great. Dave was there welcoming people at the pasta dinner, chatting with the porta-potty line before the race, and running the half, talking to runners.

A couple of suggestions (not criticisms!): I know porta-potties are expensive to rent; perhaps some of the churches, businesses, or even homes along the route might be willing to open their bathrooms for runners if there's someone there to watch the place? Several of the churches were staffing aid stations and use of their bathroom would have been appreciated, I suspect.

Also, my only scary moment was at mile 25.75, up the sidewalk on the east side of 119, when an inattentive driver turned left from southbound 119 into the DQ parking lot and nearly ran me down. I understand the need to allow access to businesses, but perhaps drivers can be warned with signs on 119 that there are more pedestrians than usual this morning?

Other than that, it was a great race. Yes, get your rooms booked early. We drove down from Pittsburgh which was reasonable (about 250 miles). The closest airport would be Charleston, and Columbus might also be an alternative.

Beautiful country - the trees and the mountains were unbelievable. And the race is well supported and memorable. I would like to come back to this one.

My sister and I ran the half-marathon this year and we had a blast. The course was pretty and yes, the mountain was challenging, but still doable. The crew was fantastic and the dinner and after-race food were great, too. The water stops were frequent and well-staffed. There weren't any spectators, though I have to say to the one lady with her clapper-thing that she was a welcome sight the two times we saw her. We camped at Riverside Point since we were too late for a hotel room, and it was also great. The showers were clean and it was pretty close to the start. We are definitely considering coming back next year. Everyone we talked to - from the other runners to the staff/volunteers - was very friendly. I can't say enough good things about it!

There is a reason I like small races over big races, and it is because of races like this.

Fans - who needs 'em to run a race?! The ones who were in their front yards or on their porches gave a wave or a clap or verbal encouragement, and that was all I needed.

Volunteers - outstanding. Very friendly and helpful. Since there were so many aid station that, speaks volumes about the community turnout for a race like this. The volunteers at the finish line were more than helpful and very friendly.

Organization - this was a race that kept giving and giving. I didn't get to the pasta dinner since I got in late, but the reviews were positive. Shuttle van service to the start, gel/GU/food on the course, towel at the end, awards handed out as you crossed the finish line, watermelon, grapes, BBQ, help with hotels, etc. This was more than I was expecting for my registration fee.

Course - challenging course. Nothing quite like running a race where you can take a 30-second break and read historical markers about the H&M feud. Running across the swinging bridge was pretty cool too.
Great race! May come back and run it again as my Kentucky race this time.

This course was cool, and I loved the people who would talk to you along the way, especially when I hit mile 13 and there were several people cheering you on to the finish. If I was asked, "Would I run here again?" my answer would be yes. It was challenging but great.

I was a little worried about participating in this race because of the "rolling hills," and everyone who commented on the race had 50+ marathons under their belts. But for a person who loves half marathons and has only been in 6 of them, the race was incredibly enjoyable and doable! I would encourage some serious hill work, because the hill after mile 6 was definitely something to be prepared for. But, I loved the atmosphere and the way all of the folks made me feel so welcomed. All of the wonderful things everyone commented on are absolutely true. My husband (who usually has to figure out what to do for a couple of hours while waiting for me) loved the event as much as I did! I'll definitely do it again and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore something more challenging then the usual flat courses and large crowds.

This is a hilly, but fun course. The volunteers are wonderful! Sick of lemon-lime Gatorade every 3 miles? You won't have that here.... There were different flavors of Gatorade and PowerAde every mile. From the pasta dinner with the Hatfield/McCoy skit to the post-race festivities, it was an excellent way to spend a few days.

I have run this race each of the past seven years. What keeps me coming back? The very friendly volunteers, MANY aid stations, and scenic course that includes a suspension bridge crossing and a short taste of trail running.

Like any other race, this one also has some bad points. They include heat/humidity, two short climbs, slow moving auto traffic on some roads, and few spectators. However, considering the race location and the time of year, these are to be expected.

If nothing else, being able to see where the famous Hatfield McCoy feud took place is reason enough to run this race.

I've completed more than 200 marathons/ultras. This is one of the best. Friendly folks, well organized, beautiful green scenery. I try to keep doing new marathons and only repeat my favorites. This is one I would go back to.

I ran the half marathon this year, and it was a great experience. The course was challenging, but definitely doable. The race volunteers were the kindest, most helpful people I have encountered, and really made a difference! Very different from big-city races, but a beautiful course, and a fun time!