I will not hesitate to say this was one of my very favorite marathon experiences! I absolutely loved it and had a fantastic time. A few things about this race should be made clear up front: if you need mega-expos with lots of vendors, bands along the course and thousands of spectators, this race is NOT for you. This race is definitely a race that is run simply for the love of running with maybe 500 runners total for the half and full (but I think word of mouth will definitely boost future race numbers).

As stated previously, there is no PR pressure since the course isn't certified. You meet folks from all over the country that are out there just to enjoy the race, and the course is very rural and beautiful (not to mention educational, as you pass many historical landmarks where the Hatfield-McCoy feud took place). I marveled at the beauty of the landscape as the miles effortlessly passed. This is truly God's country! The southern hospitality cannot be beat: every mile by Mile 2 has a water stop with friendly, encouraging volunteers manning the stations with powerade, ice and water. They were so frequent that, despite the heat, I had to decline at times because I couldn't possibly drink anymore! Be advised to bring your own fuel, as there are no Gu or food stations provided.

While heat will always be a factor this time of year, it really wasn't bad at all with an early race start, cool starting temps, and a lot of shade along the course. The final miles have less shade, but the lower humidity made a big difference.

Be warned, the course is somewhat of a quad killer. This was my ninth marathon and I am still sore on day 3 of recovery when I am usually recovered within 48 hours! The Blackberry Mountain hill was not as difficult as I feared since it's so early in the race, but the downhill is quite steep and seems to go on forever! The rest of the course was gently rolling hills that were not at all challenging, but very enjoyable. There are very few spectators, simply people on the porches and in their yards cheering you on (and even a few Shetland ponies grazing in fields). There were also a few wandering, but friendly, dogs on the course, a first for me! I also enjoyed the dirt trail section, which I think some people didn't expect, but it made for a fun change of pace. Look out when crossing the wooden bridge, if there are other runners on it with you it's like jumping on a trampoline! While I ran the entire race pretty strong, I admit that the mile 23 hill brought me to my first and only walk break; once I got to the top I saw a spray painted sign on the road that said 'Last hill, Promise!' Ha ha!

The finish line was the best part: you get to high-five an actual Hatfield and McCoy family member, and within seconds get an ice cold towel, a bottle of water and a medal. Stick around to wait for your Mason jar place award, and if you're lucky, you might even get an age group award! I actually placed third for my AG, which was a pleasant surprise, and had my second best finish time out of 9 races. I highly recommend this race to anyone who wants to avoid the big-city crowds and wants to visit beautiful part of the country with some of the friendliest people youll ever encounter!

Tough, beautiful course, but amazing support. Loved the swinging bridge and the opportunity to see the world's smallest horse (17 inches tall I believe). David and his crew have created a wonderful marathon experience!

There are so many positives about this marathon: The locals were actually happy to see us and SO welcoming; Drivers out on the course were respectful of the runners; NUMEROUS generously stocked water stops after the halfway point; Cool tech shirt (may want to consider unisex XS for women in 2013); Running RIGHT BY American history (I did stop to read the signs as I had watched the mini-series). The course is rolling, but if you want flat, do a marathon on the coast. If you want to make a difference to a small community, sign up for 2013!

Absolutely one of the best races to run, but you better be in shape to run some hills. Mile 6.4 to 7.2 there is an incline that most runners were struggling to make it up. Then there was over a mile downgrade that was hard to brake on. Rolling hills followed & about mile 23 another hill. Roads not closed to traffic, but wasn't an issue that early in the morning. Water stations every mile and some in between. Mile 19 had fruit as well. The volunteers truly made this race. The pasta dinner is a must with the skit from the Hatfield McCoy's. Stayed at the Sycamore Inn, $88 total, though the train blared its whistle every hour at night, but it is a couple blocks from the finish line which was a plus for me & had late check out. Great race & very well organized!

I absolutely loved this race. The course is five star for sure with winding hilly roads complete with a swinging bridge. The Tug River wound its way around us and the scenery was spectacular. Why anyone would want to wear headphones is beyond me...the river sound and the wildlife around was stunning. There was never a moment when I was confused about anything...Bravo to David Hatfield on running an organized race and sending emails often...The pasta dinner was fun...complete with a Hatfield-McCoy drama. My husband and I took a day to tour around the feud and grave sights and happened on a happy family of locals who invited to their porch for some 'refreshments'..We passed that same house on the race and the folks were out there again, toasting all the runners..Spectators are few and far between but the ones out there were wonderful and the volunteers were FANTASTIC!!! Though the roads arent closed the police made sure we were safe...Make sure to thank them....This race closes on no one!!!! Dave and his crew wait for the last runner to cross the finish line and they mean it!!! I bet I was back in NY by the time he closed up shop....THATS what its all about...Everyone on that course was valued and treated like a hero...and I was glad to be one of them!!

My second year running the Hatfield/McCoy. This marathon is an incredible deal. Pre-race meal on Friday is great and includes a skit. Plenty of water stops and very friendly people. Lots of people cheering on their front porch. Post race snacks were terrific and there was also a post race meal (barbeque sandwich). Great race, not to mention the interesting historical facts and places along the route.

Great race. Would tell all 50 staters to do it twice. David Hatfield is the real McCoy(haha). He really does an outstanding job. He is the friendliest race director out there. Thanks to his hard work this marathon is top notch. The course has two hills one around mile 8 the other mile 23. But for the most part the rest is flat or slight rollers. I love this course just fun to run. They had about 500 total runners so its not crowded. Plenty of water stations and the people working them were great. All drinks where ice cold. Mark this as a marathon to do.

This race is a must. It is a small town, well organized event and anyone who runs it will not be disappointed. There is a sever two mile climb at mile 6 and then it is just rolling hills. It is a great value with pre and post race meals included. It is really neat, and cheap, to stay at the fire station. Everything good that has been said is correct. David Hatfield, the Race Director is one of the best I have ever met.

What to say that hasn't already been said? It's a tough course, but gorgeous surroundings. Yes, there are a few parts where you pass by some lower income homes. So what? You get that in most races. The volunteers were amazing, they were so happy to have us there, asking us where we were from, etc. Aid stations were well stocked and plentiful. The pre-race dinner was a lot of fun toodon't miss it! The post race food was good, and it was nice to have a tent area to relax in out of the sun. Next year I will be back and plan to stay Sat night too.

This race was one of my favorite marathon experiences so far! Absolutely amazing. The friendliest, most caring volunteers, spectators, race director, race committee, etc I have ever encountered! The race is held along the WV-KY border in a very small town that gets so excited for the race. You run a beautiful, but challenging course through the Appalachian mountains along the Tug River. Runners are treated to a free pasta dinner the night before with a dinner show that explains the history behind the Hatfield McCoy feud. The whole experience is just a ton of fun! There aren't a ton of spectators, but the locals sitting on their porches watching the runners go by couldn't be more friendly or encouraging, so I gave them 5 stars. YOU HAVE TO DO THIS RACE.