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May 16, 2024

Hatfield-McCoy Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Hatfield-McCoy Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.8

Number of comments: 200 [displaying comments 151 to 161]

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David Terrill, Sr. from Tarentum, Pa. (6/12/2006) "I'm really glad I came back again." (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I consider every aspect of this year's Hatfield-McCoy Marathon to have been a success. Starting with the pre-race meal (which was excellent, I must say), which was served by the Brass Tree restaurant, to the educational sketch of the fued sequence of events performed after the meal, to the 'shotgun start' fired off by Devil Anse himself, I think a great time was had by all, even if the Timex said otherwise. As David Hatfield said in his pre-start remarks, 'Throw this thing away'. He was pointing to his watch. The thing to do at this race course is absorb as much of the scenery and history as you can. Participating in the Hatfield-McCoy marathon is an experience not to be forgotten. Weather conditions were the best this race has seen yet. Cool temps, light breeze, thin overcast. We were very fortunate, compared to previous years. I wish to express a special thanks to Dave Hatfield for granting me a deferral last year. Ingrown toenail surgery. Common enough, but sets back the training. I came back healthy, ran a good run, met some great folks (Dane 'Fiddy two' from DC, Shinin' Shawn from Indiana, and USMC SSGT Marlin Mullins from KY). Really enjoyed running with you guys, and I expect we'll meet again. Lets make it happen. Loose dogs on the course was a minor issue. Marlin and I had a pack of 5 little ankel-nippers greet us where the black top ends and the gravel begins. We all know where that is!!!! That's where the course gets really interesting. Plan your foot placement well, and you will have no problems here. I think it is cool that both the T-shirt and the finisher's medallion depict the 'Swingin' Bridge'. Another fascinating aspect of this run. Karen Thibodeaux, the photographer, was on board the bridge when Marlin and I hammered across. I can only imagine what that would feel like with 20 people running across at the same time. The race route is predominantly through rural areas, but the folks who did come out were friendly and supportive. And where people weren't, it was easy to concentrate on the simple task of running. I will most likely be back again. I repeated to get credit for WV this year, but the 'FEEL' of this event warrants the return trip. Friendlier folk, you won't find. Davil Anse and Ol' Ranel themselves were at the finish line. Got them both to sign my Team McCoy hat, as did David Hatfield himself. As hectic as a finish line can get, these folks were happy to accomodate. Chalk up state #15 in the quest for 50.
M. F. from Vine Grove, Ky (6/12/2006) "This one's a keeper" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my 11th marathon and definitely one of my favorites. The course is very scenic and rural. One monster of a hill at mile 6 and another 'little' monster hill at 23 miles, but mostly flat to rolling. The course takes you through small towns of Ky. and WV. The last mile is partially ran on sidewalks and across business driveways so be careful here. However that didn't damper my enthusiasm for the race. The race volunteers are first-class! Everyone, and I mean everyone, who staffs the race gives you the royal treatment. It is obvious that the locals here love their marathon. Spectators are sparse (there's more barking dogs than spectators), but those who are there are incredibly happy to see you. At the finish I received an ice cold towel and wet sponges to cool off. RD David Hatfield was at the finish to personally congratulate every runner. I've ran Boston, Chicago, and other bigger sized marathons, and none of them top the race volunteers at Hatfield McCoy. The 5 stars for spectators is deserved not for quantity but for enthusiasm. The pasta dinner is one of the best and is free to all participants. Also, there is free barbque sandwiches, hotdogs, etc. to all runners at the finish. One negative is there is no shuttle service back to the starting line to get your vehicle. The finish is about 1.25 miles from the start so if you drive to the start then you may have to walk back to the start for your car. However, as I was walking back to the start the Pike Co. Sheriff volunteered to give me a ride. That just proves the community support of the locals. You won't meet nicer folks anywhere at any marathon. Make sure you book a room EARLY. Hotels fill fast.
L. K. from Cleveland, OH (6/11/2006) "Challenging but Doable" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The course is quite challenging, but not as tough as some of the comments would lead you to believe. Of course, we had far cooler weather than the past couple of years. The pre-race meal is held at a local restaurant and is followed by a skit that familiarizes you with the Hatfield-McCoy feud. The locals are very friendly and make you feel quite welcome. The first 6 miles are mostly flat with a few small rollers. From 6 to 8 miles is the biggest challenge. It consists of about 1.25 miles of switchbacks that seem to get steeper at each turn. This is followed by about 3/4 of a mile of screaming downhill. After this, there are many rollers, but the only remaining significant climb is at 23. The only negative comments I have on the course is the vehicular traffic in some spots (especially over the last mile where there are many driveways and several unmanned road crossings). There are plenty of aid stations, each well stocked and manned by enthusiastic volunteers. This really helps, because outside of this there is virtually no crowd support. Overall, it is a fun and well organized event. If I ever go for a second time around the 50 states, I would not hesitate to put this one back on my list.
Danny Swindle from Newport, MI (6/10/2006) "Beautiful mountain backdrop" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 A small-town race. I did not know what to expect of Williamson, WV, but expected more. Pros: Dave provided good weather for us this year. Pasta buffet was great. The race website forwarned us about the hills. The back road leading to the golf course and the swinging bridge. Cons: The hills kicked my butt. Trash along the roads took away from the scenic run along the streams. Too few hotels near the race start.
Ronald Bucy from Bridgeport, West Virginia (6/10/2006) "A picture-perfect marathon" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 David Hatfield is a high-quality person and runs a picture-perfect marathon. Shirts, medals, aid stations, dinner, shuttles from hotels, and wonderful residences that help out in all facets of the organization is beyond terrific! This marathon can only be described as, "It just doesn't get any better than this!" The people are the most kind, considerate and friendly that I have ever met at a marathon. Sometimes you forget that there are still good solid people with a smile and handshake. It was great. I would recommend that anyone needing WV or KY for their 50 states, this marathon is a must. The course is moderately difficulty but that just makes you appreciate the accomplishment more. Thanks, Dave - you're a quality guy.
ELISA SUEHS from Chicago, IL (6/10/2006) "History Makin' & Fun Runnin' w/ Hatfields & McCoys" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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
M. S. from North Carolina (6/17/2005) "Fantastic!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
K. M. from Columbus OH (6/15/2005) "NICEST SET OF FOLKS ANYWHERE!" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
Mike Lash from Monaca, Pennsylvania (6/15/2005) "bad choice for first time" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
R. H. from Southern Indiana (6/14/2005) "Fantastic value!" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.

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