May 16, 2024
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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 181 to 191]
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W. C. from Louisville Ky
(6/16/2003)
 "Brutal course/Brutal day" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Hills. Rain. Sun. Humidity. Did I mention hills? This was a very challenging race. I am glad I did it, but I do not think that I will be looking for that much challenge anytime soon. The first half was reasonably rolling, with the exception of a long steep hill at mile six. It rained heavily during much of the first half of the race, making footing tricky, especially on steep downhill segments. The second half was very difficult. Miles 13-20 were more like trail running. The path was made up of broken pavement, gravel, and mud. Miles 21-25 were on a two hilly two lane road. The sun came out at about mile 21, adding heat and humidity to the challenge. The fast downhill segment at mile 24 really finished off my quads. Mile 26 was run on flat sidewalks along a six lane road - not ideal. The finish area was nice. A car show gave everyone something to look at while we hobbled around. Aid stations were plentiful and appreciated. The shirt, towel, medal, and other goodies were very nice, especially considering the low entry fee. They need to put a date on the shirts. | |
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R. D. from USA
(6/16/2003)
 "Great small rural marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This small, rural marathon embedded in the heart of coalfield America typifies the best of what a small marathon should be. The race director and supporters were all friendly, and every mile featured sports drink, water (ice available), bananas, and Gel (apple pie flavoring that tasted like apple pie). The roads were rolling, and there wasn't much elevation, considering the mountains which paralleled the course. This year was hot and humid, though you would expect this in June. It travels through both Kentucky and West Virginia, so this can count for either state for those completing all 50 states. Every mile was marked with visible mile markers. Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), the prime sponsor of the race, was everywhere and very helpful. Would recommend this to anyone desiring a taste of a rural marathon. | |
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G. H. from Lexington, KY
(6/15/2003)
"Four miles of gravel " (about: 2003)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Maybe it was a this-year-only thing, but miles 14 through 17 were mostly gravel, which wasn't mentioned in other comments. Flatter than expected. Mother Nature's scenery was great, but the man-made stuff was a bit depressing. Well marked, good organization. | |
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S. H. from Ga
(6/15/2003)
"Very scenic, challenging course " (about: 2000)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The 2003 Hatfield/McCoy Marathon was well organized, but when the course veered off the road and became a trail run for a few miles, it lost some of its luster. The rain wasn't a bad thing, until you got to the off-road portion of the course, and then I spent more time dodging mud puddles than moving forward at my normal pace. Overall, I enjoyed the scenery, but would have liked it more if we had stayed on the road the entire time. However, that would have required stopping for a train at Matewan. Either way if you want a challenging run (including being chased by three dogs) in June, this is a good marathon. Try to get finished early before the heat sets in. The people were great, and seeing WV makes me appreciate GA. | |
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Chris Paddock from Boston, Mass
(1/6/2003)
 "How 'fast' is this course?" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Hi, I ran the San Diego Rock N' Roll marathon last June and was curious to know if anyone out there has an idea how this course might compare as far as speed goes. San Diego was my first, and I'd like to better my time considerably, but I wanted to make sure that the courses were somewhat relative as far as time goes. If you have an idea regarding how fast the course is compared to other courses you've run, that would be helpful, too. Feel free to email me at capaddock@yahoo.com. Thanks! Chris | |
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A Runner from Houston, TX
(6/17/2002)
 "Experience Americana at it's finest" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The hillbilly race director and his excellent staff make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive at the complimentary pasta party to the awards ceremony after the marathon. The course is much flatter than we had expected and the weather much cooler. Ice cold water and sports drink were available almost every mile. You will leave the race feeling like you have become a part of their families. The Hatfield-McCoy reunion festivities should not be missed. This event allows you to experience rural Americana at it's finest. | |
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A Runner from Asheville, NC
(6/12/2002)
"Very interesting course but the weather is warm" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 If you are willing to make the drive and suffer through the warm temps, this is a very interesting, historic course. The majority of it is along fairly flat roads considering the area. The only exceptions are a long steep hill around mile 7 and a short steep one near mile 22. However, walking these sections is your best bet. I have never seen so many aid stations along a marathon course in the 20 marathons and 20 ultras in which I have run. There is about one every mile or less. Unfortunately, they didnt have Gatorade during the 2nd half of the course when it is needed the most. | |
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A Runner from Maryland
(6/11/2002)
"Excellent small marathon" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As previous runners have stated - this is a very nice small marathon (I'd guess about 100 runners). I found the course to be moderately challenging, more a rolling course than a truly flat course, but with only 2 major hills. A really big & steep hill (by eastern US standards) near mile 8 and a slightly smaller hill at mile 22. I found the course fairly scenic (the lush green mountains were beautiful). Hearing roosters crow early in the race & reading the historical markers added to the course. In general, a nice run along country roads with light traffic. Not a lot a of fans, but those that were out were most supportive. Expect temperatures to be from 60 to 75 during the race. The organization was great, excellent pre-race meal, T-shirt, commemorative bottle of Coca-Cola, very nice medal - all for $25. One note, you may have to stop during the race to let a train go through as the course runs near the N&S line for part of the race from mile 13 to 18. Note also to book the hotel early as hotel accomodations near the start/finish are limited. | |
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A Runner from Near Baltimore
(6/10/2002)
"David - you did one banjo pick of a good job" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 One excellent weekend with the participation in the Hatfield/McCoy family reunion festival. The course was tough but I never did expect a marathon to be easy. The fellow runners were all so nice. This might be one of the 'most friendly marathons in the US,' of course besides Richmond. I can't wait to do it again next year to enjoy the fireworks, car shows, pig races, parades, shotgun weddings, banjo concerts, hangings, etc...........:) (Okay - just kidding about the hanging) ****Go Hatfields**** | |
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A Runner from Tennessee
(6/10/2002)
"Beautiful course, well organized, most friendly" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon has a very scenic mountain course, but only one long hill and one shorter one. It was surprisingly flat. All the beauty of the mountains and not much work. I lived and trained in flat land and did not do much hill work, and the hills were not a problem for me. The volunteers and spectators were among the most friendly I have found, and the other runners were the best. It is still a small marathon which makes the logistics so easy. Roads were not closed to traffic, and I would not run it with headphones, but the cars were very courteous to the runners and it is so rural, that there wasn't that much traffic. It is a great marathon and I recommend it highly if you love the beauty of the mountains, don't need a crowd cheering you every step of the way, and want to run with some friendly people. The pasta dinner the night before was very good, free, and they had a wonderful two man play about the Hatfield-McCoy fued that was very entertaining. This added to the greatness of this race. Hats off to race organizer David Hatfield and his track club for putting on such a fun run. |
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