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Apr 29, 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 51 to 61]

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R. C. from Norfolk, VA (6/14/2012) "This run is a MUST!" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second marathon and it is challenging, the hills are something to be respected but the scenery and the people are wonderful. The fee is very reasonable and this is the kind of run that makes you want to run it again. I will be back next year!
K. M. from NH (6/13/2012) "You cannot ask for more." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am overwhelmed by the organization and the truly beautiful course. Who needs flat when it can be this pretty! I will be hard-pressed to find a friendlier marathon. From the race director to the fellow runners, it was the best. The course is definitely challenging with many hills. The other runners are more than supportive and we all encouraged each other through the hills. I had a deer run in front of me at mile nine, a couple of very friendly dogs, heard lots of chickens and had many people calling encouragement from their porches. What a pleasure to be so welcomed. This is beyond a good deal with all of the extras. It was so convenient, I cannot wait for next year. I cannot say enough about the entire event.
Paula Williams from Johnson City, NY (6/13/2012) "Wonderful race organization, great volunteers" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I don't want to repeat all of the great comments and descriptions of this race already posted, most notably the great organization by David Hatfield and his wonderful volunteers. A special thanks to the Belfry Fire Department and Knee Jackson for making our stay there Saturday night comfortable and pleasant.
Bill Bowman from Elizabeth City, NC (6/12/2012) "Wild and Wonderful to the Max!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 6th consecutive year running this marathon and it gets more enjoyable each year. The race director, David Hatfield, has skillfully utilized the prominent local history of the Hatfield and McCoy family feud to create a great running experience for marathoners. With the airing of the History Channel's 'Hatfields and McCoys' we all have a better and more complete understanding of the region's history and landmarks which are part of the race course. For a very reasonable registration fee you get an excellent pasta dinner, door prizes, skit by 2 local residents which nicely summarizes the major events of the feud, transportation to the race start from all over the local area, post-race BBQ meal with watermelon, grapes, bananas and drinks, nice shirt with race logo, unique finishers medal, and mason jar trophy with your overall finishing place. From the shotgun start by Devil Anse Hatfield the challenging course has something for everyone. There are uphills, downhills, flats, trail, golf course and swinging bridge. The beauty of the mountains, creeks and river is unsurpassed. Spectators on a course such as this are sparse but friendly and enthusiastic. Many will greet you from their yards and porches. You might even have a dog or 2 join you on your way. Water and Gatorade is available at every mile beginning at mile 2. Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy greet you at the finish. Unlike some marathons, the whole community supports this event and David Hatfield, his volunteers and the people of the area are the nicest, most helpful folks you'll find. I look forward to this race more than any other on my marathon calendar each year. The large number of repeat runners speaks volumes about this marathon experience. Come and run it and you will be an annual Hatfield/McCoy runner as well. See you all at the Tug River in June, 2013!
C. S. from Virginia (6/12/2012) "Incredibly Fun Race!" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 5 previous marathons and this was by far the most fun! The course was scenic with so much variety. It was also very well supported for a small race; there were water stations just about every mile, plenty of gel, and everyone was so friendly. The course was challenging, with Blackberry Mountain, an off-road portion, a swinging bridge to run over, and historical sites well-marked along the course; it was quite the adventure! The post-race festival was also fun, with great food, music, and hospitality. For a small, inexpensive race, you can't beat it. Mr. Hatfield, you did a great job organizing this race! I did almost step on a snake and got chased by two dogs, but I chalked it up to a unique running experience! I would highly recommend this race to anyone searching for a challenging course with unpredictable elements who isn't afraid to go a little off the beaten path.
R. Bishop from Southeastern PA (6/12/2012) "Definitely a race to remember!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
A. K. from NC (6/11/2012) "Amazing support!" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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!
B. C. from Asheville, NC (6/11/2012) "ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS MARATHON!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
Corrine Haynes from Lafayette, NY (6/11/2012) "Be ready for the hills!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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!
S. C. from Westchester, NY (6/10/2012) "Git 'er done!!!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!!

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