This was my first marathon and it was awesome. The course was great, a heads up about the hills miles 18-25 would have been nice though. The aid stations were amazing as well as the organization!!!

5 stars in all categories! I'll let my running record speak for itself. I ran the famed Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City once. The Bayshore is a fine race but then I ran the NCTR in 2000. Since then the only marathons I have run are the NCTR in 2001, 2002, 2003. I'm running 2004 and all future NCTRs, God willing. The only reason I would ever run a different marathon is to qualify for the Boston.

Well organized and enthusiastic management, many friendly and helpful people. For example, someone must have carried a table and Gatorade about a half mile to set up the final aid station. North Country Trail is great. Almost entirely on a single-track, with moderate hills, on a good surface that was well marked (to say the least). Great race t-shirts and very good beer at the finish line.

Only weakness is that a stretch of the North Country Trail is the shoulder of a paved road for about two miles.

There are runners I know who have run 50, 60 and a 100+ marathons. I've only run about 15. (Chicago, USMC, Grandma's, Detroit, LA, etc.) This one was by far the best. Incredible scenery, well managed by actual runners, and no screaming people blowing whistles along the route. Just trees, streams and the beauty of nature in Michigan. I'll be back next year!!

I loved it. This is a single path trail for most of the race, some hills but it is easier to take advantage of the downhill when you aren't on cement. The aid stations needed to have the trash cans 10 yards down course, I had to stop at each since we were told not to litter, but I still preferred this, my second marathon, to the Indy. Great temp. and shade for most of the race a few lakes and a pretty stream

As an experienced marathoner and trail marathoner I rate this at the top as far as organization. Some of the highlights of this event that illustrate that this is a labor of love for the organizer: High quality long sleeve mock turtle neck giveaway shirt (no advertisements), and high quality soup mug finishers award, well spaced, well stocked aide stations, well marked beautiful trail through the pristine Manistee National Forest. The organizer spray painted every tree root and rock on the course. Great age group awards. Cold Labatts Blue at the finish line. Lots of good food. Post race atmosphere felt like a party with old friends. I've run Boston, Chicago, Huntsville, etc....But this one is my all time favorite. You've got to do this one.

This was my first trail marathon after running 2 other road marathons. It was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed running alone in the woods and enjoying God's creation. The people were great. The water/food stops were excellent. The finish was great including hot chicken noodle soup and chili, pop and beer. I highly recommend it if you like the outdoors. Be sure to get good directions to the start so you don't get lost! A county map might be a good investment.

A nice race for a small field of runners. Gorgeous scenery. Except for 2 miles on a road, it is all in the woods. It is a 'trail'. Single lane traffic. If you like a lot of crowds or runners around, this is not for you. Well organized. Lots of fun. But count on running pretty much alone for the race.