This is a marathon that you won't want to miss. Beautiful scenery, with single track trails that take you through woods and rolling fields, and across White Clay Creek (4 times). A very well marked course with plenty of aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers. Good post race barbeque too! T-shirts, mugs, and medals given to all marathon finishers.

A few helpful comments...have a well marked, roped off area for marathoners to continue a smooth transition from loop one to loop two. Wasn't sure where to go after completing one loop. It was a bit chaotic around the barbeque area which was situated right in the middle of the marathoner's path. T-shirts could be made of a heavier cotton fabric. Could we put 'Delaware' somewhere on the T-shirt and mug? I am proud to have run in
Delaware! Could we put 'marathon' on the medallion?

Congratulations and thank you to the race director, his staff, and all of the volunteers for putting on a first rate race. Awesome! I will be back.

A very tough run, but loved it. Hills, mud, trees to jump/climb over, the creek/river.... Almost too much fun for an adult to handle. The organization was great, but wish the BBQ was around longer for us enjoying the trail more than others. I heard it was great also. Overall, BZ on a great time!

This was my first trail marathon (10th marathon overall), and if I had known how difficult the course was, I never would have gone. Now that I've completed the course, I'm so glad that I went! It was a challenging course - muddy and incredibly hilly, with technical trails and 4 stream crossings (water was knee-deep in places from the rain). This was a worthwhile adventure - definitely not a race to run for time, but a must-do to enjoy camaraderie, enthusiastic organizers, beautiful scenery, and a chance to push yourself in ways that a road-race just can't rival. So much fun... and a tasty post-race BBQ too. :o)

This was my 32nd marathon and one of the more fun ones. Doing Boston 2 weeks earlier and the up-and-down nature of the course made it more difficult but if you ever thought about running an off-road marathon, this is the one. What a perfect day weather-wise. Save your energy on the first loop with the half-marathon folks. Make sure you don't try to steeplechase over logs the last 10 miles as you'll fall for sure! It's great for a family to do as there is a playground by the finish and my wife ran the 5K.

This was my second Trail Dawgs Marathon. The first, a couple of years ago, was a soggy mess, and I had an absolute blast. This, in contrast, was probably the most lovely day ever in my 102 marathons to date. Dogwoods blooming, creek not too high, and a great day for a run.

This was my first half-marathon trail event, so I was a little unsure of what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty and peace of the course. It was definitely a challenge for me not being a trail runner, but well worth the experience. The multiple creek crossings, navigating through low-hanging branches, stumbling over tree roots, and hopping over fallen trees give this course wonderful character that any trail and brave road runner would love. The organization could be a little better, but this is a small race, so don't expect a lot of signs and fanfare. There were plenty of aid stations and the few spectators were very encouraging, especially after a few miles of being at one with nature. Paying close attention to the trail markings is VERY important, as getting lost is very easy to do (one of my fellow runners got lost and ran 31 miles). Overall good experience.

Very well put on marathon. It is important to listen to the race directors instructions prior to this run. The course was very diverse, with trails in the woods, trails in the meadows, and some running through a cool creek. What more can you ask for?! What an experience. I will be back after I have run all 50 states.

My first trail marathon run. I was a little worried about running 26.2 miles through trails, up and down the hills, across the numerous stream crossings, and getting lost, but everything worked out great. I think I'm hooked. The organizers gave you what was promised: a no-frills race with a very scenic course. The state park was a great place for the run unless the numbers of runners grows by too much. It was a little crowded the first few miles but that forced me not to go out too fast. The second lap was more solitary, which I enjoyed. The trails were well marked except for a couple of questionable turns near the end, which can be improved on next year. Unlike the advertised "no charge for extra miles run," I'd just like to get the miles I paid for and no more. Thank God there was no rain this year. Beautiful day for a run. Great volunteers staffing the water stations. Spectators? I think I heard a squirrel cheer when someone fell.

I wasn't sure what to expect on this run and was pleasantly surprised with the beauty and challenge of this trail course. Not a front runner, so taking my time in the back worked out well as I was able to 'follow' and not worry about getting lost out on the trail. Was worried about the river crossing, but it turned out to be refreshing and it helped to clean off the mud that had accumulated. Definitely a new experience slogging around in the mud on the second loop, but continued on to finish at a pretty slow pace. Tried to save some up for another marathon on the following day. All in all, enjoyed the new experience on a trail.

Today was lifetime marathon number 80 for me. I can't remember ever having a better time at an event. Thanks! And see you in '06.