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Apr 29, 2024

Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) Runner Comments

Back to Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.0

Number of comments: 52 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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Dick White from Cocoa Beach, Florida (4/28/2010) "The BEAST of the EAST" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Newark, Delaware is #46 in my ongoing quest for 50 states plus DC - and to date, the most satisfying! Race Director John states this is "the hard way" for 50 staters to run DE, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I went all the way to Wyoming and Oregon last year to make sure I had a couple of REAL trail marathons under my legs before attempting this one, and I have to say TRAIL DAWGS is the REAL THING!! The course is nearly all single track with minimal overlaps to hinder progress. The course is very well marked with bright colors, so if you can drive (i.e., follow traffic signs) you can't get lost on this course. Many thanks to the farmer who allowed us to run through his barnyard TWICE; the BOYSCOUTS cheered as we tore through their campsite, the few mountain bikers sharing the trail that morning were friendly and generous with right of way, and it is BEAUTIFUL out there. The 4 distinctly different levels of terrain went from woodland to riverbank to high meadow to overgrown, each with its own varying challenges, so PAY ATTENTION or you might end up in the stream when you didn't intend to be there! Many, many thanks to the WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS who came out early and stayed late to assure the SUCCESS of this GREAT RACE in its 13th edition. So... 50 staters, are you ready for a true challenge ? THIS IS YOUR RACE !!!
Robert Duff from Newark, DE (4/26/2010) "Slowest, Best Marathon Ever" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run some torturous courses before. There is the start and finish of St. Malachi's run (both 2- and 5-miler) the start and finish of the Doggy Doo 5K, and of course the end of the Marine Corps Marathon where the .2 that actually get you are at the end. None of those compare to the Triple Crown Delaware Trail Marathon. I say this and tell you there could not have been a more perfect way to run a trail marathon in the First State. This course comprised three linked loops in White Clay Creek State Park. The trails were tough and technical. The hills were steep, endless, and at points were covered with obstacles. This was the most amazing race I have been on in a long time. The creek crossing was something I was worried about, but after the first of four, I was looking forward to the next three. The volunteers were amazing, with stuff like boiled potatoes, M&Ms (no W's), cookies, frozen towels, and of course a bunch of encouragement. I thought the course was well marked but I heard of people getting lost. One point is that it was marked with pie plates that were at head level. This is a problem with trail races. We are never looking that far up. Two real issues: the 10K, which started 2.5 hours after the marathon start, went in the opposite direction of the first loop. This caused for some near misses as we went head-long into each other. The other: what is up with the long-sleeve shirts, people? Overall, I couldn't be prouder of my 5:14 finish. My slowest marathon ever, but I earned every bit of it. Lets just call it a new PR.
E. S. from Perkasie, PA (4/25/2010) "Beautiful, rustic trail; well organized race" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The weather was excellent - cool in the woods and a bit warm in the meadows. Stream was easily crossed but is more like 80 feet-wide (not 80 yards-wide as race info said, thankfully!). The course is beautiful and a bit challenging. One area has many downed trees and logs across the trail, which required walking on my part. As a slower marathoner, it was disconcerting to be worried about mountain bikers coming around the bend towards me. I also encountered runners from the other races heading in my direction, but everyone was respectful and encouraging. Water stops were plentiful, with friendly, helpful volunteers and good snacks. It became self-serve as the day progressed, but that was no problem. You may well be running alone for long periods of time, so you do have to pay attention to trail markings. Even late in the day, there were still some people to cheer as you finish, hand you a nice medal (date on the medal would be nice, along with the word "marathon," for future reference). The grill remained open for a nice juicy burger. Overall, a nice trail marathon and very well organized race.
Sharon Romano from nj (5/19/2009) "Wow, what a race!!!!" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the half-marathon. I had never run on a trail before, and it was great running through the woods. It was more challenging than I expected. You definitely will be going over downed trees that are over a foot thick. I enjoyed going through the river, which was probably two feet-deep at parts. I wore regular running shoes, and it turned out fine. I was dreading what it would be like going through the stream. The hills were more than I expected, especially the last couple miles on the first loop. But for this being my first race ever, and considering that I only trained on pavement, I finished the race and loved it!!! Next time I want to prepare better for the hills. I wore a Garmin, and it read that the half-marathon distance was 13.01 miles. Great atmosphere; great people! I want to do the full marathon next year!
Nick Suter from Phlia, PA (5/11/2009) "Great course." (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Maraths COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I won it for the second year in a row. Great course, and a well organized race. In 2009, the marathoners started 10 minutes after the half-marathoners, and it was a BIG help. The five-minute gap in 2008 made it tough for the first 30 minutes of the race. Water support in 2009 were much improved over 2008. In 2008, I was the first person to the first aid stop on the second loop. I asked what position I was in and they told me I was last. LOL. Great food after the race. I highly recommend this race. However, the awards took place almost two hours after I finished. I didn't really want to hang around THAT long.
S. Y. from Washington, DC (5/2/2009) "Hot, hilly, and happily run" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Great fun. The first loop is a bit crowded, what with the half-marathoners sharing. Passing was pretty easy, though, and everyone was very considerate. The day got hot (up over 80), but the volunteers at the water stops were great. The creek was wonderful; I wallowed like a pig in it the 4th time through, and it was that refreshing. No complaints, other than my time (worst ever) - but it was still good enough for a pretty high finish. This was great fun, and I will be back. Thanks!
A. O. from U.S.A. (5/1/2009) "Extremely worthwhile - tough but rewarding." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 You will find yourself awestruck, running solo, at peace in the woods, engulfed by the glory of nature. Everything about this marathon is special. Think of it as a marathon in a wooded obstacle course. There's a creek-crossing and great finish-line picnic. Super runners, organizers, and volunteers. I will definitely run it again and encourage others: DO IT!
p. n. from nyc (4/27/2009) "What an awesome challenge" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The website for this small but well organized trail marathon does not do it justice. This is one of the best running experiences I have ever had. One point: I think the course is longer than 26.2. I ran the first half of this double-loop marathon at what felt like 1:50 pace, but the clock read "2:10." While the difficult, up-and-down, single-track trails definitely slowed me down, I can't imagine that I was that slow. The race website guarantees at least the distance you paid for; I would love to hear from anyone who ran it with a Garmin.
j. h. from Philadelphia, PA (4/26/2009) "Direction is the key to a good run" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The race was very good, but please use a better way to give trail directions. A runner's motivation could be lost if the runner feels lost. Save some post-race food for marathoners. The refueling table and trail people were a big help. Much love to all. Thanks for the director (John) telling the truth about the race being hardcore. A runner will get stronger and smarter running this course.
T. S. from Litchfield, CT (4/26/2009) "crazy fun!!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a very difficult, hilly race. I ruined shoes, scratched up my legs and got a bee stuck in my shirt. That being said, I had a fantastic time! The race was wild. I do a lot of trail running and I run lots of marathons but that was the first time I combined them and ran a trail marathon. It was definitely more challenging and it was my worst time ever, but what a memorable route, fun volunteers and great organization. Crossing the river was the best part. It was a hot day and the water was rejuvenating. Surprisingly, it didn't bother me a bit to run in wet shoes. It's also for a good cause. I'd highly recommend it to others.

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