Out of my 40+ marathons and ultras, this was the best... and I finished last!

The story this year was the temperatures. For the last several weeks, the temperatures had stayed in the 30s and 40s for a high. But race day they hit the 80s! Add the Umstead hills and you've got a challenge!

But the race committee was ready! Never have I seen such support! For the last 10 miles, I bet I saw a volunteer on a mountain bike every 10 minutes, offering water, GU and electrolytes! Everyone was asking how I was doing and if I needed anything! Never have I seen such GREAT runner support! Thank you, Godiva Track Club! Best organizing club ever!

The course was definitely hard... don't bother to come if you trying to qualify for Boston - you probably won't!

But this is now my favorite marathon! Good luck getting into next year's event! I just hope I make the list!

Wow! This is the best race I have ever run, ever. The race organization was second to none. I received individual messages from the race committee (thank you to Carolyn and Denise) and parking instructions. The packet pick-up at Great Outdoor Provision Company was a breeze. I was greeted by a sea of volunteers and a fun, family reunion-type atmosphere. The race was epic and the unusually warm weather just added to the challenge. There are no flat sections in this race. The heat and the full sun made the hills seem a little bigger this year. The aid stations were like little oases. The bike support was great. Those folks provided aid to runners between the stations. I have never seen better support for any event. You could tell the volunteers were all runners. They understood. I was greeted with my pint glass, water and a door prize. The food from Moe's was awesome. This is a fantastic event. I agree with a previous review; it's a good thing that Runner's World hasn't found out about this race. If you're a runner, run this one.

This is a totally awesome race. The packet pick-up at Great Outdoor Provision Company was easy, with very informative volunteers. The minute you drove into the gates of Umstead State Park, you were greeted with friendly volunteers that helped you get parked and to the race start. Before the race, the race director wished me well and greeted me with a handshake at the finish. You don't get that at Chicago. The course was challenging as always. This is a really, really challenging course. The volunteers on the course were great, especially the prom queens. I was happy to have two great massage therapists at the finish. This is the best race I run each year. If you only run big marathons, you are missing out on the best organized marathon in the country. Good thing Runner's World hasn't discovered this one. It's hard enough to get in as it is.

I did a 16-week training plan for this race, right after finishing my first half-marathon (Raleigh City of Oaks) in November 2007. I did most of my long runs in Umstead, and felt pretty well-prepared. Four long runs of 20 miles, all in Umstead, helped me out there. I could not prepare for the rain-soaked single track at the beginning of the race however. That sucked the life out of my legs. By mile 11, I was in 31st overall. By mile 18, I was fading, and started getting passed. I did pass a few folks back, I believe, but got blown by about 200 feet from the finish line for a position. I did walk a few aid stations even though I was carrying water and Gu, but that was mainly to say hello to my family who came out to cheer at several points. By mile 18, I began doing some run-walks. My calves were cramping very badly at this point. I began run-walking 10+-minute miles. I did hit a 9:43 for mile 26, and a 1:43 for the last two-tenths.

This was a wonderful race. No matter that it started in a downpour; I felt like a little kid splashing in puddles for the first hour. I hope to run it again next year.

I sure picked a challenge for my first marathon! But I enjoyed this race immensely. There are many long, gradual hills and only a few super steep spots, which I thought was manageable. It was nice to get the single track portions of the race over with at the beginning because this year was wet (poured on us right at the start) and the trail was very muddy. The rest of the course was nice to run on (save a couple miles near the end, which were a little rocky). The mile markers were helpful, as were the volunteers throughout the course, at the aid stations, and on bicycle patrol, even for those of us at the back of the pack. The runners were friendly and encouraging as well. Good registration process, especially since there were two registration periods to accommodate more runners to fill dropped spots. A nifty goody bag and finisher's pint glass were the cherries on top! Thanks for a great experience - I'll remember it always.

While it is sort of a stretch to call this a trail marathon - only a few miles are single-track in the woods - it is a very well run race with top-notch administration from front to back. Packet pickup was at a local running store and was a breeze. Having plenty of toilet facility opportunites prior to the race was great, but we could have used coffee in addition to the water/sports drink offering. The course was well marked, as noted by another poster, and the aid stations were well stocked with water/Gatorade and some traditional ultra foods (bananas, Oreos, oranges, etc.). Nice variety. The volunteers were really awesome and helpful throughout the race. The few specatators on the course were enthusiastic, but I wasn't really expecting anyone to be there, so it was a bonus.

The finish line amenities were great! Food was really good - veggie burritos (thanks) and chips/salsa composed a perfect post-race repast.

All in all, a well-run, challenging course.

Thanks for a great run in NC!

From start (registering) to finish (awesome awards and post-race meal), this is the way every race should be run. The volunteers were knowledgeable and helpful. Miles were clearly marked - better so than in many of the much larger marathons I have run. What the race lacks in quantity of spectators, it more than makes up for with quality. Both fans and volunteers at all of the water stations were extremely encouraging. Given how difficult and challenging this course is (and yes, it is difficult and challenging), it was wonderful to hear such heartfelt words of support and praise.

This is a very well organized trail marathon on very nice trails through the forest. The course is scenic and very challenging, a true trail run.That's the very reason I drove seven hours to this race. The aid stations were adequately stocked and prepared, especially since the temperature neared 80 degrees. The volunteers, spectators and others who were just there enjoying the park were very friendly and encouraging. The course is hard, but I loved every step. The packet pickup the day before was well organized with an informative and friendly staff. It was nice to get a woman's race shirt that actually fit. I would highly recommend this race if you enjoy running on trails, nature and a challenge.

I've run several big city marathons with all the hoopla that accompanies them. They just can't compare to this one. What an awesome experience. Great organization. Fantastic volunteers who sat out there in the heat all day long. Super men and women riding their trail bikes offering water and gels all along the course. Peace and quiet, beautiful forests. The list could go on and on. I too enjoyed receiving my award as I crossed the finish line.

My only real compaint was the cars using the same road to leave as the runners coming in the last 1/2 mile. We're tired, hot, anxious to finish, and then have to dodge cars and breath the dust they kicked up. Please look into changing the finish logistics. This one is going on my calendar for next year. Surely it won't be 80+ degrees again??

Mostly I agree with all the nice things said in the comments by other runners. The first half is fairly easy and includes the few miles of pleasant, moderately difficult single track. The second half is brutal, especially with this year's heat. The 9 a.m. start is probably good most years but hurt this time. You have to get there before 8 due to the parking logistics. With a cap at 200 the race sold out early. It's a real shame that over 40 people didn't start. Perhaps the park will allow a higher limit and expect some no-shows. True trail enthusiasts might not like the course, but it's a great change for regular road marathon runners. Great support and organization - keep it up!