This is a challenging course. Lots of hills and a fair amount of single track. Added to the mix this year; lots of sun and a high of 80. The volunteers were outstanding. Those working the aid stations offered everything they had, including food from their personal stash, if necessary. I had Elvis hand me lots of Gatorade in the middle of the woods. Well organized for such a small race. This one will go on the calendar again for next year. Crowd support was as good as anyone can possibly expect for a trail marathon with a 200-person entry cap.

I knew this was going to be a good day from the moment I drove in the gate. The volunteers were excited and helpful, not a negative word all day! And it was HOT. It was nice to have people all over the course to help with directions instead of just tape all over the course. Their encouraging words kept me going. I wish there had been more single track. Don't race this race if you are a single-track junkie like me - I felt like it was more like an off-road race with killer hills. I LOVE the hills! Thank you to whoever put more inclines than declines, and thank you to all the area clubs who took the time to put on a GREAT race. The aid stations were WELL stocked and there were even guys on bikes taking around GU and water. First-class support! A big thanks to all involved!

From start to finish, a truly wonderful experience. Extremely well organized and managed. This is what every marathon should aspire to be like! First, there was a comfortable, casual atmosphere from the start to the finish, with a tremendous sense of camaraderie. Second, even though the aid stations were 3-4 miles apart (as publicized and as necessary given the course), the support was wonderful - plenty of water, Gatorade, and cheering fans. Third, the course was very challenging and very scenic. Finally, awards were presented to the finishers as we crossed the line. No waiting (and waiting, and waiting some more) for an awards ceremony. This was by no means my best time for a marathon; it was, however, the marathon I am most proud of running.

My first marathon. Wouldn't recommend it as a first, due to demanding course. Tough terrain added almost 2 minutes to my best training pace.

Volunteer and aid station support is top-notch! Very well-run race. Plenty of liquid, plus energy gel and solid food where it was needed.

Course is limited by park service to a few miles of single track, so most of it takes place on wide bridle/bike paths. Hills take their toll on you quickly if you don't conserve. Plenty of friendly folks along the way to cheer you on.

Great race. I highly recommend this marathon for anyone who likes a challenge! The course is very scenic and hilly. Not recommended for beginners.

Very well supported, especially considering the small field of 170. Interesting and challenging course. Several long, painful, gradual ascents. I would have preferred more single track - probably only 2.5-3 miles of it. The majority of the course was wide bridle paths - great to run on, but not as much fun as single track.

I sure picked a tough, hilly course for my first marathon. The run through North Carolina's Umstead State Park was spectacular. The race was very well organized and the volunteers were the best ever. The aid stations were fully stocked. The race was well marked and there were people at every turn making sure you went the right way and giving words of support. This is a good race to test your endurance of hills since there were many at all parts of the course. There were some very hard, steep hills after mile 18, the hardest at about mile 21 that just about did me in. If you can get through this, all other road marathons should seem easy. This was a great first race and I hope it continues for many years!