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Apr 28, 2024

Umstead Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Umstead Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.8

Organization 5.0

Spectators 4.0

Number of comments: 31 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

P. P. from Apex, NC (3/10/2007) "Once again, incredible race!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Umstead Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
B. Y. from Chatsworth, GA (3/19/2006) "A true trail challenge" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
L. E. from Asheville, NC (3/19/2006) "Great trail race!" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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??
G. B. from CT, USA (3/17/2006) "Really nice event, as tough as advertised" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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!
A. R. from Raleigh, NC (3/14/2006) "Great support. Hot day." (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
N. J. from Athens, Ga (3/13/2006) "Well organized, well marked course!" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
P. P. from Apex, NC (3/13/2006) "Excellent marathon; not for beginners!" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
Chris Hagwood from Raleigh, NC (3/12/2006) "Super support at this marathon!" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
R. L. from Apex, NC USA (3/30/2005) "The best marathon!" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great race. I highly recommend this marathon for anyone who likes a challenge! The course is very scenic and hilly. Not recommended for beginners.
P. S. from St. Joseph, MI (3/8/2005) "Very well run, tough race." (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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.

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