This was my first trail marathon. After 31 road marathons in the past 2 1/2 years, I decided to try the other marathon course, the trail. Man, was it hard. The only thing I can relate it to was hiking the Appalachian Trail in December in snow in the north Georgia Mountains. It snowed several inches during the race, and the temperature was in the teens. Not a pretty sight for a runner from Georgia. We slipped and slid up and down mountains for 26.2 miles. There was a cutoff time late in the race at mile 22.8 because of fading light. I missed the cutoff by 10 minutes, and the sweeper led me and another runner through the woods with a head light. Once we reached the road - which was solid ice - we carefully slipped and stepped to the finish for what seemed like a 10K, but was really maybe a mile. A pickup truck came up behind us and let us use his lights for the last mile on the road. All in all, this was a miserable 26.2 miles that I am glad to have completed dead last.

This marathon was a great experience that I will always remember. I can't wait to try another trail. The volunteers were the only spectators, but they were tough and hearty people to be able to stay in freezing weather all day. The food stops were every 2 to 3 miles, and were well stocked and the volunteers encouraging. The Tecumseh trail is gorgeous, remote, and hilly. We crossed icy bridges and frozen streams, but by George we finished. Thanks, folks, for good Indiana hospitality.

Roscoe Douglas
50 States Club
Marathon Maniacs

Just ran the 2008 Tecumseh Trail Marathon earlier today. (I'm not in bed yet because my muscle cramps won't let me go to sleep.) Based on the comments I've read on here and talking to people who've run this race before, I was expecting a difficult course. I still underestimated how hard it would be! The course is absolutely beautiful, but very technical, and very slick when you have 1-2 inches of snow on the ground like we had. The biggest difficulty for me, however, were the hills - they were absolutely UNREAL. My recommendation is to train for the hills first, then the distance, then the terrain. The aid stations are incredible too - lots of stuff to keep you going with very nice people running them. In my opinion, this is not the race to run for first-time marathoners unless you have adequate hill training. I don't know yet if I'll run this race again (9 hours after finishing the race with muscle cramps in my feet and hammies probably skews my view a little), but if you truly want the challenge of the most difficult marathon you can run, I highly recommend it.

This was my 2nd time for Tecumseh (the previous year was SO muddy - I can't believe I set myself up for this again, but I got addicted!). This year, the terrain was MUCH more manageable. Two IMPORTANT tips: (1) Don't bother with trail shoes. Too many large tree roots, rocks, etc. for trail shoes because they're harder on the bottom, so they tend to SLIP like skates at times. (2) DO NOT do this one solo - everyone should have a buddy. You would NOT want to have an injury out in this wilderness and have to wait for someone to come along for help, especially toward the end, when clusters of runners get fewer and farther apart. Injuries here could tend to be bad with so many rocks, trees, and hills involved.

This race was just so fantastic. The course support, the volunteers and the miles and miles of wilderness made it absolutely memorable. The meal provided after the race (homemade soups and sandwiches with hot beverages) totally hit the spot. This was my first trail marathon, and what an introduction! The volunteers were so friendly, and the veritable buffet of snacks gave me something to look forward to every few miles! The types of runners who attended this marathon made it fantastic, too. No prima donnas, it seemed, just plenty of people from all walks of life who loved running and sharing their stories of past wilderness marathons. Such a sense of camaraderie among everyone, even towards someone like me who is new to running marathons. I will definitely be back next year!

I had never run a trail race and I never trained on hills. This was the MOST FUN race yet! You don't even notice how far you are running because you're focused on not falling and there are no mile markers. You feel like a little kid running, playing "Follow the Leader." You can't expect a good time for this race - just run it for fun! I only want to run on trails now.

I've never run a trail before, or hills, and I'm slow (5 hours). This was an absolute blast - I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're slow, no worries - there were tons of hikers and great, friendly people. The scenery is incredibly beautiful - actually moved me to tears in one pine forest with huge foggy hills in the background. I always use an iPod, and I didn't even turn it on, so peaceful and the sounds of leaves underfoot were enough. From a totally cynical Chicago runner - do this race; don't be intimidated by hills (yes, big, but everyone walks), or the idea that everyone is hardcore (so not) or that there's a lot of dirt (minimal). It was transformative and fun. Perfect stops, and alone time....

I signed up for this race because I've never run a trail race of any kind. I now will be perfectly content if I never run anything but trail races from here on out. This race is beyond memorable. I was impressed with the course, organization, aid stations, shirt, and the crazy, intense hills. Tecumseh is extremely challenging, but it's so fun!

This is my second marathon (first trail) and one of numerous other races/distances. It was an extremely challenging course with over 3200' elevation change, narrow trails, seemingly endless hidden rocks and tree roots (under wet leaves and some mud), switchbacks up steep ascents and rocks/mud in numerous creek bed crossings. However, the scenery was breathtaking, the aid stations were stocked (energy bars/gels, cookies, pretzels, fruit, Fig Newtons, hot chocolate, water, Gatorade, etc.), the volunteers were pleasant, the course was well marked and the finish was spectacular with hot soup and sandwiches waiting in a cozy stone cabin with burning fires to warm our feet. THE BEST running experience I've encountered! I would definitely run this again. Hats off to the organizers for providing a unique and fun experience.

This was marathon number 50 and easily the toughest! I had no idea what to expect since I had signed up on a whim. The course was very beautiful but very technical. Lots of branches, fallen trees, and roots covered by leaves. Fell at least three times and tripped over a dozen but the leaves made for a soft landing. I would do this marathon again, not because it was fun, but because next year I am not going to let the course get the best of me. The food and volunteers were excellent. Best post-race food ever. Also, bring a change of clothing and go shopping in nearby Nashville afterwards. Simply breathtaking.

I have never felt compelled to write a marathon report before, but this race was UNbelievable. Beautiful and serene course, a hardcore group of fellow runners, dedicated volunteers, and a unique, cozy finish line celebration. The opposite of your typical big-city road marathon and exactly what I was looking for.