This year, the buses refused to run due to the weather - 4-5 inches of snow. So, the RD had to make a tough call, and made the race an out-and-back for the first time ever. This made for a bit of congestion during most of the first half, but still enjoyable race. Prefer the wind-shirts over the sweatshirts.

This marathon was very hard; the hills just keep coming. I suggest running it with someone who can pick you up when you're down, and you can do the same for them. Everyone - volunteers and runners - was kind and helpful, the course was very well marked, and the hot soup at the finish line hit the spot. This is not a PR run; do it for fun. Bloomington is great, but for a family fun on the days before or after the race, check out Nashville just down the road.

The Tecumseh Trail Marathon is a perfect event and an unmatched experience. The race director and DINO team were helpful throughout (even on emails prior to race day). The course is serene and - at once - both brutal and inspiring. The volunteers were the best I've ever met, with Hoosier friendliness, words of encouragement and humor at each stop. And the post-run meal - inside a state park stone picnic shelter with fireplaces roaring - was a tremendous experience with runners chatting, laughing and sharing trail tales (plus, the soup is remarkably good!). The trail itself is hard. It's at least 19 miles of single-file running on terrain that you'd never expect upon hearing the word "Indiana." The elevation changes, frequent stream crossings and slippery passages will affect your "normal" marathon time dramatically, but even if it's your all-time slowest marathon (sure was mine!), the event will also, surely, be your favorite. Several days later, I'm still sore, but I haven't yet stopped smiling at the great memories.

This was only second marathon (my first was Akron in September!), and my first trail marathon. I'm from the area, so I'm glad I was able to train these hills, but it didn't make it a ton easier. Expect at least an hour added to your road marathon time.

The spectators (generally those few brave souls running the aid stations) were great - especially the folks with the speakers in the trees playing, "Run, Run Rudolph!" The food was great, and the people too; and we couldn't have asked for a better day this year. I'll definitely make this a permanent part of my race calendar!

I have done 25 marathons including running Africa, the Inca Trail, and the Great Wall. The only thing that compares in difficulty to this was the Great Wall. This was the second hardest and hilliest marathon I have ever done. If you think you are in decent shape, give this marathon a shot. It will humble you. Everything about it is first rate. Be prepared to climb, slip, fall and eat dirt. Loved it. The windbreakers are a really nice touch. And just as a p.s.: when they tell you to wear bright colors because the deer hunters are in the woods on the course, they are serious.

What an adventure! My 20th and most difficult run to date. I share the sentiment with many runners who can declare with a grin on their face that this was their absolutely worst time ever! But who cares? It was a blast!

It was 15-20 degrees at the start, but for trail runs it always seems to come out that the weather was always worse the year before. They bused us all out into the backwoods where we shivered on a grassy knoll until someone said, "Mark, Set, GO" and we proceeded to track pink ribbons through the woods for 26 miles.

There is a better sense of humor and camaraderie among trail runners as we pulled and dragged each other across the 21+ stream crossings (I lost count), over and under logs, and up and down muddy and icy slopes in a collective effort. As the obstacles thinned the line of runners, you got to know your little cliques pretty well, following them for miles on end zigzagging through the trees, tripping over rocks and roots together and trading the point position like migrating geese.

The aid stations were little social breaks, with plenty of snacks and hot chocolate (and tissues for perpetual running noses), where we made jokes about the hunters back on the trail who were part of the devious rigid course management system (no stragglers!). Then they kept promising beer at the NEXT aid station (liars!).

By late in the course, most runners simply resorted to walking every incline, slogging up the hills like muddy zombies. The path was obviously prepared by someone "directionally challenged" who managed to capture every hidden nook, cranny, ravine and hill in the region. I'm sure more than a few of us wondered if the course was measured from A to B or if all the incessant switchbacks were taken into account.

At the finish, we were met with sandwiches, soup, a heated cabin, and a sense of accomplishment beyond the normal road-pounding marathon experience. Don't be afraid to come over to the "dark side" and give trail running a try. Your quads will hate you, but it's a great new perspective into the running experience!

This was my second Tecumseh, and my 21st marathon. It was a beautiful experience, once again. The organization is fantastic and the people treat you like relatives. The course is the most challenging I have ever run, and that's why I'll be back. The hill at mile 13 must be man-made, because God would not do that to us. Thanks, DINO guys!

I only have two comments about this race; 1. Tecumseh must have been one tough SOB. This is a beast of a course. We were lucky it was dry with sunshine. 2. This is a humbling course. You think you're well trained... but this course is the ultimate test. "Challenging course" is pure modesty.

What a great day! Perfect December weather: a cold, clear, sunny day. The course was well marked; I had no problems following the pink markers. Creeks were running with water, requiring many crossings - loved it! Organization was spot on. Aid stations were well stocked with water, Gatorade and goodies. Great job! Little spectator support, but very enthusiastic. I don't expect or want much for a trail marathon. If you haven't run this one, put it on your list of things to do, but you better make sure to be well conditioned. This is not a flat road course! Loved it and will be back next year.

This was my first trail marathon, and it was both beautiful and brutal! I loved it!
Though my time was 2 hours slower than my road marathon PR, I had an incredible sense of achievement after successfully navigating the huge hills, dozens of stream crossings and rocky, rooted trails. Great food and atmosphere at the end, and the best aid stations I've ever encountered. Definitely a must-run!