This was a beautiful race. This is the first trail marathon I have ever done. It was amazing, extremely challenging, but very fun. As others have posted the race did not start on time due to the buses. We had to stand around in the cold waiting for the rest of the buses! They definitely need to work on a better way to handle that. I also had trouble locating the bathrooms where they were supposed to be. I finally found one close to the end. (Plenty of people just went in the woods, but I didn't want to.) I would still highly recommend this race.

This was my fourth marathon, first trail, and I loved (almost) every minute. We did start late, that is true, but I used the opportunity to get to know other runners, and those little acquaintances ended up helping me out in the race itself. People were very friendly as we ran, and it was fun to chitchat with people here and there. It was like an extremely long, very difficult game of follow the leader. I am more motivated now to try longer, more difficult races. And as much as I love the spirit of the Chicago Marathon, I am more drawn to smaller events now.

It was hard, but it sure was fun.

It wasn't the 26.2 miles I ran forward, nor the 2/3 mile I ran vertically. It was the 2 or so miles my feet ran sideways slipping in the mud that did me in. It was the first time I've ever been grateful to run, however briefly, on the side of a paved highway. But, when I wasn't going face-first into a streambank or grabbing onto brambles attempting to stay upright, it was truly one of the most beautiful courses I've run.

Don't do this race if you expect perfection in logistics or course conditions. But if you want a low-key, challenging race put on by friendly people, give this one a try.

This is my 33rd marathon and 3rd trail marathon and I would rate it as my favorite one yet. The race director deserves high praise for even getting this race going after the horrific weather the day before that washed out the bridge to registration. Aid stations were plentiful and course was very well marked. Very muddy, very hilly, numerous water crossings, outstanding. Buses were delayed but so what? It is a low-key trail run and you could sit in the buses until the start, so no big deal. Looking for a relaxing fun run in the woods? This is the race. Type A personalities should look elsewhere, as you may blow a fuse.

This was my second Tecumseh Marathon and I really enjoy this run. It was much more muddy this year but the weather, while chilly, still wasn't too bad for December. The course had to be diverted to the highway for a few miles to avoid flooded sections so that, while necessary, made the run not quite as much fun. The organization is very good but, had it not been for the gas station owner at the entrance to Yellowwood from SR46, I would not have gotten to the packet pick up. The road was flooded from that entrance and the owner told me, and several others, how to take an alternate entry. A representative from the race at that entry point, or at least some maps dropped off at the gas station, would have been welcome. Once out on the trail, though, I had such a great time that I forgot the inconveniences of the night before. This run is awesome, and anyone who has the opportunity to run it should do so.

If you love to run, like the outdoors and are up for a challenge, then this is the run for you. Not a "race" for most of those who participate; this is a fun run. I felt like a kid running through the woods while enjoying this experience without really being focused on my time for a change. You will discover muscles that you didn't know you had from jumping the logs, hopping the streams, and picking yourself off the ground after tripping on a root, but you won't regret this "hardcore" experience.

The course was the most difficult I have ever run. It was beautiful and well worth it. Do not expect to put any remarkable times up on this course.

There was difficulty getting to the registration because the access roads to Yellowwood State Forest were flooded and closed.

There was little room for spectators along the course and due to course limitations, and there were only 500 participants limiting the number of spectators present, but they were great.

The community and fellowship at this marathon were the best I had ever experienced. I will do this marathon again, and I look forward to it.

Awesome event, challenging course even with the last minute reroutes to bypass flooded areas. Plenty of mud for everyone. I especially liked crossing that one creek on a fallen tree. The new route from 23 miles to the finish was physically much tougher than the normal route, but also a big mental challenge because you run past the finish area and then come back to it. I say keep that for next year. About 90% of those who ran in 2005 and 2006 ran slower this year. Perhaps just the tougher conditions or does maybe the reroutes lengthened the course a bit?

Only one opportunity for improvement: the bus situation needs some work. Except for that I would have given 5 stars for organization.

I definitely plan to run again in 2007.

I did this run in 2005. Loved the course (extremely tough), but the race started 15 minutes late. The 2006 race started 45 minutes late and I think that is totally unacceptable. I am told this race, in its short history, has never started on time. The course this year had to be altered due to flooding, which forced runners onto a state route for 4-5 miles. This could not be helped but made for terrible running in trail shoes. If you plan to run this race in 2007, do not plan on starting on time. If you think you may not make the cutoff, remember to plan for a late start of up to an hour.

WOW! What an amazing experience. I may never want to run on the road again! These were the deepest woods that I have ever been in. I didn't even mind my feet being wet; who could notice with the beautiful surroundings?! The water stops were excellent - sort of like running into people out camping. They are your spectators, and the trees of course! I finished in 6:20 and wished I could have been out there enjoying the scenery even longer! DO NOT MISS THIS RUN!