I consider myself a pretty good runner; I've run Boston, and broken three hours, but this was something else: The most difficult thing I've done in my life. My legs were shot halfway through the race. It went from a race to a fight for survival. If you're looking for a tough race, this is the one to do!!!

This was not only my first trail marathon but my first marathon. The trail was spectacular.

Aside from a bus issue, the race was incredibly well run. I was thoroughly impressed at all of the logistics involved.

Tons of rain the day before made it very muddy but it was incredibly well run and gorgeous on race day.

I haven't run a marathon or even 1/2 marathon on the road, but I would only guess that a race like this would be a great departure.

Well done.

I've run this the last three years, and keep expecting the organizational side to improve, but it seems to be getting worse. The race has never started on time, and was almost 50 minutes late this year. The only way it will ever start on time is to have the buses leave for the start area at 8:30, not 9. It shouldn't be that hard. Either have the buses leave earlier, or advertise a realistic start time.

Some aid stations had some food, others didn't. For as long as this race took due to the conditions, a better stocked station would have been welcome.

I will give credit for getting the course ready to go after the storms that came through. I hated the additional road the detour required, but that is hardly the race director's fault. The trail portions of the course were wonderfully muddy and fun to run.

Assuming that next year the regular course can be used, I'd recommend this to anyone that likes trail races, but I think its time for me to find a different late=year trail marathon or ultra.

A lot went wrong this year - largely beyond the control of the race director and staff. Would I recommend this race? YES - to people who appreciate trail runs. NO - to those who are accustomed to running on roads. The course was the muddiest I've ever run: too slippery and dangerous (especially when running downhill by cliffs). I fell three times in the mud, as did many other people. Also, the race headquarters and finish line (where busses pick us up to drive to the start) was very difficult to find. In fact, we got lost on our way - and so did five of the busses that were supposed to transport runners to the start. Because of this, the 2006 race was delayed by 45 minutes. The trail was beautiful, but it's too bad that the mud and conditions forced me to focus on the ground in front of me to make sure I didn't slip. It was certainly an adventure. When they say you have to jump over logs and icy cold streams, they're not kidding. I felt like I was in the army. My shoes have never been more cold, wet and muddy. OY, and those uphill walks. Most everyone walked uphill. I've run over a dozen road marathons, and this trail marathon felt like a death march. It was grueling and certainly an adventure. The folks who put this together deserve a lot of credit. Aside from the late buses (which weren't their fault), it was well put together. After the race, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and I'm so glad I ran it. But once is enough. Back to the road marathons for me.

This is just one of those marathons that you need to experience. Challenging on so many levels, but one that you'll want to run again & again (as soon as you regain feeling in your legs that is).

This was my first marathon and I couldn't be more pleased with it. I was exhilarated to be running those early miles through beautiful, forested terrain in frosty December air. I had been concerned about bad weather, but the rain/snow held off, and the temperatures in the 30s were perfect to run in. I had also been concerned about the hills, but I (and everyone around me) walked the steep uphills. Being my first marathon and first trail run, I had no time goal, but I was pleased to come in under 5 hours.

I loved the course and was highly impressed by the organization, which was first and foremost supportive of runners, from the helpful emails prior to race day to the frequent aid stations to the soup and sandwiches at the end. I will run Tecumseh Trail again and I will look for other events in the DINO Trail Series.

Overall Grade: B+.

No-frills trail marathon, for which the course is challenging. Yes, there are hills in Indiana! The race is a point-to-point, outside Bloomington. The weather this year was in the high 20's to low 30's - not bad for Dec. The course features minimal roads; mostly jeep trails and single track with rolling hills.

The aid stations were great; people there were very nice and helpful. No spectators; however, this is a trail marathon.

The only improvement(s) for next year have mile markers at the aid station. It was hard to know what point in the race you were at. Also gel packs at aid stations. Some liked the sweatshirt, but I thought the front with a panther and palm trees had nothing to do with the theme of the race. Winter in the forest in Indiana?

If you want a low-key fun event on the trails, this is your event.

This was my first trail marathon, but I'm sure it won't be my last. Challenging? Absolutely. Enjoyable? Thoroughly. Would I do it again? Yes, but not until I have completed my 50-state campaign.

What an exercise in concentration, as far as foot placement goes. Lose focus, and you are bound to slip, trip, stumble, get wet, etc. Or any combination thereof simultaneously. I loved it!!!

Didn't see any deer, although I didn't really look. Did find a box turtle in the later part of the first half, and gently moved him off the path 20 feet or so. No honor in getting stampeded when you are just trying to make a living.

No mile markers, but I didn't miss them, either. Just get into the rythym of the trail, and the distance passes all on its own. What a nice change of pace from road racing.

Water stops were well stocked/staffed. If you wanted to know your progress, they were happy to tell you.

If anyone wanted a break from the roads, I'd recommend you do some serious trail training and give this one a shot. You won't regret it. Thanks for the memories.

This was my first marathon, and yes I picked a tough one. My goal was to finish, which I did (though last...). It was a great race. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the challenging course, the friendly people at the stations as well as conversations before the race with the other runners. Overall, it was an excellent experience. Perhaps next year, I'll do much better on time being prepared for the challenge. I'm just thrilled that I completed the course. I would do it again, and hope to have another opportunity next year.

I am so very glad I decided to do this marathon. It was my third start, second successful attempt (after Chicago last year). Even though there were no crowds, the aid station people and the other runners on the course made up for it. Especially you, Red Man (you know who you are). Even though I'm a back-of-the-packer, I was able to keep an even pace throughout and enjoyed the mental reward of passing those who went out too fast. The trails are beautiful, and the temperature was chilly but energizing. Only criticism is that the first aid stations with food need to be loaded a little heavier with supplies for us in the back. The porta-potty at mile 13 was in a perfect place, just before a decline. I hope to be back one of these next years!