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Apr 27, 2024

Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half Runner Comments

Back to Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.3

Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

t. b. from canton, GA (5/17/2009) "I loved it; my legs hated it." (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was an extremely tough run. I ran 2:11 for the first half, and 3:27 for the second; that should show how the race took its toll on me. The hills killed my calves and the humidity dehydrated me within two miles of every aid station, even though I carried a 23-ounce bottle with me. I would estimate that 10-12 miles were on gravel and road, which wasn't very pleasant. The rest was on well maintained single track. The limited field gave the race a nice intimate feel. The aid stations were appropriately stocked and the volunteers were awesome. I would do this race again, though expecting to finish at least an hour better - or maybe I'll just do the half.
Kyle DeLaigle from Georgia, US (6/29/2008) "Brutal course, yet certainly unforgettable!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The Twisted Ankle was my first marathon. I wouldn't reccomend this course for the novice, but it might well be one of the best courses I'll ever run. The support staff worked hard to make this a memorable event. The aid stations were extremely well stocked with a variety of fluids and sources for fuel, and the courses well marked. The key to successfully completing this course, I think, is a LOT of hill training. I certainly didn't take the website seriously when they stated we needed to do that. The downhills really butcher the quads, so keep that in mind when in training. Overall, train right, come prepared and have the most memorable race ever! -Kyle deLaigle (5th place age group)
B. Y. from Chatsworth, GA (5/21/2008) "True Trail" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a tough course and a true trail run. There were no mile markers (except at mile 18) so just enjoy the scenery and look where you are stepping. The only split timer was the sun. It's a peaceful course through the woods. The four-legged, beaked and slithering spectators may outnumber the two legged. The aid stations are adequately stocked and the volunteers are enthusiastic and great help. You may want to carry your own water bottle since it is mid-May. Most of the course is in the shade. Becky does a great job with the organization. This race is a lot of fun if you really enjoy the trail.
K. O. from Macon, Georgia (5/19/2008) "Wonderful trails; need better markers" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This race really has a lot going for it, with the start/finish at a beautiful lakeside state park, trails that are really quite runner-friendly, a dramatic finish across a wooden bridge, and great volunteers manning the mountain top aid stations. I did the half-marathon, and really enjoyed it. I do think, though, that for first-timers like myself, a better-written course description and better markers along the course would have been extremely helpful. I was taken by surprise while running along the ridge to see an oncoming runner barreling along on the single-track path, and wondered if I'd taken a wrong turn. Knowing that the course was an out-and-back would have been helpful, something I did not pick up on from studying the online map. It required much concentration to avoid a head-on collision while still keeping up a decent pace, but luckily the 175-runner cap kept it manageable. I also didn't realize that we were to take a different path down the mountain, and that there was an oblique right turn off the path before reaching the bottom. I was really focused on keeping my footing on the steep downhill, and missed the turn. I arrived at the bottom of the road along with another runner, and we consulted as to which way to go. A tree had an arrow pointing to the left, so we went that way, which actually took us back up Becky's Bluff! I lost 20 minutes and went from 2nd place to 10th. A piece of blue tape strung across the downhill path at the turn would have easily prevented this mistake. My husband took a wrong turn in the campground winding his way to the finish, and my other two friends took 3 wrong turns! It's frustrating to work hard and prepare for a race and then have to struggle to figure out which way the course goes. My other suggestion would be for them to go ahead and have the half-marathon awards ceremony before waiting for all the marathoners to finish. The race director was nice to give me and my husband our trophies before we left (a couple of hours after finishing), but a ceremony would have been a nice way to honor the runners. Despite the problems, I had a blast and hope to come back next year (now that I know which way to turn!).
Rob Obst from Atlanta (5/19/2008) "Twisted Ankle has an epic look and feel to it." (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Twisted Ankle has an epic look and feel to it. It offers spectacular beauty as well as equally spectacular strenuousness and suffering. A couple of the climbs might give the most serious of Sherpas pause. Most of this gorgeously green span of undulating trails winds along the tree tops and ridge lines, offering the freshest of air you need to voraciously inhale, with occasional glimpses of the open country below. I've run over 35 road marathons, and found this course, hands down, the toughest. I wiped out twice because of dragging feet and leaf hidden roots or rocks. The volunteers and gifts of food (Gu, PBJ's, watermelon, pretzels, fluids) were were outstanding. Trails were well marked with blue ribbons. The finish is unforgettable. First you round a waterfall, and then you head to the finish line across a wood-planked bridge. Wow. I was humbled and battered, but like the Terminator says, "I'll be back." -Rob Obst
D. B. from Marietta, GA (5/18/2008) "Great Run" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first trail marathon but not my last! It is great to run in the woods but now I know why it's called the "twisted ankle!" Tough but fun course. Great volunteers and aid stations. Everyone was great!!
B. L. from Rome, Georgia (5/17/2008) "AS Advertised!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the Twisted Ankle Full Marathon today, May 17, 2008. The weather was perfect for this time of year in northwest Georgia! Of all the marathons I've run, this was by far the most difficult. When they say the course is hilly, they are on point. Plan to add 30+ minutes to your average marathon time. (No kidding!) Becky does a fantastic job as the race director, and the volunteers are awesome! Thanks for a great day. Time to go curl up in a fetal position!
Jon Ewig from Xenia, OH (12/16/2007) "beautiful, hard, route challenges" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 My son and I ran the half, and I found it a real challenge, especially the decline (steep). We liked the organizers, but in 2007 my son was 8 minutes ahead of the pack and was sent the wrong way by a boy scout, losing many minutes, and running almost 2 miles farther. He still came in 4th or 5th, but after blowing the field away, it was very disappointing to him. Nice of the race director to offer him free entry fee in 2008; he may just do it.
Art Walker from Portland, OR (5/31/2007) "Splendid hardwood trees; back down hard on knees" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Very informal start and a tough climb up the ridge. Most of the trail is in trees and trail, but some is on gravel and rocks ("technical"). Southern hospitality, a culture of manners and a bit of road rash if you misstepped. Excellent support with several added unpopulated water and 'ade stops. Becky Finger, the RD, has created and manages an altogether challenging, fun and gratifying experience.
P. M. from Alabama (5/28/2007) "A tough but beautiful run...." (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a well organized event with plentiful support, considering the rustic setting. Spectators are few, but enthusiastic. The course is very beautiful and features a variety of surfaces. The 3 major climbs are challenging and might require you adjusting your time goals. I found the condition of the trails to be rather "road runner friendly," except for a few isolated stretches. It was my slowest marathon timewise, but how can you consider a beautiful course like this a "personal worst"? Great course info on the website!

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