No doubt about it, this course is a bitch. I am sure there are tougher courses, but this has hills going up and going down. But we don't run marathons because they are easy, right? Anyway, here is what matters: Great organization. Started on time, and who doesn't love that? Small, capped at 200 or so - what you get is lots of personality, and not the crush of humanity you get with the big-deal marathons. As overused as the word "awesome" is, the volunteers were it. Keep in mind that there are only about 200 runners, so by mid race, there is a trickle of monkey runners, but the volunteers were always happy to see you, with lots of food, water, gel, and "you can do it!"'s. They made it wonderful. I'm lucky enough to live a few miles from this course, so I run parts several weeks a year, and it is a blast. Twists, dark hollows, leas, meadows, monkeys, big foot once in a while, and some hills. Really a great place to run hard, and 26.2 is a challenge. Kudos to Trent, who appears not only to organize the whole thing, but runs it, too. If you are a middle-of-the-pack kind of runner like me, just take it slow, don't rush the hills, and be patient. Mile 26 comes at you before you know it. Then there is beer. Did I mention the beer?

The awesomeness of this event cannot be described in normal race-review terms. It is unique. The people, the course, the volunteers, everything. It is as advertised, not flat nor fast. But it is FUN and challenging and BEAUTIFUL. I want to go back to Nashville and run it again right now (even though I'm still a little sore).

The Flying Monkeys attacked me this time, but I'll beat them next time. It's not the fault of the course at all! It's a beautiful, but hard course with great support!

As a first-time marathoner, I was cautioned against this course. And while it is certainly the most challenging physical task I've taken on, it was everything I'd been led to believe it would be.

The course was incredibly challenging, but not impossible (even for the "slightly" under-trained). The volunteers were amazing, from start to finish. They were all very encouraging, and made good use of your name on your bib. There were not many spectators throughout the course, but those that were there (along with the volunteers) were awesome. Everyone had a kind word.

If you have a love of running, and don't mind missing out on the bigness of an urban marathon, you should put this on your list. I know it will stay on mine.

This is a fun race with a great race director and crew. Very well supported - lots of GU, water, food and drink along the way. Nice microbrew at the end too!! If you like HILLS, you'll love this one.

This marathon rates high because of the beautiful course, great organization, and supportive volunteers. I have never experienced such friendly, encouraging volunteers. I have also never experienced such a tough course! Constant hills. If I could have found a taxi at mile 13, I would have stopped right there. No taxis, however, and my time was a personal worst. This race is not about PRs. It's about overcoming a challenge. If you can finish this course, you can finish any course. I did absolutely no hill training and definitely felt it.

Don't take the hills lightly. Love this course. Any marathon with beer at the end and enthusastic volunteers is a success.

I was told that the Flying Monkey Marathon had a keg of beer available at the finish line, so this was my main incentive to run it. It is my understanding that one or more of the volunteers, all of whom were very enthusiastic and cordial, were also handing out cups of beer. I missed those points along the course, so it was a good thing I had consumed my full share of beverages at an informal pasta feed among participants the night prior. The course had a couple of hills, so it wasn't exactly easy to get to the finish line silver. But, when it was all said and done and the keg was tapped, my thirst was satisfied. The beer was fresh, stout, had minimal foam, and negated some of the pain of having run 26.2 miles on a rolling course. I will be back for more, as I understand that the third installment also has a keg. My only regrets were not bringing some empty containers to take some home, and not bringing a friend with me to be my d.d.

If you love running distance, just for the sheer joy of running, you'll not find a better race. The course is gorgeous and challenging. I'm an original monkey and I'm proud of my run when I finish this course, no matter my time. Trent does an incredible job. He not only does a fantastic job of organizing, but he runs the race, too! What really impresses me is that Trent seems to know the name of every runner and is genuinely glad to have you as his guest! Thank you, Trent and the Nashville Striders, for such a great experience!

I must say, I have waited some time to leave feedback regarding this marathon. It has taken me a long time to get over the humility that this marathon dealt this runner.

First, read all comments below regarding the hills.

Second, read comments regarding hills!

If you love a challenge, please run this marathon, as the 2007 run was my first and last! God bless.