This was a challenging course, but had the most beautiful, scenic views ever! I have never had so much support along the run; I was the last to finish, at 5:52! Thank you to David Lee and all your crew for waiting on me! This marathon was great! I wish I had more training for declines and curves - my quads are hurting! I am very proud of this marathon. I love my medal and love it more than my Baltimore medal that I got two weeks ago! There were plenty of food and drinks at the end, but most important of all, everyone waited for me to finish, and that is what it is all about! SUPPORT for the runner! You guys are the greatest! I hope you get a full lane for the course one day; then I will run it again!! We enjoyed the Oyster Festival and Morganton. I am so glad I ran this marathon; I really think it will be a success in the future!!

These comments are effusive, but also genuine. This was my first marathon, and I had a wonderful experience. The BMRC coordinators and runners were extremely hospitable and went out of their way to make sure everyone enjoyed this race. Prior to the race, David Lee kept me updated with informative emails. Upon arriving in Morganton, I was met by David and others at the host hotel and treated with genuine hospitality. Every pre-, during, and post-race detail was taken care of, so it was easy to relax and focus on the race. On the bus ride to the start, several local runners made me feel right at home. I've never been to a race where I felt that everyone was pulling for each other to the degree that I felt it at this event. Every runner, regardless of finishing time, was cheered through the finish and met with a medallion and blanket. The first half of the course was extremely fast, and I easily ran a half marathon PR. The second half provided some challenges with one serious climb and a considerable amount of grade change. Running through the North Carolina mountains in the fall has given me some beautiful memories that I shall cherish dearly, and I am definitely running this race next year.

-Ron Nance

I had a wonderful time at this first year event! Race director David Lee and his wife Rhonda did such a great job to make each runner feel welcome and special, all the way from the homemade cookies in the goodie bag to the delicious BBQ lunch and the finish line.

The course itself is spectacular; fall leaves changing colors and the sunrise view almost make you just want to stop and sightsee! You will most likely set a PR for your 1/2 marathon time on the first 1/2 but be warned, the 2nd 1/2 is going to be harder with one good hill and a lot of rollers towards the end. It's kind of like a Boston course on the extreme side!

If you are looking for a smaller race that give attention to detail (you also get nightly e-mails from the race director giving advice and tips about the race and course), then this is the race for you.
I think that this will rank by far as one of my favorite races.