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Apr 28, 2024

Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) Runner Comments

Back to Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) Information & Reviews

Course 4.5

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.3

Number of comments: 88 [displaying comments 41 to 51]

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G. P. from Mocksville, N.C. (10/30/2010) "Gorgeous, scenic, well organized, friendly run" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a very well run and organized event. There are spectacular views along the course with very little pavement to bang your knees up. The course was changed last year; most hills are gone - there's just one gentle downhill with a drop of about 3,000 feet. The volunteers were wonderful, and there was a feast at the end. This is definitely one you have to do. Beautiful scenery. Thank you, David - great job, and help me, Rhonda.
R. K. from Ogden, Utah (5/27/2010) "False Advertising" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I ran this race in 2008 and I must say how inaccurate the description of the race was. The race was advertised as being full of extreme downhills (true) and "gentle, rolling hills" (100 percent untrue). There was nothing "gentle" about those hills. Painful, long inclines were a CONSTANT during the second half of the race. The end was also dreadful because we were literally running on the side of the road, which was a highway. In other words, there were EXTREME dangers while running. You would think they would have at least blocked off the road while the race was going. No fans at all to cheer for you while you're going through the first 24 or so miles. The volunteers were decent; however, some seemed very uninterested. Even though all of the above is negative, I've saved the worst for last. I didn't hit my goal in the race, and when I posted something on the message board about my feeling that the course was very misleading in the pre-race description, the person in charge of the race basically trashed me by saying that I was "far too out of shape and set unrealistic goals." He said this in front of the entire message board. Way to trash the leader of your race for the first half, along with a paying customer. Keep in mind, in basically the shape I was for Ridge, 4 months later, I ran over 34 minutes faster in my next marathon. So that disproves his theory about me being in "bad shape." I honestly feel that a lot of people give this good ratings because of the "homemade" cookies at the end. If you want homemade cookies, go to a darn bakery; don't make it your basis to give a race a good rating.
Jean Evansmore from MD (11/28/2009) "This is an experience you should have." (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've read reviews, and the course and organization have been described very well by others. My comments offer the personal perspective of a slow runner. I did this race because it was nearby and fit into my plan to do 69 races by my December birthday. Found it on the 'net. RD responded quickly and positively to my questions and concerns. Even gave me requested number 66, which was on ID tags. Everyone got a nice fabric drop bag with attached plastic ID tag. Homemade cookies with personal note included catch your attention at pick up time, as does NC pulled pork at the end of the race. Going down the mountain, I heard wind coming through the trees on my left and initially thought it was a vehicle. It was cool. Within the next few seconds, I felt warm air coming on the right side. This was amazing to me and I sang, "How great thou art." That run down the mountain was fantastic. I remembered what Chi running says, "Run like you did when you were a kid" and I enjoyed the heck out of it. The man on the bike constantly checked on us. Once down the hill, I saw kayakers, friendly and unfriendly looking bear hunters, and even friendly (though frustrated) fishermen along the river, which was high from previous day's rain. Often a car passed and someone checked on me, giving words of encouragement or even history of the area. Volunteers along the way were absolutely wonderful. I stopped and chatted with some. Got a needed Coke from the visitor's center around mile 18 or so. Finish line had recently met friends waiting for me, over 6 hours, and they didn't do the race! Very nice. The warm, friendly and caring attitude that came from those that put on this race was the best! I saw so many of my fellow 50-staters out there and that's always a good time for me. The food and handmade medals/awards were something special. I have one of each. But, the thing that really stands out and was such a pleasant surprise to me was this. Early in the race, at about mile 1 or 2, a pickup truck came down the road and parked a bit ahead of me. I thought the man in front was being checked on. Instead, the driver heads back to me. It was David Lee, the RD. He came back, gave me a hug and thanked me for being there. How the hell do you top that?? I intend to be there as long as I am able.
W. d. from Mooresville, NC (11/20/2009) "Highly recommend." (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 As I approached this marathon, I tried to think about it as running with 300 of my friends. I needed to take the pressure off because I wanted to qualify for Boston. It was exactly like running with a bunch of friends. I met some nice people. I felt like I knew David by the time race day came around. He is extremely organized and sends a lot of emails to keep you very informed. I loved that! The course is now one of my favorite runs of all time. If you don't like mountains, stay home. The views are beautiful. Running down a hard-packed gravel (but really sand) road was an ideal surface. There were water falls and a raging river that ran along the course. The river doubles as a terrific ice bath for those smart enough to get in it. I loved it. I'm not typically a marathon repeater, but I would do it again. And, I did qualify for Boston because it is a fast course, but you have to know how to run it. I would suggest driving it or running parts of it, but if not, just prepare as you would for any marathon.
A. E. from Melbourne Beach, FL (11/18/2009) "Fantastic Event!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is a well organized small marathon on a fantastic course. The course is mostly on well groomed dirt roads, and is easier on the body than one on pavement. The aid stations were top notch; the scenery and fall colors, breathtaking; the buses to the start, well done. Yes, this race is very hilly and runners should train for hills - especially preparing their legs for lots of eccentric contraction. But, this flat-lander Floridian managed to train adequately for it by running causeways and by lifting weights at the gym. If you want crowds, look elsewhere. If you want a well-organized, smaller marathon, give this one a try. You won't regret it.
M. S. from Lino Lakes, MN (11/2/2009) "Do yourself a big favor!" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Quite simply, this is one of the most stunning marathons to run scenery-wise in the world, from start to finish (even up there with some of the Swiss mountain marathons). I guess I had heard of the Blue Ridge Mountains where this is run, but I had no idea... and in fall colors, look out. The first six miles of paved gently rolling hills is a good warm-up if paced responsibly. The next nine miles of downhill were on a sandy dirt (but absolutely firm) surface with much better footing than I expected. The last 11 miles was again on a well packed dirt surface that is flat to downhill run alongside a rambling river under a canopy of fall color. Training for hills is a must, and when running the race relax your pace through the first 15 or the flatter later miles could be more challenging than you would expect (I found out the hard way). And how about the food feast at the end? There were pizzas everywhere and different kinds of food simmering in those hot pans you see in restaurants at Sunday brunch. Finally, in the 100+ marathons I've run, I've never seen organization like this. Starting with welcoming information e-mails and bloggers updates, there is nothing about the hundreds of aspects of a marathon that these organizers (David and Rhonda Lee) leave unmentioned. And even now, a week after the race, they are following up with post-race e-mails and re-uniting the runners with lost and found items. Bottom line is that if you are looking for prize money, skyscrapers, and crowds, there is plenty out there. But this marathon experience will take you to places very few others can touch.
D. P. from Atlanta, GA (10/29/2009) "Great route, very well organized" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Most of the race winds through a national forest. The leaves were turning and the second half of the course parallels a large creek that you listen to while you run. It is gorgeous. David Lee and the BMRC do a fantastic organizing job. The food at the end is great and there is a place to soak your legs in the creek. I'll be back next year.
D. C. from North Carolina (10/27/2009) "Nothing Finer in Carolina" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Spectacular fall scenery, great course and a wonderful marathon. Almost all on a sandy/hard-packed dirt surface, and a killer nine-mile downhill, but just a few short hills otherwise. Small-town, friendly organization makes you feel very welcome and special. Well stocked aid stations with smiling faces and lots of goodies to go. No large crowds due to being in a remote forested area, but ultra great volunteers. Bountiful after-race meal. Unique handmade finisher's medal. My first official marathon experience was the best!!
C. Q. from Virginia (10/27/2009) "Gorgeous scenery, well organized, difficult course" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon was hands down the most beautiful course I have ever run - from the start at Jonas Ridge to the finish at Brown's Mountain Resort by the river. If you enjoy nature, the mountains and a quiet, small-town environment, then you will LOVE this marathon. The organization of this marathon was an A+ as well. The logistics were a lot of work but the race directors, the friendly courteous volunteers and even the spectating animals on the course were great. The aid stations were stocked with everything we needed and there was even a biker going back and forth on the course asking us if we were okay... amazing. Now if you can't train in the hills then you better be prepared to run this one for fun. The rolling hills in the beginning, downhills in the middle, and the few hills you will encounter at the end make for a difficult day if you can't really put the time into hill training. UP and DOWN. Plain and simple. Give this marathon a go if you want to experience a truly gorgeous, well run, friendly environment with some great food afterward.
S. M. from ARDEN, NC (10/27/2009) "A great race just got even better" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Taking a great event and making it even greater: That is the 2009 Ridge to Bridge Marathon. The course is still downhill, but it is now less punishing on the legs because the descent is primarily on a softer, hard-packed dirt road instead of pavement. The race begins at 8 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., allowing runners to view the fall colors during the early miles instead of running in darkness. And last but not least, the route along Wilson's Creek during the final miles provides runners gorgeous scenery and an opportunity to see kayakers running Class IV+ rapids. I consider this marathon to be one of the most scenic in the Southeast. However, nothing was compromised in the course change. The aid stations were plentiful and staffed by friendly volunteers, the organization and communication by the race director was top-notch, and stacks of pizzas were still waiting for runners at the finish line. The fast finish times are just one of many great reasons to run this race.

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