calendar icon Apr 27, 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 Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 88 [displaying comments 81 to 88]
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Tricia Hopkins from Atlanta, GA (10/31/2007)
"Pleasant Running Experience" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was only my second marathon, but the lack of spectators cheering on the route was not a problem. The weather and the view was gorgeous and more than made up for lack of people.

As others have mentioned, the race organization was great. Everyone was kept well informed.

The post race food spread was awesome! I was able to cart away an entire pizza and a few cokes for the drive back home to Georgia.

My only complaint about the race was the fact that, although it was a small race, I feel a volunteer holding a caution sign at several intersections would have been helpful. The large intersections had police, but a busy Burger King intersection and another non-policed intersection close to the end proved to be a challenge.

All in all, a great run.
 

Chuck Splawn from Myrtle Beach, SC (10/30/2007)
"Tough But Fair Course, Outstanding Organization" (about: 2007)

3 previous marathons | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


First, Race Director David Lee was right on the money in describing and helping runners prepare for this course. And for a flat-lander like me, this course was extreme, so I am glad I knew what I was in for from the start.

Course: almost all downhill for the first 13-14 miles. For me, this took much more of a toll than I expected. The rest of the course is rolling hills, with a big two-step hill of 300 feet lasting for nearly all of Mile 17. The finish is just fantastic, with a beautiful run through a gently descending forest path. If I had any hesitation about giving 5 stars to the course, it was because of the very small shoulder along which we ran for most of the race as (some) vehicles sped by a few feet away. However, stopping traffic for a small race like this is not an option, so it's a necessary evil.

Organization: from the obvious amount of good planning that went into this, to the website, to email updates, to race-day execution . . . it doesn't get any better. I have absolutely no complaints and no suggestions for improvement.

Fans: this is not a big deal for me, as I tend to be a solo runner most of the time. However, it was mildly surprising to me how few people seemed to come out (or even be aware that a race was being run). I would think that for a small town like Morganton, this would be somewhat of a special event. But a big thank you to the one fellow I saw twice with a cow-bell and words of encouragement. You were the best fan by far. Of course, you were the only fan I saw.

Lastly, this deserves its own special category. The volunteers were absolutely awesome, especially on the course at the aid stations. They were more than enough to make up for a lack of spectators.

I somehow managed a PR on this course, but it was the hardest of my four marathons to date. And probably the most satisfying. Training tip: do hills, hills, and more hills. If you don't have hills where you live, move.
 

A. R. from Raleigh, North Carolina (10/28/2007)
"Fabulous and well-organized!" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Ten reasons you should run this marathon:
1. David Lee and his crew do a great job organizing and putting on this race.
2. The course is fast, as promised. I came with two other friends from Raleigh and we all got a PR.
3. The bus ride to Jonas Ridge is chartered and a nice way to get to the start. Plenty of potties and a warm spot to gather.
4. Gorgeous scenery on the first half - especially with the sunrise.
5. Safety on the course... Burke County Police and support staff passed me at least a dozen times.
6. The spread at the finish is yummy and filling. The variety of soft drinks in tubs was a hit with me.
7. The packet was great-T shirt is really nice.
8. Beautiful pottery plates and plaques for age group winners.
9. Stations were stocked, as promised, with gels at 13 and 16.
10. David Lee and his crew.

This is a small, running-club marathon. The pressure is on to grow, but part of the allure of this race is the intimacy and personal touches. Personally, I would pick this over Richmond or Marine Corp (other area races at this time). If you want crowds and masses of screaming fans, this is not it.

Try it - you will love it!
 

Gary Prillaman from Mocksville, N.C. (10/27/2007)
"Outstanding marathon" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


David and Rhonda are to be commended for such great organization. Every detail was thought of - a ride in very comfortable buses to the top of the mountain, a great spread of food afterwards, thermal blankets at end, led lights and glow sticks for start when it was dark, plenty of support vehicles on the road to watch out for our safety while running down the mountain, and the Holiday Inn kitchen opened early for us (4:30) so we could get coffee, cereal, orange juice and bagels. There was a great support staff along the way with plenty of Gatorade and water, and we were allowed to drop off clothing at any of the water stops and it was taken to the finish line. A great marathon to run, with beautiful views and leaves while coming down the mountain. I would recommend this marathon to anyone - not much crowd support, but when running down the mountain, there is not room for people to be there. All of the runners were very friendly, and I had a great time. Dave kept us very informed via e-mail about everything going on prior to the marathon, and saw to it that all of our running needs were met to make the marathon go smoothly. Thanks, Dave, for a great marathon!
 

J. M. from USA (11/1/2006)
"Boston Qualifier" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


You will have a spectacular view throughout the marathon course - especially with leaves changing their colors. Tighten your shoes and be prepared to set a PR for the first 1/2 and you should have no problem gliding through the second 1/2 with the rolling hills. The race director will shower you will e-mail updates before the race. They did an outstanding job on this race. I hope they keep up the good work.
 

D. K. from Lilburn, GA (10/29/2006)
"One of the most scenic runs, with great support!" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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!!
 

Ron Nance from Soddy Daisy, TN (10/29/2006)
"This was a beautiful and inspirational course." (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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
 

todd hamby from rutherfordton north carolina (10/29/2006)
"What a great inaugural event" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Peak to Creek Marathon (formerly Ridge to Bridge Marathon)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

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