What a lovely (in a way) experience. This cross-country endurance run followed trails through a lovely countryside, exceedingly well-organized and flawlessly executed. And TROPHIES! Even the weather was perfect. But, the word "trail" should be prominent in the run's name. But I will be back. I can't leave that as my personal worst time.

Coach Droski and crew deserve thanks for all their hard work on this event. Whoever set out the hundreds of pink flags to mark our path through the woods did a fantastic job.

This marathon is not for the weak willed. Mentally and physically difficult. If you're looking for a challenge, come to Lowell in 2009. Low fee and money's worth in merchandise! Friendly people, and a beautiful area of Michigan. Five stars because my spectators were very supportive, plus coach D's die-hard staff. Thanks for the invite!

This marathon is one you will never forget. It is tough, with lots of hills, and absolutely the most beautiful scenery that one could possible imagine! I loved every bit of it and it was my first one. Thanks for all the encouragement....

I have never met so many hills in an event in my life!! The road hills were not my favorite, which was what most of the first half was. I loved the second half of lots of trails. Aid stations had water, and some had Gatorade - just when you needed it, every 3 miles. Had one really cool spectator driving and cheering as I teased her for candy. Loved the t-shirt and sweatshirt in the packet. They gave a towel and awesome medal for finishing. Because I was one of the top finishers, I got the coolest lion statue (king of the course) and an Eastbay supplex jacket! Nice race. Will do it again next summer!!!

I ran the 2008 half marathon. This was quite a race. The course was very challenging, but worth running. The trails were amazing and very fun to run. There are several hills, so beware. I hope to be able to run either the half or the full marathon next year. I enjoyed the cucumber gift at the end of the race. The towel at the end of the race was a nice touch as well. This is a friendly race in a very nice setting.

This was my first marathon, and I had a great time!! At least half the marathon is ran on trails that vary from sandy grassland to forest floor. The paved roads run through the country and past a couple beautiful lakes on the way. For me, the race got very difficult during mile 20-24 as it takes you down a road that is hill after hill after hill. Water and sometimes Gatorade were provided about every 3 miles. Everyone was really nice! The race is small, so it is pretty laid-back and self-directed. The only real drawback might be that there are hardly any spectators to cheer you on. If you need a lot of support, I would skip this race.

I found it to be a challenging but rewarding experience and would definitely recommend it!!!

I ran the 1/2 marathon. Extremely well-organized, fun event. The course was very difficult, with a variety of terrain, including trails. Never got bored during this race. Parking so close to start/finish. Very friendly people. Loved the finisher's towel - an embroidered and full-size bath towel. Awesome keepsake for me... much better than the medallions that you don't do anything with. The spectators were sparse but very supportive. Couldn't ask for a better, small, hometown race. The course is very pretty. Post-race food was awesome.

I am amazed at how good the organization was for a small, first-time marathon.

Tough but rewarding course; 2 butterfly loops, with 30% rolling country road and the rest off the road, including single track, power line clearing, snow mobile trail, gravel and sandy roads, and one dry stream crossing. Aid station every 3 miles. Trails were well marked with paint and red flags. Mile markers clearly visible even in the woods. No poison ivy. Organizer clear the trail of fallen trees so there is nothing big to jump over. Two hills. Do-able for road runner with no hill training. Added 30 minutes to finish time.

Lucked out on the weather - 40's at start with daytime high of 60's. Able to park within 20 feet from start/finish. Entry fee includes a t-shirt, a hooded sweatshirt, and a finisher's towel. Organizer may want to add an optional medallion (similar to one at Tecumseh Trail Marathon).

I ran the half and this race was just top drawer. Very personal, very small. I prefer huge races (Chicago Marathon) but this was just a sweet little race. The race director shakes your hand at the end and I got a "personalized medal," which was very funny. For $20, we also got a full-sized bath towel for finishing and not a little face towel, a t-shirt and, of course, that memorable medal. The course is challenging - hilly to begin with, but running through two covered wooden bridges is hard to beat. Aid is well-spaced and enjoyed water and Gatorade (and not the usual lime Gatorade!). The challenge came on the trails... I twisted my left ankle literally at the 9 mile sign, but luckily did not fall, walked a bit and was fine, so I finished running for the most part... got home later that day and had to go to Redi Care because I ended up crawling on all fours (couldn't put weight on the foot). It's not broken, thankfully, but a soft tissue sprain on the forefoot. I am missing a 10-miler this Saturday (CRIM) and hope to still run the Maui Marathon in September. I do not regret running the race, despite my injury since I love to run new races. Great race support during and before, emailed questions answered accurately and fast, and the early start allowed us to travel and do other things on Saturday. Good refreshments, easy to find, and the 48 degrees at the start was made for us. It was just so well done - thank you! I'll be back and have told friends it's a good one.

This was my first half-marathon and it was quite a challenge. The course was beautiful and included wooded trails, road, gravel and some serious hills. The running club that sponsored and ran the event were very friendly and created a great race atmosphere.