I cannot say enough about how much I loved this race. It was my 10th marathon, and it was far and away my worst finishing time. Like others have said, expect to add 30-45 minutes to your normal time. The hills are absolutely brutal, and it was pretty hot. However, much of the tough second half is on trails, so most of it is shaded. The race directors and volunteers were absolutely phenomenal, nailing every detail including a great hoodie, T-shirt and towel for a relatively low entry fee. The fan support was sparse (which should be expected in the middle of the woods), but the people who were there were outstanding, and a special thanks goes out to the woman who ran the half and then provided an impromptu aid station on the exposed hilly section around mile 21. Despite spraining my ankle on a tree root at mile 25 and a pretty poor finishing time, I really enjoyed myself.

If you like hills, hills, and more hills, you'll love the course. Covered bridges, gorgeous scenery. One trail hill was so steep that I thought I'd never make it... seriously! I'm a whiney-butt, so I'll NEVER do this one again! I can't say I wasn't warned; the website stated it was tough. I thought they were kidding, or at least being hyperbolic. I'm sorry to say that they were not. Really nice t-shirt and an AWESOME hooded sweatshirt (high-quality - not the thin, cheap type). This race director doesn't know you're supposed to charge a lot, but not give much in return. He spent WAY too much on the clothing. Thank you! I'll remember the pain every time I wear it!

Very few spectators, as I expected (and wanted), so 5 stars. No roaring, screaming crowds.

Only one suggestion: ice or cold water at aid stations! There were plenty of aid stations for this type of course, by the way. Thank you, volunteers. One even came by in his pick-up TWICE to give us water.

This is an unbelievable race. It has all-pavement roads, gravel roads, grass, double track, single track, rocks, roots, mud, etc. With all of the spent shotgun shells, I guess there is no way to do this in the fall during hunting season, but it would be wonderful with some fall foliage and cooler temperatures. It was hot, and it would have been nice to start an hour earlier. I would recommend carrying a water bottle; water stops are about three miles apart. I am really glad I did it because it is a unique race. Thanks to Coach for getting me bib number 50 for my 50th marathon.

This was my 10th ultra or marathon of 2009, and I spent it with great people at a well organized race. The first half was fairly fast, with road and trail. The second half was simply brutal, with the heat adding to the misery (and enjoyment) just a bit. I look forward to next year again!!

Simply, this one is brutal! Just saying "hilly" is an understatement. Throw in the winding trail over roots and rocks (and sand), the heat and the fact that there really is no respite from either going up or down, and you are in for a quad-crunching adventure. Some have said to add 30 minutes to your time but I would also add 15 minutes in case of warm weather. Really though, it's not for the fainthearted, first-time marathoner, or those preoccupied with time/pace goals. It was noticeable in signing up that this race tends to attract mostly Masters and Grand Masters (abundant "Old Farts," "Marathon Maniacs" and "50 Staters"). Of the paltry 17 marathons I have run, this now ranks as my most difficult.

There were probably 125 marathoners and 150 halfers overall. There were very basic amenities based from a park shelter. There were no timing chips - just a chalk line on the road and a "GO!" The course was marked well throughout, but once out on the run, there was thin support. Water stations were sparse and runners were advised up front to carry their own food and water. The halfway point was back at the start so you could stage provisions from your car for the second half. The sections on the roads were not closed, but traffic was fairly light. By the second half, runners were spaced well apart and you could feel quite alone following chalk marks and flags, zig-zagging through the woods. Nice frills for the finishers: along with a sweatshirt and cotton t-shirt, a modest finisher medal, finisher beach towel and a cookout at the finish (with accessible river for a cold soak). Lastly, I doubt any runner who says they didn't have to walk. The "sand hill" along the powerline trail section (amongst other obstacles) puts a stop to that notion!

This was my first marathon. I had run trail races before, and wasn't expecting to have as much trouble as I did. The course is extremely hilly, and the second half is much more difficult than the first. The surface ranged from roads to dirt trails, to sand in some places. This is not an easy race, and while the scenery was beautiful and the people running it were very friendly, I would strongly encourage first-timers to consider starting with an easier race.

I have run about 40 marathons - all of them road races - so naturally I was a bit concerned about running my first partial trail race. The course was beautiful and offered me a chance to experience lots of different terrains. This is not a good first-time marathon for anyone. Add 30 to 45 minutes to your normal time. There was great support and organization, although the heat towards the end necessitated at least one more water stop.

So many hills! The first half is mostly on hugely hilly roads. At mile 9, you enter the trails to the finish. The second half has more trails. Very nice. You get a t-shirt, bath towel, hooded sweatshirt, and medal for running it. Winners: glass trophy, polo shirt, Eastbay jacket. They also offer a bath soak for achy muscles and a cool Prefontain finisher's certificate.

After the race, I had my husband drive to the other covered bridge, just so I could show him how beautiful the course was.

The trails were totally hardcore - I loved it. There was a mean bit somewhere around mile 17 where you were running under power lines, and that wasn't fun, but it wasn't that long before you were back in the woods.

The towel is the best thing ever. Thank you so much!

I like this race a lot; it's got a great price for the hills you get to run and the time in August you get to run them. The hardware is great, and the schwag is awesome. My lower bathroom has decor matching the towels I get at this race; they are nice towels. I love the last 6 miles of the race, though I'm not a big fan of the electric line section - it's slow (16-18). Great job by staff, and the on-site cook at the finish line. Thanks, Dan.