I ran the Bear Chase Marathon this morning. It was extremely well organized. The support at the aid stations was friendly and the stations were well stocked. They closed one lane of the highway and the sheriff escorted the few cars that came along down one side of the road, so it felt very safe. It was fun to run on the dirt road into the Davy Crockett Forest. In addition to a long-sleeve t-shirt and a medal, this year we got a stuffed bear! I would recommend this marathon! Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this a great, little marathon.

This was an enjoyable event. The directors are veteran marathoners and really nice folks who did a lot to make it fun and runner-friendly. The relatively low registration fee included a pasta dinner the night before where the food was good and plentiful. On race morning runners arrived at the stadium to find individual hand-written signs wired to the fence showing each runner's name, the event logo, and a word of encouragement. The weather was cool and clear. The double-loop, out-and-back course gave runners a chance to see all other participants several times. Runner names were lettered onto bib numbers so, although there were few spectators, we could cheer one-another. Most of the 6.5-mile course was on paved farm road but a short stretch at both ends was hard-packed gravel. One end was in Groveton and the turn-around was inside the Davy Crockett National Forest. The event started and finished on the track at the local school where locker rooms were open for post-race showers. Each finisher was announced by name, home town, and finish time then given a medal and a small stuffed bear numbered according to overall finish place. The post-race food included unlimited hot dogs, Fritos, donuts, and ice cream. There were fewer than 100 participants in the marathon but many more for the half that was concurrent on the first loop of the same course. I recommend this event to anyone who likes small marathons and friendly atmosphere. My only modest reservation was that the closest motel was about 20 miles away from the start.

This was a very fun marathon. Steve and Paula did a great job putting this on. I wish we could have run farther into Davy's forest but maybe next year. I will be back because it I want another bear with a lower number on it! Thanks for a great race.

I would rate this marathon an "A+!" The course was so much fun, part trail and part road. Water stops and bathroom every 2 miles, with very friendly and helpful volunteers. One side of the road was closed for the race and the city police make sure that it was safe for us. As soon as you crossed the finish line, you knew your time and placement, and they handed you your bear and your finisher's medal. No waiting! Food and showers afterwards! I loved this race and plan on coming for the 2009 race and bringing all my friends. The race was so well thought out and planned that I cannot say enough good things about it!!

Runners, volunteers, officials, and the few spectators were the friendliest and most helpful I've ever experienced. The only driver I encountered on the sand road around the cemetery stopped so I wouldn't eat his dirt, and I was the only runner in sight. The weather cooperated unusually well. The scenery was beautiful - and the spring-time-mixed pine/hardwood forest offered more late-morning shade than I anticipated.

My first marathon, but I have run two 5-mile races before. I was impressed with the organization, since 300 showed up and the organizers expected only 100. Loved the tall pines in the forest and the wildflowers along the road. Will prepare for the hills better next time.

The weather was perfect. The race route was wonderful and scenic. All the volunteers were so helpful and energetic. I ran the 1/2 marathon and loved it. It was well organized. I plan on returning next year for the 2nd annual race

I hope we had enough people to have this race again! It was great! Locals were very supportive.

I have run numerous road and trail runs and this was a great combination of road and dirt. For a first-time run, the race director (and his wife!!) did a super job. There were plenty of fluids on the course, even with a roving water vehicle! The scenery was beautiful, the rolling hills challenging, and the locals driving by slow and waving. We had an entire lane coned off and nary a driver looked upset about it. I missed the pre-race pasta dinner, but can vouch for a great t-shirt, mug and finisher's "bear" trophy, along with lunch and ice cream afterwards.

Very well organized. Lots of volunteers. Plenty of water and Gatorade on the course. Beautiful scenery. The weather was perfect for a long run. I planned to do the half and ended up doing the full marathon.