First of all, many thanks to the volunteers and organizers. What a wonderful job! For anyone who has never volunteered for an event, you should. Make it a point to volunteer for at least two events a year in hopes of repaying the running gods that allow us to carry on with these sometimes wacky things we runners do.

Next, the race: Ahh! What a joy! Yes, there were hills (not too many, not too bad). Yes, there were roots. Yes, there were bridges and steps. Yes, there were rocks (lots of rocks). Yes, there were turned ankles and YES, there were tumbles. No, as it should be, there were no spectators. But yes, it was a trail race! That's what I wanted. That's what I went for. That's what I got... it's not intended to be a luxurious event, but a beautiful, well-organized, challenging (not too much) trail race that let me know I'd done it. I only did the 10-miler and now wish I'd done the marathon. Since it's closer, I plan to return to Medoc to train for the Uwharrie 20-miler (although nothing ever prepares me for that darn 17-mile mark at Uwharrie). Only one suggestion: offer children's sizes since the XS shirt wears more like a medium.

Medoc Trail Marathon was my second marathon and first trail marathon. With limited trail running experience, I don't have much to compare the trail difficulty level to. I would certainly categorize it as challenging but not over the top. There were easier sections throughout that allowed for some recovery. For me the challenge of the trail made it more interesting and fun. I found myself thinking more about the terrain and not eating dirt than the distance to go, my finishing time, or the pain. When road running, I'm all about my time, and on this day, it was all about getting through the course (ok, with a decent finishing time, too). Getting my feet up over those roots on lap three was quite a chore - even the baby roots - but I truly enjoyed myself throughout the entire run. Nothing compares to being in a natural setting!

Since I wasn't familiar with the course, the multi-lap format was a definite plus. After completing lap one, I knew what was coming and how much farther I had to go. Mentally, that provided a boost during the second and third laps! Also, I got to see my personal cheering squad (wife and daughters) a few times, which was an added bonus. The power of a hug from my daughter went a long way. Living in the Charlotte area, there are many events throughout the year; and in the two short years since I've been running, I have done many of them. This event by far was one of the best I've participated in. You really focused on the runners! The event staff and volunteers were great! Thank you for your support and efforts! The medal (the best in my collection), shirt and HAT are all great! The park is a definite gem in the NC State Park system. We camped for the weekend. We were very pleased with the facilities. We'll be back! Great job! Thanks again!

If the massive metro marathons aren't your thing and you're looking for something different, this is your kind of race. An off-road marathon with challenging but runnable terrain throughout, the Medoc Trail Marathon is a small and quirky event that's just right for trail runners and roadies alike. In 2009, about 100 people toed the line for 26.2 and got a great race for the price. It's a three-loop course, but the terrain is fun and challenging enough to keep things interesting throughout. This and the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., are similar in their size and spirit of fun - both well worth checking out.

Thanks for hosting a wonderful race experience. The course is challenging, but definitely manageable. The scenery is great and the race organizers and volunteers are wonderful.

If you enjoy races where the running itself is most important, then you will enjoy Medoc.

This is a great trail race. It is a bit challenging, but that is to be expected. It is very well organized. Much thanks needs to go out to the race director for this runner-friendly race. It has a personalized feel to it, as there were several options to pick up race packets. Great tech shirt, medal, and surprise at the finish. Because it is a trail race, there are hardly any spectators, but that was ok because the scenery was great. The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were the best. I definitely plan on running this again next year.

My first 10-miler and my first trail run, and I absolutely loved it! I despair at having to go back to pounding asphalt. Who would have known that jumping over tree roots, tumbling through rocks and slipping over bridges could be so much fun? :o)

I can't wait for next year. Who knows, maybe I will be up to the challenge of the marathon. Maybe.

Thanks to RMEC for putting on this well organized race. Volunteers at aid stations were A+. No mindless rah rah, "looking good," "almost there" cheering from these top-notch volunteers. Instead, plenty of useful and much appreciated assistance and support.

Initially I was hesitant to sign up for this race, fearing that three loops on the same trail would be boring. However, it proved to be ok. Being familiar with the terrain on the second and third go-rounds had its advantages. Two loops of a longer course would have been better, but I suspect the organizer realizes this, and would have designed the course differently if that were possible.

This is the ideal race for someone wanting to attempt their first trail marathon.

This was my second marathon, and my first trail marathon, and I can say without a doubt that it was the most fun I have had running since I started.

The course is not incredibly tough, I thought it was well marked, and the area this time of the year was pretty.

The staff was great and very patient, even with new runner questions! Aid stations were supportive and encouraging, even as the day wore on.

If you're looking for a first trail run, or just another one, I recommend this run. It was A LOT of fun. (The shirts and medals were nice, and the hats were a wonderful bonus.)

This is my second time running Medoc and once again I have enjoyed every bit of the race, from parking to leaving the park. About the course, it was well marked with orange tape or signal plates to mark the path. The aid stations were located at the right points and they were numerous enough for a marathon - in fact, there were more than enough for a trail marathon. Clearly there was lots of sensible planning for this event.

My thanks also goes to the volunteers; as always, they were fantastic - despite being in the cold for so long. They always had a smile, and were always cheerful. I feel like this is another reason I came back.

I enjoyed the challenge despite the cold and plan to be there again. The first loop of the marathon course was a workout and loved it! I definitely will recommend this race to all of my fellow runners because it is a must-run race: organized, friendly, small, and worth the challenge. Thanks to the race director for putting on a great show; what a good location for the event! Medoc State Park is beautiful. I saw a white-tailed deer and a garter snake on the course.

This was my first race, and even though it was very challenging, I am glad that I went with this event to bring me into the world of marathon running. The course was difficult but amazing, and the crew was fantastic! I can't wait for next year's race!