A truly amazing race, from start to finish, with great organizers and volunteers, perfectly complementing a beautiful course. Despite having a completely horrible final 7 miles, I have never smiled more during a race than I did at Medoc. I cannot wait for next year, though I think I'll need all year to train well enough to avenge my previous performance.

I will be returning to this race in the future. The volunteers were cheerful and helpful throughout the race, down to the last runner. Well-organized in every respect. I especially loved the addition of the Trail Names on the race numbers and the mileage on the trail markers. Thanks again.

This small, low-key race is the best. Beautiful trails, top notch organization, great swag... and, where do they find their volunteers? They are, without question, the best volunteers I have ever encountered - incredibly supportive and helpful. From the fastest runners to the slowest, a sense of camaraderie permeates this event.

Run it - you'll love it too.

The support and forethought given to every aspect of this event is achieved by gifted volunteers. Camping the night before, you found the fire rings were stocked with wood and paper to start said fire. We had special visitors - all of the directors - hang out with a group of 25 in our campsite. A conch alarm went of at 6 a.m. to make sure you didn't oversleep.

Course: A 3-loop varied terrain with well designed mile markers - each sign had marks for all 3 loops. Orange streamers were hung about every 200 yards to guide you along the way. Paper plates at any intersection clearly pointed you down the path. The aid stations were well placed and attended by runners who could deal well with the many needs of the runner. By the last lap, the staff on the course was referring to you and your specific race, which was wonderful. Roving course aid stations were an added bonus.

Finish: The medals alone would be reason to finish. The effort to feed you with hot red beans and rice, plates of fruit, biscuits, and drinks was nearly over the top. The finisher's surprise of a monogrammed running vest is over the top. Big money races will never compete with the love this event has for the entrant.

Excellent, fall race; beautiful trail.

The people running this race are friendly, fun and really well organized. The shirts, vests, medals and winner cups were all high quality. Plenty of food post-race.

A great race. Well organized with great people. The aid stations were nicely spaced and stocked with water, Gatorade and gel packs - and also, plenty of encouragement. Highly recommended for anyone trying a trail marathon. The course is challenging but not overly difficult.

I was happy to do Medoc again this year and see the friendly, welcoming volunteers from last year. The course was improved in the layout and had big clear mile markers. There were volunteers located at spots where you could possibly go the wrong way. The RD was out checking the course also. It was nice to see those fast Mangum runners from a previous race and hear their comments of support as they passed me on their way home (as I had another loop to go).

I didn't camp out this year, but the drive from the hotel about a half-hour away was uneventful and packet pickup before the race was a breeze. Volunteer stations were well stocked with food and friendly, supportive people. No coffee this year, but there was Coke, which I recently learned works well during last 10K. There was also food available at the end, and again I was the last person to finish. They were there waiting.

I intend to do this one as long as I am able. I'm also learning to pick up my feet, and I fell only once this time. Heard that horn the RD blows and hit the ground... not on purpose. Just on time.

Medoc is well organized and the volunteers are helpful and friendly. In the woods, they are the spectators along with the people who are walking the trails and cheering you on also. That rates 5 stars from me!

There's a great, historic restaurant in Roanoke Rapids, right off I-95. Ray...? It's a buffet featuring North Carolina pulled pork. Right turn, two blocks, on the left. Fill up and head home.

Great organizers and volunteers. Beautiful course. Definitely like the three water stops and the loop. Will definitely be back next year. "DON'T CHANGE A THING!"

This was my 31st marathon, and 10th trail marathon. I definitely enjoy being in the woods. I just don't know if any other out-of-staters had trouble finding the park entrance. Some signs out on the county roads leading in to the park could've definitely saved me some U-turns before getting to the start 20 minutes before the gun. If I lived closer, I would definitely do it again, and try to camp with the group the night before (got there too late the night before, though I found out they'd left the gates open after all). Love the personalized race bibs, support was fine, course quite do-able, the surprise of extra race attire was great, and we ran through a pretty little gem of a park! Thanks, guys!