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May 14, 2024

Medoc Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Medoc Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.8

Organization 5.0

Spectators 4.3

Number of comments: 153 [displaying comments 111 to 121]

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M. T. from Virginia (10/17/2010) "Love, love, love this race." (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Medoc Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
H. H. from Chapel Hil, NC (10/17/2010) "Medo is a tranquil trail race." (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Medoc Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
G. S. from Raleigh, NC (10/17/2010) "Excellent Race" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Medoc Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Excellent, fall race; beautiful trail.
Linda Reed from Chapel Hill, NC (10/17/2010) "Excellent race and location" (about: 2010) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
B. S. from Baltimore, Md (1/2/2010) "Fantastic trail run" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Medoc Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
Jean Evansmore from MD (11/30/2009) "Improved on a good thing" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Medoc Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
M. H. from Knoxville, TN (11/7/2009) "Very well organized." (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Medoc Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!"
T. B. from Columbus, IN (10/28/2009) "Wonderful off-road race, if you can find it" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Medoc Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
C. L. from North Carolina (10/27/2009) "A true trail runner's dream." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Medoc Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 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.
R. G. from Huntersville, NC (10/21/2009) "A Fantastic Event...." (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Medoc Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!

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