Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

May 14, 2024

Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 4.9

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

J. S. from Florida (10/4/2016) "Great course, very hilly" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was a well organized race with plenty of water stops every two miles with various munchies. This race appeals to the older race crowd and the half is one serious group. The spectators were maybe five people and two of those were out walking their dogs so they may not count. But i personally do not run marathons based on spectators anyway. With me driving up from Florida the hills were quite challenging but doable.
C. C. from Booneville, MS (10/2/2016) "wonderful small marathon" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This little marathon is in a beautiful part of Tennessee. The people are great and welcome you to their town. It can be a lonely run, but the escorts by police and others make it seem that they really go out of their way to help you. I was last but the support I got and the people who waited for me truly warmed my heart.
Keith Caruso from Nashville (10/2/2016) "Small town marathon, big time race organization" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 While this was a small town marathon with a small field, even with the half-marathoners, race organization was superb. Hats off to the local police and fire departments of the small towns we crossed. Pre-race packet pick-up was easy, with race-day sign-up if you chose to wait until the last minute. Parking was available in lots a block from the start/finish area and on the streets as well, and there were virtually no lines for port-o-lets until just before the start; even then, it wasn't much. The course was modestly hilly and rolling for the first half, with a long straight stretch on 41A, which wasn't scenic, but they did give us an entire lane to run in unencumbered for several miles. This section is about to be repaved, so the surface had been ground down, which wasn't the best to run on, but next year's racers will have new blacktop, so this criticism will no longer apply. Water stops were every 2 miles without fail, and most also had Gatorade. Paper cups would be an improvement over the plastic ones used at several this year. A little tutorial for the volunteers would also helptell them to balance the cups on their palms next year. But these are minor points. The course was well marked, and the local police and fire departments were posted anywhere you could possibly get lost and at every intersection. They stopped traffic for us well in advance of us reaching the intersections, and I never felt any pressure from any drivers, except for one who didn't move over for me as I trudged up mile 26. The second half of the race turned onto back roads through Estill Springs before heading back to Winchester. This section was hillier, with more turns. There are 3 significant hills in this section, at miles 19, 23-24 and 26. The latter was easily the worst. Imagine heartbreak hill at mile 26. For reference, I was second overall at 3:13, and these and mile 4 were the only 4 miles that I was over 7:30. I barely broke 8 minutes on 26. In all fairness, I started the day hoping to run 3:15. Conditions were nearly perfect. It was 50 degrees at the start, and it was only 72 when I left the area to drive home at 11:30. There was also a headwind in the last 2-3 miles, which didn't make the climbs any easier. There was abundant post-race food, with Little Caesar's and Subway both contributing. The finisher's medal wasn't a medal at all, but rather a plastic diamond suspended from a ribbon. However, overall and age group awards were nice, and you were almost guaranteed to win one. Overall and Master's awards were plastic plaques in the shape of the State of Tennessee, mounted on a wooden base with your finish place. Age group awards were mugs. Overall, I'd recommend this race with a few caveats. I an unaware of any hotels in the area. I stayed in a Hampton Inn in Tullahoma 30 minutes away. You had better like solitude when you run, and you had better be prepared for late race hills.
t. B. from Tuscaloosa,AL (10/3/2015) "Lonely, and hilly at the end" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Small race. Only 70 in the full. I ran completely alone for three and a half hours! Could not see anyone ahead or behind me after half marathoners turned off at mile 6. If you don't like races with solitude them this isnt for you. Miles 18_25 are very hilly. Lots of traffic on main road and on back roads but very well controlled by police and staff. Great aide stops plenty of drink and food throughout the course. Awesome race pullover zip up jacket. Good medal. Age group award same medal, different color. Would have liked something different. Recommend adding more basic info to race website. Had to email race director about basic issues like bag drop, public shower access and whether or not pacers would be provided.
J. E. from Louisville, KY (10/6/2014) "Great small town race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Small, intimate road race. Made me a little nervous to run with my back to the cars. Packet pick-up was super easy, no expo, there is race day pick-up. Parking is easy, nearby and free. Course was okay, rolling hills caused my legs to cramp but volunteers and aid stations were superb. And the police, fire and EMS were everywhere so runners were well cared for. All runners got a long sleeve tech shirt and a heavy medal.
S. N. from Murfreesboro, TN (10/4/2014) "Very well planned and executed race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Very well planned and executed race! They had packet pick on the day of the race which was very convenient. Well organized and quick. Parking was great, literally next to the start. The start was in the town square which is very nice and quaint. Race started on time and the start area was well organized. The course overall was very nice, expect for the stretch on the highway. However, overall well laid out with some rolling hills but no real hard core hills. The post race area was well set up with plenty of drinks and food for every runner. The race team did an outstanding job and I will return next year. Thanks for a great race.
Ed Robins from Philadelphia, Pa (10/22/2013) "Well run small race w/ great swag!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this race as my Tennessee race and I was not disappointed. The more races I run the more I find I prefer these smaller more intimate ones. I feel race day stress is eliminated and you get a better local feel. I flew into Nashville (got a good fare too) and the drive to Winchester was only 2 hours. Packet pick-up is a breeze but don't expect an expo. They also have a race day pick-up. The race begins in the lovely town square of Winchester TN. Parking is easy, near by and free. As I said this race is small w/ only 106 in the full and 198 in the half. My only criticism with the organization is they could've used a few more port-a-potties at the start. I gave the course only 3 stars because there's an ugly 6 plus mile section on a 4 lane highway. Once we turn off of that road we get very nice rural scenery. We also cross a few bodies of water which are also very nice. There are a few rollers on the course but they shouldn't scare anyone away. If you get cool weather this could be a PR type of course. The course support of this race is as good as you'll ever see. I think every single intersection had a police or fireman there to protect the runners. They were often very supportive of the runners too. Aid stations were every two miles and they came like clock work. They all had water and gatorade. Also the stops were encouraged to have themes and many out did themselves. This year was quite hot and humid so they should've added one or two stops the final 10K. More and more I'm seeing races add a few down the home stretch when runners really need it. As I said the race has great swag especially when you consider the size of the race. A long sleeve tech shirt, a nice tech cap and a heavy medal. The post race food is traditional race fare but there was plenty left for us slower marathoners and they had chocolate milk! Yeah!
C. S. from Atlanta, GA (10/11/2012) "Nice Small Town and Small Field Race" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course was okay. The biggest downside was a long 5-6 miles stretch on a four lane highway. Most of the rest of the course was run on little back roads, through country neighborhoods, which was cute and pleasant. The course support was astounding. There were police officers/firefighters/volunteers blocking almost every intersection! Many of them were very encouraging, which made up for the lack of actual spectators on the course. The biggest downside to the course was that there were many areas where the road was very sloped, which I found very difficult to run on. Additionally, there were aid stations with water and gatorade (and oranges later in the course) every two miles - and every aid station had a port-o-potty! Organization Details for the event were well communicated on the website and in a pre-race email that was sent a couple of days prior to the event. Additionally, packet pick-up was quick and easy (there were only 115 marathon finishers so no congestion there!). I didn't go to an expo or anything, so I can't comment on that. They also allowed you to change your shirt size, which was a nice perk that isn't always offered. The course was easy to follow with assistance/signage at all the turns. I was really surprised at how well-organized everything was even after reading reviews about how nice a job they do in this regard. Additionally, the race results were posted within a day online. Fans There weren't many actual fans/spectators out on the course, however, there were an extensive number of volunteers who served as cheerleaders throughout the course. There were a couple of places with high schoolers cheering us on that was very nice. Additionally, the police officers and firefighters directing and blocking traffic offered support much of the time. I would have liked more support at the finish line, though. There were only a couple of people clapping for any given finisher at a time. It would have been nice to have some volunteers there just to bring a bit more excitement to the end. Swag Loved the swag. Received a nice green long sleved tech shirt. Came in men and women's cuts. Only improvement I would recommend there would be to make one just for the marathon. The medal is nice and heavy. Also received a hat. I enjoyed this race and would do it again, albeit probably not until I've run many other races. For others I would recommend this race if the schedule/location works out for you or you just want to knock off Tennessee, but I wouldn't necessarily travel just for this race outside of that.
G. B. from Smyrna, TN (10/10/2012) "A GREAT Small Town Race" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 2012 Race This was my first marathon and I couldn't have been more impressed with the organization of the race. Water, Gatorade and toilets every 2 miles, couldn't have asked for more. The later part of the course was rolling hills, and you can expect long periods where you may be running by yourself, but practically every turn and side street had volunteers or police. Overall a great experience!
R. P. from Dunwoody, GA (10/7/2012) "A great small marathon" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a nice race for those looking for a small fall race. My expectations were far exceeded for a race this small. Here are the pros and cons that I saw: Pros: 1). Small field. This race only had about 100+ runners in the full and maybe twice that in the half. It is easy to stay local, park close by and show up very close to the start time. 2). Good course support/volunteers. There were water stops with a port-o-let every two miles. Just about every intersection had a volunteer or two to help control traffic. There were actually some cheer zones with very enthusiastic fans. 3). Nice finish for a race this size. Names/hometowns were announced as runners approached the finish line. The guy helping at the food station practically acted like a waiter taking food orders and grabbing pizza, snacks and drinks to help finishers. Cons: 1). This first half of the course is not much to look at; it's run mostly on a 4-lane highway bordered by strip malls. The second half is better with farms and the lake for scenery, but is on two-lane roads and is open to traffic. 2). The course has rolling hills, which isn't necessarily bad, except that two of the hills come at miles 23 and 25.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use