The marathon definitely has a home-town feel. The packet pick up, hosted by the Six Rivers Running Club, was conveniently located next to a Redwoods National Park visitor center.

The packet included the race number and pins. A map of the race and start location was available for viewing.

The home-style $7 spaghetti feed proceeds benefited the volunteer fire department at which the dinner was held, and provided generous portions.

The race amongst the trees held up to its billing - I spent more time looking at the trees to my left and right than I did monitoring the paved road we ran on. (The first half was closed to traffic the second half had controlled traffic.)

The Boy Scout troops and their den managers did a great job of organizing the aid station stops.

The second half of the course runs through about 5 or 6 miles of open terrain, with fewer or no sequoia trees. Although a bit of a surprise, it didn't detract from the overall beauty of this amazing course.

At the finish line an announcer called off finishers' names. Orange slices and electrolyte drink were the post-race fare. This is where we were awarded our long-sleeve, brown, bird logo-ed finisher's shirt.

Incidentally, shirts were handed out race day, and if one didn't finish, I was told the shirt would be awarded regardless. The shirt represented the three races held - 1/2 marathon, 10 KM and marathon.

The finisher's medal has an eagle on it. The designs of both the shirt and the medal are nature-oriented and original, although I kind of expected something with a giant sequoia tree on it.

Running among the redwoods is the highlight of this marathon. The organization was great - no frills, but everything necessary for the average runner. The second half was challenging with a hill climb for about four miles to the turnaround at 19.5. The cool temperatures and constant shade from the redwoods were definitely a plus. I combined the marathon with a vacation and am glad I did. It was generally the off-season, so crowds were at a minimum and the weather was perfect for running.

I guess it was OK if you like trees.... Amazing course; running through a redwood rain forest was fantastic. Not too easy, but not that tough either. Just don't go out fast thinking it will be like a flat run on smooth pavement. The rough road and elevation changes on the second out-and-back will make you wish you had started a little more conservatively.

Highly recommended. Great small-town organization and support. Would like to come back again.

This was my first marathon. I ran it at a nice slow pace and finished 4:01.30. I enjoyed being out there with the giants and they were inspiring. I am going to try and return in May. I loved it.

This is a well organized race in a beautiful setting. Very few 'hills', if you can call them that - the first half is very flat - although as another poster mentioned the second half has a rough road with potholes etc. The first half marathon goes out and back 6.5 miles along the Avenue of the Giants, then the second half goes out and back for another 6.5 miles (down a different road). Not a lot is laid on for the runners post race - just some oranges, bananas, Clif bars and water - but I didn't expect much from this small, rural marathon. It may have been that there was a lot more for the 5k and half marathon runners that finished earlier. The few supporters and volunteers were very enthusiastic and encouraging. The long sleeve shirts were good, though they had run out of my size by the time I finished (under 4 hrs....I think the 5k racers must have snagged them all!). If you don't need all the additional stuff that accompanies the larger marathons, and are happy to run a small, simple secluded race then I highly recommend this marathon...just bring your own fuel for afterwards.

If you have the opportunity to run this marathon, you must add it to your schedule. The course is stunningly beautiful (the 1st half in particular). Running amongst the redwoods is so amazing that you have to remind yourself to watch the road and not just gaze at the trees! Not only is the first half incredibly beautiful, but it also feels like you are running on a slight decline both ways on that out-and-back part of the course. The second half is not quite as beautiful, the road on that portion is not as well maintained (potholes, rough surface, etc.), and the aid stations are a little scarce. The race organizers are the friendliest and most accommodating I have ever interacted with. Although I only had to travel from Southern California to run this marathon, it would have been clearly worth traveling across the country for. You need to give this marathon serious consideration!

This was my first marathon, and I picked it because I knew I would love running in the beautiful redwoods. And I definitely did! I had read that the course was relatively flat, which I must say I COMPLETELY disagree. However, the hills were not too bad, just rolling for much of the race. If you are looking for spectators for support, this is not the race for you. I am sure all runners this year were happy to have my mom and dad cheering everyone on at miles 11 and 15. Any other spectators were found at the start/finish/13.1 mile point. The Boy Scouts were great and all runners were really supportive. Even without spectators, the trees must have inspired me because I was really pleased with my time! One more thing...the weather in Humboldt is so moderate, which really helps with your time. It was cool for the entire race, but not too cold. I would definitely do the race again!

I had a great time and will hopefully run it next year! This was my very first marathon and because it's a smaller event, the competition wasn't as tight as I had expected. As a result, I crossed the finish line in 3:45:59, first in my division [Males 25-29]. On top of that, I attained a half-marathon PR of 1:39. Although the spectators were minor, those who did show gave all of their support and encouragement to us runners. Thank you all for that! Of course, not enough can be said about the beauty of the course and its natural surroundings. I almost felt like I was running on trails, being so deep inside the green-density that is Humboldt Redwoods State Park. My compliments to the organizers, volunteers and enforcement officials who kept the traffic at bay and who made the race a huge success. Thank you everyone! You've made my first marathon experience fun and unforgettable. Looking forward to future races and good times! All hail the Green Triangle and the Avenue of the Giants! Rah-rah-rah! Woo-woo!

This run was great! Based on previous comments I decided to make this one my first marathon. I traveled all the way from Baltimore, MD and it was well worth it. The scenery is incredible, the support by the Boy Scouts was very helpful and even though there were only a few spectators along the route, they cheered their hearts out. The whole experience was fantastic. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and support.

The marathon and the area around it are beautiful, peaceful, and this is a fantastic small marathon. If, however, you are looking for a flat, fast marathon, this isn't it. The last 13 miles of the marathon will take your breath away in terms of the scenery, but the rolling hills, sharp corners and rough pavement all take your breath away too. Each mile was clearly marked and the aid stations were every couple of miles, which, for the temps during the 2005 race, were good. If it gets hotter, however, you are going to want to bring your own 'support'. The end of race is very mellow, so don't expect lots of food and drink. Organization and parking were good.