This was the most beautiful marathon course of my 21 marathons so far. It was cool this year (2001), and I didn't go out to have a fast time. Instead, I walked portions of tough hills and finished strong with a better time than I expected.

The gravel road from miles 17-20 was tough on the feet, but the canopy of trees and the remoteness of it was wonderful. Unfortunately, I was told that that portion of the course will be underwater due to a new dam going in. For two miles on the gravel road, I didn't see another runner or anybody. Try that at Boston or Chicago!

Spectators? Maybe five in Harrisville which we go through twice. The volunteers (?) were from the state park and were very helpful at the water stops. Each water stop had water and All Sport, and were spaced about every two miles. I still carried a water bottle for half the race, which helped a lot.

Not enough can be said about the hills. They are tough. Walk breaks certainly helped me conquer them.

I loved this marathon for its beauty and small size. Run it, even if you aren't going for the goal of 50 states.

Tough marathon, sure. But worth the effort to see the beauty of the area, meet friendly runners and volunteers, and have the fastest final mile of a marathon you'll ever have. Run this with a sense of humor and few expectations other than to finish and you'll be rewarded with one of the most satisfying marathons you've ever done. Oh, and learn a good downhill running technique before you go.

absolutely love this one----it is definitely a challenge--and not for wimpy city runners----but a must do for anyone who really loves the outdoors--and testing their limits---not many spectators---but lots of roadkill---and wildlife----beautiful scenery-----if you think for every uphill there is a downhill-then it is a flat course-laughing at ya' if you did not catch that--

I have run 15 marathons, and this is by far the toughest. Picture this if you will: Rural WV in the middle of June. Hot, Humid, and very Hilly (The 3 H's). Also, there are not a lot of spectators. The only place where the are people are in the town that you go through at 13 and 20. I actually won this race in 2000, but I wasn't planning on it. If you go, start out EASY!!!! The toughest part of the race is from the gravel road at 15 to the finish. The gravel road is a 3 mile downhill followed by very rolling hills (steep and long). The worst one being the very steep downhill last mile. At that point in the race, your legs are already shot and to throw you down a hill is insane! I actually had to almost walk, it was so steap. But, all in all, I would say this is a great marathon (if you like small hilly marathons). And, if you have to get in WV.

I ran this marathon two years in a row and even won, setting the course record. Don't run this race if you like expos, spectators, and amenitities because support, etc. for this marathon is minimal. It is a challenging course, with numerous large hills (mountains) and few water stations. And remember, it's West Virginia and, it's June. So, heat and humidity are a factor. If you don't run well in the heat, if you don't like running hills, if you don't like being alone for 95% of a race, don't run it. However, if you're into ultras, trail running, wooded, secluded country roads, and you're not after a fast time, by all means, give it a try. I've run more than 70 marathons and this one was a little different from all of them. One final word of advice - consider wearing or carrying a fluid bottle. (The last time I ran this race, they were 'leap-frogging' the water stations because they were short on volunteers and some runners didn't get fluids.)