Frank went out of his way to be sure I got started in the right area and didn't miss any turn-arounds. The course has a couple "out-and-backs," but overall the course is beautiful. I even saw deer running on the course ahead of me! Abingdon has some steep inclines that had me worried, but the Virginia Creeper Trail had nothing like that. Any inclines were very minor and easy to deal with. Even in the rain, supporters were out there cheering me on. Other runners were very supportive also. I plan to go back to the VCM next year - I had so much fun this year. Thanks to all involved!

This will be my fourth Creeper Marathon. It is a very beautiful course, and that helps - especially around mile 20.

The course was really beautiful and the weather that day helped a lot to enjoy even more the running. I consider this marathon a good one for first time marathoners. The race director is one of the most friendly persons I've ever met. I hope see you next year.

I said that the course seemed flat to me the whole way. That is not true. The first 2 miles, which consists of an out-and-back on a country road was hilly. Otherwise my comments stand.

Considering that the weather was summer-like this year and that two years ago it snowed and last year was like spring, be prepared for any weather. In fact they should call it the Virginia Creeper Four Season Marathon!

A really pretty course on a very gently sloping trail. Runners must share the trail with other users,(day hikers, equestrians, dog walkers, bicyclists).It was unseasonably warm on race day, so I suspect that there were a lot of people on the trail for the date. But there was no problem at all having non-race folks there. In fact everyone seemed interested in the race and very supportive of the runners and the race. Even with the out-and-back-and-a-half nature of the course, I still give it a 5.

There are plenty of opportunities to bail however, so be mentally tough! As a beginner, if you get in at least one 20-miler in training, you will have gone past the last bail point in the race so you should have no problem. As a slow runner, I spent a lot of time in miles 11-17 virtually alone in the beautiful scenery and I enjoyed the peaceful bucolic setting. Then it was back to two-way traffic and lots of encouragement.

The race is perfectly organized. My packet was at the host hotel the night before the race at check-in. Frank, the race director, had a room at the inn to meet, greet and assist runners as well. Late check-out at the host hotel was a boon! Aid stations were well placed and the volunteers were great. I especially enjoyed the folks at the "Oasis" who provided all sorts of goodies and a smile just before meeting the cows....

Having read the reviews of the course here I feel I should clarify something. Many folks say it is more hilly than they thought it would be. And on race day my wife said that was the feeling of some of the earlier finishers. If you are trying for a PB and are really pushing the envelope, I suppose the long VERY gentle upslope from about miles 14-22 must be a challenge. But as a first-timer and a slow runner, the grade was almost imperceptible. The course seemed almost totally flat to this 45-year-old, 5'10", 205-lb. first-timer, and I would highly recommend this to others if you are not looking for crowds.

The Creeper is an excellent race. Others have commented on the beauty of the course - an observation with which I fully agree. What is equally impressive is the race organization. Frank and the Creeper volunteers are wonderful. The aid stations were well placed and well stocked with water, Gatorade and cookies. The miles and turn-arounds were clearly marked. And pictures and results were posted within 24 hours. All this for $10! When can I sign up for next year?!

The race organizer (Frank) is excellent, combining competence with a great sense of humor. The course is a bit harder than I expected, with only one runner getting under 3 hours. The weather was warm, which probably contributed to that. First time I've ever run a race through a field that actually has cows in it!! Water stops were well-manned. This is a mellow race, where many runners actually stop at the water stops to pick up drinks, food, etc., and visit a little with the workers.

Small in registration (there's a limit). Large for the effort to make this race a success. Thanks Frank, volunteers, and spectators.

P.s. Appreciated the late checkout at the Days Inn.

This course is a rails-to-trails course made from an old railroad line. It is the perfect off-road running surface. The scenery changes from close-in woods to open fields and wooden bridges that cross the river. This year's race had unusually high temps, near 80 by 1:00 p.m. But, this is as good as it gets for a pure running experience. Once you've done one (I have 3 under my belt) it is almost assured that it will become your favorite. However, better send in your nominal $10.00 fee early because returning runners are guaranteed a spot until about a month before the race. The race director and his staff deserve accolades aplenty for this race. It is a keeper.

The price cannot be beat, the course is pretty, your fellow runners supportive and the weather was great in 2005 despite a dismal forecast. The out-and-back-and-a-half is a bummer, but it gives family an easy way to cheer you on a relatively spectatorless course. I would love to run this race again, if only to support the idea that a quality race can be organized without asking a king's ransom. Kudos to the State of Franklin Running Club.