The Virginia Creeper Marathon was extermely well organized. The volunteers were most helpful and it was great to have their support. They did an outstanding job. The course is spectacular, following an old railroad grade through the mountains. The scenery on this course is more beautiful than on any course I have run. For a mountain marathon this course probably has the easiest grade. It is mainly dirt or cinders and fairly level, with no steep hills. The weather was cool and fine for marathon running. The Creeper is not a large marathon but that is not a problem. You do pass the start/finish line about six times and that helped with being able to dump excess gear as the day warmed up. It also helped with allowing spectators to cheer the runners without leaving their spot. The State of Franklin Track Club does an outstanding job in putting on a great race. This marathon is highly recommended.

Although I live 2 hours away, I frequently visit the VA Creeper trail for hiking, biking, and of course, running. So it was a perfect choice for my first marathon. The trail is in good shape and easy on the feet, the scenery is phenomenal and inspiring, and the volunteers exceptional. You'll also enjoy the quaint town of Abingdon with its historic theatre, the Martha Washington Inn, antiques, and charming restaurants.

I ran in 2001. Very beautiful scenery with many long wooden trestles traversing wide valleys, then cutting thru the steep foothills with excellent flat footing the entire way. Inspite of the otherwise unyielding terrain, the total change in elevation was seemingly negligable. Weather was perfect that day although the best time of year to run there may be in late April or early May(Hint, Hint). Many old-timers and 50 state clubbers made for a rich 'cultural' experience. Many of us stayed at the Empire Inn for $47 and 4PM checkout! Abingdon is a quaint historic town worth taking in especially the Martha Washington Inn/Museum/****Restaurant with Barter Theatre across the street.(You can turn this marathon into a romantic getaway) All in all; a unique experience I plan to repeat for hopefully many years to come.

(I ran 2000 race.) As flat as it can be for non-coastal Virginia and a relatively new race. Course is t-shaped, with all but first 2 miles as several outs-backs on scenic, wooded converted rail corridor with dirt surface (could be messy after prolonged rains). Watch your step in the cattle pasture section. (Maps / descriptions can be seen at cccyclery.com/vacreep.htm.) Start/finish at a road Xing with limited parking; packet pickup and recommended parking is at a school appx. 1.25 mi. from start (no day-before pickup). Sufficient aid, but at some stations you had to pluck your own cups off tables. Quality homemade post-race goodies (incl. yummy turkey sandwiches w/avacado). No expo, t-shirt, or changing facilities, but a unique paperweight race momento. Be sure to select lodging that allows late checkout. For that reason, DO NOT patronize the Alpine motel in Abingdon. I do recommend the pizza / Italian place near the trailhead in Abingdon for pre-race meal. Race is labor of love for race director and other members of the State of Franklin TC (east. TN / western VA border area).