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Apr 30, 2024

Virginia Creeper Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Virginia Creeper Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.9

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.0

Number of comments: 93 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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D. L. from Charlotte, NC (3/31/2015) "The Best of both worlds, Trail and road racing." (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a gorgeous race, and incredible organization. Volunteers are completely dedicated, you have to be standing in 18-degree-temperatures without moving... Virginia mountains and perfect air are real treats; as well as the fun and friendly atmosphere. Beautiful valley-crossing bridges! Bring your camera and your smile for this exemplary setup and extraordinary volunteers...Did I mention that the entry fee was $10? The course is certified, and some $100+ races should really look up to Frank for his organization and team spirit...I will definitely invite folks and come back.
L. H. from Williamsburg,ky (4/5/2014) "Beautiful scenery" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Love it! First time at Va Creeper Marathon, my family enjoyed it , it snowed the morning of the marathon but it was beautiful on the trail, awesome volunteers, would love to come again next year and do it again!
Jennifer Fields from Massachusetts (4/1/2014) "Second time & enjoyed it just as much!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Virginia Creeper Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I first ran this race in 2009 after reading the reviews here and vowed I'd go back again. After a less than stellar training season due to injury, illness, and the ridiculous New England winter (which I think we were nice enough to share with everyone in the South as well), I knew I wouldn't run as well of a time but knew I'd have a great time. Despite the snow/sleet on race day & the very slippery trestles (I 'gracefully' slipped fell on both knees & my chin just near mile 19 on trestle #3), this marathon once again did not disappoint. With all the out & backs, you get to see the front runners & those behind you multiple times. There were so many smiles & words of encouragement exchanged, it was easy to smile even in those latter miles. Though the spectators were few, they were always encouraging. Frank and his crew of volunteers are the best! This is a great race, and wish I could run it every year!
K. T. from Charlottesville, VA (3/31/2014) "Absolutely fantastic race from start to finish!" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was unlike any other race I've ever done, not just in terms of the no-frills style and rural course - it's probably the most friendly and supportive race I'll ever run, and every single person involved, down to the trolley driver who took us to and from the elementary school, made this a special experience. I just loved the course- even the gravel part by the new trestle (and of course I have to come back and run this again once that trestle is finished!) - and was amazed at how there was something new and beautiful to look at every time we came through. The snowy backdrop helped a lot, but once it started melting we got those hints of greenery. And the cows! I didn't think I'd enjoy being mooed at nearly as much as I did, but it was so perfect, being alone out there with my thoughts and then all of a sudden hearing a bellowing 'MOOO'. Loved it. I think the repeated out-and-back course is great because you can use the first time through to gauge your footing, and the next couple of times to gawk at the scenery. It's easily the most beautiful and scenic course I've ever run. The volunteers were also amazing, standing out there throughout the entire morning when it was clearly not the best conditions for doing so. They took such good care of me when I finished, but they also were wonderfully supportive and friendly at the aid stations and the start/finish area. And how does a race director find such awesomely supportive people to run this race in the first place? I've never, ever been a part of a group that has been so encouraging to fellow runners - every time we passed each other, there were shouts, waves, high-fives, words of motivation, even a quick check to make sure we were doing ok. I made a few friends out on the trail, too, just staying with people and chatting, which just doesn't happen in larger or urban races. I sort of miss my marathon friends today, because they really helped get me through the tough bits (Pat from Indiana, especially). This was my third marathon, and by far my favorite. I hope to be able to run this race again and again in years to come, and I hope that not a single thing about it changes, not even the things one can't control like the weather :-) That paperweight means more to me than any medal I've gotten, because it's a unique reminder of a unique event that I have many happy memories from (even when the going got tough). What a great, great race experience!
Amanda Tipton from Kingsport, TN (6/23/2013) "Great course, bad weather" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I decided to run this race because it's cheap and local. The weather on race day was terrible (rain, upper 30s). The event was well organized, plenty of food, water, and Gatorade along the way. I really appreciated the volunteers coming out in the less than ideal conditions. It was a little annoying passing by the start/finish four times, but it was nice to get a boost from my friends that braved the weather to cheer me on. I love the paperweight with the race logo!
A. S. from Pikeville,ky. (4/26/2013) "Inexpensive, well organized and great course." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Virginia Creeper Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this race in 2012 and again in 2013. I would love to run it one year when the weather is better. Since you pass the start finish multiple times it would be a great race to be cheered on by family if weather permitted. I really apreciated Frank(race director) this year. I had a difficult time deciding what to wear for the race on Sunday and made a rookie mistake and didn't pin my bib to a shirt Saturday night. I didn't realize I didn't have my bib until Frank was giving race instructions minutes before the race. I told Frank and he quickly looked up my bib number for me and told me to shout it out at all the check stations. After I crossed the finish line he made sure I had followed his instructions. He was very gracious and understanding as were the volunteers along the course. I think I'll start checking the couch cushions now for next years race entry fee.
Philip Settle from Blue Ridge, VA (3/29/2013) "I train solo and this race kept me in my element." (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I train lone wolf style and have no need for huge crowds and large numbers of participants. I appreciated the low key small town flavor of this race and felt like I was in my element the whole time. I will certainly be back.
Jonathan Nobles from Virginia Beach, VA (4/13/2012) "Three marathons, and this is by far my favorite!" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 LOVED this race. Beautiful (and relatively flat) trail course, great organization, friendly staff. The rain and mud were the only slight drawbacks...completely out of everyone's control. Set a PR a week after a disappointing performance at Shamrock (VA Beach). This is now an annual event for me!
M. B. from Missouri (3/25/2012) "Marathoning's best kept secret" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I happened to be terribly sick the day of the marathon but this one still ranks as one of my favorites. I hope to come back someday to run it again. This is everything I think marathoning should be; low entry fee, no t-shirt, a nice paperweight in lieu of a medal, fantastic support, beautiful course, non commercialized and scenery that is unsurpassed. Thank you to Frank for putting on such a great event. This ranks as one of the best marathons out there.
Jennifer Hall from Brooklyn, NY (4/11/2011) "Wow! What an amazing experience..." (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Virginia Creeper was my first marathon and it was well worth every minute of the 10-HOUR drive to get there! From race director Frank's warm welcome, to the easy-on-the-knees trail, to the encouraging words from fellow runners, I couldn't have asked for a better day. The overcast, cool weather was perfect for us runners (though probably not for the volunteers). This race's small size was one of the main reasons I chose it; I didn't miss having spectators because I'm not used to spectators! Though I didn't take any homemade snacks during the race, they were certainly plentiful and I indulged at the finish line. The many mile markers were all very clear and there was no confusion about the course's route. Though I have no previous marathon experience to compare the Virginia Creeper to, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a friendly, little marathon next spring!

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