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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 81 to 89]
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A Runner from Lake Jackson, Texas
(4/22/2002)
 "Chilly, hilly, and fabulously beautiful" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 At 28 degrees Farenheit, which is colder than we experienced all winter on the Texas Gulf Coast, I'd say the 'cool and breezy' description on the web site was understated. I have never run a prettier course, and the fans were fantastic in that they included horses, cows (we ran right through their pasture), and golfers -- not to mention the many morning walkers with their dogs. Everyone I met was gracious and encouraging; the quality of fans more than made up for the quantity. I fell twice, not because the trail was particularly difficult but because the scenery was so distracting. What a great experience. Good job, Frank! | |
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A Runner from Asheboro, North Carolina, USA
(4/8/2002)
 "Beautiful spring marathon with great scenery" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the Virginia Creeper because I run on trails, and am training for an Ironman Triathlon in September. I wanted to run an early-season marathon, but without the impact of a road race on my feet, ankles, and legs. I have chronic plantar fascilitis, and had a stress fracture in 1997. The Creeper Trail has the best scenery I've ever run in for a marathon, or for any race. I enjoyed the low-key atmosphere as compared with most other races. The people were friendly, the race was well-run, and the aid stations were more than adequate. The beautiful surroundings more than made up for the cold, windy conditions! I hope to return in 2003. | |
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(shannon) from Stamford, CT
(3/26/2002)
"although my performance was not top notch" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It didn't dim my fondness for this race. Frank is doing a wonderful job down in VA with this one. Wonderful volunteers, friendly town. The course is beautiful. If you don't get to take it all in during the race, it's worth coming back to afterwards for a nice post-race walk. With plenty of hotels nearby, horseback riding on the trail and a golf course, it's very easy to make a nice trip out of this weekend race. Once again, Frank, this is an awesome race...great one to do some winter training for. And I hope to return next year to officially add VA to my list! | |
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Larry Miller from Blacksburg, VA
(3/12/2002)
 "Well-organized marathon without the pounding" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run in 3 of the 4 Creeper Marathons and I must say, this race is a must for the spring race calendar. The field is limited to 100 runners, so get your applications in by early February at the latest. The course is an out-and-back on a rolling country road for the first 2 miles. The rest of the race is run on the Creeper Trail. Miles 2-5.5 are uphill, gradual at first, steeper toward the end. Miles 5.5-9 are quick...back down the hill to the start-finish area. Miles 9-13.5 are quick as well with a gentle downhill for the most part. Then, the turnaround. Miles 13.5-21.5 are uphill, running back up the same trail you were so happily cruising down moments earlier. It's especially important in this race to pace yourself well, because if you're hurting at 13.5 miles, you're in trouble. However, if you can make it to the top of the hill at 21.5 miles in reasonable shape and your legs aren't totally shot, it's a pretty quick finish as the last ~5 miles are mostly downhill. Volunteers for this race are top-notch. Aid stations are adequate, with water, Gatorade, apples, fig bars, etc. One of the best features of this race is the out-and-back nature of the course. Although it can be mentally taxing to pass the start-finish area 4 times during the race, the support from the other runners once you reach a turnaround boosts your spirits and makes the return trip much more pleasant. Overall, the course difficulty is moderate, and not as slow as you might think due to the excellent footing and the gradual grades. | |
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The preacher from Booveville, MS
(5/6/2001)
"A beautiful, smooth, rural run in the park" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run this marathon twice, and if possible I certainly will be back next year. The people are so friendly and helpful. The course is just beautiful, and being an old railroad it is not too steep along the way. My only negative was a mud hole that I ended up in on my back. Now I have a good story for the next long run. | |
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A Runner from Asheville, NC
(4/4/2001)
"This is the most beautiful course I have run." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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. | |
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(Scott Jordan) from Knoxville, TN
(3/30/2001)
"a terrific marathon for first-timers" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. | |
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A Runner from Raleigh, NC
(3/18/2001)
 "Most beautiful and flat course around" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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. | |
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A Runner from Richfield, Minnesota USA
(8/15/2000)
 "Low-Key Race on 8-Mile Rail-Trail Segment" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 (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). |
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