Marathon Details - Hatfield-McCoy Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > KY > South Williamson > Hatfield-McCoy Marathon

Hatfield-McCoy Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

South Williamson, KY USA

June 8, 2024

http://www.hatfieldmccoymarathontvrrc.com

More Info:	News
Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Alexis Batausa
Address:	Tug Valley Road Runners PO Box 1382 Williamson, WV 25661
Phone Number:	304-542-5311
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.8

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Number of comments: 200 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]

T. J. from Indianapolis (6/18/2023) "Disappointed" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I was disappointed with the HMM. Despite what I read in various forums, I did not find the event to be very organized. There were errors with email communication and mild confusion with packet pickup. Route maps at packet pickup had visible corrections posted so this caused concern about accuracy from other medias (social media, email, websites, etc.). While the shuttle bus coordination was seamless (good job!), Runners participating in the 5k experienced challenges getting to their start line once the marathon started (the 5k started 45 minutes after the marathon). It was well known the marathon course would be extremely difficult (Mountain and hills). However, road closures were nearly entirely absent. The open roads were unsafe. Regular traffic was (often) on the course. There were few spectators and fan support. With less than 150 marathon runners, I often found myself running completely alone. Almost like glorified training run. The water points, however, were well staffed, plentiful, and wonderfully stocked (fruit, water, Gatorade). Cold wet towels. Great job! The finish area was underwhelming. I finished in 5:13. There were not many people at the finish outside of my family and (seemly) a skeleton race crew. Mr. "Hatfield" was at the finish; that was cool. Good job there! Overall, unfortunately, I would not recommend HMM. Expectations were high but I found most key areas lacking.
K. T. from Kentucky (6/13/2021) "Fantastic Marathon" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Course is hilly but organizers set up plenty of water stops throughout the race. Keep in mind race is scheduled in June so weather is humid with scorching heat later through the day. Volunteers were supportive and encouraging. Few crowds and a small community, but I still had fun completing this race. Overall wonderful course and beautiful scenanary, a must run course.
J. C. from Newport Ky. (6/11/2019) "Very well organized" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The Race is not easy but very well organized, in past years the ATV's and Life Squad kept driving by checking on the runners the last 5 miles which are rough. No support this year, I had to flag down a pickup truck to get aid for a lady in our group who was getting sick.
J. S. from Alexandria, Virginia (5/11/2019) "Tremendous race in beautiful country!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race brings it all in a quaint, down-home setting. You'll experience the best hospitality - the KY-WV communities really show up, from the theatrics of the Hatfield-McCoy feud to people gladly offering thanks for visiting the area, the marathon is a special event for both sides of the state line and residents show it. The pre- and post-race festivities are family-friendly and provide a good view of the region's culture and spirit. For the course, it's a tough run and certainly no one should go in thinking about a pr. But there is something sweet about climbing the one large mountain around mile 6-8 and rolling hills thereafter - despite the heat, incline, and response to dirt and road, you'll get inspired by the people and view of it all. If you're looking for a challenging and splendid marathon experience in the middle of the summer in the South (very rare to find a marathon this time of year and this part of the country because well, it's awfully hot), this is the one. Absolutely deserves its five-star review and more!
C. A. from California (6/15/2018) "Fun race in God's Country" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I love visiting God's Country and the Williamson area. I can argue that this race is still one of the best races ever and I've run some spectacular marathons. Of all the marathons under my belt, there is literally no competition in my mind. I'm glad I came back again this year because it firmly cemented my feelings that this is undeniably one my favorite marathons by far. There are a lot of good races out there, but in my personal view, this is probably the most fun you'll have running 26.2 miles - putting aside those extreme meteorological conditions. It is evident there's history between the two families, and that alone is enough to lure history fans interested in seeing the places the feud made famous. Running this marathon is a great way to do just that since the course leads runners into regions where some of the feuding incidences happened. For history fans like myself, this is an unrivaled quality because you're getting a personal look at the setting where some of the most famous Kentucky/West Virginia events transpired. I think of this marathon as a quick-paced history tour. The H&M Marathon is a small low-key "hidden treasure" and is a spot-on description the race director Alexis and his dedicated team of volunteers do in the heart of Hatfield-McCoy feud country - except that no feuding takes place, just running. I am blown away by generosity of all the people who came out to cheer or volunteer to hand out course-side treats like watermelon, grapes, oranges, bananas, candy, sponges and rags dipped in ice water, ice water/chips, pickles and even fried chicken. I don't know what it is about the course, but you're just surrounded by mountains, and everything is so green, and at the start, there's typically this kind of early morning fog that appears like it's shrouding the mountains in a clandestine manner. Usually, June weather in the Tug Valley is hot and humid. With the area's unrelenting hills, there are water stops every mile either to cool or nourish your inner self. Even though my finish time certainly reflected the heat related struggles I had throughout the second half of the marathon, somehow I savored each and every mile. There is no time limit to complete the marathon and the course remains open until the final runner high-fives "Devil Anse" Hatfield or Ran'l McCoy. Yes, getting to Williamson does take some effort, but once you arrive, you'll be in for a treat - a diamond in the rough, so to speak. The race organizers and all the volunteers are incredible. The course is both beautiful and interesting, and you get a lot of really unique special touches that you just don't get at the bigger marathon events. Whether you're a Maniac, Fanatic or a Fifty-Stater or just want to do something different, run this race. It's worth the trip and see how far you can run with a stolen pig.
j. c. from Ky. (6/13/2018) "Thanks to everyone involved.Everything was perfect" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Thanks to all the volunteers and the medical staff, they did a great job on a very hot humid day. The wet towels were very refreshing - but the last 10K the water and Gatorade were warm. Hopefully, next year for the 20th race the mountain is a little shorter. I'll be back.
m. s. from mansfield, TX (6/12/2018) "ups-downs-hills-turns-curves" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Great scenery in a quaint historic area of America! All the hills and turns you could want, after the 1st hundred yards I don't think there was a strait or flat stretch. First couple of hours were great with lots of shade then the someone turned on the furnace and it was hot and intermittent shade. Great aid stations approx each mile. Lots of costumes and themes from the locals. Nice finish, post race and a great medal. Expo was mostly a bib pick up. Glad I ran this one!
J. S. from Fargo ND (6/12/2018) "Awesome experience" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 22nd state in my pursuit of 50. Since it's on the border of Ky and WV it can count for either. I planned on using it for WV and doing a different race in Ky. After running it in 2018, I have decided to run it again next year for Ky. I really enjoyed the unique adventure that is this race. It gives us a glimpse into a little bubble in the world that few outsiders have seen. It's remote, beautiful, rugged and raw. It's authentic. We are invited in by our friendly hosts, most of whom maybe don't understand our motivation to run up and down mountains in swelter, but support us wholeheartedly in our efforts to do so. They are out in the sun all day to hand complete strangers water, Gatorade and fruit. The area is beautiful. Rugged mountains blanketed by impenetrable forest. Not populated and pristine. Coal stirs the economic drink of the area. Coal is shut down and the local economy shows it. This leaves the area left to share its true character with the running visitor. The good the bad and the ugly. This makes the race authentic. If you are running to learn about yourself and an area, this race is for you. If you need a contrived show designed to cater to your ego, it's not. You will not be pampered. Nor should you be. This is a hard sport. This is a hard marathon. Not impossible, not stupid hard but hard.This is the type race that makes marathoning great. It makes you want to seek out more, not just from running but from yourself. If you come here, be trained, be tough, be disciplined, be focused, be prepared. If that's not you or you want to set a PR or need VIP tents and stuff either adapt of find a more suitable race. As for me, I'll see you in Williamson next year.
A. M. from Washington, D.C. (6/11/2018) "Fun race through beautiful KY countryside" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Be prepared for heat (there's not a lot of shade on the back half of the course, either) and for the solid climb through Miles 6 and 7, but with that in mind, this is a great race to run. Water stops every mile, spectators out on their front porches, mountain and riverside views. The website was a bit lacking, but know that the organization is all put into the race.
Tresa Casaletto from MA (6/11/2018) "What a Race!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was one of my best marathon experiences and I have enjoyed most of my races. If you are looking for a cool, flat course and a fast time, this is not the race for you. This race is EXTREMELY HILLY and this year the temperatures hit 100 degrees. With that said, I have never felt more supported while on a course or felt such camaraderie in a sports event. The runners are facing a challenge and they know it. This race is frequently hot and is well prepared. There are 24+ water stops. These stops will not run out of water. All of the later stops had ice and most of them had watermelon. The course is steeped in the history of the Hatfield and McCoy feud so if you love history, read up on the fued so you can appreciate the historical markers. I could go on and on and still not cover all the things I enjoyed about this race. The local people are friendly and very welcoming. The area is beautiful. Come for the race, treasure the experience.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]

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T. J. from Indianapolis (6/18/2023) "Disappointed" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I was disappointed with the HMM. Despite what I read in various forums, I did not find the event to be very organized. There were errors with email communication and mild confusion with packet pickup. Route maps at packet pickup had visible corrections posted so this caused concern about accuracy from other medias (social media, email, websites, etc.). While the shuttle bus coordination was seamless (good job!), Runners participating in the 5k experienced challenges getting to their start line once the marathon started (the 5k started 45 minutes after the marathon). It was well known the marathon course would be extremely difficult (Mountain and hills). However, road closures were nearly entirely absent. The open roads were unsafe. Regular traffic was (often) on the course. There were few spectators and fan support. With less than 150 marathon runners, I often found myself running completely alone. Almost like glorified training run. The water points, however, were well staffed, plentiful, and wonderfully stocked (fruit, water, Gatorade). Cold wet towels. Great job! The finish area was underwhelming. I finished in 5:13. There were not many people at the finish outside of my family and (seemly) a skeleton race crew. Mr. "Hatfield" was at the finish; that was cool. Good job there! Overall, unfortunately, I would not recommend HMM. Expectations were high but I found most key areas lacking.
K. T. from Kentucky (6/13/2021) "Fantastic Marathon" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Course is hilly but organizers set up plenty of water stops throughout the race. Keep in mind race is scheduled in June so weather is humid with scorching heat later through the day. Volunteers were supportive and encouraging. Few crowds and a small community, but I still had fun completing this race. Overall wonderful course and beautiful scenanary, a must run course.
J. C. from Newport Ky. (6/11/2019) "Very well organized" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The Race is not easy but very well organized, in past years the ATV's and Life Squad kept driving by checking on the runners the last 5 miles which are rough. No support this year, I had to flag down a pickup truck to get aid for a lady in our group who was getting sick.
J. S. from Alexandria, Virginia (5/11/2019) "Tremendous race in beautiful country!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race brings it all in a quaint, down-home setting. You'll experience the best hospitality - the KY-WV communities really show up, from the theatrics of the Hatfield-McCoy feud to people gladly offering thanks for visiting the area, the marathon is a special event for both sides of the state line and residents show it. The pre- and post-race festivities are family-friendly and provide a good view of the region's culture and spirit. For the course, it's a tough run and certainly no one should go in thinking about a pr. But there is something sweet about climbing the one large mountain around mile 6-8 and rolling hills thereafter - despite the heat, incline, and response to dirt and road, you'll get inspired by the people and view of it all. If you're looking for a challenging and splendid marathon experience in the middle of the summer in the South (very rare to find a marathon this time of year and this part of the country because well, it's awfully hot), this is the one. Absolutely deserves its five-star review and more!
C. A. from California (6/15/2018) "Fun race in God's Country" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I love visiting God's Country and the Williamson area. I can argue that this race is still one of the best races ever and I've run some spectacular marathons. Of all the marathons under my belt, there is literally no competition in my mind. I'm glad I came back again this year because it firmly cemented my feelings that this is undeniably one my favorite marathons by far. There are a lot of good races out there, but in my personal view, this is probably the most fun you'll have running 26.2 miles - putting aside those extreme meteorological conditions. It is evident there's history between the two families, and that alone is enough to lure history fans interested in seeing the places the feud made famous. Running this marathon is a great way to do just that since the course leads runners into regions where some of the feuding incidences happened. For history fans like myself, this is an unrivaled quality because you're getting a personal look at the setting where some of the most famous Kentucky/West Virginia events transpired. I think of this marathon as a quick-paced history tour. The H&M Marathon is a small low-key "hidden treasure" and is a spot-on description the race director Alexis and his dedicated team of volunteers do in the heart of Hatfield-McCoy feud country - except that no feuding takes place, just running. I am blown away by generosity of all the people who came out to cheer or volunteer to hand out course-side treats like watermelon, grapes, oranges, bananas, candy, sponges and rags dipped in ice water, ice water/chips, pickles and even fried chicken. I don't know what it is about the course, but you're just surrounded by mountains, and everything is so green, and at the start, there's typically this kind of early morning fog that appears like it's shrouding the mountains in a clandestine manner. Usually, June weather in the Tug Valley is hot and humid. With the area's unrelenting hills, there are water stops every mile either to cool or nourish your inner self. Even though my finish time certainly reflected the heat related struggles I had throughout the second half of the marathon, somehow I savored each and every mile. There is no time limit to complete the marathon and the course remains open until the final runner high-fives "Devil Anse" Hatfield or Ran'l McCoy. Yes, getting to Williamson does take some effort, but once you arrive, you'll be in for a treat - a diamond in the rough, so to speak. The race organizers and all the volunteers are incredible. The course is both beautiful and interesting, and you get a lot of really unique special touches that you just don't get at the bigger marathon events. Whether you're a Maniac, Fanatic or a Fifty-Stater or just want to do something different, run this race. It's worth the trip and see how far you can run with a stolen pig.
j. c. from Ky. (6/13/2018) "Thanks to everyone involved.Everything was perfect" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Hatfield-McCoy Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Thanks to all the volunteers and the medical staff, they did a great job on a very hot humid day. The wet towels were very refreshing - but the last 10K the water and Gatorade were warm. Hopefully, next year for the 20th race the mountain is a little shorter. I'll be back.
m. s. from mansfield, TX (6/12/2018) "ups-downs-hills-turns-curves" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Great scenery in a quaint historic area of America! All the hills and turns you could want, after the 1st hundred yards I don't think there was a strait or flat stretch. First couple of hours were great with lots of shade then the someone turned on the furnace and it was hot and intermittent shade. Great aid stations approx each mile. Lots of costumes and themes from the locals. Nice finish, post race and a great medal. Expo was mostly a bib pick up. Glad I ran this one!
J. S. from Fargo ND (6/12/2018) "Awesome experience" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 22nd state in my pursuit of 50. Since it's on the border of Ky and WV it can count for either. I planned on using it for WV and doing a different race in Ky. After running it in 2018, I have decided to run it again next year for Ky. I really enjoyed the unique adventure that is this race. It gives us a glimpse into a little bubble in the world that few outsiders have seen. It's remote, beautiful, rugged and raw. It's authentic. We are invited in by our friendly hosts, most of whom maybe don't understand our motivation to run up and down mountains in swelter, but support us wholeheartedly in our efforts to do so. They are out in the sun all day to hand complete strangers water, Gatorade and fruit. The area is beautiful. Rugged mountains blanketed by impenetrable forest. Not populated and pristine. Coal stirs the economic drink of the area. Coal is shut down and the local economy shows it. This leaves the area left to share its true character with the running visitor. The good the bad and the ugly. This makes the race authentic. If you are running to learn about yourself and an area, this race is for you. If you need a contrived show designed to cater to your ego, it's not. You will not be pampered. Nor should you be. This is a hard sport. This is a hard marathon. Not impossible, not stupid hard but hard.This is the type race that makes marathoning great. It makes you want to seek out more, not just from running but from yourself. If you come here, be trained, be tough, be disciplined, be focused, be prepared. If that's not you or you want to set a PR or need VIP tents and stuff either adapt of find a more suitable race. As for me, I'll see you in Williamson next year.
A. M. from Washington, D.C. (6/11/2018) "Fun race through beautiful KY countryside" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Be prepared for heat (there's not a lot of shade on the back half of the course, either) and for the solid climb through Miles 6 and 7, but with that in mind, this is a great race to run. Water stops every mile, spectators out on their front porches, mountain and riverside views. The website was a bit lacking, but know that the organization is all put into the race.
Tresa Casaletto from MA (6/11/2018) "What a Race!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was one of my best marathon experiences and I have enjoyed most of my races. If you are looking for a cool, flat course and a fast time, this is not the race for you. This race is EXTREMELY HILLY and this year the temperatures hit 100 degrees. With that said, I have never felt more supported while on a course or felt such camaraderie in a sports event. The runners are facing a challenge and they know it. This race is frequently hot and is well prepared. There are 24+ water stops. These stops will not run out of water. All of the later stops had ice and most of them had watermelon. The course is steeped in the history of the Hatfield and McCoy feud so if you love history, read up on the fued so you can appreciate the historical markers. I could go on and on and still not cover all the things I enjoyed about this race. The local people are friendly and very welcoming. The area is beautiful. Come for the race, treasure the experience.

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Marathon Details - Hatfield-McCoy Marathon