I ran the half-marathon. I had never run on a trail before, and it was great running through the woods. It was more challenging than I expected. You definitely will be going over downed trees that are over a foot thick. I enjoyed going through the river, which was probably two feet-deep at parts. I wore regular running shoes, and it turned out fine. I was dreading what it would be like going through the stream. The hills were more than I expected, especially the last couple miles on the first loop. But for this being my first race ever, and considering that I only trained on pavement, I finished the race and loved it!!! Next time I want to prepare better for the hills. I wore a Garmin, and it read that the half-marathon distance was 13.01 miles. Great atmosphere; great people! I want to do the full marathon next year!

I won it for the second year in a row. Great course, and a well organized race. In 2009, the marathoners started 10 minutes after the half-marathoners, and it was a BIG help. The five-minute gap in 2008 made it tough for the first 30 minutes of the race. Water support in 2009 were much improved over 2008. In 2008, I was the first person to the first aid stop on the second loop. I asked what position I was in and they told me I was last. LOL. Great food after the race. I highly recommend this race. However, the awards took place almost two hours after I finished. I didn't really want to hang around THAT long.

Great fun. The first loop is a bit crowded, what with the half-marathoners sharing. Passing was pretty easy, though, and everyone was very considerate. The day got hot (up over 80), but the volunteers at the water stops were great. The creek was wonderful; I wallowed like a pig in it the 4th time through, and it was that refreshing. No complaints, other than my time (worst ever) - but it was still good enough for a pretty high finish. This was great fun, and I will be back. Thanks!

You will find yourself awestruck, running solo, at peace in the woods, engulfed by the glory of nature. Everything about this marathon is special. Think of it as a marathon in a wooded obstacle course. There's a creek-crossing and great finish-line picnic. Super runners, organizers, and volunteers. I will definitely run it again and encourage others: DO IT!

The website for this small but well organized trail marathon does not do it justice. This is one of the best running experiences I have ever had.

One point: I think the course is longer than 26.2. I ran the first half of this double-loop marathon at what felt like 1:50 pace, but the clock read "2:10." While the difficult, up-and-down, single-track trails definitely slowed me down, I can't imagine that I was that slow. The race website guarantees at least the distance you paid for; I would love to hear from anyone who ran it with a Garmin.

The race was very good, but please use a better way to give trail directions. A runner's motivation could be lost if the runner feels lost. Save some post-race food for marathoners. The refueling table and trail people were a big help. Much love to all. Thanks for the director (John) telling the truth about the race being hardcore. A runner will get stronger and smarter running this course.

This was a very difficult, hilly race. I ruined shoes, scratched up my legs and got a bee stuck in my shirt. That being said, I had a fantastic time! The race was wild. I do a lot of trail running and I run lots of marathons but that was the first time I combined them and ran a trail marathon. It was definitely more challenging and it was my worst time ever, but what a memorable route, fun volunteers and great organization. Crossing the river was the best part. It was a hot day and the water was rejuvenating. Surprisingly, it didn't bother me a bit to run in wet shoes. It's also for a good cause. I'd highly recommend it to others.

The Triple Crown Trail Marathon is held in one of the best trail systems in the Mid-Atlantic. The marathon consists of two loops - you can also enter a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, or what has to be unique: the "Triple Crown" - 13.1 race plus 10K race plus 5K race (for a total of about 22 miles). There are staggered starts for the 10K and 5K to make this possible.

The trail aid stations were good - the race had Gatorade at the stops, even after advertising that they didn't.

Be prepared to cross White Clay Creek up to your knees (or waist, if it's been a wet year) four times.

If I ran this race, I would probably improve the race shirt (long-sleeve, cotton). The design is quite ridiculous. The coffee mug is a nice touch! Other than that, it's an amazing race. Everything is runnable and smooth, except for the downed trees at the end of the loop. But those will probably be cleared up for next year's race, and new obstacles will await!

I enjoyed this marathon a lot. I usually race on roads, but like trail races, because of the faster recovery. This is a good race for the occasional trail racer, or for someone who wants to get into trail ultra racing, since it is an easy course (by trail racer standard). The race consists of 2 13.1 mile loops. You can pretty much run the whole race, with maybe the exception of one steep hill before the water-crossing. I definitely recommend shoes and tech socks that drain well, since you will cross a river 4 times. The aid stations were well stocked with all kinds of goodies. There were virtually no spectators, but that is normal for trail races (who else is crazy enough to jump over downed trees for fun on a Saturday morning). Barbecue was nice afterwards. It would have been nice to have at least the top 3 per age group (you just got another finisher medal) to give the middle of the pack some extra incentive to race.

However, very pleasant experience, nice volunteers and fellow runners. Would run this one again.

A great trail marathon, with challenging hills, four river crossings, lots of logs and trees to navigate over and under, wonderful supportive volunteers, and varied terrain. If you like running through the woods, this is one for you!