This was my second marathon and my first trail marathon. If you have only run road races, this is much more of a challenge. There are rocks, roots, slippery one board bridges,and parts where you actually have to climb with your arms. If you like the great outdoors, the fall season, and trail runs, then this is your race. However, don't expect to make or beat your road marathon times. Great race though, I'm for sure doing it again!

Although I have run a few 'trail' marathons (including Leadville, Colorado) this was my first REAL trail marathon. I never expected it to be so rugged and until the last minute did not realize there would not be several aid stations along the way. Lucky I had my water bottle in my suitcase, but I still ran out around mile 24. For someone who is used to pavement and regular aid stations, this was the toughest, both physical and mental, marathon I have run. No mile markers to let you know only 1 more mile to hang in there when you are thinking you are ready to die. The hard core trail runners loved it!

As far as the beauty of the course-fantastic! Fall colors all around. It is good to get out into the woods once in a while and experience what getting back to nature can really be like.

I would recommend this marathon only if you want to know what you are really made of.