I did the half marathon, which was an absolute blast, and I will definitely be back. The course was mainly on rooty, roller coaster, single-track, but there were also brief distances on gravel, pavement, and pine needle-covered horse trails. The aid stations were well-stocked, and I could have actually left my hand-held water bottle behind. The long-sleeved shirt is made of tech fabric that resembles cotton - very nice, and an appealing shade of green. The only suggestion for improvement I might make would be to have more bright orange marking on the course at the point where we ran through the open field, and on the dark gravel road, just to reassure runners that they are on the right path. Overall, though, this race gets very high marks. If you stay in Shreveport, visit the impressive Norton Art Gallery.

Whether you're new to trail running or a veteran, this is a great event. There is a half marathon, full marathon and 50K option. Organization is excellent. Fully stocked aid stations (sports drink, water, pretzels, chewy candies, peanuts, M & M's) about every 3 miles. Nice course. Not too difficult for first-timers, but at the same time, still a good course for the more experienced trail runners. They offered spaghetti after the race, which I thought was a nice gesture. Nice, technical, long-sleeved shirt, low registration fee, small crowd, nice course, and good organization all make this a race worth considering.

My only suggestions for improvement would be to require runners to carry their own water bottles to fill up at the aid stations. While I'm sure the cups got picked up by volunteers, it bothered me to see them lying on the beautiful trails. Also, a medal differentiating which race you completed would be nice. It's not a huge deal, but just something that may want to be considered in the future.

All in all, a great race. Thank you so much!

With the explosion of interest in trail running/ultras, it is getting harder and harder to get into many of them, despite their growing in size. That runs counter to the very attraction of running trails. This race is a great size, the course (while nearly all single-track of varying terrain) allows for passing, and there is enough support such that you don't need to carry anything. Keep up the good work, and don't tell anyone else.

Sportspectrum does a great job putting on races, and this one is no exception. The aid stations are great, with lots of variety. The trail is tough, but well maintained and clearly marked. I have run the half twice and it's on the calendar this year.

Outstanding race for anyone who loves a challenge. You spend your time concentrating on the hairpin turns, and you forget about being tired. The organization was second to none. First race that I've ever run where the starter waited for everyone to finish using the restrooms. Can't say enough about my entire experience. I highly recommend it to any and all who want to experience a true trail marathon!

This was my first half-marathon, and it probably wasn't a good choice for a first-timer because it was so difficult. The course is actually a mountain bike trail that is like a roller-coaster track, with very steep inclines and declines, and there are a lot of small stumps and things to trip on as well. I went back to the trail a week later with my bike, and I think it was actually more difficult on the bike than it was running it. Anyway, this race is very challenging, and I plan on doing the full marathon next year, because of the sense of accomplishment I got from finishing it.

Justin Reneau and staff will take very good care of your needs this day. The course is a roller coaster, single track, hardwood bottom with many tree trunk bottoms sticking up, and with the sounds of the chimpanzees in the distance from Chimp Haven. The race features a 13.1-miles double loop for marathoners, with additional mileage for the 50K - and the best directions I have ever witnessed during a race.

Well stocked tents with M&M's, peanuts, gummy bears, bananas, and sports drink and water all the way. A water bottle to bring along would be a good idea. For this 64+-year-old, female "50 states marathon club" member and Marathon Maniac, this was a difficult course. Took me 45 minutes longer than usual, as I was very careful over the tree trunks and many switchback trails.

Great high-tech shirt, as well as finisher's hat, and a nice pair of socks. BBQ waiting at the end of the race. Quite an experience for this "city slicker" to attempt a trail run with no experience. If Grannie Annie can do this, so can you!

The Holiday Inn suggested is brand new - about 30 minutes from the race and not on GPS systems. Put in "Fern Ave + E Bert Kouns Industrial Loop" to locate the hotel.