This was my first marathon and I had fun. Beautiful trail but not what I expected a trail run to be. I ran a half marathon trail run before out of country and it was hilly but didn't have the obstacles this course had: Lots of tree branches/roots, horse poop, and the worst of it were the long stretches of sand with very few grass patches to get any relief. My time was 45 minutes over what I expected to get. Tough on the feet.

This trail run uses the route of horses and was full of horse manure. Also saw a black snake on the trail. Not much in the way of scenic views. Sand traps. No spectators. Knit ski mask with palm trees on it and a coffee mug was the finisher's award. Marathoners make 2 loops. Starting time too late for the Florida heat.

A nice low-key marathon run in a very pretty park. Never felt too lonely with all the other races going on at the same time. Got a bit confused at the cross-over point when starting the second lap, but was soon put right. Only downer was seeing a guy just in front of us take a shortcut. I assumed he was pulling out of the race but I ended up behind him again at one of the water stops - I hope it was a mistake!

I can't imagine wanting to run a road race when races like this are available. It took longer but seemed shorter than any marathon I've run. Great staff at the water stations. Amazing trails!

This course won me over and I am not a trail running fan. The course was very well marked, fellow-runners were really encouraging and positive (especially when I cramped up at mile 23 and needed some moral support), and the weather, scenery and volunteers were all exceptional. Thanks to all you guys and gals who worked on making this a wonderful experience!

This was a very scenic race and true XC - not trail running. Lots of open fields and trails. Good food, music, and DJ. I loved it; Tampa Races does it again. All of their races are well organized.

This is in regards to the half-marathon course. The marathon involves a second lap of the course. I was skeptical of this course being full of FL scrub brush, but it turned out to be very scenic. This race in Alafia River State Park displayed all that I love about Florida wilderness. For anyone who likes trail running, this is a great place to run. There weren't a whole lot of spectators except for when you pass by the start point again during the race, but the race was very well marked and the water/refreshment stops throughout the course were well-positioned and adequately staffed. Nice pasta at the finish also!

I want to start by saying I thought it was a great course with good diversity. The volunteers were very nice and the DJ was witty and kept it moving very well. My only complaint would be the labeling (or explanation) of the start and the finish line (especially the finish for the 5K). I signed up for 3.2 miles and ended up missing the 5K finish and following a guy running the 1/2 marathon!!! After some confusion and A LOT of mental gymnastics, I finished. Having never run more than 7-8 miles since high school, at least now I know I can do it, but, I was looking to be under 20 minutes in the 5K (never did see my 5K time). Please have the starter give a quick explanation of the course before the gun. Everything else was pretty cool (especially the weather). Thanks for a race that I will NEVER forget.

I live near the park so I thought I would run the marathon to get some good running miles in before my next marathon.... I never thought that it would be so hard on my feet! The folks did a wonderful job and should be proud of their efforts. The shirt was nice (a cool cap!) - and they had nice treats to eat at the end of the race.

Even though I had to slow down on the 2nd half, I am glad that I was a part of the event.

Like trail runs? Try this one next year!

A wonderful course with very few hills; but including a variety of trail structure such as pine needles, tree stumps and roots, lots of grass, and white Florida sand!

Race organization was great with a fantastic DJ who was taking requests for songs.

One suggestion for improvement: have a banner showing where the start of the race is!