2nd time running this race and another great experience. Ronny the RD and his staff are organized and have this race dialed in great. Great course markings and some of the toughest climbing around. The first 2.7 miles are all climbing then it's 4 miles of downhill. I had 4820ft of climb and descent in the marathon (27 miles). Plenty of folks out on the course and good support. I hope to make this race for years to come.

You couldn't ask for a better trail marathon. It's especially well organized, offers a beautiful and well marked course and great aid station workers, and has a good mix of terrain without anything too crazily technical.

Spectators get 5 stars because the organizers and aid station volunteers were outstanding. There were also a good number of spectators camping near the start/finish. Bear in mind, though, it's a trail run, not Chicago or NYC. For most of the race there won't be spectators lining the course.

The previously mentioned big up comes with a big down on the second half of the loop. It's fun, but stay in control - it has a number of tight switchbacks. Remember, too, that you'll be on the down and in a rather uneven (lots of roots, stumps) section of the course during miles 20-24 or so. Save some energy for this part of the course and you'll stay on your feet better. I caught a toe at mile 23 and went airborne.

This was a fantastic trail marathon experience for me. Beautiful course (Douthat Park), and the weather was just about perfect. The trail was really nice: not too technical, and very well-maintained. Organized very well (thanks, Ronny!). Good support at aid stations. It's a loop course, and each loop is about 13 miles. There's a long (roughly 2.7 miles) incline during the first half of each loop. Although it was not especially steep in my view, it was definitely a section that most will need to walk/hike (I averaged about 17 minutes/mile on this section). The rest of the course was quite runnable. Not a whole lot of participants (hopefully this will change), so I ran most of the second half alone. Depending on other race plans for 2009, I'd really like to do this one again.