Marathon Details - Land Between the Lakes Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > KY > Grand Rivers > Land Between the Lakes Marathon

Land Between the Lakes Marathon & 50 Miles, 60K, 23K

Grand Rivers, KY USA

March 9, 2024

http://www.durbinracemanagement.com/race-schedule

Results:

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Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact Organizer

Name:	Steve Durbin
Address:	445 W Blount Ave Unit 108 Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone Number:	270 556-1679
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.2

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Number of comments: 14 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

C. D. from Connecticut (3/13/2019) "true trail run" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is as advertised - a trail marathon. This year was often a mix of mud skiing and trying not to fall too many times. Ideal course for both runners and support. First lap on the 11 mile loop is crowded, next lap is solitary - a great mix of experiences.
D. G. from Rhode Island (3/11/2019) "Well Organized Top Notch Race" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first trail marathon so I do not have other trail marathons to compare it to. That being said, I think the course was challenging but doable especially for a first time trail experience or for an attempt at a longer distance. Although the weather didn't quite cooperate, it was very scenic with a lakeside start and several water views along the trail portion. The 4 aid stations along the loop course were well stocked with food, water, and supportive staff. The 5 star rating for spectators does not reflect the number of them along the course...there aren't many...pretty much the volunteers. It reflects how SUPPORTIVE they were. Race organization is excellent. The race director was dealing with a lot of unknowns and other logistics due to the recent rains/serious flooding. He sent several emails during the week to keep runners up to date, and as he said, leave the worrying to them. Would definitely recommend.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (3/13/2017) "Great Race - Love the trails" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 32 degrees and snow at the start.... It was supposed to be warm and sunny! Made for a muddy trail, was still runnable but you did have to slow down. Two miles of road to start before hitting the trail helped due to all distances starting at once (over 600 people) Some hills on the back half that i walked, the road to finish was not fun.... All that said, great race, awesome volunteers, well stocked aid stations. The two miles of road helped spread people out so by time you hit the single track it wasn't horrible but a staggered start for the different distances would really help open it up more. I did the marathon and had friends running the 60K and the 50 Miler, we finished before them and could not project a finish time, the race director was hoping to add race tracking for next year. We stayed at the green turtle bay resort, with four people in our group it was very affordable.
A. F. from Clarksville, TN (3/14/2016) "Wonderful Trail Race" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have run a few of Steve Durbin's races so I had no doubt that the Land Between the Lakes Marathon (first time running it) would be great, which it was. Steve and his crew do a great job really catering to the runners. Getting to the race and parking is rather simple, plenty of parking it seems. Race day packet pick up was available and highly appreciated. You got a pretty nice (gender specific) shirt, hat and drawstring bag. The start line (well, not really much of a 'line' per-say) was right near the lake and was really pretty. Maybe it was because I was near the back because I never recalled hearing a 'get ready, set, go,' I just saw people going! LOL So, this race has a 23K, a marathon, a 60K, and a 50 mile option, with the 23K doing one loop, a marathon doing two loops...well, you get the picture. I honestly can say I really did not enjoy the course till the second loop....it was just way too crowded for me in the first loop with the amount of 23K runners. If anything would deter me from doing this race next year, it would be how crowded it was. Maybe have the 23K runners start earlier? I would say the course, despite it being so muddy from all the rain, is a good trail race for beginners and experienced runners alike. There is quite a bit of elevation gain, but nothing too painful. The volunteers and aid stations were great! I enjoyed the assortment of food. The last mile or so is pretty painful, as you're back on the highway, and it seemed like it would never end. The 23K and marathon runners got a really nice medal, the 60K and 50 mile runners a nice buckle. Kudos on that! Post race food was decent and having showers available at the end was awesome. Thank you! Would definitely consider doing this race next year, only if maybe there was a wave start for the 23K runners or something to help alleviate the crowded course. :)
Larry Macon from Republicof South Texas (5/11/2015) "Last Minute Course Change Made Race Even Better" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Land Between the Lakes Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Congratulations to Race Director Steve Durbin who created a new route when the monsoons made this challenging course impossible. The paved course was still challenging and the volunteers' outstanding enthusiasm continued. Great Race!
J. S. from Quincy, IL (3/17/2015) "Tough, but enjoyable alternative route" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I give a lot of props to this race director. The race this year was ran on an alternative 'road' course because the trails were not in a good condition for us to run on due to all the snow melting and the constant rain the area has been getting. I think this was a very smart choice to switch to the alternate course for our safety and the conditions of the trail. I've never run the trail course, so please disregard anything I say about the course unless you are going to run the alternate course. The alternate course was run similar to how the trails would have been in which we ran 2 loops of the course. The course was tough with challenging hills with the addition of the rain. Out of the 9 marathons I have ran so far, this marathon was the toughest physically. However, most of the marathons I have done were on flat courses. The race was very organized and the race director kept us well informed of what was going on leading up to the day of the race. It was easy to find the packet pick up and I very MUCH appreciate that there was packet pick up in the morning right before the race. Everything about the race is greatly described on the website. I was thankful that I was able to see my wife and son during a part of the loop that went through the parking lot. It was very convenient for them to see me multiple times without them having to travel and they were able to make it to the finish to see me there in time. If you are looking for cheer squads and spectators all along the way, this isn't the race for you. Overall, I completed this marathon for my 50 state quest and I would highly recommend this race. I can't imagine how great this race would be on the trails. Oh yea, GO EAT A PORK CHOP A PATTI'S AFTERWARDS. Seriously.
C. S. from Seattle (3/13/2014) "Great Race Under Messy Conditions" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I picked this race for my Kentucky marathon and I am glad I did. It is set in a beautiful and interesting area and the race is very well organized. The race day conditions happened to be very unusual and messy this year. There was a snow storm earlier in the week and still plenty of snow on the ground, at least for the first lap of the trails. On the second lap, there had been a lot of melting and the trail turned very muddy with water running down it in many places. But, all in all, a very enjoyable experience and nice to see this part of the country.
D. R. from Dallas, TX (3/9/2013) "Very nice trail run" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I really enjoyed this race... despite the fact it kicked my butt. Very nice course along the lakes and through the woods. It wasn't too technical, but technical enough I fell once and stumbled 4 times. Organization was great, no need for improvement. I really liked the finisher's medal. Yeah it was small, but it was in the shape of Kentucky, something I would like to see races in other states do as I try to complete the 50.
J. C. from Newport ky (12/10/2012) "Good challenging course" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Land Between the Lakes Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 You couldn't ask for a better bunch of people /friends and volunteers - yes it a challenging course -but you knew that when you signed up for it -everyone involved is out for a good time and the Race director and staff go out of their way so you can't find anything to complain about.
K. M. from Roswell, GA (3/21/2012) "Fantastic Event" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My tenth marathon, but first trail marathon. Very well organized event, with excellent communications and fantastic race day support from aid stations better stocked than any I had previously seen. Plus the best swag of any event I have done. The trail had significant elevation changes, but nothing too extreme - there just wasn't much that was flat. The trail was in excellent shape despite two inches of rain on Thursday night. There wasn't anything more than a small stream crossing the trail, I only needed to make an occassional small jump to get over the water - no 'running broad jumps required!' The trails were single track, but there was still plenty of room just off the beaten path for passing. This was a fantastic event. Until I complete the fifty states I am not planning to do an event twice. But this one was so well put together, such a (fair) challenge and great fun, I believe it might just be the first one I repeat! Regardless, it certainly convinced me not to shy away from other trail marathons!!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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C. D. from Connecticut (3/13/2019) "true trail run" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is as advertised - a trail marathon. This year was often a mix of mud skiing and trying not to fall too many times. Ideal course for both runners and support. First lap on the 11 mile loop is crowded, next lap is solitary - a great mix of experiences.
D. G. from Rhode Island (3/11/2019) "Well Organized Top Notch Race" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first trail marathon so I do not have other trail marathons to compare it to. That being said, I think the course was challenging but doable especially for a first time trail experience or for an attempt at a longer distance. Although the weather didn't quite cooperate, it was very scenic with a lakeside start and several water views along the trail portion. The 4 aid stations along the loop course were well stocked with food, water, and supportive staff. The 5 star rating for spectators does not reflect the number of them along the course...there aren't many...pretty much the volunteers. It reflects how SUPPORTIVE they were. Race organization is excellent. The race director was dealing with a lot of unknowns and other logistics due to the recent rains/serious flooding. He sent several emails during the week to keep runners up to date, and as he said, leave the worrying to them. Would definitely recommend.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (3/13/2017) "Great Race - Love the trails" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 32 degrees and snow at the start.... It was supposed to be warm and sunny! Made for a muddy trail, was still runnable but you did have to slow down. Two miles of road to start before hitting the trail helped due to all distances starting at once (over 600 people) Some hills on the back half that i walked, the road to finish was not fun.... All that said, great race, awesome volunteers, well stocked aid stations. The two miles of road helped spread people out so by time you hit the single track it wasn't horrible but a staggered start for the different distances would really help open it up more. I did the marathon and had friends running the 60K and the 50 Miler, we finished before them and could not project a finish time, the race director was hoping to add race tracking for next year. We stayed at the green turtle bay resort, with four people in our group it was very affordable.
A. F. from Clarksville, TN (3/14/2016) "Wonderful Trail Race" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have run a few of Steve Durbin's races so I had no doubt that the Land Between the Lakes Marathon (first time running it) would be great, which it was. Steve and his crew do a great job really catering to the runners. Getting to the race and parking is rather simple, plenty of parking it seems. Race day packet pick up was available and highly appreciated. You got a pretty nice (gender specific) shirt, hat and drawstring bag. The start line (well, not really much of a 'line' per-say) was right near the lake and was really pretty. Maybe it was because I was near the back because I never recalled hearing a 'get ready, set, go,' I just saw people going! LOL So, this race has a 23K, a marathon, a 60K, and a 50 mile option, with the 23K doing one loop, a marathon doing two loops...well, you get the picture. I honestly can say I really did not enjoy the course till the second loop....it was just way too crowded for me in the first loop with the amount of 23K runners. If anything would deter me from doing this race next year, it would be how crowded it was. Maybe have the 23K runners start earlier? I would say the course, despite it being so muddy from all the rain, is a good trail race for beginners and experienced runners alike. There is quite a bit of elevation gain, but nothing too painful. The volunteers and aid stations were great! I enjoyed the assortment of food. The last mile or so is pretty painful, as you're back on the highway, and it seemed like it would never end. The 23K and marathon runners got a really nice medal, the 60K and 50 mile runners a nice buckle. Kudos on that! Post race food was decent and having showers available at the end was awesome. Thank you! Would definitely consider doing this race next year, only if maybe there was a wave start for the 23K runners or something to help alleviate the crowded course. :)
Larry Macon from Republicof South Texas (5/11/2015) "Last Minute Course Change Made Race Even Better" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Land Between the Lakes Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Congratulations to Race Director Steve Durbin who created a new route when the monsoons made this challenging course impossible. The paved course was still challenging and the volunteers' outstanding enthusiasm continued. Great Race!
J. S. from Quincy, IL (3/17/2015) "Tough, but enjoyable alternative route" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I give a lot of props to this race director. The race this year was ran on an alternative 'road' course because the trails were not in a good condition for us to run on due to all the snow melting and the constant rain the area has been getting. I think this was a very smart choice to switch to the alternate course for our safety and the conditions of the trail. I've never run the trail course, so please disregard anything I say about the course unless you are going to run the alternate course. The alternate course was run similar to how the trails would have been in which we ran 2 loops of the course. The course was tough with challenging hills with the addition of the rain. Out of the 9 marathons I have ran so far, this marathon was the toughest physically. However, most of the marathons I have done were on flat courses. The race was very organized and the race director kept us well informed of what was going on leading up to the day of the race. It was easy to find the packet pick up and I very MUCH appreciate that there was packet pick up in the morning right before the race. Everything about the race is greatly described on the website. I was thankful that I was able to see my wife and son during a part of the loop that went through the parking lot. It was very convenient for them to see me multiple times without them having to travel and they were able to make it to the finish to see me there in time. If you are looking for cheer squads and spectators all along the way, this isn't the race for you. Overall, I completed this marathon for my 50 state quest and I would highly recommend this race. I can't imagine how great this race would be on the trails. Oh yea, GO EAT A PORK CHOP A PATTI'S AFTERWARDS. Seriously.
C. S. from Seattle (3/13/2014) "Great Race Under Messy Conditions" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I picked this race for my Kentucky marathon and I am glad I did. It is set in a beautiful and interesting area and the race is very well organized. The race day conditions happened to be very unusual and messy this year. There was a snow storm earlier in the week and still plenty of snow on the ground, at least for the first lap of the trails. On the second lap, there had been a lot of melting and the trail turned very muddy with water running down it in many places. But, all in all, a very enjoyable experience and nice to see this part of the country.
D. R. from Dallas, TX (3/9/2013) "Very nice trail run" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I really enjoyed this race... despite the fact it kicked my butt. Very nice course along the lakes and through the woods. It wasn't too technical, but technical enough I fell once and stumbled 4 times. Organization was great, no need for improvement. I really liked the finisher's medal. Yeah it was small, but it was in the shape of Kentucky, something I would like to see races in other states do as I try to complete the 50.
J. C. from Newport ky (12/10/2012) "Good challenging course" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Land Between the Lakes Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 You couldn't ask for a better bunch of people /friends and volunteers - yes it a challenging course -but you knew that when you signed up for it -everyone involved is out for a good time and the Race director and staff go out of their way so you can't find anything to complain about.
K. M. from Roswell, GA (3/21/2012) "Fantastic Event" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Land Between the Lakes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My tenth marathon, but first trail marathon. Very well organized event, with excellent communications and fantastic race day support from aid stations better stocked than any I had previously seen. Plus the best swag of any event I have done. The trail had significant elevation changes, but nothing too extreme - there just wasn't much that was flat. The trail was in excellent shape despite two inches of rain on Thursday night. There wasn't anything more than a small stream crossing the trail, I only needed to make an occassional small jump to get over the water - no 'running broad jumps required!' The trails were single track, but there was still plenty of room just off the beaten path for passing. This was a fantastic event. Until I complete the fifty states I am not planning to do an event twice. But this one was so well put together, such a (fair) challenge and great fun, I believe it might just be the first one I repeat! Regardless, it certainly convinced me not to shy away from other trail marathons!!

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Marathon Details - Land Between the Lakes Marathon