Had a great time, not a race to try and run any specific time but just a fun race. Great aid stations and post race party. Just alot of fun!

This is an awesome trail marathon.There were several things that made the course tough. You cross over 100 'gullies'. What does that mean? Some of them you simply step over a small dry creek.(it was bone dry when I ran it) Others its an actual climb to the other side. As soon as I got some momentum going with a good pace Id hit another of these crossings. That being said the climbs to the aid stations also made this a difficult run. Almost every time you came to an aid station(8) it was a climb. A couple were pretty steep. Around mile 18-22 it got very difficult but if you can get past this point the finish is easier. You actually finish on old road/grassy trail. But just for a kick in the butt one last hill on pavement! The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were great. Not sure if I would have finished w/out their support.

The course runs point to point, following the Letchworth Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail on the east side of Letchworth State Park from Mount Morris, NY to Portageville, NY. Letchworth is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East.

For a first year event, it was extremely well organized by the Fleet Feet/ Salomon Endurance team, which is backed by Fleet Feet Rochester/ Yellowjacket Racing event company. Fleet Feet/ Yellowjacket racing (two companies owned by a husband and wife team) produce many events a year and know what should be done and how to put on races.

The trail itself is mainly single track, with many ups and downs because of drainage gullies dropping off into the Letchworth gorge. The trail has many roots, rocks, stream crossings, and hills. The most mentally challenging part of the course comprised the out-and-back aid station checkpoints, the first of which was a little over 6 miles into the race. Water is required to be carried on course because of the this. Many parts of the trail are in remote areas so the organizers use the available access points for aid. The volunteers were great and helpful throughout.

There also is a relay event that starts shortly after the marathon starts.

I had a lot of fun and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a challenge.