Marathon Details - Kings Mountain Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > SC > Clover > Kings Mountain Marathon

Kings Mountain Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Clover, SC USA

October 9, 2021

http://www.runkingsmountain.com

Results:

2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact Organizer

Name:	Jefferson Nicholson
Address:	2741 Old County Rd Newark DE 19702
Phone Number:	(571) 318-6907
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.5

Write a review

Number of comments: 28 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Brian Wilson from El Paso, TX (1/18/2021) "An enjoyable two-lap course" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This marathon has the smallest field I've ever run with, and for the first time I won my age group. I stayed in Kings Mountain, NC, only 7 miles from the start. Packet pickup was simple and I started by myself due to COVID-19. The course is mostly on gravel roads, with a few small rises but nothing extreme. The course is very shady, and the unpaved roads are quiet. The paved portion can be busy later in the morning, and there is no shoulder to the park road. Drink stops are close enough, and in others years they apparently also have food. The only spectators are at the start/finish. Finisher medals and age-group plaques are nice handmade wood. I did this race as part of my 50+DC quest, but if I lived locally I would likely do it again.
D. L. from North Carolina (4/28/2019) "The best just got better" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a perfectly organized and amazing race! Hills are tough enough to be a challenge, but awesome volunteers, State Park trails, fresh air and plenty of shade make it really enjoyable for all levels. With two 13.1 loops you can stage your own food or supplies mid-race. Finishers get custom medals and plenty of food. Come prepared for hills... and enjoy a great time at the Lake!
C. B. from Charlotte, North Carolina (5/1/2017) "Well run, scenic and low key small marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This marathon is run mostly in a state park and traverses gorgeous countryside. This is a tough but fair course in terms of elevation. This year was brutal due to the high temperatures (record 88 degrees with humidity). I have run this race before in cooler weather with much more enjoyment. In 2014 this event was in early March rather than late April. I think that it would be better to move this back to earlier in the year. With cooler weather this could be a 5 star experience. The race organizers are thoughtful and attentive and volunteers were very helpful and friendly.
Richard Albanese from Illinois (4/29/2017) "A great choice for those on a 50 States quest!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was state 25 for me and I was drawn to this race based largely on the history, location and time of the year. I was unlucky with the weather and was met with some serious humidity, but that goes with the territory racing in the south. The race is less than an hour drive from the Charlotte airport and I stayed 7 miles away in the town of Kings Mountain. The packet pickup was offered Friday 5-7 as well as the morning of the race. I was fortunate to have time to visit the National Park the day before the race. The race director, Jefferson, was an amazing host. He answered all my questions about the race and told me the history of it as well. There is also a free video presentation laying out the battle scene in a theater and museum in the visitors center. A great walk awaits right outside on the battlefield trail 1.5 miles to get warmed up for the hills the next day. The race offered ample parking and was well marked with aid stations every 2 miles. Despite the ample aid stations with wonderful friendly volunteers, I would not recommend running this race without a hydration vest or handheld. The hills and heat require preparation. The swag was top notch!! I have gotten so much less from more expensive larger races. You get a beautiful medal, race buff headwear and a quality shirt! If you want an amazing small town race that will make you feel you earned your medal and tread on sacred grounds from a decisive battle in the American Revolution this is your race. I am so glad I chose it as it is a state I won't soon forget.
n. l. from anderson, sc (4/28/2016) "Authentic race and top-notch organization" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Best organization ever! Start is at 8 so you can drive there and save hotel $. Gorgeous trails in historic state park. Somehow tough, but lots of course support. Prepare for hills. Enjoy the shade and authenticity of the natural environment. Incredible race crew, thank you!
D. L. from Charlotte, NC (3/9/2014) "The perfect race! Do it." (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 From my standpoint this is the best combination of excellent unpaved roads and country roads with no traffic. You run a well-marked course in the State Park, definitely no spectators, you just enjoy the quiet of this historic site, mostly going through woods and meadows. The organization and atmosphere are OUTSTANDING, great crew at race-day check-in, professional timing and awards, and extraordinary volunteers! Numerous, well-organized aid stations with all types of stuff and real Gatorade, no washed-down powder mix here. Jefferson the RD improves this race each year, Congratulations! The web site is excellent, use it, this is one race where your strategy and knowledge of the course will count, check the elevation profile and be prepared. IMHO this is a perfect combo of uphill/downhill/flat sections, unpaved/concrete/asphalt roads, shade/sun, you do go up (and down)some good hills, surely challenging enough but the variety makes recovery easier. And you enjoy a very rewarding, downhill finish line :) One of my favorite events, for its organization, camaraderie, perfect course and aid stations.
e. r. from San Antonio, TX (5/2/2013) "Much harder than anticipated!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Holy smokes! I've run some very hilly courses and this might take the cake as most challenging. Definitely not what I'd call 'rolling hills'....more like continuous uphills that never ever end! I've never been in a marathon where MANY speedier runners (easily the first 30 runners during this race) started walking by the 7 mile mark. That was a shock....but attests to the difficulty of the course. Moving on from the hilliness, the course itself was GORGEOUS. I was constantly amazed at the beauty surrounding all of us as we grunted through 26.2miles. I have always joked that I'm a 'marathon snob...I only run pretty courses.' This marathon did not fail in that regard! We also lucked out in regards to the weatherupper 50s/low 60s; had it been hotter, the finishing times would have been much worse. I would recommend a water stations at every one of the final 6 miles of the marathon. It's paramount to have water at that point in a marathon. I'd also strongly recommend LOTS of water at the finish line. I crossed the line and there was no water. That was very bizarre. Granted the power bars/gels were plentiful but water definitely should be at the finish line in addition to the gatorade that was supplied. If you're up for a challenge...DO THIS COURSE! If you don't mind a crappy finishing time...DO THIS COURSE. If you hate hills and are hoping to PR, avoid this course. Oh and thank you for allowing a friend to pick up my race packet as my flight got in very late! Not many races will allow someone other than the runner to pick up the race packet. I appreciated not having the hassle of trying to obtain that on race morning. Overall, I really loved it. Could not have asked for a prettier course!
L. M. from Buffalo New York (4/29/2013) "Awsome Event" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 10th marathon I knew the course was hilly and tough. We drove the marathon route the night before so I knew what to expect. This was the most beautiful marathon I have run so far. Very well organized water stations every two miles. The course was well marked easy to follow. I had made a map of the course but did not need it. The packet pick up was easy to find and get to. Pro: Beautiful peaceful course. The horse in the pasture that winneyed at me at mile 17 made me laugh. The guy on the hill about mile 18 handing out glasses of water from his house and cheering us on awsome. Loved this event everything about it was perfect. Loved the challenge of this event. It is a hilly tough course but worth every moment of my time. I was shocked to find out i was first in my age group and my time was one of my best hills and all Con If you are looking for a flat course or a lot of spectators cheering this is probably not the place Congradulations to the event organizers this is an amazing wonderful race. I would highly recommend it
M. Y. from North Carolina (4/28/2013) "Not 'rolling hills.'" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 So if you're from a mountainous part of the country - and by 'mountainous,' I mean living on top of a mountain - then the terrain here probably qualifies as 'rolling hills.' If you're not, then prepare yourself to run uphill continuously for 10-20 minutes at a time throughout the event. Running uphill is at least 50% of the race, and the slope isn't 'rolling' at all. It goes up, it turns in one direction, you turn with it, it turns again, you curse yourself for participating, and it continues to go upwards. Many of the people who finished this event after the 4:30 mark were just plain angry. Bear in mind that several people who finished in 4:00-4:30 won awards in their age groups for time. Don't do this one as a BQ. The aid stations seemed to operate on a leapfrog system. Two of my aid stations never appeared. I ended up receiving water from a local homeowner who set up a table at the top of one of the 'hills' because, as he said, 'There's no way I would run this without water.' Bless that man. If you're good with repetitive, seemingly-interminable uphill running after mile 20, then you'll appreciate this as a fine, challenging event. If you're like the rest of us, stay far away.
Jim McAlhaney from Matthews, NC (6/28/2012) "One of my favorite Marathons" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was nervous about running this event because I knew it would be more challenging than any I had done to that point. Indeed it was! However, it quickly became my favorite. The course has low traffic, was well marked and had beautiful scenery. The Adventure Geeks team and organization was superb and the cost was low (with great t-shirts and medals). I plan to make this marathon an annual regular for me!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

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Brian Wilson from El Paso, TX (1/18/2021) "An enjoyable two-lap course" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This marathon has the smallest field I've ever run with, and for the first time I won my age group. I stayed in Kings Mountain, NC, only 7 miles from the start. Packet pickup was simple and I started by myself due to COVID-19. The course is mostly on gravel roads, with a few small rises but nothing extreme. The course is very shady, and the unpaved roads are quiet. The paved portion can be busy later in the morning, and there is no shoulder to the park road. Drink stops are close enough, and in others years they apparently also have food. The only spectators are at the start/finish. Finisher medals and age-group plaques are nice handmade wood. I did this race as part of my 50+DC quest, but if I lived locally I would likely do it again.
D. L. from North Carolina (4/28/2019) "The best just got better" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a perfectly organized and amazing race! Hills are tough enough to be a challenge, but awesome volunteers, State Park trails, fresh air and plenty of shade make it really enjoyable for all levels. With two 13.1 loops you can stage your own food or supplies mid-race. Finishers get custom medals and plenty of food. Come prepared for hills... and enjoy a great time at the Lake!
C. B. from Charlotte, North Carolina (5/1/2017) "Well run, scenic and low key small marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This marathon is run mostly in a state park and traverses gorgeous countryside. This is a tough but fair course in terms of elevation. This year was brutal due to the high temperatures (record 88 degrees with humidity). I have run this race before in cooler weather with much more enjoyment. In 2014 this event was in early March rather than late April. I think that it would be better to move this back to earlier in the year. With cooler weather this could be a 5 star experience. The race organizers are thoughtful and attentive and volunteers were very helpful and friendly.
Richard Albanese from Illinois (4/29/2017) "A great choice for those on a 50 States quest!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was state 25 for me and I was drawn to this race based largely on the history, location and time of the year. I was unlucky with the weather and was met with some serious humidity, but that goes with the territory racing in the south. The race is less than an hour drive from the Charlotte airport and I stayed 7 miles away in the town of Kings Mountain. The packet pickup was offered Friday 5-7 as well as the morning of the race. I was fortunate to have time to visit the National Park the day before the race. The race director, Jefferson, was an amazing host. He answered all my questions about the race and told me the history of it as well. There is also a free video presentation laying out the battle scene in a theater and museum in the visitors center. A great walk awaits right outside on the battlefield trail 1.5 miles to get warmed up for the hills the next day. The race offered ample parking and was well marked with aid stations every 2 miles. Despite the ample aid stations with wonderful friendly volunteers, I would not recommend running this race without a hydration vest or handheld. The hills and heat require preparation. The swag was top notch!! I have gotten so much less from more expensive larger races. You get a beautiful medal, race buff headwear and a quality shirt! If you want an amazing small town race that will make you feel you earned your medal and tread on sacred grounds from a decisive battle in the American Revolution this is your race. I am so glad I chose it as it is a state I won't soon forget.
n. l. from anderson, sc (4/28/2016) "Authentic race and top-notch organization" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Best organization ever! Start is at 8 so you can drive there and save hotel $. Gorgeous trails in historic state park. Somehow tough, but lots of course support. Prepare for hills. Enjoy the shade and authenticity of the natural environment. Incredible race crew, thank you!
D. L. from Charlotte, NC (3/9/2014) "The perfect race! Do it." (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Kings Mountain Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 From my standpoint this is the best combination of excellent unpaved roads and country roads with no traffic. You run a well-marked course in the State Park, definitely no spectators, you just enjoy the quiet of this historic site, mostly going through woods and meadows. The organization and atmosphere are OUTSTANDING, great crew at race-day check-in, professional timing and awards, and extraordinary volunteers! Numerous, well-organized aid stations with all types of stuff and real Gatorade, no washed-down powder mix here. Jefferson the RD improves this race each year, Congratulations! The web site is excellent, use it, this is one race where your strategy and knowledge of the course will count, check the elevation profile and be prepared. IMHO this is a perfect combo of uphill/downhill/flat sections, unpaved/concrete/asphalt roads, shade/sun, you do go up (and down)some good hills, surely challenging enough but the variety makes recovery easier. And you enjoy a very rewarding, downhill finish line :) One of my favorite events, for its organization, camaraderie, perfect course and aid stations.
e. r. from San Antonio, TX (5/2/2013) "Much harder than anticipated!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Holy smokes! I've run some very hilly courses and this might take the cake as most challenging. Definitely not what I'd call 'rolling hills'....more like continuous uphills that never ever end! I've never been in a marathon where MANY speedier runners (easily the first 30 runners during this race) started walking by the 7 mile mark. That was a shock....but attests to the difficulty of the course. Moving on from the hilliness, the course itself was GORGEOUS. I was constantly amazed at the beauty surrounding all of us as we grunted through 26.2miles. I have always joked that I'm a 'marathon snob...I only run pretty courses.' This marathon did not fail in that regard! We also lucked out in regards to the weatherupper 50s/low 60s; had it been hotter, the finishing times would have been much worse. I would recommend a water stations at every one of the final 6 miles of the marathon. It's paramount to have water at that point in a marathon. I'd also strongly recommend LOTS of water at the finish line. I crossed the line and there was no water. That was very bizarre. Granted the power bars/gels were plentiful but water definitely should be at the finish line in addition to the gatorade that was supplied. If you're up for a challenge...DO THIS COURSE! If you don't mind a crappy finishing time...DO THIS COURSE. If you hate hills and are hoping to PR, avoid this course. Oh and thank you for allowing a friend to pick up my race packet as my flight got in very late! Not many races will allow someone other than the runner to pick up the race packet. I appreciated not having the hassle of trying to obtain that on race morning. Overall, I really loved it. Could not have asked for a prettier course!
L. M. from Buffalo New York (4/29/2013) "Awsome Event" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 10th marathon I knew the course was hilly and tough. We drove the marathon route the night before so I knew what to expect. This was the most beautiful marathon I have run so far. Very well organized water stations every two miles. The course was well marked easy to follow. I had made a map of the course but did not need it. The packet pick up was easy to find and get to. Pro: Beautiful peaceful course. The horse in the pasture that winneyed at me at mile 17 made me laugh. The guy on the hill about mile 18 handing out glasses of water from his house and cheering us on awsome. Loved this event everything about it was perfect. Loved the challenge of this event. It is a hilly tough course but worth every moment of my time. I was shocked to find out i was first in my age group and my time was one of my best hills and all Con If you are looking for a flat course or a lot of spectators cheering this is probably not the place Congradulations to the event organizers this is an amazing wonderful race. I would highly recommend it
M. Y. from North Carolina (4/28/2013) "Not 'rolling hills.'" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 So if you're from a mountainous part of the country - and by 'mountainous,' I mean living on top of a mountain - then the terrain here probably qualifies as 'rolling hills.' If you're not, then prepare yourself to run uphill continuously for 10-20 minutes at a time throughout the event. Running uphill is at least 50% of the race, and the slope isn't 'rolling' at all. It goes up, it turns in one direction, you turn with it, it turns again, you curse yourself for participating, and it continues to go upwards. Many of the people who finished this event after the 4:30 mark were just plain angry. Bear in mind that several people who finished in 4:00-4:30 won awards in their age groups for time. Don't do this one as a BQ. The aid stations seemed to operate on a leapfrog system. Two of my aid stations never appeared. I ended up receiving water from a local homeowner who set up a table at the top of one of the 'hills' because, as he said, 'There's no way I would run this without water.' Bless that man. If you're good with repetitive, seemingly-interminable uphill running after mile 20, then you'll appreciate this as a fine, challenging event. If you're like the rest of us, stay far away.
Jim McAlhaney from Matthews, NC (6/28/2012) "One of my favorite Marathons" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kings Mountain Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was nervous about running this event because I knew it would be more challenging than any I had done to that point. Indeed it was! However, it quickly became my favorite. The course has low traffic, was well marked and had beautiful scenery. The Adventure Geeks team and organization was superb and the cost was low (with great t-shirts and medals). I plan to make this marathon an annual regular for me!

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Marathon Details - Kings Mountain Marathon