Marathon Details - The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run

North America Marathons > USA > VA > Chesterfield > The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run

VFW The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run & Half Marathon

Chesterfield, VA USA

March 18, 2017

http://www.instantclassictrailrace.com

Results:

2018 | 2017 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011
Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Nicole Sparrow
Address:	9514 Lyndon Circle Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Phone Number:	804-484-0699
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 13 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Anne McMahon from McGaheysville, Virginia (4/17/2015) "Instant Classic an Instant Hit!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 We have run this race 4 years in a row now, and it never disappoints! The course is beautiful, not too technical in lovely Pocahantas St Park. The race directors are so personable, and GREAT communicators. Volunteers take good care of us before, during and at the post-race cook out. All proceeds go to Fisher House, which is reason enough to run it. It's small, casual, pretty, and a fantastic way to kick off your spring race season. Highly recommend this race!
L. L. from VA (4/1/2015) "Not ready for a trail 1/2 marathon" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have always done road runs and this was my second trail run. First was only a 7k. I was not ready and neither were my shins. The rocks, stumps, bumps & gravel were too much for my old legs. The race was well-organized, staff was wonderful and the scenery lovely. My 2 star rating was my lack of skill and stamina. Maybe don't make mile 12-13 uphill, or was that my imagination?
V. F. from Richmond, VA (3/31/2015) "A good little trail run" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This a great little race. I have run this race twice. I live in Richmond and love that I don't have to stay overnight. I am not a trail runner but I managed okay without trail shoes. I love the candy at the water stops. Yes, there is water and enough Gatorade and gels. I love that there are no bugs, even though it is a trail run. There are enough runners so you don't feel lost but you are not at all crowded. Warning to vegans and vegetarians: pack an after race snack.
M. W. from Lake Anna, Virginia (3/31/2015) "Challenging Well-organized Trail Run" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the 1/2 marathon. The last 6 miles or so was the same as the last miles of the full marathon course. The course was challenging with a least a couple good sized hills in the majority of the miles. The course was clearly marked. The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were very friendly. The course passed back by the start/finish line so spectators were able to cheer from there. The race director was very enthusiastic and the packet pick-up was quick. The race director (and the willing runners) even sang Happy Birthday to me over the loud speaker before the race start! I did not like wearing the timing chip on my shoelaces. Excellent food afterwards as volunteers grilled hamburgers. Other runners were friendly and courteous on the course. There was ample parking and restrooms facilities were close to the start. I would definitely run this again.
Katie Klopp from Pickerington, OH (3/30/2015) "Best race yet..." (about: 2015) 3 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did the half marathon this year and it was my first trail half. I had run a few other road races in Ohio, so fairly flat courses. This was definitely challenging but by far the most fun race I have had. The spectators were great and so were the volunteers, all of them were very supportive and encouraging along the way! I definitely plan to participate again next year and hopefully for many more years in the future! I would highly recommend this race to anyone.
J. S. from Kensington, Maryland (10/15/2012) "Great first-time Trail Marathon" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Having run 6 road marathons previously, wasn't sure about what a trail marathon would be like. This one was great. Well organized, well marked (maybe a little TOO well marked), and great volunteers at all the aid stations. Beautiful trail, not many spectators (but who wants a lot when you're enjoying the woods). Just remember - start off a little slower than you think; the ending few miles are decievingly tricky. Fun stuff!
I. K. from New Jersey, USA (3/28/2012) "Terrific" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 What a terrific race! Beautiful scenery, trail with some roots, streams with rocks large enough to step on and not get the socks wet, manageable hills, great organization, friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, well stocked aid stations, signs posted at every turn- impossible to get lost. Very important for those of us at the rear of the pack and this is from someone who has gotten hopelessly lost in the past. Thanks to RD, Nicole, for providing parking accomodations to help my husband. They even checked up on him. This race cares about the welfare of its participants.
john holland from Philadelphia, PA (5/2/2011) "Snake on the road" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Nice uphill start, and a very nice trail. Nice place to bring family next year. I ran alone for awhile, and I enjoyed it. I did jump over water logs and a BIG SNAKE!!!
C. P. from Richmond, VA (3/22/2011) "It was definitely an instant classic..." (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Loved this race. The course was beautiful, the aid stations were plentiful for a trail race and the food options were amazing. Throw in great company on the trail and great volunteers and it makes one of the best races I have done.
d. w. from Richmond, VA (3/21/2011) "A" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Congratulations to the race organizers! A race I truly enjoyed in comparison to other larger and smaller road and trail events within VA. Terrific communication! Easy packet-pickup! Well marked course directions! Stress-free parking! Beautiful State Park trails, lake, streams! FABULOUS volunteer support at all water/food stops, and countless locations throughout the course! There must have been more volunteers than runners! Wonderful charity to support our military families! Race organizers may want to consider limiting time to 5 or 6 hours, to respect volunteers' time. This course is a challenge for marathon rookies. Would be a groovy location for a 50K!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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Anne McMahon from McGaheysville, Virginia (4/17/2015) "Instant Classic an Instant Hit!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 We have run this race 4 years in a row now, and it never disappoints! The course is beautiful, not too technical in lovely Pocahantas St Park. The race directors are so personable, and GREAT communicators. Volunteers take good care of us before, during and at the post-race cook out. All proceeds go to Fisher House, which is reason enough to run it. It's small, casual, pretty, and a fantastic way to kick off your spring race season. Highly recommend this race!
L. L. from VA (4/1/2015) "Not ready for a trail 1/2 marathon" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have always done road runs and this was my second trail run. First was only a 7k. I was not ready and neither were my shins. The rocks, stumps, bumps & gravel were too much for my old legs. The race was well-organized, staff was wonderful and the scenery lovely. My 2 star rating was my lack of skill and stamina. Maybe don't make mile 12-13 uphill, or was that my imagination?
V. F. from Richmond, VA (3/31/2015) "A good little trail run" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This a great little race. I have run this race twice. I live in Richmond and love that I don't have to stay overnight. I am not a trail runner but I managed okay without trail shoes. I love the candy at the water stops. Yes, there is water and enough Gatorade and gels. I love that there are no bugs, even though it is a trail run. There are enough runners so you don't feel lost but you are not at all crowded. Warning to vegans and vegetarians: pack an after race snack.
M. W. from Lake Anna, Virginia (3/31/2015) "Challenging Well-organized Trail Run" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the 1/2 marathon. The last 6 miles or so was the same as the last miles of the full marathon course. The course was challenging with a least a couple good sized hills in the majority of the miles. The course was clearly marked. The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were very friendly. The course passed back by the start/finish line so spectators were able to cheer from there. The race director was very enthusiastic and the packet pick-up was quick. The race director (and the willing runners) even sang Happy Birthday to me over the loud speaker before the race start! I did not like wearing the timing chip on my shoelaces. Excellent food afterwards as volunteers grilled hamburgers. Other runners were friendly and courteous on the course. There was ample parking and restrooms facilities were close to the start. I would definitely run this again.
Katie Klopp from Pickerington, OH (3/30/2015) "Best race yet..." (about: 2015) 3 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did the half marathon this year and it was my first trail half. I had run a few other road races in Ohio, so fairly flat courses. This was definitely challenging but by far the most fun race I have had. The spectators were great and so were the volunteers, all of them were very supportive and encouraging along the way! I definitely plan to participate again next year and hopefully for many more years in the future! I would highly recommend this race to anyone.
J. S. from Kensington, Maryland (10/15/2012) "Great first-time Trail Marathon" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Having run 6 road marathons previously, wasn't sure about what a trail marathon would be like. This one was great. Well organized, well marked (maybe a little TOO well marked), and great volunteers at all the aid stations. Beautiful trail, not many spectators (but who wants a lot when you're enjoying the woods). Just remember - start off a little slower than you think; the ending few miles are decievingly tricky. Fun stuff!
I. K. from New Jersey, USA (3/28/2012) "Terrific" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 What a terrific race! Beautiful scenery, trail with some roots, streams with rocks large enough to step on and not get the socks wet, manageable hills, great organization, friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, well stocked aid stations, signs posted at every turn- impossible to get lost. Very important for those of us at the rear of the pack and this is from someone who has gotten hopelessly lost in the past. Thanks to RD, Nicole, for providing parking accomodations to help my husband. They even checked up on him. This race cares about the welfare of its participants.
john holland from Philadelphia, PA (5/2/2011) "Snake on the road" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Nice uphill start, and a very nice trail. Nice place to bring family next year. I ran alone for awhile, and I enjoyed it. I did jump over water logs and a BIG SNAKE!!!
C. P. from Richmond, VA (3/22/2011) "It was definitely an instant classic..." (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Loved this race. The course was beautiful, the aid stations were plentiful for a trail race and the food options were amazing. Throw in great company on the trail and great volunteers and it makes one of the best races I have done.
d. w. from Richmond, VA (3/21/2011) "A" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Congratulations to the race organizers! A race I truly enjoyed in comparison to other larger and smaller road and trail events within VA. Terrific communication! Easy packet-pickup! Well marked course directions! Stress-free parking! Beautiful State Park trails, lake, streams! FABULOUS volunteer support at all water/food stops, and countless locations throughout the course! There must have been more volunteers than runners! Wonderful charity to support our military families! Race organizers may want to consider limiting time to 5 or 6 hours, to respect volunteers' time. This course is a challenge for marathon rookies. Would be a groovy location for a 50K!

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Marathon Details - The Instant Classic Marathon Trail Run