The Oak Mountain trails are fantastic. That being said, the course route was different from what was explained in all previous emails, maps, and during the pre-race briefing and ended up being a few miles too long (there was an extra 5k loop at the end. Surprise! You thought you were done but you're not sir cramps-a-lot! ). Also, no Gatorade on the marathon course, even though they said there would be. Water in Gatorade coolers doesn't count people.

Oak Mountain is a wonderful place to run and has much better trails to run than those in the marathon. The course was changed just before the start. Course markings were an issue and several people got off course. I actually stopped at one point and waited for someone to see which way to go. The volunteers were good. We were given a generic Xterra shirt with no mention on the marathon. When I got home I realized they gave me the wrong size. The medal was generic and had no mention of the marathon or location. I heard many complaints from runners. I would run any race at Oak Mountain, but doubt I would run this again unless there are big changes.

A very nice race with a good size field for trail races. Plenty of support along the course but you will want to take a water bottle.

Course is nice and varied with a great climb and descent a little over halfway. A good first trail race if you're looking to get into it Race organization was good and there is a lake right beside the finish to take a swim in after!

The event was two days; this year the triathlons were on Saturday and the runs were on Sunday. The course was very challenging with a huge climb about halfway through. Water stations were well-stocked, though some were self-servestill good. One minus was encountering half-marathoners going the opposite direction on single-track trail. Still, atmosphere and excitement at the finish were great and I would run it again.

Nothing but positives for Xterra and the way they ran this inaugural event. 88 marathoners registered, 81 completed in 2011 - as part of a weekend of events including 5k, 10k, 21k trail runs and 2 distances of trail triathlons.

Challenging single lap full marathon course - following the next day's Xterra trail triathlon bike course + run course.

The run is in the woods so no spectators - but well stocked aid stations every 2-ish miles.

No major water hazards, but killer climbs at miles 7 and 21.

Consider running the marathon and then being a volunteer for the triathlon the next day!