This was my first marathon, and I don't think I could have chosen better. The long trails and winding switchbacks offer spectacular views and the miles along the ridge are unforgettable. Be warned, though - it's quite strenuous, with lots of uphill climbing and hiking, especially in the first three miles. Even the sinewy folks ahead of me were forced to stop and walk for long sections. If you can manage it, I'd recommend pairing some long speed hikes with your runs during training.

Along with the views, I'd say the best part of this race was meeting so many terrific people. The more relaxed pace gives you lots of chances to meet other runners, and the organizers have a wonderful sense of humor and perspective. The aid stations, though somewhat less frequent, are filled with delicious snacks and knowledgeable staff.

The only improvement I might wish for is a better-marked trail; I think everyone may have taken a wrong turn at some point, but really, that was part of the adventure.

This was a beautiful course with a lot of diversity. I am used to running mountains, and more mountains. It was really cool to start on the beach, run through (historical) forests with waterfalls, run up mountains with views of the ocean, and end by soaking my sore feet and legs in the cool ocean water (and then lie on the beach and take a nap)! It was a challenging and memorable race. Beautiful weather. Warm, but not too hot. The race director was very casual and made it fun for everyone.

I did the 12K, which had about 4 miles of uphill running. The downhill is pretty steep, but great views once you reach the top. I wasn't able to run the entire trail because there are too many steep inclines we all had to walk/climb. At one point I tripped and I saw a lot of people fall, and at another the trail was not marked and a group of us took the wrong path and fell down a hill. Watch your footing, because the trail is filled with rocks and tree roots. Bloody knees and all, it's well worth it, though. It's all part of the experience. If you go in accepting the fact that you might get a little banged up, it's all good. I would definitely do it again! Stinson is also a really fun town.

Course: Like the others have already commented on, if you like running trails, this is a run to do. Very peaceful and away from the maddening crowd. If you've trained on inclines/declines, the course will be manageable. Nice scenery. On the single track for the Coastal trail section, I would recommend not going too fast since it's easy to misstep and accidentally go down the side of the mountain. You can regain lost time by speeding down Matt Davis Trail near the end of the race.

Organization: There were about 3 aid stations that you encounter twice, since you run back through them. The folks were nice and more than happy to refill your water bottles. The food at the end was good.

Overall: There was a 7-miler, 13-miler, and 26-miler. They let the 26-milers go first, then the 13, then the 7 - to ease congestion. That was a good idea. The folks I ran with were very considerate with sharing the single track.

All in all, I would recommend this run. It's a challenging trail.

I loved this marathon! If you love trails, this one won't disappoint. This year (2007) started rainy and foggy, but I came from the northeast to run, so it was great because it kept the temperatures nice and cool. The first few miles are steep, with a lot of steps, so it is slow going, but you can make it all up later on. There's speedy downhill running for several miles before climbing again fairly steadily, only on much easier terrain than the first ascent. Once you hit the out-and-back, you're out in the open, and if it were sunny I would think it could be quite hot. So we lucked out with the fog/clouds/drizzle. The out-and-back section was much tougher than I anticipated and it really wasn't that flat. Only flatter than the steeps at the beginning. The trail gets VERY narrow and sloped - my IT band took a beating here! It was also pretty tricky to pass other runners heading towards you as you headed back since the trail was so narrow and sloped. But the marathon is small so you don't have a lot of people to figure this out with and everyone is very friendly and mellow about it!

The decline after the out-and-back includes a lot of steps and tight switchbacks so even though you think it will be easy, you can't totally relax and open it up or you'll risk taking a fall. Plus my calves were pretty trashed from the earlier uphills!

Due to the really tiny nature of the marathon (75 people or so!) you may wind up running a lot of it alone, which was fine with me, it was so enjoyable just looking around! There were a few spots that I felt could have been better marked; I had to take a few guesses when I was unsure, but overall that's just part of running off road.

This was my first marathon after having a baby last year so I wasn't sure what to expect time-wise. I am typically a 2:55 or so marathoner on roads and I was expecting to be lucky to break 4 hours, but I wound up coming home in 3:24. I think the cool temps made a big difference. If it had been sunny and warm, I would have struggled a lot more.

I ran this race today after having to postpone a planned marathon earlier in the month. I was nervous about the inclines, but it turned out much better than expected. The first 3-4 miles are pretty steep (including wooden steps and a ladder), but everyone was still pretty clumped together and forced to go at a hiking pace... perfectly fine by me. The 5 miles after that were fast declines. You can really speed down these, and I did. However watch out for the rocks and tree roots. Several people fell. Up to this point you'll be in some of the most beautiful trail you've ever run through. The redwoods shelter you from direct sunlight, and the brooks and waterfalls make for a very serene setting.

At about mile 11, the elevation levels out a bit. The out-and-back on the Ridgeline is more even, but the narrow trail was on a slope, which I found harder on my ankles than the up and down hill. You get a great view of the ocean, including some fog, but also I experienced a decent wind. After the out-and-back, it is all downhill, including lots of wooden stairs, but again, this may help you compensate some of the hiking time. I finished in 5:14, 45 minutes longer than the Avenue of the Giants, 10 years ago. I expected to come in somewhere after 5:30, and expect my paces was increased by my downhill speed. Even taking the course slower would be awesome as that would just allow you to take in more of the beauty. I was also impressed with the aid stations. Lots of treats and fluids, and super nice people. The longest distance between stations was 7 miles. And at the first two aid stations there are bathrooms!

I ran the 7-miler, which was my first trail race. I have been running road races for 11 years. This mountain course changed my running life at age 50, and I will be running more trails. Can't wait for the next one. It was 1,800 feet of pure fun.

I ran the 7-miler, which was my first trail race. I have been running road races for 11 years. This mountain course change my running life at age 50, and I will be running more trails. Can't wait for the next one. It was 18,000 feet of pure fun.

This was my 7th marathon but my first trail marathon. What a great difference! The course was so spectacular and the people were very helpful, supportive and nice! The other runners encouraged each other and gave support too, what a refreshing change from the crowded marathons like NYC or Boston. Yes, the course was not marked the best but I found that to be part of the adventure! If I was ever unclear about which way to go, I'd just wait for another runner and double check. It was the best marathon I have ever run and I will do more trials runs with Envirosports!

Wow! I now have an answer for those who ask me why I run. It's the scenery! These must be some of the most beautiful trails on the planet, put together in perfect order for a challenging, yet very rewarding run. The first half we spent much of the time in cool redwoods, running along a beautiful babbling brook, then after the 2nd aid station we headed up along a coastal trail that provided an almost constant breathtaking view of the ocean and its marine layer far below us. The folks up at the top aid station 'went the second mile' in enthusiasm and encouragement, and the other runners were friendly and fun to run with. The entire atmosphere was of pure enjoyment, a great payoff for preparing for my first marathon. I can't imagine a better combination of nice people and beautiful scenery. One thing I will do differently for next time though - not just hill training, but stairs training! It was a thrilling challenge with a thrilling payoff. Nice shirt, too!