Monster Trail Marathon - Race Reviews

If you love rocky, rooty, technical, single track trail-running with lots of climbing and descending, then this is a great, low-key race. Excellent support with aid stations about every 3.25 miles, on an out-and-back course that you do twice. No shirts or medals - just a bumper sticker and a thin leather necklace with a pottery stone for a finisher's premium. A trail runner's race, and it's tougher than some 50K trail races I've run.

With such a small field of runners, you are likely to finish in the top 25. A beautiful forest run with greatly varied terrain. The hills are tough and worse the second time around. Challenging, fun, and good support by the club and local search and rescue. You won't get lost.

If you are training for an ultra or just love running trails, this race is a must. The trail is almost entirely single track. It is an out and back X 2 course. There are two tough climbs, but many opportunities for some fast running. The volunteers are great. Take the time to thank them at the two aid stations (perfectly spaced on the course). Bring water bottles or a fuel belt as you will need them. Make sure to eat at Jerimiah's. Very nice owners and the food is really good. Becky does a great job of organizing a great race. Small, personal, and rewarding.

This race is unlike any other I've run. It is almost completely trail, with the exception of a few feet of dirt road and a few footsteps of paved road. The course is technical and has a lot of hills. If you are looking for a challenge, this is it. Forget about your road time and watch out for forest monsters. This race is a lot of fun and a ton of adventure.