Hatfield-McCoy Marathon - Race Reviews

I was disappointed with the HMM. Despite what I read in various forums, I did not find the event to be very organized. There were errors with email communication and mild confusion with packet pickup. Route maps at packet pickup had visible corrections posted so this caused concern about accuracy from other medias (social media, email, websites, etc.). While the shuttle bus coordination was seamless (good job!), Runners participating in the 5k experienced challenges getting to their start line once the marathon started (the 5k started 45 minutes after the marathon). It was well known the marathon course would be extremely difficult (Mountain and hills). However, road closures were nearly entirely absent. The open roads were unsafe. Regular traffic was (often) on the course. There were few spectators and fan support. With less than 150 marathon runners, I often found myself running completely alone. Almost like glorified training run. The water points, however, were well staffed, plentiful, and wonderfully stocked (fruit, water, Gatorade). Cold wet towels. Great job! The finish area was underwhelming. I finished in 5:13. There were not many people at the finish outside of my family and (seemly) a skeleton race crew. Mr. "Hatfield" was at the finish; that was cool. Good job there! Overall, unfortunately, I would not recommend HMM. Expectations were high but I found most key areas lacking.

Course is hilly but organizers set up plenty of water stops throughout the race. Keep in mind race is scheduled in June so weather is humid with scorching heat later through the day. Volunteers were supportive and encouraging. Few crowds and a small community, but I still had fun completing this race. Overall wonderful course and beautiful scenanary, a must run course.

The Race is not easy but very well organized, in past years the ATV's and Life Squad kept driving by checking on the runners the last 5 miles which are rough. No support this year, I had to flag down a pickup truck to get aid for a lady in our group who was getting sick.

This race brings it all in a quaint, down-home setting. You'll experience the best hospitality - the KY-WV communities really show up, from the theatrics of the Hatfield-McCoy feud to people gladly offering thanks for visiting the area, the marathon is a special event for both sides of the state line and residents show it. The pre- and post-race festivities are family-friendly and provide a good view of the region's culture and spirit. For the course, it's a tough run and certainly no one should go in thinking about a pr. But there is something sweet about climbing the one large mountain around mile 6-8 and rolling hills thereafter - despite the heat, incline, and response to dirt and road, you'll get inspired by the people and view of it all. If you're looking for a challenging and splendid marathon experience in the middle of the summer in the South (very rare to find a marathon this time of year and this part of the country because well, it's awfully hot), this is the one. Absolutely deserves its five-star review and more!

I love visiting God's Country and the Williamson area. I can argue that this race is still one of the best races ever and I've run some spectacular marathons. Of all the marathons under my belt, there is literally no competition in my mind. I'm glad I came back again this year because it firmly cemented my feelings that this is undeniably one my favorite marathons by far. There are a lot of good races out there, but in my personal view, this is probably the most fun you'll have running 26.2 miles - putting aside those extreme meteorological conditions. It is evident there's history between the two families, and that alone is enough to lure history fans interested in seeing the places the feud made famous. Running this marathon is a great way to do just that since the course leads runners into regions where some of the feuding incidences happened. For history fans like myself, this is an unrivaled quality because you're getting a personal look at the setting where some of the most famous Kentucky/West Virginia events transpired. I think of this marathon as a quick-paced history tour. The H&M Marathon is a small low-key "hidden treasure" and is a spot-on description the race director Alexis and his dedicated team of volunteers do in the heart of Hatfield-McCoy feud country - except that no feuding takes place, just running. I am blown away by generosity of all the people who came out to cheer or volunteer to hand out course-side treats like watermelon, grapes, oranges, bananas, candy, sponges and rags dipped in ice water, ice water/chips, pickles and even fried chicken. I don't know what it is about the course, but you're just surrounded by mountains, and everything is so green, and at the start, there's typically this kind of early morning fog that appears like it's shrouding the mountains in a clandestine manner. Usually, June weather in the Tug Valley is hot and humid. With the area's unrelenting hills, there are water stops every mile either to cool or nourish your inner self. Even though my finish time certainly reflected the heat related struggles I had throughout the second half of the marathon, somehow I savored each and every mile. There is no time limit to complete the marathon and the course remains open until the final runner high-fives "Devil Anse" Hatfield or Ran'l McCoy. Yes, getting to Williamson does take some effort, but once you arrive, you'll be in for a treat - a diamond in the rough, so to speak. The race organizers and all the volunteers are incredible. The course is both beautiful and interesting, and you get a lot of really unique special touches that you just don't get at the bigger marathon events. Whether you're a Maniac, Fanatic or a Fifty-Stater or just want to do something different, run this race. It's worth the trip and see how far you can run with a stolen pig.

Thanks to all the volunteers and the medical staff, they did a great job on a very hot humid day. The wet towels were very refreshing - but the last 10K the water and Gatorade were warm. Hopefully, next year for the 20th race the mountain is a little shorter. I'll be back.

Great scenery in a quaint historic area of America! All the hills and turns you could want, after the 1st hundred yards I don't think there was a strait or flat stretch. First couple of hours were great with lots of shade then the someone turned on the furnace and it was hot and intermittent shade. Great aid stations approx each mile. Lots of costumes and themes from the locals. Nice finish, post race and a great medal. Expo was mostly a bib pick up. Glad I ran this one!

This was my 22nd state in my pursuit of 50. Since it's on the border of Ky and WV it can count for either. I planned on using it for WV and doing a different race in Ky. After running it in 2018, I have decided to run it again next year for Ky. I really enjoyed the unique adventure that is this race. It gives us a glimpse into a little bubble in the world that few outsiders have seen. It's remote, beautiful, rugged and raw. It's authentic. We are invited in by our friendly hosts, most of whom maybe don't understand our motivation to run up and down mountains in swelter, but support us wholeheartedly in our efforts to do so. They are out in the sun all day to hand complete strangers water, Gatorade and fruit. The area is beautiful. Rugged mountains blanketed by impenetrable forest. Not populated and pristine. Coal stirs the economic drink of the area. Coal is shut down and the local economy shows it. This leaves the area left to share its true character with the running visitor. The good the bad and the ugly. This makes the race authentic. If you are running to learn about yourself and an area, this race is for you. If you need a contrived show designed to cater to your ego, it's not. You will not be pampered. Nor should you be. This is a hard sport. This is a hard marathon. Not impossible, not stupid hard but hard.This is the type race that makes marathoning great. It makes you want to seek out more, not just from running but from yourself. If you come here, be trained, be tough, be disciplined, be focused, be prepared. If that's not you or you want to set a PR or need VIP tents and stuff either adapt of find a more suitable race. As for me, I'll see you in Williamson next year.

Be prepared for heat (there's not a lot of shade on the back half of the course, either) and for the solid climb through Miles 6 and 7, but with that in mind, this is a great race to run. Water stops every mile, spectators out on their front porches, mountain and riverside views. The website was a bit lacking, but know that the organization is all put into the race.

This race was one of my best marathon experiences and I have enjoyed most of my races. If you are looking for a cool, flat course and a fast time, this is not the race for you. This race is EXTREMELY HILLY and this year the temperatures hit 100 degrees. With that said, I have never felt more supported while on a course or felt such camaraderie in a sports event. The runners are facing a challenge and they know it. This race is frequently hot and is well prepared. There are 24+ water stops. These stops will not run out of water. All of the later stops had ice and most of them had watermelon. The course is steeped in the history of the Hatfield and McCoy feud so if you love history, read up on the fued so you can appreciate the historical markers. I could go on and on and still not cover all the things I enjoyed about this race. The local people are friendly and very welcoming. The area is beautiful. Come for the race, treasure the experience.

Hatfield - McCoy vaulted to my top 3 favorite races. Wonderful scenic course, super volunteers, and historic sites along the course documenting events from the feud days. A few hills added to the adventure, but a volunteer told me at the halfway mark, 'It's all down river from here.' The 'Spinning Bridge' after mile 18 was the most memorable segment of the day. Stay at the Williamson Firehouse before the race. Shayne and team take care of everyone, the shuttle comes to the front door, and the finish is 2 blocks away. A 'Must Do' race for sure!!

This is a great small town marathon. I read too many reviews and started the race worried about the hills. Blackberry Mountain is a tough mountain to run going up and coming down but after that the hills are more rolling than hard. the support was amazing. I hope to go back.

Unique course that spans two states KY and WV. Short distance on four lane shoulder but mostly backroads through the Appalachian countryside. There was plenty of traffic control with regular law enforcement presence. I have never seen so many aid stations which was a nice plus. The best part of the race are the friendly, helpful, and supportive volunteers. This race is a must!

The course runs through gorgeous rural country. The course is hilly and this year the weather was miserably hot at the end. The organization of this event was great. There were more water stops for this marathon than any other I've done and the course workers were all exceptionally friendly and helpful. Spectators were few but I don't mind that.

Just finished the recent Hatfield McCoy marathon and added West Virginia to my 50 state quest. I have ran over 200 marathons, and this marathon had the best and most frequent aid stations of any I have ran. I was prepared for the heat, and the aid stations offered fruit, goo, water, fluids at every mile. While the hills were challenging, I realize I wan one of the top 15 hardest marathons in the world....so I didn't look for a PR, just enjoyed the experience. We stayed at the Historic Montaineer hotel which was one block from the finish line, and enjoyed a complimentary happy hour for hotel guests after...great community, great volunteers, great finish line, and great race!

I ran the double half which is the marathon split in two for those wanting a Kentucky race and a west Virginia race.First half started at 7 am, second half started at 10 am. Great idea except apparently the timing company didn't know the plan and some runners who did know better chose to run straight through, messing up the results. Since we were told the double half would have its own scoring separate from the individual half events, there were many frustrated runners. And many age group prizes unawarded or given to the wrong runners. It was a shame because the course was terrific and the aid stations the best of my 17 marathons. Delicious hamburgers and ice cold drinks at finish. I would recommend gender-specific shirts next time. Unisex small is just too big for many women marathoners. We stayed at the Hatfield McCoy House with wonderful innkeepers Jessica and Chris. They were so welcoming and went above and beyond. Highly recommended! Overall a very good event which, with some tweaks, would be great.

The mountains get taller and the sun gets hotter -but the volunteers and race organizers do an A + + Job . They are awesome -checking the course -with the police -Paramedics -Fire trucks -golf carts -cars and pickup trucks just keep driving by to keep you safe and hydrated .

I've run this marathon for many years and only Boston equals it for fun. Don't expect to PR here as the course, coupled with the heat and humidity make for a tough marathon. This is a fun-filled race run on a beautiful course that has everything. Uphills, downhills, flats, and trail. You'll run through Hatfield/McCoy feud sites, across a golf cart path and swinging bridge. At mile 8 you'll see the smallest horses in the world and you'll be greeted by Hatfield and McCoy at the finish line where you'll enjoy watermelon, grapes and bananas. Relax and enjoy barbecue and bluegrass music. David Hatfield says he has the best kept secret in marathoning but it's no longer a secret. I love this race, the wonderful volunteers and the people of southern WV (I'm a native) and eastern KY! You'd be cheating yourself if you don't run this marathon. Just ask the huge number of repeat runners of this marathon. See ya'll in the Tug Valley in 2016. By the way, the new finisher's medal ranks at the top of my favorites.

This was my 40th marathon and has to be one of the best supported races have ever done. The water / aid stations every mile with ice and sponges helped with the heat and humidity. Fresh fruit and snacks. We stayed the Mountaineer and had a great experience. Was a fun weekend! Thanks!

I'll start off by saying shame on me for not getting in enough hill and high tempature training for this one. I paid for it!! That aside, I have nothing but praise for every aspect of this marathon. The organization and friendliness of the volunteers was the best I have ever experienced. Water stops were plentiful and well stocked (fruit and ice were great). I lost count of the number of times I was thanked for running by the volunteers. There were constant patrols by safety personel up and down the course in case anyone needed medical attention due to temps in the 90's (which I did after the race.Thank you!). We stayed in the Williamson Fire Dept., and they also made us feel very welcome. The pre race and post race dinners were great and packet pickup was a breeze. The course, while brutal is beautiful with many historic landmarks along the route. I will definitely be back although maybe just doing the half next year!

Glad that I choose this as my first marathon experience. From the registration to after run events I felt like I was part of a family. The periodic emails and Facebook updates before/after were great. Packet pick-up was easy, spaghetti dinner was tasty, course was picturesque (and difficult at times), start/finish you were greeted by the HM families, a 'shotgun' start, and the support on the course was second to none. Needless to say I plan to run again and will sure enjoy it just as much, if not more.

They promised 'hills, heat and humidity' and delivered in spades. Terrific upbeat volunteers. To make the heat tolerable they had ice available at the aid stations, what a Godsend. Seeing the dialog skit the night before gave all of the historic markers along the course a context. Beautiful country. Course had quite a bit of shade. Great job y'all.

I've ran this race several times and always enjoy it -yes it's a challange but what marathons are not -the support is great -the 4 wheelers that continue to check on you and the aid stattions are out standing -it got a little warm so the aid stations took on the challenge and had Ice for us -at the finished a ice cold towel was laid on my back for a peice of heaven .As you run along you see a large sign with your name on it to welcome you back and yes I will be back -thanks to everyone

This marathon has been on our radar for years so we finally made it happen. It was such a fun experience and all the people who helped were friendly and supportive. We stayed in the historic Mountaineer hotel in Williamson which was a only a block from the full marathon finish line. I thought the staff and Edna were great at the Mountaineer hotel. They had a nice happy hour after the race with snacks and drinks. I also loved the small town feel of the race with everyone supporting the runners. The folks on their porches waving and cheering were awesome. I loved that Devil & Randall were at the finish line all day until the last runner finished. They also did a great job with the skit at the HS. Just an overall fun unique race that exceeded my expectations. Hats off to David Hatfield and all the others who do such a great job every year to make it bigger and better. Hopefully next year all 50 states will be represented.

I loved the Hatfield-McCoy tour and history of the town. The course was pretty and challenging. I wish the dirt road part was not all mud but you can't help weather. the suspension bridge scared the crap out of me! But now I wish I would have back tracked and crossed it again. Loved the trains EVERYWHERE except outside my hotel room. I cannot stress enough NOT to stay at the Sweet Inn Suites! Horrible service, horrible rooms. After an hour and a half they still didn't have me checked into the room they charged me for. And you pay EXTRA for a tv! I demanded to be checked out and went to the Sycamore Inn. They had a last minute cancellation. Shame on the fellow runner who demanded I stand behind him in line when I was trying to check out as he arrived must later than me to check in. Hey pal, I had already been there for 90 minutes and STILL not checked in to the proper room. Rooms had coffee makers but no pots, tv with no cable which equals NO stations, no alarm clocks, and they offered wake up calls but no phone in the room! I guess they planned to bang on my door at o'dark thirty.

This was my 4th Marathon and it ranks right up there with the Air Force Marathon in Dayton. Blackberry hill wasn't that hard but there is a little hill around mile marker 23 that puts a hurt on ya. Water stops were everywhere with all kinds of fruit. Half way point was in a little town of Matewan, WV which was were my college room mate was from. He was kidding when he said it was a small town. Great race....

I was running with a local who said this is rated the 14th hardest marathon in the world. I didn't believe him so I looked it up. Low and behold, it is. However, it is VERY doable. I should know, I've done 80 marathons in the last 4 years. The support is amazing. They take a lot of pride in this event and it shows. When is the last time you got to the finish line and two guys were standing there with shotguns? Maybe one of the best finishing photos anywhere! Great time.

This year (2014) was my third Hatfield McCoy marathon and it was great as always! It is so much fun! The t-shirts were beautiful. So were the finisher medals. I love that there are many water stops and porta potties. There is highway and dirt and gravel paths that run through the woods. There is sun and shade. This marathon has it all! Blackberry mountain doesn't scare me at all. It's a great challenge and a little something different from just running on level road all the time. Since I live here in the mountains, I think it's pretty cool to have a marathon in the mountains, practically in my back door. You meet and talk to some interesting people along the route. A great big thanks to all the volunteers, the water stop workers, the people who cheer you at the finish line, Dave, the Randall and Anse actors, law enforcement officers, and all those I have failed to mention.

This was a wonderful experience. The course is breathtaking. I find it hard to believe that there is a more beautiful course in the eastern United States. It was very challenging but definitely conquerable (I actually PR'ed here). David Hatfield and the rest of the community take a real sense of ownership of the event and it shows. Pros 1. Challenging, scenic course. 2. Small race that is run like a major. Very efficient packet pickup and all of the amenities one would expect. 3. Runners race. Not a lot of one-and-done walkers to avoid. Most people are there because they simply love to run. 4. Parking is at the finish line and the shuttle service to the start is easy and efficient. 5. More than enough port-o-lets and water stops. I think I skipped two water stops feeling like they were too close to the previous one, but can only think of one small stretch where I felt like it had been too long. 6. Finish line and post-race area were fun and relaxing. Plenty of snacks and wet towels. They also had massage tables and PT stations set up. 7. Results were available online almost immediately. 8. They provided access to showers after the race. This was one of my favorite parts. 9. The local volunteer fire departments provide an opportunity to stay there for a minimal cost while providing all of the basics that a hotel would (towels, sheets, etc.). 10. As a US history buff, I enjoyed the way they tied the history of the feud into the event. Cons 1. The suspension bridge is brutal. I would recommend walking it. It's only about 30 yards, but that's 30 too far for a wooden trampolene. 2. Expect little to no cellular reception in or around the city. I use AT&T. I literally had 0 bars from the middle of Kentucky on. Luckily, I had handwritten the directions ahead of time. Also, GPS tracking apps will not work on the course (at least using ATT). Both Nike+ and RunKeeper only lasted through the first 4.5 miles. Hatfield said that Verizon is king in that area, so perhaps their coverage is significantly better. Just something to be made aware of. In closing, I will definitely run this race again. If you are pursuing 50 in 50, you can do it twice and count it for both WV and KY. Just a great time.

I just finished this marathon and I was very pleased! However, it took forever to get to this beautiful humble location in the mountains. The 'Expo' was at a local high school. We were welcomed with Randal and Devil standing at the door posing for pictures. Once inside, we stood in line for just a few minutes to get my bib number and then on to get a nice red white and blue tech shirt. Onward we went around to some local merchants selling locally made items and then on to the High School cafeteria for the included pasta dinner. I brought additional meals for my family so be prepared and have cash on-hand if you want extra meal tickets. It was a tasty meal! The next day we traveled to the start line for 6 AM. This is where things got a little unorganized. If they had a louder PA System then it might have helped keep things a little more orderly. The start line was basically the entire Food City's parking lot. The shotgun start could barely be heard. I knew the race started when I saw runners heading out to the road. They had an automated timing system but everyone's time started at the time of the shotgun not when you crossed the start line. The course was amazing! I run as much as I can on various surfaces. The beauty of this course is that runs on asphalt, concrete, some gravel, some mud, little bit of grass, and even across a wonderful wood plank bridge. Most of the time I just felt as though I was running at home even though this is not a flat course! I run 99% of the time almost at sea level and I did not have a problem with going up the two large inclines. Coming down the hills were more of a challenge. My advice is for you to try and keep your regular pace coming down. There are small rolling hills throughout but they felt good to me having a change under my feet. I do not know how I did it but I actually accomplished a person record on this course! The true beauty of this race is their mission. They just want people to run and have a good time. They could not have done a better job accomplishing this mission in my eyes. I saw runners of all ages, shapes and sizes, truly amazing! It takes a lot of courage and a few life changes to train for a marathon or half marathon. I saw an army of smiling and cheering volunteers all over the course helping every runner get to the finish line. God bless the volunteers that make these races a great success! Thank you! I highly recommend this marathon!

The folks who reviewed 2013 say it all. I must admit I was surprised at the high quality of this event, given that it was a smaller event. Loved the crazy Marathon Maniacs, of which I'm one. Also 50-staters. There were more water stops on this course than any I've ever run. Much appreciated. They even have Vaseline at some of the stops. Fruit at later stops. If you're crazy like the Maniacs, you'll stop in the DQ for a treat at 25.7 miles. Take a couple bucks since it's not free. Take the Hatfield-McCoy tour the day before! Not only does it connect you with the local history, it also traverses much of the course. So, you get to see the two big hills; one at 7 and the other at 23. Bring a towel if you plan to shower afterwards at High School.

I did like this race. Very well organized. Course was beautiful. Plenty of support. A very challenging race, as the hills became more frequent as the race progressed. I would recommend this race for anyone who wants a challening course without many spectators, and with plenty of support.

I ran this race because I needed West Virginia in my quest to run a half marathon in all 50 states and out of the 15 states (and roughly 20 races), I have run, this was my favorite. I am a native Easter KY girl, so the first thing I liked about this race was that it felt like a homecoming. From the hospitality of the people to the charms of the small towns, everything was perfect. I loved the pasta dinner served cafeteria style at the local high school. I ran the River road course and the scenery was great following a mostly shaded path along the river. The hills were a challenge, but so worth it!! I plan to come back and do this one again. Maybe I'll tackle Blackberry mountain next time or even attempt the full marathon. Thanks for a great race!

Great first marathon! I had experience running halfs and had no idea what to expect for my first 26.2. This race did not disappoint. Spectators and runners alike were super friendly and it felt more like a trail run with a large group of friends than a competitive race. I have some choice words for Blackberry mtn at mile 7 and an unnamed large hill at mile 23, but you really couldnt beat how beautiful the views around you were. Aid station attendants were truly wonderful people and offered water and cheers at almost every mile. If your wearing fancy shoes, plan for a little mud. Only negative is sleeping accommodations, we had to stay in Pikesville which was an ironic 26 miles away but the hotel there was nice. Post race party was really nice with two hatfield/mccoy members dressed in colonial garb. Pulled pork feast for the runners which was delicious after I got my appetite back. fresh fruit and bottled waters were abundant. Awesome t-shirts and pretty cool medals and your very own mason jar! Icey towels at the finish meant more to me than anything else combined though! For a first time marathoner I would say this was a real challenging race but I wouldn't have wanted to run any other, the camaraderie makes this race a 5-star! Also, it doesnt hurt the ego to know its one of the 15 toughest marathons in the world!

In short I agree with the overwhelmingly positive reviews this race is recieving. The community seems to really embrace the race and all the runners and the race directors attention to detail is great. The race is run the same weekend as a Hatfield and McCoy family reunion. I came down early and took a guided tour of Hatfield and McCoy feud sites. I enjoyed this and it was fun the next day when we ran by many of these same sites. This is a small, low stress race (which I find I am running more and more). Packet pick-up is held at a high school w/ no real expo. But the pasta dinner (included in entry fee) is held right at the school and there's a Hatfield and McCoy skit during dinner. The race begins at a local grocery store. There are shuttles from area hotels but I drove there myself and just parked around back. There were plenty of port-a-potties prerace and the relaxed atmosphere is great. Here I noticed lots of marathon maniac shirts which is usually a sign of a well run race! The course (as perhaps you've heard) is tough and since its June the weather adds to the challenge. Mercifully the hardest climbing comes early. After you crest Blackberry Mountain (~7.25 miles) you mainly have short rollers (altho be ready for the hill between miles 23 and 24). The course is quite scenic. We see the mountains, run by many rivers, skirt a golf course and even cross a suspension bridge. And along with the famous feud landmarks we pass, runners also run through the town of Matewan where the famous massacre took place (you can still see the bullet holes on some of the walls). The roads are not closed but traffic was very minimal and the drivers we did encounter never seemed angry at any delays we may have caused. There is a 3 or 4 mile section along a one lane 'river road'. This section is pretty but the footing can occasionally get a little tricky w/ rocks and mud. Post race runners are treated to ice cold towels (needed and greatly appreciated) and a fun street fair type of atmosphere. You get a nice medal and a mason 'moonshine' jar w/ the race logo on it. There is a post race party later on in the day that I had to skip in order to get home on time. The area is small and the hotels fill up quickly. I signed up almost 5 months ahead of time and I had to stay in Logan WV about 30 minutes away. No big deal but if you want to be within walking distance of the race book your rooms early. There were plentiful aid stations and the volunteers are encouraged to 'theme' their stops and many of these were a lot of fun. The enthusiastic volunteers are really the only fans runners will encounter altho I did see a few folks sitting out on their front porches! My only criticism is its been over two weeks since the race and I can't find any info on race photos. I'm pretty sure I saw official photographers but so far the website has no info regarding this. At the finish line we are greeted by 'Devil Anse Hatfield and Randel McCoy' and that photo would be a fun one to keep.

This is a must-do marathon, especially for members of the 50 States Marathon Club and Marathon Maniacs! It was my 40th marathon, and it was one of my favorites. The course was challenging, beautiful, and peaceful, and the volunteers and spectators were wonderful. This is one I would like to run again after I finish the 50 states. Thank you for putting on such a great event!

I really cannot say anything that has not already been said. This race was my first marathon (I ran the half last year), and it was perfect for me as Williamson is my hometown. Being surrounded by the outpouring of love & encouragement from the family/friends who have known me since I was a little kid absolutely provided the most perfect of all memories for a first marathon. BUT, even if I wasn't from here, the support, hospitality, and true enthusiasm for what we do was top-notch. Many locals didn't recognize me; they treated me so well at the pasta dinner, at all the water stops, and at the end. You could honestly tell they appreciated US for running. I would always say 'thank you' to the volunteers and their response was always 'no, thank YOU!'. For what? I just kept moving. Haha, but it's such a blessing, so heartwarming, to see a community rally around a race. There were some organization missteps last year with the pasta dinner, but this year was amazing. The volunteers carried it off without a hitch. The start was very nice (I swear the last 2 minutes went by in a flash). The police officers had everything blocked off very nicely along the highway. If you are a returning runner then you get a handmade sign (my mom actually made mine as a surprise!) welcoming you back to the race. Such a nice touch and really motivating placement on Blackberry mountain. I could have used another one during the second half. Those hills almost destroyed me mentally, and there isn't a lot of crowd support (how are you supposed to get crowd support along a one-lane dirt road?), but the water stops were *thankfully* frequent in the late morning sun with rolling hills. I cannot say enough fantastic things about this marathon. I am so lucky to have had such a great experience for my first. I will definitely be back (for the half or the full is yet to be determined since I would like to run it with some family members next year... hopefully they'll take the plunge and go for 13.1 more!). Fantastic job to David & Ellen Hatfield and my buddy from way back, Alexis Batausa, and all the other volunteers for putting on such a great event for my hometown and the racing community.