Boogie Marathon - Race Reviews

Everything has been written regarding the organization, perfect, and the conditions -heat, humidity, snakes, dark, repeating loops, HILLS :) so don't worry about that. If you are into no-nonsense running and camaraderie, do it! 4th for me this year, and I will run the Boogie again. Hats up for this organization and volunteers. Thank you Doug!

I ran the 50 miler and this was my first competitive race, it was amazing. I have run some good distances before but this was my first time competing so i had the jitters for sure. Everyone at the race made me feel right at home and the runners were a amazing group of people who were there to have a good time as well as run. The course itself was def tough with bethel hill being a good 1.5-2 mile climb and the heat and humidity could test anyone. Doug the race director was a super chill dude and you could tell he wanted everyone to have a great race and feel welcome. The aid crews were just as cool and def had some character to them which was nice as they gave you a sense of security even though your running through the backwoods of NC. I was lucky enough to have the support of some great friends and it def helped me when a storm hit as i dread running in the rain and when i saw my buddie going up the hill as i was going down i kicked myself in gear and pressed as hard as i was able. I will def be returning for this race next year and congrats to the Winners and finishers as it was one heck of a run. I was super happy with my 4th overall finish. I really felt lucky to run with some amazing people, also congrats to to Tomasz and Anthony the winners this year!! You guys are Fast!!

I ran the 50-mile race... and won it (as the first female finisher) on my first ultra of the year! I chose this race because it was on pavement (hard to find these days with the ultra), it was hot (to my advantage), and it was hilly (for the challenge)! The course was also beautiful, and never boring! My favorite part was the last 2 miles of each loop: basically all uphill! OUCH!! The aid station volunteers and spectators were the best, and are why I was able to keep going at a nice, smooth pace even in the latter parts of the race! I'm thankful to everyone for cheering me on, even when I was obviously delirious and didn't look so great! I'm thankful for the ice-cold water and soda afterward, and for the endless portions of food that I was finally able to consume after sitting around for four hours, chatting it up! I recommend this race for the challenge, because when you run a good time on this course, you know you're ready to P.R. on most any other course!!

This was my first DNF in over 50 marathons and beyond. Mostly heat issues. That said, the organization, athletes, and yes, the course's toughness, were all as previously reported - world-class. Other than my own failings, I couldn't have been more impressed by and thankful for Doug Dawkins and the rest of the MTC folks who spend so much effort and time each year to put on the wonderful event. Kudos!

This race was chosen because it was a (rare) Saturday night event that you can drive to from DC, and I needed to cross NC off the 50 states list. Despite the remoteness of Ellerbe, it's easy to get to because the highway runs right by it. This is a TOUGH marathon. Think of it as a mini road ultra. Here's the proof: Temps were 90 degrees at the start. (To compare, I ran an 8K under similar conditions 2 weeks later. The organizers were very close to calling black flag conditions. That meant they would shut off the clocks and the race would turn into a fun run. And to think that they run in these conditions every year!) Only 7 aid stations instead of the usual 12. It's mostly hills, so you can never really get going. No spectators, save for family and friends near the start/finish. The course is surrounded by trees and all of 6 houses, which you pass over and over again since it's a loop course. So, why do I recommend this race? It's because this race has soul. Everyone says a prayer at the start. You pass and are passed by just about everybody in sunshine and the middle of darkness. It's BYO light and water (both of which you will have to carry). The tech shirt design is the best Ive seen, and your locally-made finisher's mug wrapped in town newspaper will mean more than 100 generic finisher's medals. And you will always remember Doug's face. All of this adds up to a shared, hard-earned experience that you will never forget. One day, I will be back.

I loved the marathon course - nice tough hills, good challenge. The atmosphere and organization were extraordinary, as well as the contact with other runners. Actually, I felt more mutual support than competition (like you would find in a relay), since we all seemed to share the same pain (although some 50-miler runners seemed tireless). I personally congratulate Doug, Mark, Tom and the Team for their attention to detail and professionalism. I never felt alone or lost, and there were plenty of refreshments and food (not to mention the feast at the finish line). The only question for me is - how can you ever run the 50-miler course?! Even with a little help from the rain and support from other participants, this race is tough and hot. A couple of recommendations: Train appropriately for hills, and also carry a water bottle and a light past 9 p.m. You pass your car 4 times, so use the opportunity to replenish special supplies.

"Super cool" is not a reference to the temperatures... - it was 89 degrees at the start, but the temps dropped all evening, aided by a frog-choker thunderstorm at 11 p.m. (That's right - the race starts at 6 p.m. and the marathon and the 50-miler are run concurrently.) If you like hard races, this is a great one for you! Forget about Boston qualifying (don't think it's certified anyway!). You are either running uphill or down... there's not more than a mile of flat running per 10-mile loop! Hills aren't super steep but relentless and long. But the story here is the event itself. Doug Dawkins really knows how to put on a great event (unbelievable aid stations that even had cheeseburgers!)... and the volunteers are without a doubt the best!! Seriously, most race reviews praise the volunteers deservedly, but these were special. Also, the greatest shirt ever!! Plus, a neat finisher's award - ceramic coffee mugs. If you need crowds and pampering, pass on this race! But if you like a really unique and interesting challenge, this is the race for you!

This was first time I had ever run a marathon at night or seen a 50-mile race. The organization was terrific - a large variety of food to choose from about every 5 miles. The course is almost all mild, with one very long hill - a challenge for this flat-lander who dies in any heat. But I had an absolute blast and they had the best volunteers ever!

The race director said at the start that you would be proud to wear the shirt after you run this race. He did not lie, considering the heat and the hills. However, if you like a good challenge and well-run, smaller, community races, then this one if for you. At the start, I dreaded a multiple loop course, but the start of the course in the light and finishing in the dark made it seem like two different courses. Started at a church and the parishioners were on hand cooking hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie stuff. The one aid station was well-manned. You will need to carry water and have a headlamp. It was really, really dark when the sun went down.

This is a well organized marathon. You will not get lost like most Ultra's. Your vehicle will be park at the water point which you pass four times you can use it for a re-supply. This will be your toughest marathon you will probaly ever do but you will never stop talking about the Boogie.

a small marathon but a great course... you can park your car along the course by the aid station there so you can have your own personal aid station. i loved it... this was my 2nd marathon ever, and i ran it 9 minutes slower than i ran disney marathon in january but that's b/c of the heat and the hills i guess

The only spectators you will find running this race overnight are the snakes. It's very well organized with more food and water than you will need even if the weather is as warm as it was in 2004.

Be prepared for a hard, hilly course on a hot June night. Add twenty minutes to your last marathon time. With that said, here are the top five reasons to run the Boogie Marathon or the Boogie 50-miler: 1. It is a small, rural, well-organized event for people who really enjoy running. 2. Unlike big races (Disney, etc.), you won't be surrounded by runners talking on their cell phones, saying inane things like, 'Hey Bob -- guess what? I'm running a marathon! Meet me at mile 6 with a couple of chili dogs and a pint of Ben & Jerry's.' 3. Your next flat marathon will seem way too easy and you'll have license to mock runners who complain about gentle grades and rolling hills. 4. Since you'll be on the same course as the 50-milers, you will be thoroughly giddy at the finish knowing you've already got your pottery award and the 50-milers have another 23.8 miles to go. 5. No matter how long it takes you to finish, you'll know you are no longer an casual marathoner. You will feel like you have kicked &*(. Run the Boogie - if you think you're tough enough to handle it.

The race director does a splendid job of conducting the Boogie Marathon as well as the Boogie 50 miler. I would highly recommend this race. You will not regret it.