Bobcat Trail Marathon - Race Reviews

My first trail marathon, and I think I picked a rough one. Burr Oak is a gorgeous setting, but there are many hills, short but steep. The leaves had fallen, so the numerous tree roots were obscured, and I lost count of the number of times I tripped and fell. But the trail was well-delineated and maintained. (Several large blowdowns had recently been cut.) The highlight was a beaver colony, northeast side of lake, with about 8 or 10 substantial lodges. Runners came from all over, including Germany. I was happy to see all (except maybe a few elites) walked the uphills, as I didn't know what to expect. Still, they take a toll, and my thighs are sorer now than any marathon I've yet run (36). Despite the challenges, a great race: excellent aid stations every 4 miles, with snacks, candy, several drink types, bananas, Nutella, potatoes, quesadillas, PICKLES, and more. Hot chili at finish. Clothing shuttle. The volunteers offered enthusiastic cheering and support. Nice t-shirt, unique wooden, bobcat-design finishers medal. Decent price (as affordable as you can get these days, anyway). Extremely quick results notification. Kept warm pre-race in the lodge. It was challenging, yes, but not insanely so, and I'm glad I had my first trail race here. My only "suggestion" would be to bump race back a month, before the leaves fall. Lastly: it was great to revisit the setting of my alma mater, Ohio University, in maybe the prettiest section of the state. Go Bobcats, and go Bobcat Trail Marathon.

The Bobcat Marathon is definitely not for the faint of heart. It is a difficult, hilly, and somewhat technical trail run but provides great views of Hocking Hills and the Burr Oak Lake. The race was well-supported with aid stations every 4-5 miles. And even though it rained the previous day, the course was fairly dry. I would definitely run this race again.

Great and beautiful course. Volunteers rocked! The two t-shirts were totally awesome. Problems on the course with following the trail somehow led to the course distance being only 24.5 miles, supposedly. Then, to top it off, the results didn't show on the race website until a week later, and still haven't shown for the Vibram division. I'll probably give it another shot in 2011, hoping that things are better organized.

This was an interesting, beautiful and very challenging course. Burr Oak State Park is in the middle of nowhere, so bring everything you need for the weekend. The course was well marked. The volunteers and aid stations were wonderful. I will sign up for 2011 as soon as my legs forgive me. We will stay an extra night in the lodge to relax and enjoy.

Awesome trail marathon. Great goody bag, nice trails, and weather make this a first-class event. If you are looking for a trail marathon, this is the event to do!

Burr Oak State Park is a well-kept secret, and provides a beautiful and challenging landscape for a trail marathon. The hills are relentless - short, but steep - with lots of technical terrain in between. For a first-year race, it was very well-run. Great support, pre- and post-race meals, and prizes. Spend the night in a cabin with some friends and walk out your door to the start/finish line!

Beautiful course, great support, awesome spectators! A great way to end the fall running season. My only regret is that I may not be able to run it again in 2010.

Great course and organization. Definitely hillier than expected, but very scenic! The spectators were few, but what do you expect from a trail marathon.

I never had it so good! The starting line was 50 feet from our room at the Bur Oak Lodge, and so was the hot grub and my shower at the finish. The lodge was nice (and inexpensive - especially with three to a room) and all of the runners seemed to stay there, so we had some fun catching up in the tavern the night before. This is a real trail race. It was 80 percent technical, but very runnable single track on a well marked and maintained course. And two things that always happen to me in these races didn't: no falls, and I didn't waste any time getting lost. The ups and downs were fun and provided a fantastic workout for a race I was training for. I prefer a single giant loop course like the Bobcat to an out-and-back or figure-8 like so many do. The scenery was all new and interesting on a fall day that only required a t-shirt. It was just a fun day of trail running for the group of us who drove down from Cleveland. Every time we heard a deer hunters fire a gun in the distance, we said, "Good - another front runner down. We just moved up a place in the race standings!" (Actually, there was no hunting in the state park the race took place in). This was the best trail marathon I've been in. And I used to think I had to go out West to run the hills and get that wilderness feeling.

Although I haven't run too many trail races, I do run a lot of trails for fun with my dog. I enjoyed the course and appreciated the support and organization effort that went into it. However, trail runners, at least the ones I was exposed to, seem to brag endlessly about the events they've participated in. The trail and weather were beautiful, and that in the end made up for the egos crowding the forest.

This is a very exciting new trail marathon, located in a beautiful setting that can provide some real challenges.

Rocks, hidden tree stumps, mud and a few hills. This year's inaugural run was well organized. The aid staitions were well stocked with food and water. The course was very scenic and the free post-race meal was a nice treat. I've already signed up for next year's event.

This was my first trail marathon and I am glad that I decided to do it. The steep hills and interesting terrain kept the legs, eyes and mind in constant focus. The autumn race brought an extra challenge with the down leaves on the narrow paths. This marathon is the first one where I determined it was ok to walk at times, being that it would pay off in the end. I only suffered 2 falls throughout the course that I survived with only a minor flesh wound. The volunteers were good, and as you would expect on a race like this, they were the only support on the course. I will be there again next year if all goes well!

If you are looking for a good trail marathon, look no further. Just be prepared to be out on the course awhile. Excellently run race with great goodies!

Wow, what a test of endurance. This is not for the fainthearted. A beautiful course, although most of the time you needed to watch your footing and not the scenery! The people were extremely friendly and helpful when you made it into each clearing. Well worth the experience.