Land Between the Lakes - The Great American Trail Race - Race Reviews

This is as advertised - a trail marathon. This year was often a mix of mud skiing and trying not to fall too many times. Ideal course for both runners and support. First lap on the 11 mile loop is crowded, next lap is solitary - a great mix of experiences.

This was my first trail marathon so I do not have other trail marathons to compare it to. That being said, I think the course was challenging but doable especially for a first time trail experience or for an attempt at a longer distance. Although the weather didn't quite cooperate, it was very scenic with a lakeside start and several water views along the trail portion. The 4 aid stations along the loop course were well stocked with food, water, and supportive staff. The 5 star rating for spectators does not reflect the number of them along the course...there aren't many...pretty much the volunteers. It reflects how SUPPORTIVE they were. Race organization is excellent. The race director was dealing with a lot of unknowns and other logistics due to the recent rains/serious flooding. He sent several emails during the week to keep runners up to date, and as he said, leave the worrying to them. Would definitely recommend.

32 degrees and snow at the start.... It was supposed to be warm and sunny! Made for a muddy trail, was still runnable but you did have to slow down. Two miles of road to start before hitting the trail helped due to all distances starting at once (over 600 people) Some hills on the back half that i walked, the road to finish was not fun.... All that said, great race, awesome volunteers, well stocked aid stations. The two miles of road helped spread people out so by time you hit the single track it wasn't horrible but a staggered start for the different distances would really help open it up more. I did the marathon and had friends running the 60K and the 50 Miler, we finished before them and could not project a finish time, the race director was hoping to add race tracking for next year. We stayed at the green turtle bay resort, with four people in our group it was very affordable.

I have run a few of Steve Durbin's races so I had no doubt that the Land Between the Lakes Marathon (first time running it) would be great, which it was. Steve and his crew do a great job really catering to the runners. Getting to the race and parking is rather simple, plenty of parking it seems. Race day packet pick up was available and highly appreciated. You got a pretty nice (gender specific) shirt, hat and drawstring bag. The start line (well, not really much of a 'line' per-say) was right near the lake and was really pretty. Maybe it was because I was near the back because I never recalled hearing a 'get ready, set, go,' I just saw people going! LOL So, this race has a 23K, a marathon, a 60K, and a 50 mile option, with the 23K doing one loop, a marathon doing two loops...well, you get the picture. I honestly can say I really did not enjoy the course till the second loop....it was just way too crowded for me in the first loop with the amount of 23K runners. If anything would deter me from doing this race next year, it would be how crowded it was. Maybe have the 23K runners start earlier? I would say the course, despite it being so muddy from all the rain, is a good trail race for beginners and experienced runners alike. There is quite a bit of elevation gain, but nothing too painful. The volunteers and aid stations were great! I enjoyed the assortment of food. The last mile or so is pretty painful, as you're back on the highway, and it seemed like it would never end. The 23K and marathon runners got a really nice medal, the 60K and 50 mile runners a nice buckle. Kudos on that! Post race food was decent and having showers available at the end was awesome. Thank you! Would definitely consider doing this race next year, only if maybe there was a wave start for the 23K runners or something to help alleviate the crowded course. :)

I picked this race for my Kentucky marathon and I am glad I did. It is set in a beautiful and interesting area and the race is very well organized. The race day conditions happened to be very unusual and messy this year. There was a snow storm earlier in the week and still plenty of snow on the ground, at least for the first lap of the trails. On the second lap, there had been a lot of melting and the trail turned very muddy with water running down it in many places. But, all in all, a very enjoyable experience and nice to see this part of the country.

I really enjoyed this race... despite the fact it kicked my butt. Very nice course along the lakes and through the woods. It wasn't too technical, but technical enough I fell once and stumbled 4 times. Organization was great, no need for improvement. I really liked the finisher's medal. Yeah it was small, but it was in the shape of Kentucky, something I would like to see races in other states do as I try to complete the 50.

You couldn't ask for a better bunch of people /friends and volunteers - yes it a challenging course -but you knew that when you signed up for it -everyone involved is out for a good time and the Race director and staff go out of their way so you can't find anything to complain about.

My tenth marathon, but first trail marathon. Very well organized event, with excellent communications and fantastic race day support from aid stations better stocked than any I had previously seen. Plus the best swag of any event I have done. The trail had significant elevation changes, but nothing too extreme - there just wasn't much that was flat. The trail was in excellent shape despite two inches of rain on Thursday night. There wasn't anything more than a small stream crossing the trail, I only needed to make an occassional small jump to get over the water - no 'running broad jumps required!' The trails were single track, but there was still plenty of room just off the beaten path for passing. This was a fantastic event. Until I complete the fifty states I am not planning to do an event twice. But this one was so well put together, such a (fair) challenge and great fun, I believe it might just be the first one I repeat! Regardless, it certainly convinced me not to shy away from other trail marathons!!

I ran the 23K at LBL this past weekend. I stayed at Patty's Inn for only $52 three miles fromt he start. I got a room the day before due to a cancellation. The hotel catered to runners4:00 a.m. breakfast, late checkout. The race swag was very good for the entry fee. I got a great technical running hat with my name embroidered on the side, a tech shirt, and a drawstring backpack. Course was very scenic with breathtaking lake views. There were some hills in the 2nd half of the 11.6 mile trail loop, but nothing crazy. We crossed a few small streams, hurdled one downed tree, had a few switchbacks. The small town of Grand Rivers had a few enthusiastic spectators. Patty's Restaurant served a great pork chop the night before the race. Overall, I loved the experience and can't wait to come back for the full marathon next year.

My 7th marathon and my first trail marathon. Really enjoyed it! Trails and views of lake were incredible! Perfect weather  Wow! Volunteers were outstanding! Plenty of drinks and food at aid stops; Post race food was delicious; Everyone was helpful and friendly; Small for easy parking; Glad I ran Land Between the Lakes!

I drove up from Mississippi and knew nothing about the race-I had registered to run Kentucky in my 50 state attempt. I was wonderfully surprised. It's a small race, in a very small town. Registration and 'expo' is at the town center, which is a small building that also serves as the library, boy scout hall, VA meeting hall, etc. but wonderfully friendly people, great Marathon hat (my first ever personalized hat -had my name sewn across the side!) Race starts at a picturesque marina, about 70-80 sailboats, and runs 2 miles up road to the trail. Mostly single track, challenging, but smooth, with spectacular, breath taking views. 11 mile loop follows the lakes, and even after a rainy week was in great shape. I stayed dry the whole race and only had to hop over mud a few times. You then run two miles back to town. Simple, beautiful, and elegant in its simplicity. I felt free and happy and appreciative of the return to nature. Great race. big thumbs up !

Nice course and the VOLUNTEERS are really nice people and really helpful. I always come back because i know you get your monies worth in merchandise.