Southern Tennessee Plunge Marathon - Race Reviews

This was a well organized race with plenty of water stops every two miles with various munchies. This race appeals to the older race crowd and the half is one serious group. The spectators were maybe five people and two of those were out walking their dogs so they may not count. But i personally do not run marathons based on spectators anyway. With me driving up from Florida the hills were quite challenging but doable.

This little marathon is in a beautiful part of Tennessee. The people are great and welcome you to their town. It can be a lonely run, but the escorts by police and others make it seem that they really go out of their way to help you. I was last but the support I got and the people who waited for me truly warmed my heart.

While this was a small town marathon with a small field, even with the half-marathoners, race organization was superb. Hats off to the local police and fire departments of the small towns we crossed. Pre-race packet pick-up was easy, with race-day sign-up if you chose to wait until the last minute. Parking was available in lots a block from the start/finish area and on the streets as well, and there were virtually no lines for port-o-lets until just before the start; even then, it wasn't much. The course was modestly hilly and rolling for the first half, with a long straight stretch on 41A, which wasn't scenic, but they did give us an entire lane to run in unencumbered for several miles. This section is about to be repaved, so the surface had been ground down, which wasn't the best to run on, but next year's racers will have new blacktop, so this criticism will no longer apply. Water stops were every 2 miles without fail, and most also had Gatorade. Paper cups would be an improvement over the plastic ones used at several this year. A little tutorial for the volunteers would also helptell them to balance the cups on their palms next year. But these are minor points. The course was well marked, and the local police and fire departments were posted anywhere you could possibly get lost and at every intersection. They stopped traffic for us well in advance of us reaching the intersections, and I never felt any pressure from any drivers, except for one who didn't move over for me as I trudged up mile 26. The second half of the race turned onto back roads through Estill Springs before heading back to Winchester. This section was hillier, with more turns. There are 3 significant hills in this section, at miles 19, 23-24 and 26. The latter was easily the worst. Imagine heartbreak hill at mile 26. For reference, I was second overall at 3:13, and these and mile 4 were the only 4 miles that I was over 7:30. I barely broke 8 minutes on 26. In all fairness, I started the day hoping to run 3:15. Conditions were nearly perfect. It was 50 degrees at the start, and it was only 72 when I left the area to drive home at 11:30. There was also a headwind in the last 2-3 miles, which didn't make the climbs any easier. There was abundant post-race food, with Little Caesar's and Subway both contributing. The finisher's medal wasn't a medal at all, but rather a plastic diamond suspended from a ribbon. However, overall and age group awards were nice, and you were almost guaranteed to win one. Overall and Master's awards were plastic plaques in the shape of the State of Tennessee, mounted on a wooden base with your finish place. Age group awards were mugs. Overall, I'd recommend this race with a few caveats. I an unaware of any hotels in the area. I stayed in a Hampton Inn in Tullahoma 30 minutes away. You had better like solitude when you run, and you had better be prepared for late race hills.

Small race. Only 70 in the full. I ran completely alone for three and a half hours! Could not see anyone ahead or behind me after half marathoners turned off at mile 6. If you don't like races with solitude them this isnt for you. Miles 18_25 are very hilly. Lots of traffic on main road and on back roads but very well controlled by police and staff. Great aide stops plenty of drink and food throughout the course. Awesome race pullover zip up jacket. Good medal. Age group award same medal, different color. Would have liked something different. Recommend adding more basic info to race website. Had to email race director about basic issues like bag drop, public shower access and whether or not pacers would be provided.

Small, intimate road race. Made me a little nervous to run with my back to the cars. Packet pick-up was super easy, no expo, there is race day pick-up. Parking is easy, nearby and free. Course was okay, rolling hills caused my legs to cramp but volunteers and aid stations were superb. And the police, fire and EMS were everywhere so runners were well cared for. All runners got a long sleeve tech shirt and a heavy medal.

Very well planned and executed race! They had packet pick on the day of the race which was very convenient. Well organized and quick. Parking was great, literally next to the start. The start was in the town square which is very nice and quaint. Race started on time and the start area was well organized. The course overall was very nice, expect for the stretch on the highway. However, overall well laid out with some rolling hills but no real hard core hills. The post race area was well set up with plenty of drinks and food for every runner. The race team did an outstanding job and I will return next year. Thanks for a great race.

I ran this race as my Tennessee race and I was not disappointed. The more races I run the more I find I prefer these smaller more intimate ones. I feel race day stress is eliminated and you get a better local feel. I flew into Nashville (got a good fare too) and the drive to Winchester was only 2 hours. Packet pick-up is a breeze but don't expect an expo. They also have a race day pick-up. The race begins in the lovely town square of Winchester TN. Parking is easy, near by and free. As I said this race is small w/ only 106 in the full and 198 in the half. My only criticism with the organization is they could've used a few more port-a-potties at the start. I gave the course only 3 stars because there's an ugly 6 plus mile section on a 4 lane highway. Once we turn off of that road we get very nice rural scenery. We also cross a few bodies of water which are also very nice. There are a few rollers on the course but they shouldn't scare anyone away. If you get cool weather this could be a PR type of course. The course support of this race is as good as you'll ever see. I think every single intersection had a police or fireman there to protect the runners. They were often very supportive of the runners too. Aid stations were every two miles and they came like clock work. They all had water and gatorade. Also the stops were encouraged to have themes and many out did themselves. This year was quite hot and humid so they should've added one or two stops the final 10K. More and more I'm seeing races add a few down the home stretch when runners really need it. As I said the race has great swag especially when you consider the size of the race. A long sleeve tech shirt, a nice tech cap and a heavy medal. The post race food is traditional race fare but there was plenty left for us slower marathoners and they had chocolate milk! Yeah!

The course was okay. The biggest downside was a long 5-6 miles stretch on a four lane highway. Most of the rest of the course was run on little back roads, through country neighborhoods, which was cute and pleasant. The course support was astounding. There were police officers/firefighters/volunteers blocking almost every intersection! Many of them were very encouraging, which made up for the lack of actual spectators on the course. The biggest downside to the course was that there were many areas where the road was very sloped, which I found very difficult to run on. Additionally, there were aid stations with water and gatorade (and oranges later in the course) every two miles - and every aid station had a port-o-potty! Organization Details for the event were well communicated on the website and in a pre-race email that was sent a couple of days prior to the event. Additionally, packet pick-up was quick and easy (there were only 115 marathon finishers so no congestion there!). I didn't go to an expo or anything, so I can't comment on that. They also allowed you to change your shirt size, which was a nice perk that isn't always offered. The course was easy to follow with assistance/signage at all the turns. I was really surprised at how well-organized everything was even after reading reviews about how nice a job they do in this regard. Additionally, the race results were posted within a day online. Fans There weren't many actual fans/spectators out on the course, however, there were an extensive number of volunteers who served as cheerleaders throughout the course. There were a couple of places with high schoolers cheering us on that was very nice. Additionally, the police officers and firefighters directing and blocking traffic offered support much of the time. I would have liked more support at the finish line, though. There were only a couple of people clapping for any given finisher at a time. It would have been nice to have some volunteers there just to bring a bit more excitement to the end. Swag Loved the swag. Received a nice green long sleved tech shirt. Came in men and women's cuts. Only improvement I would recommend there would be to make one just for the marathon. The medal is nice and heavy. Also received a hat. I enjoyed this race and would do it again, albeit probably not until I've run many other races. For others I would recommend this race if the schedule/location works out for you or you just want to knock off Tennessee, but I wouldn't necessarily travel just for this race outside of that.

2012 Race This was my first marathon and I couldn't have been more impressed with the organization of the race. Water, Gatorade and toilets every 2 miles, couldn't have asked for more. The later part of the course was rolling hills, and you can expect long periods where you may be running by yourself, but practically every turn and side street had volunteers or police. Overall a great experience!

This is a nice race for those looking for a small fall race. My expectations were far exceeded for a race this small. Here are the pros and cons that I saw: Pros: 1). Small field. This race only had about 100+ runners in the full and maybe twice that in the half. It is easy to stay local, park close by and show up very close to the start time. 2). Good course support/volunteers. There were water stops with a port-o-let every two miles. Just about every intersection had a volunteer or two to help control traffic. There were actually some cheer zones with very enthusiastic fans. 3). Nice finish for a race this size. Names/hometowns were announced as runners approached the finish line. The guy helping at the food station practically acted like a waiter taking food orders and grabbing pizza, snacks and drinks to help finishers. Cons: 1). This first half of the course is not much to look at; it's run mostly on a 4-lane highway bordered by strip malls. The second half is better with farms and the lake for scenery, but is on two-lane roads and is open to traffic. 2). The course has rolling hills, which isn't necessarily bad, except that two of the hills come at miles 23 and 25.

This is for the 2012 race: What a great race in a friendly small town. We were able to park less than 1 block from the registration desk. The race started on time the course ran on a road that was coned off giving you a wide area to run. I think there were more friendly volunteers and police than runners (they had someone posted at every driveway). The course was beautiful with rolling hills, neighborhoods and lake crossings. The people of Winchester could not be more friendly. Every so often you would come around a bend and there would be local cheerleaders, a widows group or a family madly cheering you on. At the finish they were passing out whole pizzas. We ate ours in a little coffee shop overlooking the finish line (try doing that at a big race). Don't miss this experience!

I've recently just started my quest for a marathon in each state. I'm really glad that I chose this for the state of Tennessee. I've raced in road races for over 16 years and I have never seen a race put together so well in such a little town. Pros: *Course was rolling but not difficult. *Plenty of Water stops *An army of support staff on course. *nice rural area with no tag along dogs. *A nice finisher's medal that could also serve as a weapon (really heavy). *Coffee shop adjacent to the finish line very convenient for the drive home. Cons: *Small race in terms of people, so not too many people to pace off after the split for the half marathoners.

(This is an update to my 2011 comments) I had mentioned many great things about the race but also that I thought the 2nd half could have been better not running with some of the traffic. Well, that was my first marathon and as I have seen in reviews for other races the first timers can sometimes be overly critical about their first course and I was no exception. Now that I have more marathons and half marathons under my belt I would not have been bothered running it today. Since then I've been in events where we were left to ourselves with no road support and in comparison the 2nd half wasn't that big of a deal since we had road support the entire route. Huge hindsight thanks to the Winchester organizers for a nice event with a beautiful date specific medal I can hang up to remember my first marathon!

Loved this race and small town. Set my PR on this course Volunteer and traffic support was the best. I felt like they had at least 2 volunteers for every runner. I was never concerned about traffic. Water stations every 2 miles and very friendly. Perfect time of year for weather, l like the 7 am start, nice tech shirts and medals were nice. Beware of last 10k, very hilly. Last mile steepest elevation climb. Brutal. Would love to run this race again.

I ran this race earlier this month, and I couldn't be happier that I choose it. What a cute, tiny well-run marathon. I have only ran one other marathon, Dallas White Rock, so I didn't know what to expect with such a small field. I was happily surprised! Tons of volunteers to keep the runners safe and keep us hydrated. I stayed in Manchester, which was a little drive but the Ambassador Hotel let us check out at 1 pm, so I can't complain. Thanks for the Tennessee runners who kept me motivated, you know who you are. Thanks Winchester for a great time!

This is a small town marathon run with more volunteers than most big ones. The course is not flat, rolling and some long gradual ups and more significant climbs about 18 and 24. I drove the course prior to the run and was more worried about the gradual up about mile 6 along a four lane hwy. I was shocked during the race to see so many traffic cones. Runners had one lane and the shoulder and there never was a concern for safety. The water stops where about ever 2 miles and the volunteers working them were very enthusiastic. . This may not be a pr course but it can be an bq, just be aware of mile 18 and 24. I plan on doing this marathon again.

Last year the Southern Tennessee Plunge (STP) Marathon was a great small town event that did a super job for it's first running. They must have learned a thing or two because this year things only got better! I can't believe that such a tiny marathon can do so much while keeping so small. Let's start with the swag. The half and full marathons have independent long sleeve technical shirts in multiple sizes and in both Men's and Women's cuts. The Finisher's Medals are also customized to the Half or the Full and are extremely hefty with inlays of glass, a major step up that puts them on par with the biggest races. B- tags are used to keep track of your times and are built right into the bib. Even the goody bag itself is customized and high quality and worth keeping. The course has been upgraded from last year, especially for the full marathon. Last year the second half of the course was more or less an after thought. This year there are scenic vistas and multiple lake crossings that will keep your attention on mother nature and not your aching legs in the late miles. Yes, there is a boring stretch of about 6 miles down Hwy 41A I would love to see go away but the rest of the course more than compensates for it. The course is also certified making it one of the smallest fields found in any race where you can score a BQ or official record! There are some hills here and the one at mile 25 is particularly daunting coming so late in the course. It's a hard race to PR. Despite that, this is a race that is one of the hidden jewels on the race circuit. I could go on and on but I'll sum it up this way. The STP marathon is a tiny race with big marathon swag and plenty of scenery to boot. The volunteers are second to none and the organization is seamless. Winchester Tennessee may be off the beaten path but this is a race worth making a special trip for. You won't be sorry you came.

This is a wonderful smalltown marathon. Not a lot of spectators, but a lot more than most races this size and far more enthusiastic than you see anywhere. Well organized - no expo or pace groups, but based on the organization I'm willing to bet they will get those things as they grow. Portopotties and waterstops every two miles - amazing with the size of the race. Nice, albeit very hilly!, course. FANTASTIC medal. Friendly race personnel. Overall, fantastic, especially considering size. This is a race that deserves to grow.

This is a nice small town event with a great medal. I liked the fact that they made our marathon medal slightly larger and specific to the marathon and made the half marathon medal specific to that race. Same with the shirts. Kudos to them for doing that. The police support, volunteers, packet pickup, water and port-a-pottie stations every 2 miles, ease of parking, 7:00 start time for October, nice medal and most everything else should make this a 5 star race but unfortunately I need to make it lower because of the 2nd half of the marathon course. I'm one who is fine with hills, city views, sun or just a small number of fans but the one thing that can get old really quick is having to run with traffic and there is too much of that on the second half. Why in the early morning with low traffic we have cones but the second half when traffic is everywhere we have no cones and must run on the white line while lots of cars drive past us is a bit confusing. I'm sure there must be some logistical reason for this but there should be something done about it. With that said it was fun during the very last portion or the course being escorted by a police officer on motorcycle among the traffic. That's not something you normally get to experience. :)

First, the city of Winchester has a beautiful downtown. I felt the pride they have in their community. As for the marathon, it was one of my best runs this year. It was a bit hilly but not intolerable. The finisher medals are very nice. Packet pickup was smooth and the start was very sudden. Generally we get a speech and then we go. All I heard was the gun and off we went. Very nerve racking to run with traffic especially around the curves. All-in-all great race!!!

This was not flat and not fast, and there were almost no spectators. But the race organization was great, and parking for packet pickup and race day was easy, free, and close. There was ample course support and after-race refreshments, and traffic on the main roads was well managed (including a coned-off lane for the 9 miles on the main highway). Overall, this was a top-notch event. I'd recommend it to any marathoner that's ok with running alone on a hilly course. After the half-marathoners split off around mile 8, you're not likely to have a lot of company. (The halfers make up about 3/4 of the starting field.) A note for travellers, there aren't many hotel rooms available in Winchester, TN, and they'll fill up a month or two before the race. So either book a room early or prepare to stay in another town close by. There are plenty of hotel rooms in Tullahoma, TN. It's 25 minutes north, but it's an easy drive along the highway you'll be running on in the race.

Well organized small-town marathon. Every intersection and turn had police and EMT support. No crowds to speak of; but we had a well marked course with aid stations every 2 miles. Course seemed rather flat to slightly rolling. Good early fall marathon for those working for a BQ time. Second half of the course was a bit more remote than the first section. Very small field (fewer than 50 marathoners).

Tennessee is known as the "Volunteer State," and the Plunge Marathon showcases great Southern hospitality in a small, rural setting. This tiny race (150 half and 48 full marathon participants) had more police and volunteers than runners. Thus runners were treated really well and people went out of their way to make sure your every need was met. Packet pickup and parking couldn't have been easier. The course itself was open, and in the city, traffic was a bit of an issue. Some spots were pretty narrow, but the strong police presence was welcome and I never really felt unsafe. I do wish more of the course would be in neighborhoods or run along the scenic lake, which was only visible at 2 brief points. I also would love to see an earlier start time since temperatures that started so ideally were really rising by mid-day when most middle and back of the packers were crossing the finish line. The course itself starts in a scenic small-town square, then runs through Winchester, which would be nice except for the 4-5 miles along congested Hwy 41A. Other than that section, the course was pretty enough. The full marathon branches away from the half near mile 13 and then heads out onto a very rural road, which was also pretty but desolate at times. There is very little shade along the final 5-6 miles and I was really cooking on the black-surfaced roadways despite temps in the mid 70's. The last 1-2 miles back into town were shared with traffic on a 2-lane road and that was a little scary. There were, fortunately, a lot of police here to keep an eye on us. Overall, a nice, small-town race. I wonder if the course couldn't be fine-tuned a bit, but it was pleasant overall. I loved the volunteers and the friendly police support. Definitely not for those who require a lot of fan support, but those who were there were friendly. A good first running.

This race went very smoothly for an inaugural race. The race director was already asking for feedback, which means the necessary changes will be made. The split for half marathon and full marathon was not noticeable. I actually split with halfers, crossed the half line, and had to run an extra quarter of a mile.

I ran the first Plunge Marathon this morning. Course: Very hilly - continual rolling hills. The course fell into two pieces in regards to traffic - complete desolation or packed with traffic. On the back half there were mostly no cars, but on the front half and the last 2 miles the traffic was horrible. For those last 2 miles we had the white line to run on. Organization: Well organized, with a prompt start, water/Gatorade every 2 miles, and easy packet pick-up. Website and information could be enhanced. Spectators: As mentioned above, this was the first year, but there were very few spectators on the course. The ratio of those watching the intersections versus those watching the runners was about 10 to 1.