Drake Well Marathon

The Drake Well race is a small field race with a great community and course support that adequately supports runners of all ability levels. The course itself is never harsh, and support stations are every two miles. Plus, every volunteer and staff express excitement for the runners and enjoyment in the event.

This marathon is worth running especially if you're looking for a tune-up for a fall marathon. The packet pick-up and start were organized with adequate restrooms. The first 7 miles are mostly through the town with no big hills. Most of the roads are not closed, but traffic was very light. There was one time where a pick-up truck came speeding up right behind myself and a small pack of runners. He was annoyed that he could not pass us right away and yelled obscenities before turning off the course. Around mile 8 you enter the state park and run on an asphalt trail. You run noticeably downhill for 9 miles and then noticeably uphill for 9 miles. It's a gradual decent/ascent but you definitely notice it. My only gripe with this race was that it was very humid for race day and they gave out very little water or Gatorade. I'm sure it's not easy to set up water stops deep into the forest, but the few water stops gave out small cups with like a sip of water or Gatorade. I've done over 40 marathons and I've never finished so dehydrated.

Course was a good mix of challenge with a steady incline on the way back and great scenery to keep you distracted by the river and surrounding forest. Spectators are sparse, but from my experience runners who choose these smaller races do so for other reasons and don't care about this. Organization I would've given a 5 if there would've been a map for spectators to know where they could easily watch and if the race map was more complete and included elevation. Side note. Book your hotel well in advance and whatever you do, DO NOT BOOK at the Days Inn Oil City, awful experience.