Bobcat Trail Marathon

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.