Kings Mountain Marathon

This marathon has the smallest field I've ever run with, and for the first time I won my age group. I stayed in Kings Mountain, NC, only 7 miles from the start. Packet pickup was simple and I started by myself due to COVID-19. The course is mostly on gravel roads, with a few small rises but nothing extreme. The course is very shady, and the unpaved roads are quiet. The paved portion can be busy later in the morning, and there is no shoulder to the park road. Drink stops are close enough, and in others years they apparently also have food. The only spectators are at the start/finish. Finisher medals and age-group plaques are nice handmade wood. I did this race as part of my 50+DC quest, but if I lived locally I would likely do it again.

This is a perfectly organized and amazing race! Hills are tough enough to be a challenge, but awesome volunteers, State Park trails, fresh air and plenty of shade make it really enjoyable for all levels. With two 13.1 loops you can stage your own food or supplies mid-race. Finishers get custom medals and plenty of food. Come prepared for hills... and enjoy a great time at the Lake!

This marathon is run mostly in a state park and traverses gorgeous countryside. This is a tough but fair course in terms of elevation. This year was brutal due to the high temperatures (record 88 degrees with humidity). I have run this race before in cooler weather with much more enjoyment. In 2014 this event was in early March rather than late April. I think that it would be better to move this back to earlier in the year. With cooler weather this could be a 5 star experience. The race organizers are thoughtful and attentive and volunteers were very helpful and friendly.