This was a small, ~50 runners, marathon, but very well organized. Great trail around a lake. It was remarkably dry for having withstood almost 1.5 inches of rain in the preceding 36 hours. Event went off on time. Course was well marked. No hills, but lots of roots to look out for. Very twisty/turny, never more than 50 feet of straight trail. By the second loop, the half marathoners had started and the trail was starting to get pretty chewed up. I got plenty muddy, but never wet, with which I was pleasantly surprised. And thankful. Water stops every 3 miles, and good post-race spread. I would definitely do this one again.

If you love trails and you love challenges, then this is the race for you. Single track and secluded, the Herb Parson's trail Marathon is filled with all the mud, roots, and hills to keep even the most masochistic runner happy, but is also amazingly scenic and well supported. It is a double out and back around a wooded lake that is surprisingly beautiful despite being so close to a major city (Memphis.) The rain and sleet that accompanied this year's race made things even a little tougher, but also added to the rustic and secluded feel of the trail. The race was well supported and the coaster and finishers' medal were great. No t-shirt but the gloves were handy and appreciated. Overall, a race well worth the effort.

This was a great, no frills, trail marathon. We ran on muddy single-track, that only got more slippery as the rain continued. The marathon goes out and back twice on a well marked trail, so you get 7 aid stations with gatorade, coke, cookies, m&ms and chips. It was a quiet adventure through the trees, stepping on padded leaves and over roots. I enjoyed the rain, the solitude and the clearing along the lake into the finish area. Good price, nice people, great medal, a car coaster and gloves for swag. I'd absolutely run again.