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Registration for 2009 is now available.
::go to registration
What our participants say about this race...
B. C. from Asheville, NC (10/7/08)
I cannot say enough good things about this race. The single
track keeps your attention as you run through the thick woods.
Beautiful scenery throughout as you run along the edge of the lake.
It's mostly flat, with some rolling hills. The miles pass quickly.
It's not one to do if you like a lot of fanfare, but the aid
stations are all very well stocked and most have a small cheering
section. Nice shirts, medals, and awards. I would highly recommend
this race to anyone looking for a nice trail marathon.
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L. M. from CARY, NC (10/5/08)
I train in Umstead in Cary, which is a great warm-up for Triple
Lakes. I did the half but have run ultra-distances. The weather was
perfect (2008), people are friendly, cold beer is a HUGE plus and
the trails were up and down and all around, like trails should be.
It was marked better this year and I love how they changed it around
- much better. I believe the pros outweigh the cons. On the down
side: People sometimes get annoyed with other non-racers running
through, or the bikers coming up behind you or in front. But most of
the time you get the right a way and a smile. Sometimes the food or
drinks sit in the hot sun and it doesn't make for a very good
refreshment.
I love the race - it's challenging but doable, and God willing, I'll
be back next year!!
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P. S. from Jacksonville, Florida (10/8/07)
This was a great trail marathon and quite challenging for a
flat-lander like me. You can start early if you want. The support
staff was great. The trails were marked very clearly. I would
consider doing this one again, especially if it's cooler next year.
This is definitely one of my favorite marathons.
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Christa Phipps from Charlotte, NC (2/25/07)
This was my 1st trail marathon and I am hooked. This year, it
rained and was very muddy, but I feel this made the run even better.
On one hand, you do not have to be a hardcore trail runner to do
this race, but on the other hand, you will keep your eyes on the
ground most of the time.
I thought the aid stations were well stocked and I have never had
PB&J so good. =) The pizza was great at the end. The trail was
beautiful!
I never wanted this marathon to be over. And I was not really
that sore afterwards... though this may be due to the walking and
sliding DOWN the muddiest of hills.
If you want a fun, yet challenging trail run, do this one!
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R. J. from Georgia (10/11/06)
A nice run through the forest on good single-track; not too
technical but constant, unrelenting hills and roots; and this year,
rain and mud! Great volunteers and a nice, very well-marked trail,
with prominent blazes and mile markers, although I would like to see
a 13.1 (halfway) marker at all races. Typical of trail races, there
are no clocks except at the finish, so wear a watch. Aid stations
were adequately stocked and well-spaced, but you might want to carry
a water bottle. Finishers got a nice pint beer glass with race logo.
A nice technical T-shirt that says, "Road racing is for wimps."
There were enough runners so that you could occasionally pass or
get passed, but not too many to make the trail crowded. Don't expect
any spectator support; most of the time you will be running all by
yourself through the woods.
Bottom line: an excellent trail marathon for beginning and
experienced trail-runners alike.
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T. M. from Brunswick, ME (8/11/06)
This was my first trail marathon... and I am now hooked. I no
longer enjoy beating myself into the asphalt... let's hit the woods!
Course: Natural BEAUTY... single track through some of the most
scenic woods in North Carolina. The BEAST part was the constant up
and down of hills on the way. While there was no single mountain or
hill that I remember, it was the 7 miles (somewhere between mile 8
to 15) of constant climbing and descent that are memorable. There
were plenty of things to see along the way! The only drawback was
the last mile or two where we had to pass the finish area and do an
out-and-back to make the milage. It was cruel.
Course support was adequate... but runners should bring their own
water bottles. It seemed like maybe 5 or more miles between some aid
stations. Stations were well stocked with a wide variety of gels,
drinks, and goodies.
Awards: Finishers were unceremoniously given a mug.... It is hard
to wear a mug around your neck! I prefer medals, or something made
from the woods, maybe a painted pinecone or something. But they had
nice awards for people who placed (not me).
The massage at the end was awesome... and the race-day atmosphere
was perfect for this type of event.
If you are looking for a small-town trail race with enough
challenge to push you but not enough to break you (like Grandfather
Mt.), then this is the race for you. Also it was a good training run
for the JFK Ultra.
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