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Jul 2, 2024

Hatfield-McCoy Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Hatfield-McCoy Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.8

Number of comments: 200 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

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a. l. from canal winchester ohio (6/14/2010) "My favorite marathon so far." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the most challenging marathon I have ever run. It was also the most fun I've ever had! I loved running up and down Blackberry Mountain and across the swinging bridge at mile 18. I even loved running on the road with the mud and gravel and seeing the huge drop-off cliffs with the river below. Also I saw a waterfall coming off of a hill. I loved the whole setting. It is definitely coal-miner country and I loved the people and the town where it finished. I got to high-five Hatfield and Mccoy at the finish. They had the long beards and had their guns. I also liked when race organizers led us in prayer before the start. After I finished, the volunteers offered me a chair to sit in and got me a banana. I just know this marathon will get bigger and bigger, and I will get the word out to people. This marathon is worth it! I had a blast!
Bob Kroeger from Cincinnati (6/13/2010) "Five-star scenery, humor, and character" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was 39th in my marathon collection since beginning in 2005, an assortment that stretches from Alaska to Carlsbad and Napa to Mount Desert Island in Maine (which was the most scenic). The Hatfield-McCoy fits into my top ten and places second in the most scenic category and first in aid stations. Despite 69-degree temps and some intense rain cloudbursts, the course simply never got boring. No stretches through industrial parks. No boring suburbia. Simply beautifully green rolling hills with vegetation so lush that you thought you were in a Cambodian jungle. Butterflies were dancing on the pavement and dogs were barking. With steep and thick forested mountains, this was bear country (lots of trash cans inside metal cages). The hill around mile six to eight is not a killer, but be careful not to run down it too quickly. The race committee knew how to prepare for a hot marathon: aid stations every mile or so, with ice water at most. By splashing the cold water over my head, it felt as if my body temperature was going down two degrees. How refreshing! The other choices were Gatorade or PowerAde, with the occasional banana and gel. And the volunteers - friendly country folk - dressed in green marathon t-shirts, and made us feel very welcome. Around mile 12 the course bends sharply to the right and is well marked with blue directional paint. My friend and I saw a runner ignoring this turn and going directly across the road. Despite our yelling and shouting, he kept going (the hazards of wearing headphones). At this point the course crosses the river into Maketwan where the half-marathon ends. So, we continued through and then back across the road. A few miles later we saw our unfortunate runner coming back at us, telling us that he missed mile 13. Since that spot was at mile 15, he now had to run an extra four or five miles. Another reason not to wear headphones. Yes, there is a stretch of gravelly road that makes running difficult; and a little farther there is a stretch of muddy slog where your white shoes will turn brown quickly. Thats OK, although you might consider wearing trail shoes if the weather is really wet. And then you get a chance to run along a par 5 at the Tug Valley Country Club (watch out for shanks and hooks) and then over a swinging wooden bridge, which can be slick in the rain (be careful). I appreciated the golfers in the four carts waiting for me and my friend to cross! At the finish, volunteers put an ice cold towel around your neck and offer cold watermelon slices and drinks. A medical tent (empty) was easy to spot: well placed. Each finisher received a plaque engraved with his finishing position inside a mason jar, showing that each marathon finisher is a winner. Age bracket metal engravings will be mailed to those who placed in the top three, another nice touch. Most of all, it was good to run in the heart of coal country where miners risk their lives daily to provide for their families. Great job on the pasta dinner - simple pasta with red sauce, and tasty banana pudding. Thats all I needed. And five stars also to the Sycamore Inn for giving us a late checkout and plenty of ice for a cold bath after the race. Our room was clean and not far from the finish. And, since I ran for the McCoy clan, I'm glad we won!!
g. K. from Raleigh NC (6/13/2010) "Went beyond expectations" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I read the comments prior to running this race, and for the most part the comments were right on. You would be hard-pressed to find a more organized or nicer bunch of people. The course had some hills, but for the most part it was rolling - which I found a lot easier on my legs. Mile 6 was the steepest but certainly doable. There were water stops every mile. There were very few spectators on the course, so it was nice to have the frequency of the stops. The volunteers were all great. I also found it to be a very pretty course. I liked the second half better than the first 13. We went though a paved path part; it was pretty muddy, due to the days of rain. We also went through a golf course and than over a swinging bridge, which was pretty cool. I had just done the Shamrock this past March, and I found this race to offer a nice contrast with the flatness and overall bordom of that course. I had a great time and would recommend it to anyone who is not trying for a BQ.
David Hurley from Roanoke, VA (6/13/2010) "Near the Top of 60 Marathons" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Having run 60 marathons, I would place this one near the top due to organization and the hospitality of the people. The rain was a blessing considering that it could have been blistering hot. Delicious pre-race pasta dinner. The water stations were plentiful and appreciated. The volunteers were very friendly throughout the race. As we ran the route, it was always interesting to see what was around the next curve in the road. There are only two points that I recognize that could enhance the marathon. One would be to add a few more volunteers to direct us along the course; however, the course was well marked. When we were approaching the last mile as we entered the main highway, traffic was congested. I really thought a car coming out of a fast food restaurant was going to strike a runner. It is awesome that a small marathon like this one attracts runners from so many states and a few countries. Thanks to David and his staff for doing an outstanding job.
L. P. from Lexington, KY (6/13/2010) "Not a bumpkin race at all!" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 TO: David and the rest of the Goody, KY and Williamson, WV Community: Thank you so much for an excellent marathon! What a great event! As a resident of Kentucky, I understand that most Kentuckians shun the stereotypes associated with Appalachia and hillbillies. The Hatfield-McCoy marathon CELEBRATES that narrative in a fun, tasteful and amusing way. And I was thrilled to be a part of this year's commemoration! Although my time was a PW (personal worst, to quote B.B. from Elizabeth City), I had more fun than at any of my previous 56 marathons. The aid stations: water, bottled Gatorade and PowerAde poured into cups (not the powdered mix) were abundant, if not too closely spaced. Many of the aid stations had gels and fruits (grapes, watermelon and bananas) and were staffed by volunteers, including small children and the elderly. The race is a community-supported event, and every community along the course participates to the fullest, including allowing runners to bunk at locals' homes (not many hotels in the region), as well as at the Williamson, WV Fire Dept. Talk about hospitality; we even saw one runner coming out of a private home around Mile 11 on the course - one of the aid station volunteers had allowed a runner to use the house bathroom! In addition to the Hatfield and McCoy high-fives at the finish line, finishers were met with iced towels, a mason jar finisher's trophy and an engraved medal that sports the faces of Randolph McCoy and Devil Anse Hatfield. The local pub, Starters, provided free barbecue, hot dogs and fresh veggies for finishers. Potato chips and soft drinks, too. :) This race is bargain as pre- and post-race meals (including vegetarian options) were included in the registration fee. Race tees are 100% cotton (fun and kitschy design) and the finish line towel at the end makes a nice kitchen memento. Very interesting course with lots of countryside, hefty doses of rural squalor, yard art galore, fragrant wildflowers and trees, friendly dogs that join the running fun, and folks waving from their front porches. A long section of the course along the river even had homemade signs adorning electrical poles, welcoming back returning runners - their names and home towns were listed. This added touch was symbolic of the kindness and hospitality of the folks of eastern KY and southwestern WV! What gems! For a small race, this one is tops! I'm looking forward to seeing my name and home town listed on one of those electrical poles next year! Again, thank you so much for a really fun race. Can't wait until next year!
J. C. from Pittsburgh, PA-USA (6/13/2010) "Superb Hospitality!! Challenging Course!!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The entire town comes out to support this event with genuine kindness!! Great pasta dinner and post-race food. Course is well marked (except coming into the half when some people crossed the street instead of turning right). You must train for hills! One trail section was a little muddy due to rain. A great value in a smaller race. I would highly recommend this race as long as you train properly.
T. T. from Southern Illinois (7/8/2009) "Very Interesting, But Fun" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 It's definitely not a first marathon race or a PR race. It was very scenic for most of the race, running by the river. There was a 3-mile stretch right after the half mark that they don't tell you about; you run through mud and rocks. It's not an easy race; there are some tough hills and it's very humid. Organizers did a great job! Water stops were placed every mile, but spectators were very few besides the water stops. Good food before and after. Nice people.
B. B. from Elizabeth City, North Carolina (6/22/2009) "Wow! Has to be at the top for most fun marathons!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Don't run this marathon if you're looking for a PR; you may well get a PW (personal worst) time-wise. However, if you want to have the most fun you've ever had at a marathon, don't miss this one. From the pasta dinner (including the skit of the Hatfield/Mccoy feud) to the unique course (complete with beautiful mountains, golf course and swinging bridge), you will have a ball. Spectators are few in number but as enthusiastic as you will find. Many will be in their yards and on their porches. Besides, who needs throngs of spectators when you have a course as great as this? In addition to all of this along the way, you get high-fives from Hatfield and Mccoy at the finish line. Then cool off and enjoy the festival and barbecue. This is more than a marathon. It's an experience. Nicer people you will never meet. Makes me proud to be a native West Virginian. Keep up the great work, David and all volunteers. You have something very special. See you in 2010.
Doug McCarty from Montgomery, AL (6/20/2009) "It's like Aunt Bee's home cookin' for marathoners!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run plenty of marathons, big and small, all over the U.S. This one just placed #1 on my list for greatest all-around marathon experience. Not many fans, but every single one made a sincere effort to raise my spirits. I got shot by two (very pretty) Hatfields and McCoys at water station #23 (water pistols). Organizers posted handmade signs on trees throughout the course for nearly every racer: "Go, Joe from Wisconsin." (Nice touch.) A little boy threw me a pass with his football going down the final stretch (and I threw a spiral back to him). Awesome and NUMEROUS water stations. About 90% of the course is run under the shade of trees - great for a June race! Hills are hills... get over it. The officials worked triple overtime to fix damage and prep the course due to recent flooding. The cold fountain to dip your feet in after the finish was HEAVENLY! Even the local churches donated their vans as shuttles for runners getting to the starting line. If an award could be given for "Best Total Community Support," the H&M Marathon would win, hands down! This should be on your list of "must do" marathons.
K. M. from Fort Lee, NJ (6/18/2009) "The course had a little bit of everything." (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Yeah, this course had a little bit of everything, from hills to a bridge to gravel to mud. Overall, the course was somewhat difficult, and may not be set up for a PR. However, if you are looking for a challenge, then do the full marathon. During the second half, I was mainly by myself, and what I liked was that the course was marked very well. Overall, great organization.

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