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Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.9 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 5.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 260 [displaying comments 151 to 161]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 14 15 16 17 18 .. 26 > ]

 

A. R. from Detroit, MI (11/24/2009)
"Awesome course at a perfect time of year." (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Impossible to train for. Well organized, with lots of support on the course, and beautiful scenery.
 

d. h. from nashvegas (11/24/2009)
"Best marathon ever!!!!!!" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This one is tops for those of us who are obsessive compulsive enough to love to run just for the fun of it - endorphins, here we come with this beautiful, unrelenting course in the most pristine setting ever. Trent does a fantastic job coordinating this run and adds flavor to the whole theme of monkey business all year long. Hats off to you, Trent. The volunteers, sponsors, and participants make this a one-of-a-kind event in the hills of the Warner Parks. Thanks again, and I would definitely take a quad beating and do this again.

- Debbie Holliday

Ps. If we won an age group, is there a sock monkey on board or do we lose the opportunity if we could not stay? No problem either way - the fun was in the run!!!!!!!
 

Jan Talmon from Sint Odilienberg, The Netherlands (11/23/2009)
"Survived" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Why only 5 stars to rate this event?

I was warned by the race director, but this exceeded my expectations. The course is fabulous, but tough for a flat-lander.

Organization couldn't be better. Trent is doing a tremendous job. There are more water/aid stations than on a regular marathon, and the after-party is great. My thanks to the other runners who brought in their food and drinks (the home-brewed beer was better than most regular brands).

And the spectators??? At each water station you got an additional boost from the encouraging words of all the volunteers. Sure, they weren't monkeys in disguise, but they were invaluable volunteers who contributed to the success of this event.

Finally, flying monkeys do exist. Not only because it is said so on the internet, but also because I saw them hanging in the trees. It seemed as if they had already tasted the beer. They were friendly enough to let nearly everyone finish.

Monkeys beware; I'll be back.
 

C. L. from Ontario,NY (11/23/2009)
"Definitely worth the trip" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Trent and company did a great job organizing a challenging run in the park. There was not one disappointing or unattractive part of the park. This is not an easy run (or walk) and I would not recommend it for anyone who is not in top condition. The volunteers were enthusiastic, as were the sparse spectators. Don't expect to run with a crowd. Plan on some discomfort, as the hill starting about 18.5 is a real burner. Post-race, they had good food and beer; and the pre-race pasta was good too. The only negative is that it conflicts with opening day for deer in NY. I had a ball!
 

TRACI FALBO from CHARLESTOWN, INDIANA (11/23/2009)
"SADISTIC FUN" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


SADISTIC FUN!! This was the hardest marathon I've ever done. The park it was run in was gorgeous, and deer ran along with us! There were tons of super nice volunteers. There were paper monkeys hanging from the trees in the park... all hand-colored differently with crayons!! The race director is a riot; his emails were hilarious prior to the race. The shirts are awesome. We received a personalized tech shirt and a short-sleeve cotton tee (both were fantastic). The medal is one of the coolest I've ever received (including Boston and all of the Disney races). The top 3 men and women (open and masters) received these gorgeous crocheted monkeys!! I was the 6th female... so close. I hope to earn one in the future! The food at the post-race was insane in quality and quantity, and the door prizes were plentiful! I will be back next year... hopefully the soreness in my legs will be gone by then.
 

N. C. from Carmel Indiana (11/23/2009)
"Ideal Marathon For Those Who Love Running" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


First HHFMM for me, but what a great race. Organization was top-notch, from parking, to the race start, to the on-course support, and to the post-race activities. The course is challenging but stunningly beautiful, as you run through Percy Warner Park.

One thing that strikes you is how welcome everyone makes you feel. From the supporters on the course to others in the park during the day. They really appreciate the race and effort the runners put forth.

The shirts are awesome, as is the post-run food and refreshments, which hit the spot perfectly. This is a great marathon and I look forward to running it again and again and again.
 

Janis Posey from Birmingham, AL (2/18/2009)
"This marathon is for runners, not people who run" (about: 2008)

50+ previous marathons | 3 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


If you run just for the love of running, then this is your race. Trent and the Nashville Striders make you feel like royalty. The scenery is stunning. Whether my time is faster or slower, I know I had a good run! Thank you for all of your hard work to put on one of the best races in the nation.
 

M. W. from Marietta, GA USA (12/30/2008)
"Like No Other" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


If you want a "Rock 'N' Roll" experience, this race isn't for you. But if you want a very difficult run through one of America's largest urban parks in very gorgeous fall foliage (with 199 other people as crazy as yourself), then this is your race. I've run it twice, and both experiences were wonderful and brutal. I don't think I'll do 2009, as other people need a chance to suffer, but if I lived near Nashville, I'd volunteer or run it every year. Don't let the overly clubby message boards on the FMM website scare you off; this is a great race!
 

B. H. from Bristol, TN (12/6/2008)
"Awsome Run in the Park" (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I loved it! Relaxed atmosphere, great support (water and GU or Gatorade absolutely everywhere), perfect weather, beautiful park, fun people. I put in a lot of miles and ran a lot of hills in training, but I walked the steepest hills on the course... and was happy with my sub-5 time.
 

Linda Fuqua-Jones from Colorado (12/3/2008)
"We're not in Kansas..." (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I was very excited to sign up for this not flat, not fast, not certified race. As the months went by and the Monkey got closer and closer, I began to question my decision: What was I thinking? The race was everything the organizers promised plus the weather was perfect on race day. Plenty of aid on the course including chocolate-covered raisins on a silver serving tray after mile 19! All of the volunteers were enthusiastic and encouraging. The pre-race pasta dinner held at a small local restaurant was very good and the post-race feast was like no other! Homemade treats in abundance along with ample local beer. If you gain energy from hoards of cheering fans, sign up for London, but if you enjoy a quiet run through the woods, the hilly woods, go to the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon.
 

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