Amazing! This is a difficult course, but it is also the most organized and spirited marathon I've done. Because of weather and 2 hills, I would say give it a second thought if you want to PR. I did meet several people who it was their first marathon. I'm not sure what I would recommend for a first. The aid stations are excellent. The volunteers are plentiful. It's a beautiful, historic marathon, with beautiful views. It does require some more logistical planning you might not have to do for a a bigger race, but it's worthwhile. Example: I flew into West Virginia but my hotel was in Kentucky, so this was the first time I had to worry about a car rental. Everything is easy to navigate though. Everyone is friendly and accommodating. They will gladly help if you ask. The course is well marked. It's also a good race if you're a slower runner --they really care about the back of the pack runners! The medal is big and not my favorite, but it is one of my favorite race shirts. They also include a generous pasta dinner the night before. Definitely recommend this race! read more

Just completed the 2013 Hatfield-McCoy marathon on Saturday, 06/08/2013. This was state #36 on my personal quest to run 50 states from Hawaii. With 14 more left to go, I can see the end in sight. Just need to plug away and everything will be alright. The Hatfield-McCoy marathon was named after the bloody feud that sparred on for years in the rugged, rural Kentucky / West Virginia border before ending almost peacefully in the late 1880's. I hadn't planned on running this one till my final year of 50 states, but as luck will have it, I did secure a wonderful flight itinerary along with a lovely flight price, so I booked that flight almost immediately. Staying with friends at the Holiday Inn Express in Pikeville, KY, it was the making of an epic weekend adventure that I will never forget. The Hatfield-McCoy marathon started on the Kentucky side and finishes up on the West Virginia side, just right over state lines in a town called Williamson. For 50 States Marathon Club rules, you can pick either state for the race to count, but not both. For me, since I ran Kentucky Derby marathon 2 months ago for KY, for sure that I will be counting this race for WV. This race is very small, but popular especially due to the theme of the race. The course weaves through rural Kentucky and West Virginia, crossing over state lines many times, but you would not know where at times, since there was no signage to let you know so. It didn't feel like it was a out and back course, but a point to point with a few u turns and a couple of loops to keep you on your feet. The start was near Belfry High School on the Kentucky side at the Food City, which is a local grocery store. All us marathoners gathered at the parking lot and had a fun time. At least 1/2 of the race field belong to the Marathon Maniacs, an elite marathon group that encourages marathoners to run marathons close together while having fun at the same time. Most of the course was on private residential road, which was good. Although a lot of these residential roads were open to traffic, we didn't have much trouble running 26.2 miles. There was a few cars that came real close to me, so I had to jump back and avoid them before they hit me. But we were in rural Kentucky, so they were fortunately far and few between. The course weaved through key places where the Hatfield-McCoy feud had taken place, which was great for the tourists like me. Thankful that there was no course time limit, so I took my time and immersed myself in the history and the atmosphere where all this feuding took place over a century ago. The course was very challenging and thankful for the aid stations with wonderful volunteers. Plenty of course support, more than what you would normally find. One big hill at mile 7, then rolling hills thereafter. The weather that morning was a cool misty 62 degrees till mile 12, which was awesome. It kept my mind off of things during the early miles. Then the sun came out and it was a challenge their after. The course ran through a golf course at mile 18 and through a rickety bridge that swayed when you walked on it, so that was harrowing for me when it did swing and I just froze up. Thankfully, I got across somehow and continued onward. Upon crossing the finish line, I got my finisher's medal and a photo with actors who played Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield and Ran'l McCoy, both with replica guns and the time period clothing. The works! It was a priceless trip that I wouldn't trade in for the world. We also got a mason jar with the Hatfield-McCoy marathon logo on it. They say that people drink liquor in glass jars back in the day - including illegal moonshine. I've been told that they do that till this day too. Guess traditions don't die, they just live on. There was finish line food, but my friends and I just left without staying too long, since we needed to get back to Indianapolis, IN as quickly as we could, while dropping me and another friend in Cincinatti, OH that day. I would definitely recommend this epic road race to anyone who loves to run marathons. They have a half marathon event too. New for this year is the 1st and 2nd half marathon, where you run the first half marathon, get a finish time, rest for a little bit, and race the 2nd half marathon and get a finish time for that too. Perfect for those who are running half marathons in 50 States, which is probably what I may do later in life. Loving the travel, the airfares and travel costs - not so much. Thankful as always that I have the physical and financial means to do this. To achieve a great goal is awesome, but the sacrifices are huge. It all balances out somehow in the end. #RunMore A+ #Yelp marathons!! read more

See all

This is a bucket list race! I can't remember the last time I both loved and hated a race at the same time. This is when I warn you to train in the heat! If the forecast for your long run is sunny and hot, DO NOT run early, wait for the heat. Your body will be better prepared. I asked one of the great volunteers at mile 23 or 24 if temperatures in the upper 80's and low 90's was normal. His response? "Absolutely! its like this every year!" Now I know why the Weather Channel rates this marathon they way they do. Will I do it again? You better believe it! The volunteers and course support is awesome. At water stop #10 (there is one every mile except mile 14 or 15) the volunteers have been there for the past 15 marathons supporting runners. At mile 5 we were treated to Icees and popsicles at mile 20 (I think). I loved water stop #8 which is situated at the bottom of Blackberry Mountain. The lovely volunteers greeted us with ice water, wide welcoming grins and lots of encouragement! Just past the swinging bridge we were showered by water guns and cheered on. While the course is absolutely beautiful, it is the warmth and support of the volunteers at the water stops, many of whom are families, who give up their Saturday one day a year to support a bunch of crazy runners that will make this run memorable. They are there with water, gatorade, fresh fruit and a smile and I could not have completed this race without them! read more

See all