As fun as the reviews here say. Packet pickup at Belfry HS in KY was simple and fun on Friday. Plenty of information, a corkboard map to stick a pin … MORE
As fun as the reviews here say. Packet pickup at Belfry HS in KY was simple and fun on Friday. Plenty of information, a corkboard map to stick a pin in where you were from, a really fun local goods expo.
We stayed at the Mountaineer Hotel, a block from the marathon finish (5k start & finish), and it was straight out of 1925 in a fun way – well maintained but true to the original as could be. The regular elevator was out of order so the original now a freight elevator was run by a staff member – “step up, please”.
The 2022 weather started as great running weather – cloudy and 65. The start in the Food City parking lot worked. This was the 23rd year, the locals must be used to it, the only coned off section was the last mile but it all worked, passing cars on the river road were all pleasant. The total ascent on my watch was 1,217. The famous hill was persistent but not steep. The course is scenic since the whole area is scenic.
The production was true to the reviews here – the whole town seemed friendly and the water stations were numerous and helpful. The swag was fun, the same medal for all races but it increased in size from 5k to half to full. Full is near the size of a bread plate. The shirt is nice, I love the motto “no feudin’ just runnin’” and the two hillbillies in running shorts & shoes made it 5 shoe swag for me.
I am glad we spent the weekend on the race, it was a lot of fun.
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Almost Heaven, West Virginia
As fun as the reviews here say. Packet pickup at Belfry HS in KY was simple and fun on Friday. Plenty of information, a corkboard map to stick a pin … MORE
As fun as the reviews here say. Packet pickup at Belfry HS in KY was simple and fun on Friday. Plenty of information, a corkboard map to stick a pin in where you were from, a really fun local goods expo.
We stayed at the Mountaineer Hotel, a block from the marathon finish (5k start & finish), and it was straight out of 1925 in a fun way – well maintained but true to the original as could be. The regular elevator was out of order so the original now a freight elevator was run by a staff member – “step up, please”.
The 2022 weather started as great running weather – cloudy and 65. The start in the Food City parking lot worked. This was the 23rd year, the locals must be used to it, the only coned off section was the last mile but it all worked, passing cars on the river road were all pleasant. The total ascent on my watch was 1,217. The famous hill was persistent but not steep. The course is scenic since the whole area is scenic.
The production was true to the reviews here – the whole town seemed friendly and the water stations were numerous and helpful. The swag was fun, the same medal for all races but it increased in size from 5k to half to full. Full is near the size of a bread plate. The shirt is nice, I love the motto “no feudin’ just runnin’” and the two hillbillies in running shorts & shoes made it 5 shoe swag for me.
I am glad we spent the weekend on the race, it was a lot of fun.
Fun Race but difficult summer conditions
Great course, somewhat hilly but absolutely beautiful scenery. Many sections were muddy because of the torrential rain the night before. Race course support was awesome. Several cheering stations. Medal is … MORE
Great course, somewhat hilly but absolutely beautiful scenery. Many sections were muddy because of the torrential rain the night before. Race course support was awesome. Several cheering stations. Medal is super fun too. It was super hot and humid and I struggled to keep going. Thankful I finished!!
Fun Themed Race
This was a fun point to point race and really played up the Hatfield & McCoy feud theme. The River Road half, run was relatively flat with some rolling hills. … MORE
This was a fun point to point race and really played up the Hatfield & McCoy feud theme. The River Road half, run was relatively flat with some rolling hills. Ability to run double half marathons and achieve two states (KY/WV) on the same day. I only ran the River Road, and based on elevation maps and participant discussion, it was definitely the easier of the two. Plenty of water stops, but not many porta-potties. There is one section of the course that is a trail primarily used for ATV rides. Because it had been raining the week prior to the race, the trail was muddy and there were several ruts with puddles to run (or walk) around. The view was pretty because you were running in a valley between the mountains, but a lot of it was quite rural. This was fun race!
Challenging Course in High Humidity
This marathon is a good choice to take West Virginia or Kentucky off your 50 States list, but it is not an easy course. In the first ten miles, a … MORE
This marathon is a good choice to take West Virginia or Kentucky off your 50 States list, but it is not an easy course. In the first ten miles, a mile long steep incline is the hardest challenge that was only outdone by the temperature and 90%+ humidity. The packet pickup was smooth and the volunteers were extremely helpful. The course was not overly scenic and at times I was the only runner in sight in front and behind. It made it difficult to know if I was still on the course as you run through the middle of the woods on trails and through a golf course.
Lots of fun!!!
Very hilly. An aid station at every mile! The entire town participates and works hard to put on this race. It’s so much fun! Enjoy the experience and the area!! … MORE
Very hilly. An aid station at every mile! The entire town participates and works hard to put on this race. It’s so much fun! Enjoy the experience and the area!!
Family Reunion
First of all, this is more like a family running reunion with a well executed plan for runners on every level. Second, don't complain about the numerous add stations — … MORE
First of all, this is more like a family running reunion with a well executed plan for runners on every level. Second, don’t complain about the numerous add stations — you are not required to stop at any of them — and keep in mind that your race isn’t the only race taking place.
Logistically, they did that. You have a full, a half, a full relay, a half relay, two states – two halves all taking place at the same time. The fact that aid stations are every mile should be the least of one’s concern.
I, personally, was way too busy having the best fun and enjoying myself more than I have in over five years. From the phenomenal packet pickup to the post race party, I wished the day would’ve never ended. But all great things come to an end, at least until next year. Best believe you’d have to be the most miserable person on the planet not to have enjoyed this cool running.
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Cool and company, along with the community, put on a memorable event. Before even toeing the start line, I knew I wanted to return to run. Within the first mile, I knew I’d be back and by mile 15, I knew I was coming back. They had aligned the entire course with personal messages to returning runners welcoming them back. The course was challenging and ran throughout the community. People were everywhere along the course cheering you on and wishing local and visiting runners personal well wishes like they’ve known them all of their lives. The aid station volunteers were past awesome, and the festivities in West Virginia start / finish line made you want to pause your Garmin and party.
It was totally a small town fell with a big town bang. From the miniature horses after the big hill up and the steep and long decline down to running through the camp areas and along the swinging bridge (I didn’t make it this far), you won’t have a moment of boredom.
CANADIAN RUNNING MAGAZINE
https://runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/meet-the-texas-man-running-50-marathons-in-50-weeks-in-50-states/
Great support. Great people!
This race had the best aid stations of any race I've run. Cold water, fresh fruit, snacks, etc available. Supporters were amazing and cheerful helping break up the difficult hills. … MORE
This race had the best aid stations of any race I’ve run. Cold water, fresh fruit, snacks, etc available. Supporters were amazing and cheerful helping break up the difficult hills. The weather was also great throughout the entire race only warming up towards the end. The local fire station bunkhouse was completely welcoming and friendly and free.
Hear Me Holla!
This race was run very smooth. The aid stations remained fully stocked (even for a back of the pack pacer participant!) and the volunteers were amazing. Community support was very … MORE
This race was run very smooth. The aid stations remained fully stocked (even for a back of the pack pacer participant!) and the volunteers were amazing. Community support was very evident! I had a great time on the course traversing the mountain roads and neighborhoods and seeing the historical markers along the way. The race swag was awesome which is always a plus! A fun race down in the holler!
Would Do It Again
It is just as steep going down the hills as it was going up. That was my biggest issue AFTER the race my quads felt like the might explode lol! … MORE
It is just as steep going down the hills as it was going up. That was my biggest issue AFTER the race my quads felt like the might explode lol! The race was AMAZING, it has a little bit of everything (small towns to countryside to mud, golf courses, and a bridge)and the best part was the water stops with AMAZING people, pretty much every single mile w/smiling faces and right out there ready to help in any way possible.
This shouldn't be ur "first marathon"
There's so much to say about this race.. This was a tough race. First...us city folks take high speed internet for granted...WV/KY..these parts high speed internet or phone signal is … MORE
There’s so much to say about this race..
This was a tough race. First…us city folks take high speed internet for granted…WV/KY..these parts high speed internet or phone signal is not guaranteed…my friend found out the hard way trying to find the start of the river road half and I learned as my music stopped mid race due to no connection.
The first half of the race or the Blackberry Half was tough. Downhill for the first 3 miles..runners are suddenly hit with a huge incline..it was super steep for those of us who do not live in mountainous or hilly areas…the downhill was just as steep and hard on a runners knees. Road were sometimes flat but more often curved following the curve of the mountain so be aware that footing though on a road can be uneven and hard on the knees as well.
Mother nature gets points for being humid yet cloudy with a light mist…I was expecting worse. Many parts are shaded..make sure to wave to the miniature ponies/horses…they were so cute and wave to the people watching the lamest parade of the county…they get such a kick watching us run. Best part of the race…hands down the water stations…omg..they had everything… watermelon (the sweetest), oranges , banana, water and Gatorade then after mile 5, cold wet nice smelling towels.
You finish in Mana(something KY) but there’s little break and you start race two which is River Road…like it’s name, it does follow the river, but honestly runners should call it the Muddy half..slip and slide half….on thee positive the scenery was beautiful….but it was one of the muddiest and hardest courses I’ve ever ran. Then that hill on mile 23..Jesus that hill…that hill makes you say words that would make bread go sour…and for my race if you are not careful the sun comes out and roasts you as you struggle to finish…
However, did I mention the most award winning aid & water stations??!! Omg best water/aid stations ever.
The end of the race was anti-clamatic…I think I was expecting like the aid stations tons of food and at least some hot dogs and tons of water..but instead it was your medal and someone handed me a small bottle of water and that’s it…no excitement…no picnic… nothing.
Even though this was a double half and organizers made sure the ROUTE was approved for those running 50 states, double half participants do not get a medal for each state..a huge let down for me.
A Marathon With Character
I loved everything about this race! The challenging course, the aid stations and volunteers manning them, race organizers, the town(s) involved, and the swag. I've ran one large races (Marine … MORE
I loved everything about this race! The challenging course, the aid stations and volunteers manning them, race organizers, the town(s) involved, and the swag. I’ve ran one large races (Marine Corps Marathon), which was awesome, but it just didn’t have the “welcoming feel” like H&M had. I’ve even learned alot about the history of the feud, which is pretty interesting.
I’d love to see this race continue to grow to something even bigger!
If you don’t stay in Williamson/South Williamson, I’d highly suggest Pikeville’s Hampton Inn which is nice, with a parking deck attached and very friendly staff!
I would also highly suggest that you train for hills, humidity, and mud! 😉
Challenging. Extreme. Fun.
5 Lessons Learned from the Hatfield McCoy Marathon (#8) 5. #5. This marathon is listed as number five on the most extreme Marathon list. Due to the elevation and the … MORE
5 Lessons Learned from the Hatfield McCoy Marathon (#8)
5. #5. This marathon is listed as number five on the most extreme Marathon list. Due to the elevation and the extreme weather. We went from heavy rains to mist, 78° to 91°, 100% plus humidity, overcast to full sun, slick roads, flash flood warnings, muddy trails, and everything in between. And MOUNTAINS.
4. Volunteers at Water stops make a difference. The people. The encouragement. The water, Gatorade, orange slices, watermelon, shots of Coke, cookies, pixie sticks, sunscreen. Especially after conquering an extreme obstacle such as an elevation up, elevation down, muddy paths, rickety wooden suspension bridge, to name a few. These volunteers at the water stops made a difference.
3. MOUNTAINS are not hills. Hill running, even the Jack and Jill downhill, is flat compared to this race. One of my friends looked at the mountain on the elevation chart and thought I had jumped off a cliff! Nothing prepared me for the uncontrolled run down the steep side. Visions of Tour de France bike riders ran through my head as I ran down it. Bubba, that is what his shirt said his name was, told me to “tuck and roll, you won’t break nothin” as I ran past him. Tuck and roll.
2. I like double half’s. With my sole sisters. The first half I ran for me. My time and my ability. The second half I ran with them. There is nothing like crossing the finish line, too tired to hold hands, and cross together with the folks who I trained with, strategized with, spent hours solving world problems with (lots of talking on long runs). That feeling? Indescribable.
1. The number one thing I learned is: I am a tourist with running shoes. I stopped for selfie’s with mini horses. I got disappointed when it was too muddy to participate in the stolen pig rally ( I mean don’t pigs equal mud?) I stopped to breathe in fresh air among the forest at the top of a mountain. I waved to folks sitting on their porch, watching the parade running by. One day I may run a marathon for time but today is not that day.
Well I run this race again? Absolutely NO. Not a half, not a full, not again. I am glad that I conquered this race. It became more about the mental than physical and in my book, I won. I would go back to Sherpa and sit at a water stop to give back to this incredible community. A community that appreciates the runner.
Another Hometown Race
This is my local hometown marathon so it is near and dear to my heart. Every single year, it’s well organized, well marked, plenty of water stops and the bling … MORE
This is my local hometown marathon so it is near and dear to my heart. Every single year, it’s well organized, well marked, plenty of water stops and the bling at the finish is always first class. A must do!!!!
The Entire Town Participated !!
High level of organization in pre-race pickup and the Staff was visible everywhere there and during the race to answer questions. 5k course was well marked, relatively flat and fast. … MORE
High level of organization in pre-race pickup and the Staff was visible everywhere there and during the race to answer questions. 5k course was well marked, relatively flat and fast. Everybody was having a great time and friendliness was rampant!!! VP Shawn Cool was exceptional in making my wife and I have the most delightful experience of any race we have attended with his “over the top” hospitality. Thanks again Shawn!!
Hill Yeah!
Beautiful course! Worth the trip from Texas every year with the hills, the mud (lol), the hospitality, and the support from all the fellow runners. Highly recommend any race option … MORE
Beautiful course! Worth the trip from Texas every year with the hills, the mud (lol), the hospitality, and the support from all the fellow runners. Highly recommend any race option for this course!
Great people and a tough course
The thing that I liked best were all the wonderful people I met both on and off the course. The medal I received is definitely in the top 2 or … MORE
The thing that I liked best were all the wonderful people I met both on and off the course. The medal I received is definitely in the top 2 or three that I’ve earned. The course was tough and being in a rural area there were not a lot of spectators cheering you on but the ones who were out and the people at the water stops were great and there was some pretty scenery. I definitely see myself doing this race again in the future.
AMAZING SPIRITUAL JOURNEY IN APPALACHIA
This race is HARD, AMAZING, AGONIZING and BEAUTIFUL. Words cannot even begin to describe the experience, the first half was some of the most amazing and beautiful scenery I have … MORE
This race is HARD, AMAZING, AGONIZING and BEAUTIFUL. Words cannot even begin to describe the experience, the first half was some of the most amazing and beautiful scenery I have ever seen. I have been thinking about next year since about 15 minutes I came across the finish line. I ran a marathon in honor of my father who passed away who loved the area. I ran because it was when I felt closest to him. Running this race I was looking for him and found myself. Run this race, you will NOT regret it and you WILL NOT be the same person at finish line as you were at the starting line.
Never miss!!
My family drives 5 hours each year for this gem. You won’t PR, but the course is beautiful and the volunteers and staff are top notch. It’s my favorite race … MORE
My family drives 5 hours each year for this gem. You won’t PR, but the course is beautiful and the volunteers and staff are top notch. It’s my favorite race every year.
Challenging race
There are Aide stations almost every mile. The race is very organized. There are lots of hills and elevation gain. I was not prepared for some of the route not … MORE
There are Aide stations almost every mile. The race is very organized. There are lots of hills and elevation gain. I was not prepared for some of the route not being paved.
Hard but beautiful race with friendly pe
The support on this race was awesome. Aid stations every mile and everyone was so encouraging. Terrible first marathon. It was hot and the hills are killer. But it's beautiful … MORE
The support on this race was awesome. Aid stations every mile and everyone was so encouraging.
Terrible first marathon. It was hot and the hills are killer. But it’s beautiful and worth it.