Umstead Trail Marathon
Raleigh, NC
- Marathon
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
All 26.2 miles of the Umstead Trail Marathon will be run within the borders of William B. Umstead State Park, a five-thousand-acre tract of dense woods, lakes, streams, hills. The course consists of a mix of technical single-track, and fine gravel bridle trails. The route is scenic and hilly. Runners … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Mar 07):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 81 | 56 | 71 | 75 | 82 |
| L (°F) | 64 | 35 | 55 | 49 | 63 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Tough, friendly, rewarding
I enjoyed this race even though it was probably the most difficult course for a 26.2 out of my 60+ marathons. I say that because of the hills (Garmin says … MORE
I enjoyed this race even though it was probably the most difficult course for a 26.2 out of my 60+ marathons. I say that because of the hills (Garmin says 2200 feet, race website says 2000) and the trail segments (3 segments early, around two miles each; then a trail segment at mile2 21-24, which was an out and back that started smooth and easy then became rooty and downhill on the way out.
I liked that the other trail sections were not out and back (although I was alone for a while, at least it was not as stressful as being passed hundreds of times in JFK). I also liked that there were mile markers at every mile!
I liked that there was a lot of non-trail running, and the rolling hills were fine until around mile 13-14, then 16-17 or so–super steep, sore calves. But that’s what makes it fun!
I liked that all the runners were very positive, encouraging each other. It was a cupless race and they gave us a cup! It was an unseasonably warm day in 2023, so I had 1L hydration backpack and used the promotional cup item (actually a soft flask). The aid station folks were very kind, but they did seem unfamiliar with filling up a soft flask.
There was honey stinger gel at EVERY aid station, which I partook of more than usual because it was there 🙂 There was a real port a potty on mile 15 which I also enjoyed. There was a vegan burrito at the end wrapped to go, and bananas (MY FAVORITE) and I ate the burrito on my drive home.
The shirt was great–I love a cotton shirt because I wear them a LOT more than race shirts–and nice images. I know it’s shallow to want a medal, but I kind of do. The pint glass is nice, though, and says FINISHER 26.2 on it 🙂
There were plenty of hotels/restaurants near the park entrance. The course was pretty pine forest and the running surface was often gravel–of varying sizes ranging from small and sinking into the moist dirt (rained the day before race) and huge rocks the size of a lemon/lime.
I highly recommend! Very nice vibe, smooth start (2 miles to spread out before the single track) and finish with afterparty in the lodge. Lodge reminiscent of New England Green River marathon, only that was point to point.