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Triple Lakes Trail Race Runner Comments

Back to Triple Lakes Trail Race Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

D. L. from Rock Hill, SC (10/6/2009)
"Runner's high :) (and lows)" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Triple Lakes Trail Races
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Get high! And I'm not just talking about elevation here, but about a real sense of accomplishment - even more so mentally than physically. Organizing such a race is impressive; thank you, Scott. Although, it's worth mentioning that we could always use more signage; I got lost the path three times. But who cares about the clock time here? I loved this race again this year, and will run it again!
 

J. H. from Holly Springs, NC (10/5/2009)
"Awesome Trails" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


My comments refer to the 40-mile race and not the marathon specifically. The trails were great - mostly rolling to flat with a couple of steeper ones thrown in. The ground was very rooty, but it only had a limited number of rocks so my feet appreciated that. The 3-star rating for organization was due to the aid stations later in the day. By mile 34 it was very hot out and there was nothing but hot drinks left. And at the finish area, all of the water coolers were empty and the bottled water and canned Cokes were sitting in bins of warm water. And all of the pans of food were left out and covered with thousands of bees. There weren't a lot of spectators, but the ones that showed up were awesome. And the volunteers were awesome as well. The shirt and blanket were really nice, so I won't knock the quarter-sized finisher's medal. I'd do this race again if they take in to account the slower runners that need food and drink also.
 

D. F. from St. Louis, MO (10/4/2009)
"Lovely trail; low-key event" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Triple Lakes Trail Race
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The trail is really nice - not too hilly - though the roots are definitely not to be taken lightly. Based on my experience, you should expect to add about 20% to your road marathon time.

My only negative was the sufficient but minimal organization. We never received ANY emails at all from the organizers. My husband could have used a tad more signage to prevent him from accidentally running one mile down the 40-mile turn off. The food was fine, but nothing special. I guess the small races I've done where the food was homemade and we got to meet and talk with the race director have spoiled me a bit.

Overall, a lot of fun on a great trail with a cool shirt, but not much in the way of personal touches.
 

Tamara Olaniyan from South Carolina (10/4/2009)
"Great!" (about: 2009)

First Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This was my very first half-marathon. The trail was scenic, yet very challenging. I enjoyed the run and plan to train harder to run again in this race next year!
 

P. P. from Georgia (10/4/2009)
"A Real Test" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Triple Lakes Trail Race
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Entering this trail marathon, I looked at the map of the race course circling the lakes and thought that the scenery combined with a long run in the woods would make for a pleasant day. This was my 21st marathon and it was easily the toughest course I have ever run... and I have done other "mountain and trail" marathons.

A good 75% of the trail is covered with large roots and rocks. Be advised that this is a tough track. I spent most of the race studying the ground immediately in front of me and choosing places for my footsteps. The lakes were right there, but I seldom saw them. I tripped and fell four times - all on the second half. No big elevation changes, but nearly constant turns, dips and climbs.

I hope this doesn't sound like a list of complaints. At the end of the day, I felt a real sense of accomplishment and even placed first in my division.

My point is that before you enter this event, make sure you are wearing a good pair of trail running shoes, have strong ankles, and are prepared to be as worn out mentally as you are physically.

My sincere congratulations to the race organizers and to everyone who completed this race. It was an experience I won't soon forget.
 

Brian Poplin from Huntersville, NC (10/4/2009)
"Truly - an Amazing Race" (about: 2009)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Triple Lakes Trail Race
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This race is a fantastic trail marathon. The relaxed atmosphere created a stress-free start that made up for a confusing map. It was tough but an enjoyable challenge that lures you in during a smooth first half followed by a gritty second. The aid station volunteers were FAN-tastic and very supportive. It could have used one additional aid station after mile 20. The finish was great, and I have never seen so many other runners as engaged in cheering on their peers - it was a great community feeling. The staggered start also kept the trails uncrowded throughout the race with slower runners happy to move aside. The t-shirt was very cool (I would have preferred long-sleeve), and the medal was not bad either. I recommend doing this race next year; I will.
 

B. C. from Asheville, NC (10/7/2008)
"Great trail run" (about: 2008)

3 previous marathons | 1 Triple Lakes Trail Race
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I cannot say enough good things about this race. The single track keeps your attention as you run through the thick woods. Beautiful scenery throughout as you run along the edge of the lake. It's mostly flat, with some rolling hills. The miles pass quickly. It's not one to do if you like a lot of fanfare, but the aid stations are all very well stocked and most have a small cheering section. Nice shirts, medals, and awards. I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a nice trail marathon.
 

L. M. from CARY, NC (10/5/2008)
"Very enjoyable trail race!!" (about: 2008)

2 previous marathons | 2 Triple Lakes Trail Races
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I train in Umstead in Cary, which is a great warm-up for Triple Lakes. I did the half but have run ultra-distances. The weather was perfect (2008), people are friendly, cold beer is a HUGE plus and the trails were up and down and all around, like trails should be. It was marked better this year and I love how they changed it around - much better. I believe the pros outweigh the cons. On the down side: People sometimes get annoyed with other non-racers running through, or the bikers coming up behind you or in front. But most of the time you get the right a way and a smile. Sometimes the food or drinks sit in the hot sun and it doesn't make for a very good refreshment.

I love the race - it's challenging but doable, and God willing, I'll be back next year!!
 

P. S. from Jacksonville, Florida (10/8/2007)
"Beautiful trail Run" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Triple Lakes Trail Race
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


This was a great trail marathon and quite challenging for a flat-lander like me. You can start early if you want. The support staff was great. The trails were marked very clearly. I would consider doing this one again, especially if it's cooler next year. This is definitely one of my favorite marathons.
 

Christa Phipps from Charlotte, NC (2/25/2007)
"This is one to do every year!" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Triple Lakes Trail Race
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This was my 1st trail marathon and I am hooked. This year, it rained and was very muddy, but I feel this made the run even better. On one hand, you do not have to be a hardcore trail runner to do this race, but on the other hand, you will keep your eyes on the ground most of the time.

I thought the aid stations were well stocked and I have never had PB&J so good. =) The pizza was great at the end. The trail was beautiful!

I never wanted this marathon to be over. And I was not really that sore afterwards... though this may be due to the walking and sliding DOWN the muddiest of hills.

If you want a fun, yet challenging trail run, do this one!
 

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