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Cummins Falls Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Cummins Falls Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 2.5
Number of comments: 11 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
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D. A. from Lisle, IL
(5/2/2018)
"Tranquil run thru the backroads" (about: 2018)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 They had issues playing the anthem and decided to have the runners sing it instead. A runner's husky even joined in. There was no traffic the first 17 miles other than a man following his daughter along the course. Even after that the traffic was pretty light (this is an all road race, don't let the UltraSignup fool you). There aren't any spectators besides the aid station workers and any you bring yourself. The first 16 miles are pretty flat. Starting with the largest on mile 17, there are 4 very steep hills in the last 10 miles, so pace accordingly. Also make note that you run past where the half marathoners turn in and go around to the other side of Blackburn Fork. Good food afterwards and the awards were pretty nice (plaque made of old barn wood). | |
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Ben Ferrell from Clarksville TN
(3/12/2017)
"First Marathon and it was a tough one" (about: 2017)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I prepared thoroughly for the race. The issue that I would advise everyone on would be to train running mountain roads if possible. Up to mile 16.5 things were relatively easy. The last 9 miles are some of the steepest hills you can imagine. I will train much harder on hills for next year. It was an enjoyable race with great scenery with friendly organizers! Thanks for making my first marathon very memorable!! | |
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A. F. from Clarksville, TN
(2/27/2016)
"Tough Course with Nice Scenery" (about: 2016)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Was a last minute decision to run this race (I was able to switch shifts with someone thankfully) and late registration was over $100 but thankfully, they offered a Marathon Maniac discount. :-) I guess I can't be too mad about the somewhat high fee, a lot of this fee goes towards the park I believe. When I first drove in the park for the race, there was a little bit of confusion, there was no arrow or signs for parking at the park, but I did see a 'Cummins Falls Marathon' banner, but was somewhat hard to see. No big deal. Got to the parking lot and noticed there was only two porta potties and eventually discovered an indoor bathroom facility as well (with only two toilets inside for each gender). I probably would recommend maybe one or two more porta potties. Race day packet pick up was pretty simple I'd say. Got a drawstring bag, unisex tech shirt (would've preferred gender specific, but personal preference) and a bunch of random booklets and stuff. I didn't look through it thoroughly but seems like something that most people would probably throw away later. We had some nice pre-race entertainment as a nearby college performed a dance routine. I thought that was pretty cool and unique, I had never seen that at a race before. Smokey the Bear (in costume) also made an appearance. Race started on time from what I remember. The first half is fairly flat, maybe a hill or two, but nothing too drastic. After the first two aid stations, the next few did not have any sort of electrolyte beverage, which would've been nice, but my personal preference. None of the aid stations had any sort of food till maybe after the halfway mark, hard to remember exactly. Though the food and drink offerings in the aid stations could've been better, all the volunteers were enthusiastic and great! There were quite a few Park Rangers driving the course which is great. Not much in the way of spectators except a few cows and a few horses but the scenery was great. The second half is brutal, super hilly with most of the overall elevation gain occurring in the second half (over 1,100 ft of elevation gain in second half). I finished around 4:15 and they had results available for print immediately after the race. Outback Steakhouse provided the food, but unfortunately, most of the sides were gone and all that was left was steak and chicken. I guess the half marathoners and family ate it all, not sure really. I saw a sign that stated the food was free for runners of course but you could buy a ticket for food if you were family or a guest. They should've either had extra food or only offered it to the runners. That was irritating. Beer was provided though, that was great and there was plenty of chocolate milk. This is a close by race for me, so would possibly return. Hope they can improve. | |
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L. O. from Columbia, MO
(9/27/2015)
"Toughest marathon so far" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Having already arrived at Cookeville the day before, we were glad the marathon was not cancelled. The roads were the biggest challenge, but everyone had to use their judgment. During the marathon, with all the park rangers on hand, I never felt unsafe. At some point I must have been the last runner because the sweeper ranger reassured me 'Don't worry, I got your back!'. I also remember getting a bottle of chocolate milk from the race director after reaching the top of the steepest part ... Chaffin Hill (that drink really hit the spot, as did some warm, salted baked potato quarters earlier on). I strongly recommend getting the 2016 date up soon, so we can make our travel plans. This was a great challenge, and we look forward to coming back! | |
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Mike Hake from Overland Park, KS
(4/7/2015)
"Great backwoods marathon in Tennessee hill country" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The 3rd edition of this great race will be remembered as the year of the ice storm, as 'Winter Storm Pandora' hit Tennessee just days prior and left the area in a state of emergency through the weekend. The fact that the race was still held is a testament to the race organizers' heart and dedication to their runners. This is an extremely hilly course by most marathoners' standards. I believe there is about 1100 feet in total elevation gain, and nearly all of it is in the last 10 miles. Under normal weather conditions it would be a tough marathon, for this particular year, the snow and ice covering 80% of the road course made it an absolutely epic endeavor. I can't stress enough, the race organization was top-notch despite the adverse circumstances. The aid stations had water, CLIF Bars, chocolate milk and an array of other snacks, and there were 21 Park Rangers from all over TN out on the course to ensure our safety. This was a no-frills race; no spectators, live bands or cheering crowds with signs. That being said, it did have amenities that made the race worth the entry fee and trip cost. Great tech tee, wooden finisher's medals as well as cool custom age group medals. The postrace area was as good as any, with a full spread of recovery snacks and drinks, and a local restaurant catered hot food. I can't say enough about the warmth and friendliness of everyone involved in this race; the 92 total runners (for all distances), the organizers, volunteers and Park Rangers were all great. I highly recommend this race for anyone looking to run a TN marathon. Did I mention they started us off by firing a musket?!? It's a true backwoods Tennessee race, perfect for marathon purists that love amazing scenery. I've run the Nashville Country Music Marathon, and it would be hard to rank it above Cummins Falls. This is a whole different breed of marathon than your average 26.2 on a city course. Do not expect a PR, even in good weather, but enjoy the peace and beauty of the country course. I traveled from Kansas City area to run this marathon, and was pleasantly surprised by how satisfied I was by this race. If you love a challenging road marathon and great people, this race is for you. Make the trip to Cookeville in February and earn the rights to tell the tale of an epic marathon run, you won't be disappointed! | |
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B. B. from Iowa, USA
(3/8/2015)
"Terrible weather conditions, poorly executed event" (about: 2015)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I have been running marathons on and off since 1987, and have experienced a variety of weather conditions in many races of varying distances. My personal opinion, primarily for the safety of the participants, is the marathon should have been cancelled and given the option of running the half. At or about mile 13, I was mentally finished - I have never DNF'd a race before. My core was cold and wet - the rain was too much for my water resistant jacket - my hands were cold as rain soaked through my 'water proof' gloves, and of course my shoes and socks were soaked as we had to slosh through the slush and water on the course. At approximately mile 15 I was done and had to resort to walking, which made me feel even colder. As I was walking, I was hoping - no, expecting - to see a Park Ranger to help me off the course. I walked for 2 miles - 2 MILES - before seeing a Park Ranger, of which was a cluster at the base of the hill, working to get another Ranger's vehicle unstuck. So, I walked those 2 miles, discussed with a Ranger that I was done and needed assistance, and had to walk another 3/8 of a mile UP the hill to reach a EMS vehicle. Now, these individuals were very attentive and helpful - I was transferred to an ambulance that was parked approximately 1/2 mile from the finish, and subsequently transferred to another Ranger that dropped me off at the parking lot. So, here are some considerations: 1. Consider a Gator or some other off road vehicle that swept the back side of the marathon continuously to check on participants and transfer them to a waiting EMS vehicle. 2. Consider blading at the base of hills where water was pooling, to allow the water to flow into the stream. 3. Instruct the Park Rangers to check the participants that Did Not Finish in with the timing company, as the Race Director had no idea that I was no longer on the course. 4. Cancel the full and direct all participants to the 1/2 if suggestions 1 - 3 above can not be performed. I travelled from Iowa for this event, I am a cold weather runner, I train in snow and below zero conditions. I qualified for Boston 4 weeks earlier. I had 4 layers for my core, extra shoes and socks in a shoulder bag, which became soaked due to the rain. I believe I was as prepared as I thought I could be, but obviously the conditions were significantly worse than I could have imagined. The safety of the participants is paramount; I did not sign up for an extreme marathon. The Race Director and Race Committee need to understand that conditions do exist that should force the cancellation of an event for the safety of the participants. | |
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M. H. from Virginia Beach, VA
(2/27/2014)
"A REAL HIDDEN GEM OF A MARATHON" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon is a definite not a PR course but you get one of the most beautiful marathons there is in the country. This course is a nice and flat for the first 16 miles and then all hell breaks loose from mile 17 to the end. There are hills, hills and more hills. I end up with a PW by 34 minutes (took me 5 hours to complete) and I had run conservative for the first 16 miles hoping to save my legs for the hills. No such luck. I walked about 3-4 miles near the end and everything hurt from the butt down. The race is on a Saturday and I am writing this on the Thursday after the race and my body is just now starting to feel better. I really love this race though. This race has the potential to be one of the best not only in the south but also in the country. The volunteers at the aid stations were totally awesome and the people who came out thanked us for coming to Tennessee and picking their race. The post-race food was good with Applebees catering the meal. The only thing missing was chocolate milk that I love after the race. The race shirt was a short sleeve ugly green shirt. Will save it for the blanket I am getting made. Medal was wooden and was great. Totally awesome since we were in the woods for 5 hours. The packet pickup was easy at the probably the only running store in Cookeville. Some suggestions for runners of future Cummings Falls Marathon: I would recommend staying at the Red Roof Inn in Cookeville since it was nice and cheap. I then drove the 15 miles to the race start. The only motels or motor courts near the start was about 4 miles away and looked like it had about 6 rooms that you drive up to the door. In summary, as I am now over 1/5 through the 50 State quest, I am glad I ran this one for the Tennessee Marathon. | |
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S. S. from ALABAMA
(11/17/2013)
"All-around GREAT event!" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Run on a wonderful, peaceful, gorgeous, pastoral course, it's you and God out there! You won't find crowds of anything but trees, leaves, and wildlife on this course. That said, this is one of my all-time favorite marathons. I've run events ranging from Marine Corps and San Francisco Marathons (rather large events) to this one. Last year, only 17 of us finished the full marathon here. I loved the course, the aid stations were more than adequate, even offering salted, roasted potatoes after mile 17. The after party was the bomb! For the full and the half marathon, Ruby Tuesday catered the food, bringing a salad bar and baked potato bar and slider burgers and BBQ. Rangers were doing programs for the kids, there was face painting, and hikes were made to the falls. Having all four distances (5K, 10K, half, and full) makes this a family affair. HIGHLY recommend this race! | |
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S. F. from Cookeville, TN
(11/15/2013)
"Unique, Picturesque and Challenging" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the 2012 half marathon. This race makes no attempt or pretense at being flat or fast. That is not the point! If you enjoy a different kind of challenge, one that will take you to beautiful places and make you laugh out loud at hills, one that will make you feel like you've accomplished something special at the end, this one is for you. The half course ran along a short distance before plunging down to course along a river, then climbed back up to a plateau of rolling hills. The aid stations were enthusiastic and adequate in number. Spectators were mostly limited to the start/finish area, but cheered enthusiastically. 2012 was the inaugural event, and they pulled off a 5K, 10K, half and full marathon at the same time, with barely a hitch. Impressive! I received a unique finish medal, as well as an award medal and a t-shirt. I will run this race again. It was a lot of fun! | |
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Dallas Smith from Cookeville, Tennessee
(11/4/2013)
"A course like no other course I've run!" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Cummins Falls Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This marathon follows a course like no other marathon I've ever run. It starts in the country, it runs through country, and it finishes in the country. You won't see a single city sidewalk, curb or gutter. Runners follow one- and two-lane roads through remote, rural and rustic countryside. A stream burbles roadside. Views are wooded and pastoral, a run through Tennessee in what you will think is the year 1950. It drops off the plateau and runs along two officially designated state scenic rivers, in turn, Blackburn Fork and Roaring River. Then it turns up the lesser Morrison Creek. I expect ninety percent of the Jackson County's residents have never seen Morrison Creek. Why would they? Eventually the course climbs back to the plateau in mile 17, on a hill that will become an indelible part of your life, a pitch called Chaffin Hill. Run it if you can. Most people walk it. Whichever, what does it get you? It gets you to Seven Knobs Road, which runs a ridge that you'll swear has a dozen knobs. The profile looks like a gnarly mountain turned upside down. The 2013 edition of this race was the inaugural one. Given that, the organization was good, better than you might expect - especially so, considering the accompanying 5K, 10K and half marathon races taking place concurrently. Aid stations were adequately spaced. Restrooms would have been helpful on the marathon course - and will be there this year, I have been assured. The course is certified - which may be a bit academic. You won't likely run a finishing time that needs such precise definition. But it's there, just in case you go crazy and run a BQ. (Full disclosure here: I'm working with the race planning committee this year, and I'm an official sponsor of the race.) Spectators are absence on this course, except at the finish line, where you can expect to see somebody. Other than that, well, you might have a resident or two wander out in his front yard to watch you trudge by, maybe a coon dog, a sheep dog or such. Seriously, this is country. Population density is low. In this rural setting, post-race food is a shocker! Ruby Tuesday's came to Cummins Falls, set up a tent and a cafeteria line. Marathoners enjoyed hot food! - food cooked by a fine restaurant. Best post-race food ever, and I'm including even the big-time urban races. Ruby Tuesday's is coming back for the 2014 race. There were a number of door prizes: Most notable was the $1395 Jackson canoe - which, now that I think of it, is the best door prize I've ever seen. After the food, I walked with a couple friends to the nearby Cummins Falls overlook. We gazed at the falls and then looked down, way down, at what Travel and Leisure Magazine called one of the top-ten swimming holes in the USA. Of course, the view won't likely include swimmers in February. Just make a photo and a mental note to return in warm weather. How to sum up? It was a small race (197 runners total for all four distances). The course is uniquely scenic and aerobically challenging; best food and door prizes I've ever seen. Wonderful adventure! |
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