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Marathon Details - Bobcat Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OH > Glouster > Bobcat Trail Marathon

Bobcat Trail Marathon

Bobcat Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

Glouster, OH USA

November 9, 2024

http://www.westernreserveracing.com/events/bobcat-trail-marathon

Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Toughest trail marathon in the midwest! Loop course with rolling hills entirely within Burr Oak State Park, including hiking and bridle trails as well as portions of the Buckeye Trail. Approximately 90% trail and 10% asphalt with 2,154' of elevation gain and 2,152' of elevation loss.

Contact Information

Name:	Vince Rucci
Address:	Vertical Runner Attn: Bobcat Trail Marathon 121 North Main Street Hudson, OH 44236
Phone Number:	330-656-1176
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (16)

Course 4.6

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 16 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

P. K. from Maineville, Ohio (11/10/2024) "As Good As They Get" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first trail marathon, and I think I picked a rough one. Burr Oak is a gorgeous setting, but there are many hills, short but steep. The leaves had fallen, so the numerous tree roots were obscured, and I lost count of the number of times I tripped and fell. But the trail was well-delineated and maintained. (Several large blowdowns had recently been cut.) The highlight was a beaver colony, northeast side of lake, with about 8 or 10 substantial lodges. Runners came from all over, including Germany. I was happy to see all (except maybe a few elites) walked the uphills, as I didn't know what to expect. Still, they take a toll, and my thighs are sorer now than any marathon I've yet run (36). Despite the challenges, a great race: excellent aid stations every 4 miles, with snacks, candy, several drink types, bananas, Nutella, potatoes, quesadillas, PICKLES, and more. Hot chili at finish. Clothing shuttle. The volunteers offered enthusiastic cheering and support. Nice t-shirt, unique wooden, bobcat-design finishers medal. Decent price (as affordable as you can get these days, anyway). Extremely quick results notification. Kept warm pre-race in the lodge. It was challenging, yes, but not insanely so, and I'm glad I had my first trail race here. My only "suggestion" would be to bump race back a month, before the leaves fall. Lastly: it was great to revisit the setting of my alma mater, Ohio University, in maybe the prettiest section of the state. Go Bobcats, and go Bobcat Trail Marathon.
Joe Riess from Dayton, OH (11/3/2014) "Tough, but well-supported" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The Bobcat Marathon is definitely not for the faint of heart. It is a difficult, hilly, and somewhat technical trail run but provides great views of Hocking Hills and the Burr Oak Lake. The race was well-supported with aid stations every 4-5 miles. And even though it rained the previous day, the course was fairly dry. I would definitely run this race again.
R. R. from Cincinnati, OH (11/15/2010) "Great course, sloppy management" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Great and beautiful course. Volunteers rocked! The two t-shirts were totally awesome. Problems on the course with following the trail somehow led to the course distance being only 24.5 miles, supposedly. Then, to top it off, the results didn't show on the race website until a week later, and still haven't shown for the Vibram division. I'll probably give it another shot in 2011, hoping that things are better organized.
B. G. from Detroit, MI (11/10/2010) "Fun, Fun, Fun" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was an interesting, beautiful and very challenging course. Burr Oak State Park is in the middle of nowhere, so bring everything you need for the weekend. The course was well marked. The volunteers and aid stations were wonderful. I will sign up for 2011 as soon as my legs forgive me. We will stay an extra night in the lodge to relax and enjoy.
g. k. from West Liberty, Oh (11/7/2010) "Great event" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Bobcat Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Awesome trail marathon. Great goody bag, nice trails, and weather make this a first-class event. If you are looking for a trail marathon, this is the event to do!
Dan Mesh from Cleveland, OH (1/14/2010) "Premier, premiere race!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Burr Oak State Park is a well-kept secret, and provides a beautiful and challenging landscape for a trail marathon. The hills are relentless - short, but steep - with lots of technical terrain in between. For a first-year race, it was very well-run. Great support, pre- and post-race meals, and prizes. Spend the night in a cabin with some friends and walk out your door to the start/finish line!
R. S. from Alexandria, VA (1/13/2010) "Awesome!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Beautiful course, great support, awesome spectators! A great way to end the fall running season. My only regret is that I may not be able to run it again in 2010.
B. B. from Cleveland (1/12/2010) "Technical, Hilly and Fun!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great course and organization. Definitely hillier than expected, but very scenic! The spectators were few, but what do you expect from a trail marathon.
Tim McGinty from Ohio (1/12/2010) "The Bobcat is the best trail marathon in the East!" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I never had it so good! The starting line was 50 feet from our room at the Bur Oak Lodge, and so was the hot grub and my shower at the finish. The lodge was nice (and inexpensive - especially with three to a room) and all of the runners seemed to stay there, so we had some fun catching up in the tavern the night before. This is a real trail race. It was 80 percent technical, but very runnable single track on a well marked and maintained course. And two things that always happen to me in these races didn't: no falls, and I didn't waste any time getting lost. The ups and downs were fun and provided a fantastic workout for a race I was training for. I prefer a single giant loop course like the Bobcat to an out-and-back or figure-8 like so many do. The scenery was all new and interesting on a fall day that only required a t-shirt. It was just a fun day of trail running for the group of us who drove down from Cleveland. Every time we heard a deer hunters fire a gun in the distance, we said, "Good - another front runner down. We just moved up a place in the race standings!" (Actually, there was no hunting in the state park the race took place in). This was the best trail marathon I've been in. And I used to think I had to go out West to run the hills and get that wilderness feeling.
J. R. from Lorain, Ohio (1/12/2010) "Very scenic and challenging course." (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Although I haven't run too many trail races, I do run a lot of trails for fun with my dog. I enjoyed the course and appreciated the support and organization effort that went into it. However, trail runners, at least the ones I was exposed to, seem to brag endlessly about the events they've participated in. The trail and weather were beautiful, and that in the end made up for the egos crowding the forest.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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P. K. from Maineville, Ohio (11/10/2024) "As Good As They Get" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first trail marathon, and I think I picked a rough one. Burr Oak is a gorgeous setting, but there are many hills, short but steep. The leaves had fallen, so the numerous tree roots were obscured, and I lost count of the number of times I tripped and fell. But the trail was well-delineated and maintained. (Several large blowdowns had recently been cut.) The highlight was a beaver colony, northeast side of lake, with about 8 or 10 substantial lodges. Runners came from all over, including Germany. I was happy to see all (except maybe a few elites) walked the uphills, as I didn't know what to expect. Still, they take a toll, and my thighs are sorer now than any marathon I've yet run (36). Despite the challenges, a great race: excellent aid stations every 4 miles, with snacks, candy, several drink types, bananas, Nutella, potatoes, quesadillas, PICKLES, and more. Hot chili at finish. Clothing shuttle. The volunteers offered enthusiastic cheering and support. Nice t-shirt, unique wooden, bobcat-design finishers medal. Decent price (as affordable as you can get these days, anyway). Extremely quick results notification. Kept warm pre-race in the lodge. It was challenging, yes, but not insanely so, and I'm glad I had my first trail race here. My only "suggestion" would be to bump race back a month, before the leaves fall. Lastly: it was great to revisit the setting of my alma mater, Ohio University, in maybe the prettiest section of the state. Go Bobcats, and go Bobcat Trail Marathon.
Joe Riess from Dayton, OH (11/3/2014) "Tough, but well-supported" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The Bobcat Marathon is definitely not for the faint of heart. It is a difficult, hilly, and somewhat technical trail run but provides great views of Hocking Hills and the Burr Oak Lake. The race was well-supported with aid stations every 4-5 miles. And even though it rained the previous day, the course was fairly dry. I would definitely run this race again.
R. R. from Cincinnati, OH (11/15/2010) "Great course, sloppy management" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Great and beautiful course. Volunteers rocked! The two t-shirts were totally awesome. Problems on the course with following the trail somehow led to the course distance being only 24.5 miles, supposedly. Then, to top it off, the results didn't show on the race website until a week later, and still haven't shown for the Vibram division. I'll probably give it another shot in 2011, hoping that things are better organized.
B. G. from Detroit, MI (11/10/2010) "Fun, Fun, Fun" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was an interesting, beautiful and very challenging course. Burr Oak State Park is in the middle of nowhere, so bring everything you need for the weekend. The course was well marked. The volunteers and aid stations were wonderful. I will sign up for 2011 as soon as my legs forgive me. We will stay an extra night in the lodge to relax and enjoy.
g. k. from West Liberty, Oh (11/7/2010) "Great event" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Bobcat Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Awesome trail marathon. Great goody bag, nice trails, and weather make this a first-class event. If you are looking for a trail marathon, this is the event to do!
Dan Mesh from Cleveland, OH (1/14/2010) "Premier, premiere race!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Burr Oak State Park is a well-kept secret, and provides a beautiful and challenging landscape for a trail marathon. The hills are relentless - short, but steep - with lots of technical terrain in between. For a first-year race, it was very well-run. Great support, pre- and post-race meals, and prizes. Spend the night in a cabin with some friends and walk out your door to the start/finish line!
R. S. from Alexandria, VA (1/13/2010) "Awesome!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Beautiful course, great support, awesome spectators! A great way to end the fall running season. My only regret is that I may not be able to run it again in 2010.
B. B. from Cleveland (1/12/2010) "Technical, Hilly and Fun!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great course and organization. Definitely hillier than expected, but very scenic! The spectators were few, but what do you expect from a trail marathon.
Tim McGinty from Ohio (1/12/2010) "The Bobcat is the best trail marathon in the East!" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I never had it so good! The starting line was 50 feet from our room at the Bur Oak Lodge, and so was the hot grub and my shower at the finish. The lodge was nice (and inexpensive - especially with three to a room) and all of the runners seemed to stay there, so we had some fun catching up in the tavern the night before. This is a real trail race. It was 80 percent technical, but very runnable single track on a well marked and maintained course. And two things that always happen to me in these races didn't: no falls, and I didn't waste any time getting lost. The ups and downs were fun and provided a fantastic workout for a race I was training for. I prefer a single giant loop course like the Bobcat to an out-and-back or figure-8 like so many do. The scenery was all new and interesting on a fall day that only required a t-shirt. It was just a fun day of trail running for the group of us who drove down from Cleveland. Every time we heard a deer hunters fire a gun in the distance, we said, "Good - another front runner down. We just moved up a place in the race standings!" (Actually, there was no hunting in the state park the race took place in). This was the best trail marathon I've been in. And I used to think I had to go out West to run the hills and get that wilderness feeling.
J. R. from Lorain, Ohio (1/12/2010) "Very scenic and challenging course." (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bobcat Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Although I haven't run too many trail races, I do run a lot of trails for fun with my dog. I enjoyed the course and appreciated the support and organization effort that went into it. However, trail runners, at least the ones I was exposed to, seem to brag endlessly about the events they've participated in. The trail and weather were beautiful, and that in the end made up for the egos crowding the forest.

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Marathon Details - Bobcat Trail Marathon