Conquer the Cove Marathon

For the 2016 marathon, the run was advertised with a 7 hour time limit, and two intermediate cut-offs. The first cut off was at mile 7.93 and was at 1 hour 55 minutes. Sometime after I signed up, the cut off was covertly changed to 1 hour 45 minutes, more than a minute per mile faster than previously advertised. I know my limits. I would not have signed up for or traveled to this run with such a tight cut off. When I got to the cut off at 1:49 and was pulled, I didn't have any paperwork with me to prove the original time limits. I suggest printing all details of this race, and carrying it with you if you chose to run Conquer the Cove. The first 8 miles were beautiful. It is a shame I was not allowed to run the rest.

This was my first trail marathon and first trail race over 4 miles. The organizers told you what to expect and they were correct. If you have not run a trail marathon and you want to - this is the one. The organizers do a tremendous job. The race started on time with perfect directions as to what to expect. The volunteers at the aide stations were very inviting. They had sandwiches, fruit, gels, trail mix, water for refills and water and Gatorade in cups. They also had cold towels. The course had some many different terrains. It starts with a 1 mile asphalt run then makes a left that rises for about 1.5 miles. Yes I did second guess myself here and on the downhill. But after that it is a beautiful run until you make the turn at mile 18. It is uphill until mile 21. I walked. I had planned this all along. I was able to look around and enjoy the view. From the top for about 2 miles it is screaming downhill. I was on the breaks the whole way. People flew by me like I was walking. The end of the race around the lake is a memorable finish. Plenty of finish line food. We had great weather, the thanks for that go to someone else. This race is hard. But look at the webpage for the definition of conquer and take it to heart, I did. I will run another one someday.

This a a beautiful single-track and fire-road course through deep woods, up and down and around lakes and valleys. The support was terrific. The awards were creative and very generous. The race had a group-of-friends atmosphere coupled with as professional a race organization as you will find anywhere. Really well done. This was a trail marathon through a remote area, so don't expect crowds of spectators, but the spectators at the aid stations and at the finish are supportive and enthusiastic.