Virginia Creeper Marathon

This race is great for your body and soul. It is on a rail trail so the surface is dirt/crushed gravel material. It is very scenic on an out and back section of the Virginia Creeper trail. It is a small race and you can park close to the start. The snacks at the finish and aid stations were good. It is only 15 dollars so you will have money for lodging and dinner or gas if traveling from out of state. There is no shirt or medal but I didn't miss it as the volunteers are great and the low cost and location of this race is what keeps me coming back. It is a certified Boston qualifying race.

It's well-known that when anything gets too big - people and money - the principle of diminishing returns sets in. Spaghetti dinners and finishers medals the size of dinner plates aren't essential, and especially not with a 100 to 150-dollar price tag. But for a modest 15 bucks, the Creeper offers a beautiful, flat course on a crushed gravel path with forest, farmland, and rivers; superb runner station snacks, refreshments, and service; prompt, friendly, and personalized communication; and a unique bandana quilt for a souvenir. The only downsides are few spectators (unless you count cows) and a long, gently graded uphill for the last few miles. But these just give the race character. Can't say enough about Donna, her crew of volunteers, and this race. Nice to see in this world of overkill at least one thing that has remained humble.

Such a fun event! A beautiful course, well stocked aid stations, friendly and helpful volunteers. I'm a slowpoke, and was allowed to start the race about 45 minutes early. The volunteers on the course were enthusiastic and encouraging, and made sure I had everything I needed. It was nice to be able to leave a drop bag near the start/finish area, since we ran by it several times. Even the port-a-potties were nice and clean. I would definitely run this race again and recommend it to others! Thanks Frank and the State of Franklin Track Club!