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Free State Trail Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Free State Trail Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.8 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.2
Number of comments: 17 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
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Todd Hubbard from Iowa City, Iowa
(6/26/2014)
"Nice inauguration" (about: 2014)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 THis was my first trail marathon and I was a bit nervous, especially given my woefully inadequate training. However, I am very glad that I was coerced by two friends and really enjoyed the experience. I took my time and walked hills, ran with different groups over the course, and wobbled in the last three miles. It was completely different than the mad dash I am accustomed to in road marathons. My only complaint, and this is my fault, is I was tapped at the end and fell four times and nearly many more. SInce I didn't get hurt - amazing considering all the rock on the trail - I'll count it as a good time. It was a warm day, but pretty nice shading, other than a relatively short distance along the reservoir. This race has given me the 'trail bug'. I hope it is the first of many I'm able to do. Thanks to all who assist and participate (great course camaraderie) - a good time! | |
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C. S. from Minneapolis, MN
(4/24/2014)
"Stupendous and stupefying!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Extremely well-organized race with beautiful scenery on a VERY tough course. Hilly single track that was rocky and rooty pretty much the entire last 20 miles. This was my first trail marathon but I would do it again and again! Amazing aid stations and awesome finish line even though it was a very small event. There was also a half, 40-mile and 100K on the same course and there was never a question about whether I was in the right place. The course was clearly marked and the ultra runners who put this thing on are aid-station over-achievers. Not very many spectators as it is basically one 26.2-mile loop in the woods, but if you have a cheering section who can read a map they can certainly see you in more than one place. The only (very small) negative is that the medal is nice but doesn't say the year on it. Doesn't matter, I'll remember this one! Great event! | |
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Mr. Sorequads from Midwest
(4/21/2014)
"Great trail race!" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is extremely well-organized and is run in a beautiful location. Be aware that the trail is quite technical, with lots of rocks and roots, so you'll have to slow down and pay attention to your footing in order to avoid stumbling. There weren't many spectators (it's a trail race, after all) but those who were there were enthusiastic. All in all, this race rocked. | |
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l. c. from Lincoln, Nebraska
(1/31/2013)
"my favorite race!" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first trail marathon, and it kind of ruined road races for me, i loved it that much! Seamlessly organized, wonderful people, great homemade food along the course and at the finish. No spectators other than the volunteers at the aid stations (who were 100% supportive and friendly), some slightly startled anglers, and a couple of mountain bikers. The trail was rocky and rooty, full of twists and turns, but rarely hilly. If you've been curious about trail races, try this one! | |
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Bryan Martin from Southwest Illinois
(4/23/2012)
"My New Favorite!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my 19th marathon, my first on a trail, and the best run of my life! Not for time, just for fun (you can only move so fast without getting injured out there). Single loop around a gorgeous and twisted single track trail. Mind is constantly engaged on staying upright (almost crashed 3 times), so time passes quickly. The event was very well organized, with showers available right next to the parking lot. Spectator rating is for quality, not quantitythere are not many places a spectator could stand on this course. Proximity to Lawrence, KS makes logistics easy, and pre-race evening enjoyable. And the magic of dirt: I'm not even sore! I will return for this run, and may be saying goodbye to road racing. | |
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B. S. from Liberty Missouri
(4/23/2012)
"Best trail race I've ever done" (about: 2012)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 'Bad Ben' Holmes is fast becoming a legend of Race Directing in the MidWest, and this race is, in my opinion, his 'piece de resistance'. Fanstastic course, although I must admit, it was dry, and I've not run this course in the wet. Based on what I saw of it, I bet it isn't quite so friendly when it is wet and slippery! Volunteers are superb, especially at 'Land's End' Aid Station. Organization is very good. Relaxed. Know what they're doing. All is good. Course marking is excellent. If you got lost on this course, it was your own stupid fault. Although at one point running across the boulders along the lake shore, I hadn't seen any markings for a while, and figured I must have missed something - on the basis that surely, they wouldn't have us running on this goat track intentionally for so long! Bad assumption, as apparently the rock-hopping along the lake shoreline is a 'feature'! Great race. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. My first time at the 40 mile distance, and whilst I'm in pain, I don't regret it. Will do it again. | |
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J. B. from St. Louis, MO
(4/25/2011)
"Great Views" (about: 2011)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great course - as technical as you can get. It's not as hard as Pike's Peak but it definitely has more rocks, stumps, turns, etc. - a great trail run. I got to scratch the female winner's ears. (This race allows you to run with your dogs.) Patty Jansen was the first human female finisher. | |
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J. D. from Midwest
(4/24/2011)
"Fun, scenic, technical romp through the forest." (about: 2011)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 By far one of the most enjoyable of my 70+ marathons. And one of the most difficult/technical. The setting is exquisite (Clinton State Park) and the weather was perfect (50s and mostly sunny). The trail, however, is very technical in some parts and about 80% rock covered. Big rocks. On the other hand, it is a very flat course by trail standards. Definitely recommend this to trail enthusiasts because the RD is awesome, as are the experienced volunteers and very supportive spectators. Way to go, Kansas. Now, can someone tell me what "Rock Chalk" means? | |
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S. H. from USA
(4/24/2011)
"You've gotta do this one - what fun!" (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For us road racers, trail running is a whole new experience that challenges you in many new ways. This was my first trail marathon. It was hosted by the Trail Nerds, a group of experienced ultra-runners led by Ben Holmes and his delightful fiance Sophia Wharton. The trails at Clinton Lake in Lawrence, KS are rooty, rocky, hilly, and sometimes muddy, making the run challenging and fun all at the same time. I saw deer, ducks on the lake, and even a raccoon while running, and I crossed several small streams. Quite a change of pace from staring into the abyss of long, open roads while running. Besides the scenery, the other reason that you need to get this on your list is the race itself. The Trail Nerds put on an excellent race. It is highly organized, well marked, and has aid stations manned with experienced ultra-runners who know what you need to finish the race. There are also unmanned aid stations on the trails for you to top off your water packs/bottles. The finish line had plenty of food and drink, and even ice-cold beer! And forget about using your Garmin to track your miles; mine was off by three miles due to the twisty hills and trees. Seriously, fellow pavement pounders, consider getting off of the road at least once and try single-track trail running. You may not (okay, you won't) qualify for Boston, but you will have a lot of fun. Look for a Trail Nerds-sponsored event to ensure that you are being taken care of by people who really know what they are doing. | |
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David Reinhart from Dallas, TX
(4/23/2011)
"Fun, challenging race" (about: 2011)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Free State Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I was kind hoping for some mud like they had last year, but in hindsight I am glad there wasn't any or I am sure I would have gotten injured. This was a much more technical course than I had envisioned, with lots of rocks, roots, and hills. I somehow managed not to lose my footing on anything for the first 18 miles, but as I wore down it seemed like I couldn't go a few hundred yards without stumbling. The organization was very good, but my one complaint is that there were no mile markers... none... which is a surprise because they had flags everywhere to mark the course; why couldn't they write the mileage on some of them? I didn't bring a GPS because I thought it would be too wet and muddy. But it didn't seem to matter because others' GPS's were very inaccurate on the trail and under the trees. All in all, it is a nice, small race and I would recommend it for anyone wanting to get away from the big-city marathons and anyone adventurous enough to try a trail run. |
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