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Marathon Details - Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon)

North America Marathons > USA > DE > Newark > Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon)

Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon)

Head of Christiana Presby. Church Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Newark, DE USA

April 29, 2017

http://www.udel.edu/johnmack/traildawgs/tc

Marathon Results

By Year:

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Course is 2 loops of mostly wooded single-track trail.

Contact Information

Name:	John Mackenzie
Address:	Head of Christiana Presby. Church 1100 Church Road Newark, DE 19711
Phone Number:	302-731-4169
Fax Number:	302-894-0200
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (52)

Course 4.7

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.0

Write a review

Number of comments: 52 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

Bradford Hammer from Old Tappan, NJ (5/9/2012) "Wonderful first trail marathon experience!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my first-ever trail marathon and I was very pleased to have completed it in the nation's first state. I found the course very doable for a road runner. Yes, there is some power-hiking involved (and wading through knee-deep creek crossings), but most of the course is easily traversable with street shoes. Nonetheless, I would suggest that road runners consider one extra layer of clothing. Much of the route is shaded and, because the path is replete with hazards (fallen trees, creek crossings, rocky and root-covered climbs), the slower pace means lower body temps than a typical road race. When I first got to the frigid creek crossing I momentarily considered taking off my running shoes before finally jumping in and getting the full trail experience. The water is less of an issue than the mud from the exit points; wet shoes dry but mud remains heavy. On my second pair of crossings I sought out alternate routes to get back on the trail. Also memorable was the single track above the creek, and the open meadows and series of trail moguls in the penultimate loop. And UDel coeds were serving up plenty of fun snacks at most water stops, including boiled potatoes, Swedish fish, donuts, M&Ms, pop tarts, cookies, pretzels, and potato chips. I don't train with any of the aforementioned foods but ended up eating potatoes on my second time around along with munching on some pop tarts. (Couldn't resist.) I have always found runners to be nice, but trail runners are even nicer - especially the leaders. I know this because the 10K group came charging at me on single track when I was nearly halfway done, and the front-runners all thanked me for standing aside in the forest. I wasn't terribly bothered by this, but a 50-stater within earshot mumbled, 'Poor planning.' Oh, keep the eyes on the ground. I met a runner who had tripped early in the 26.2 and was limping his way to the end, and I saw another gent turn to talk to his buddy while running in a narrow bike rut through a field only to scream out and grab his hammy after a misstep. Even tilting one's head back to take in fluids has to be done with care. The grill was closed when I finished (just shy of six hours) but I did manage to grab the last hamburger. Looked like quite a nice party when I passed by the pavilion at the halfway mark. Two small negatives: the medal is super-dinky, and there was no photographer at the marathon finish. For some reason the mid- and lower-priced Newark hotels all received negative reviews so I stayed in nearby Elkton, MD. Only a few more minutes away. My quads were pretty beat up (in some unusual places) post-race, but my knees and ankles and soles had no idea we all just did a marathon. The experience has me looking at trail shoes. Those darn trail dawgs might be on to something...
G. R. from Wheeler, MI (5/1/2012) "Just Incredible!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the first marathon in a back-to-back for the weekend, and I am very happy it was the first, if not, I'd probably still be in the woods, LOL. On the website, the RD tells 50 staters that this 'is the hard way' to get Delaware. Nonsense, I think this run was a perfect way to cross DE off my list, and I recommend everyone to do so. It was a challenge no doubt, but not my worse time, pretty much right in the middle of all my finishes. The course is very fun to run, and you will encounter a little bit of everything: Open medows, two track ORV trails, gravel roads, 12' wide deer paths, logs to jump, branches to duck, and of course the creek crossing (4X). With such a small field, I was alone a good deal of the time, but all the other runners were great! There are very steep inclines up the sides of hills that will kick your butt. I had to climb these (everyone else I saw did too), as opposed to running them, but boy were the downhills fun! My biggest complaint is that you will have runners coming right at you, and this can be very tricky. Especially when you are going up one of the steep hills, and other runners are flying down them, and the path is about a foot wide. We brushed by each other a few times, but there were no hard hits that I saw. John the race director was fantastic, as was the post-run spread. I finished with a time of 5:42:something and there was plenty of food still available. I'm sure that was the case for the people behind me as well. Overall a tough course (but not impossible), and very enjoyable. If you need DE for your 50, run this one!
G. R. from Atlanta, GA (4/29/2012) "Pretty Awesome..." (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Trail running should be on everyones list. My first trail marathon and it didn't disappoint. The Triple Crown is a must&the weather was perfect and the course was challenging, but delightful. Logistically everything was very convenient...getting to the start and parking was a snap. This race is a great value for your money! Fluid stations were plentiful and the volunteers manning them were awesome too&very enthusiastic bunch. The veggie burgers at the end was an extremely thoughtful gesture for those of us who don't eat flesh.
A. T. from Falmouth, Massachusetts (5/29/2011) "Great first trail marathon!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run a bunch of marathons but this was my first trail marathon (early in my quest for 50 states). It was AWESOME! Really well organized. Simple. A run for runners! Fun to cross the river...even 4 times! It is a 'real' trail, but a pretty easy gentle trail. It was a little surreal finishing my first loop as the 10k came charging toward me...but it was an interesting change of scenery. Kudos to the race organizer!
E. S. from New York (5/7/2011) "AMAZING!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 11th marathon, my slowest time, but by FAR MY FAVORITE marathon! The course was amazing - we crossed a stream 4 times (water over my knees!), and ran over several logs, lots of hills, rocky paths and through meadows. The runners were SO friendly; the camaraderie was great. I was running alone for a good portion of the race but would catch up with people or people would catch up with me along the course. Since we ran through the woods, there weren't too many spectators, but they were very enthusiastic at the finish line. This is definitely a small race - only 83 marathon runners. I never thought I would like a small marathon or a trail marathon. I LOVED this race! There were plenty of aid stations and the organization was fantastic, as was the post-race BBQ. Really SO amazing - I can't speak highly enough about the race!
M. S. from Phoenix, AZ (5/3/2011) "a rioutous romp of a run" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is one of the best trail marathons I've done. The course was beautiful, hilly, and full of tripping hazards. Isn't that why we run trails? I attribute my fresh-feeling legs to the brisk water crossings on the route. I never felt so good! It is a trail, so don't expect spectators, but the triple crown runners I encountered on my second loop were incredibly supportive and shouted encouragement as we crossed paths. There was plenty of water and snacks on the route and the tables were left well stocked after the volunteers left (after 4 hours). The after-race meal was complete with hot dogs, burgers and veggie burgers. For a small race, this was incredibly well put together.
Robert Schabron from Stationed at Langley AFB, VA (5/2/2011) "Brutal but Memorable Course" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a raw, rugged and no holds-barred trail race, from the 4 river crossings to the forced walk up 6 to 10 incredibly steep hillsides. The varying and beuatifully rugged terrain kept you engaged from gun to finish. Be aware if you are tall that there are numerous low-hanging trees/branches coupled with multiple trees lying across the trails. Miles of moguls will take their tolls on your knees, but the icy river helps.... This is a must-do, but be prepared to run much slower and fall in love with trail runs. Great organization and small group of participants made it very personable as well.
J. D. from USA (5/1/2011) "A MAZ ING event!!!" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This event is why I run. The course was an A+, just perfect: enough of everything but not too much danger. Gliding through the forest on a pine needle carpet was glorious. The uphills and downhills were challenging enough, but not demoralizing. The weather was perfect (well done RD) and the dudes fishing trout in the river were even pleasant. The four creek crossings were a blast! They actually felt fantastic. I wanted to sit down on the 3rd and 4th trips but was having so much fun I did not want to stop. Everyone was so darn NORMAL - the way runners should be. I did not stay for the barbeque but everyone seemed to be having a ball when I left. Volunteers were excellent - especially the kids from U.D. Nice job Blue Hens. This was my 74th marathon and might just be my favorite. Home Run Trail Dawgs.
Barry Lowenthal from Suburban Baltimore (6/9/2010) "Great Trail Marathon" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first trail marathon, and only the third run I've ever done on trails. I was very nervous about it coming in, but it was very manageable. Organization was great, trails were well marked (even if I did manage to get a mile off course - my fault!), and the end-of-race BBQ was terrific. I think I'll run this again - even though DE is now "checked" in my quest for 50 states plus DC.
B. Y. from Chatsworth, Georgia (4/28/2010) "For runners who love trails" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 These people know how to put on a race. The organization was top notch. The trail is very scenic, challenging, well marked and so much fun. Being from out of state, I was amazed how the volunteers, other runners and even the bikers cheered me on. The aid stations were adequate and even the creek crossing was welcome. This is a peaceful race for runners who enjoy the outdoors and love running on trails.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]



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Bradford Hammer from Old Tappan, NJ (5/9/2012) "Wonderful first trail marathon experience!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my first-ever trail marathon and I was very pleased to have completed it in the nation's first state. I found the course very doable for a road runner. Yes, there is some power-hiking involved (and wading through knee-deep creek crossings), but most of the course is easily traversable with street shoes. Nonetheless, I would suggest that road runners consider one extra layer of clothing. Much of the route is shaded and, because the path is replete with hazards (fallen trees, creek crossings, rocky and root-covered climbs), the slower pace means lower body temps than a typical road race. When I first got to the frigid creek crossing I momentarily considered taking off my running shoes before finally jumping in and getting the full trail experience. The water is less of an issue than the mud from the exit points; wet shoes dry but mud remains heavy. On my second pair of crossings I sought out alternate routes to get back on the trail. Also memorable was the single track above the creek, and the open meadows and series of trail moguls in the penultimate loop. And UDel coeds were serving up plenty of fun snacks at most water stops, including boiled potatoes, Swedish fish, donuts, M&Ms, pop tarts, cookies, pretzels, and potato chips. I don't train with any of the aforementioned foods but ended up eating potatoes on my second time around along with munching on some pop tarts. (Couldn't resist.) I have always found runners to be nice, but trail runners are even nicer - especially the leaders. I know this because the 10K group came charging at me on single track when I was nearly halfway done, and the front-runners all thanked me for standing aside in the forest. I wasn't terribly bothered by this, but a 50-stater within earshot mumbled, 'Poor planning.' Oh, keep the eyes on the ground. I met a runner who had tripped early in the 26.2 and was limping his way to the end, and I saw another gent turn to talk to his buddy while running in a narrow bike rut through a field only to scream out and grab his hammy after a misstep. Even tilting one's head back to take in fluids has to be done with care. The grill was closed when I finished (just shy of six hours) but I did manage to grab the last hamburger. Looked like quite a nice party when I passed by the pavilion at the halfway mark. Two small negatives: the medal is super-dinky, and there was no photographer at the marathon finish. For some reason the mid- and lower-priced Newark hotels all received negative reviews so I stayed in nearby Elkton, MD. Only a few more minutes away. My quads were pretty beat up (in some unusual places) post-race, but my knees and ankles and soles had no idea we all just did a marathon. The experience has me looking at trail shoes. Those darn trail dawgs might be on to something...
G. R. from Wheeler, MI (5/1/2012) "Just Incredible!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the first marathon in a back-to-back for the weekend, and I am very happy it was the first, if not, I'd probably still be in the woods, LOL. On the website, the RD tells 50 staters that this 'is the hard way' to get Delaware. Nonsense, I think this run was a perfect way to cross DE off my list, and I recommend everyone to do so. It was a challenge no doubt, but not my worse time, pretty much right in the middle of all my finishes. The course is very fun to run, and you will encounter a little bit of everything: Open medows, two track ORV trails, gravel roads, 12' wide deer paths, logs to jump, branches to duck, and of course the creek crossing (4X). With such a small field, I was alone a good deal of the time, but all the other runners were great! There are very steep inclines up the sides of hills that will kick your butt. I had to climb these (everyone else I saw did too), as opposed to running them, but boy were the downhills fun! My biggest complaint is that you will have runners coming right at you, and this can be very tricky. Especially when you are going up one of the steep hills, and other runners are flying down them, and the path is about a foot wide. We brushed by each other a few times, but there were no hard hits that I saw. John the race director was fantastic, as was the post-run spread. I finished with a time of 5:42:something and there was plenty of food still available. I'm sure that was the case for the people behind me as well. Overall a tough course (but not impossible), and very enjoyable. If you need DE for your 50, run this one!
G. R. from Atlanta, GA (4/29/2012) "Pretty Awesome..." (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Trail running should be on everyones list. My first trail marathon and it didn't disappoint. The Triple Crown is a must&the weather was perfect and the course was challenging, but delightful. Logistically everything was very convenient...getting to the start and parking was a snap. This race is a great value for your money! Fluid stations were plentiful and the volunteers manning them were awesome too&very enthusiastic bunch. The veggie burgers at the end was an extremely thoughtful gesture for those of us who don't eat flesh.
A. T. from Falmouth, Massachusetts (5/29/2011) "Great first trail marathon!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run a bunch of marathons but this was my first trail marathon (early in my quest for 50 states). It was AWESOME! Really well organized. Simple. A run for runners! Fun to cross the river...even 4 times! It is a 'real' trail, but a pretty easy gentle trail. It was a little surreal finishing my first loop as the 10k came charging toward me...but it was an interesting change of scenery. Kudos to the race organizer!
E. S. from New York (5/7/2011) "AMAZING!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 11th marathon, my slowest time, but by FAR MY FAVORITE marathon! The course was amazing - we crossed a stream 4 times (water over my knees!), and ran over several logs, lots of hills, rocky paths and through meadows. The runners were SO friendly; the camaraderie was great. I was running alone for a good portion of the race but would catch up with people or people would catch up with me along the course. Since we ran through the woods, there weren't too many spectators, but they were very enthusiastic at the finish line. This is definitely a small race - only 83 marathon runners. I never thought I would like a small marathon or a trail marathon. I LOVED this race! There were plenty of aid stations and the organization was fantastic, as was the post-race BBQ. Really SO amazing - I can't speak highly enough about the race!
M. S. from Phoenix, AZ (5/3/2011) "a rioutous romp of a run" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is one of the best trail marathons I've done. The course was beautiful, hilly, and full of tripping hazards. Isn't that why we run trails? I attribute my fresh-feeling legs to the brisk water crossings on the route. I never felt so good! It is a trail, so don't expect spectators, but the triple crown runners I encountered on my second loop were incredibly supportive and shouted encouragement as we crossed paths. There was plenty of water and snacks on the route and the tables were left well stocked after the volunteers left (after 4 hours). The after-race meal was complete with hot dogs, burgers and veggie burgers. For a small race, this was incredibly well put together.
Robert Schabron from Stationed at Langley AFB, VA (5/2/2011) "Brutal but Memorable Course" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a raw, rugged and no holds-barred trail race, from the 4 river crossings to the forced walk up 6 to 10 incredibly steep hillsides. The varying and beuatifully rugged terrain kept you engaged from gun to finish. Be aware if you are tall that there are numerous low-hanging trees/branches coupled with multiple trees lying across the trails. Miles of moguls will take their tolls on your knees, but the icy river helps.... This is a must-do, but be prepared to run much slower and fall in love with trail runs. Great organization and small group of participants made it very personable as well.
J. D. from USA (5/1/2011) "A MAZ ING event!!!" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This event is why I run. The course was an A+, just perfect: enough of everything but not too much danger. Gliding through the forest on a pine needle carpet was glorious. The uphills and downhills were challenging enough, but not demoralizing. The weather was perfect (well done RD) and the dudes fishing trout in the river were even pleasant. The four creek crossings were a blast! They actually felt fantastic. I wanted to sit down on the 3rd and 4th trips but was having so much fun I did not want to stop. Everyone was so darn NORMAL - the way runners should be. I did not stay for the barbeque but everyone seemed to be having a ball when I left. Volunteers were excellent - especially the kids from U.D. Nice job Blue Hens. This was my 74th marathon and might just be my favorite. Home Run Trail Dawgs.
Barry Lowenthal from Suburban Baltimore (6/9/2010) "Great Trail Marathon" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first trail marathon, and only the third run I've ever done on trails. I was very nervous about it coming in, but it was very manageable. Organization was great, trails were well marked (even if I did manage to get a mile off course - my fault!), and the end-of-race BBQ was terrific. I think I'll run this again - even though DE is now "checked" in my quest for 50 states plus DC.
B. Y. from Chatsworth, Georgia (4/28/2010) "For runners who love trails" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 These people know how to put on a race. The organization was top notch. The trail is very scenic, challenging, well marked and so much fun. Being from out of state, I was amazed how the volunteers, other runners and even the bikers cheered me on. The aid stations were adequate and even the creek crossing was welcome. This is a peaceful race for runners who enjoy the outdoors and love running on trails.

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Marathon Details - Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon)