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Marathon Details - Umstead Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > NC > Raleigh > Umstead Trail Marathon

Umstead Trail Marathon

Raleigh, NC USA

March 1, 2025

http://www.umsteadmarathon.com

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Race Details

All 26.2 miles of the marathon will be run within the bor-ders of William B. Umstead State Park, a five thousand-acre tract of dense woods, lakes, streams, hills, and trails that rests between the cities of Raleigh, Cary, and Dur-ham. The course will be run almost entirely on the parks newly resurfaced bridle trails, which are the width of a single lane road and covered with fine gravel. The route is sce-nic and hilly.

Contact Information

Name:	Bob Nelson
Address:	Carolina Godiva Track Club PO Box 62472 Durham, NC 27715-0472
Phone Number:	919-403-1811
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (31)

Course 4.8

Organization 5.0

Spectators 4.0

Write a review

Number of comments: 31 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

Daniel Hughes from Michigan (3/6/2022) "Hills are great fun" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm a big fan of trail marathons, but several I have done in the past have lacked adequate course marking, no mile markers and meager aid stations. This was not the case with Umstead. The course was very well marked and included about 6 miles of fun single track and plenty of hills for hill lovers. The aid station and finish line volunteers are wonderful. The prizes, a drinking glass instead of a medal and different animal theme each year show a level of thoughtfulness and creativity you just don't see. I did this as a 50 states quest race. I have never repeated a marathon, but I will come back and do this one again.
D. E. from Wake Forest (4/3/2017) "Great organization!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Having run in Umstead a number of times as part of my hill training run schedule, it was no surprise that the course would be tough. If someone hasn't run in Umstead before, the hills can be very tough if you're not expecting them, especially the 'sawtooth 79' hills around miles 12 - 14.5. The organization of the race is great. The organization behind this race put on a number of other local races, and they are all great. Great course support, but not a lot of spectators. The only complaint would be the somewhat aggressive cutoff time at mile 14.8. The cutoff for that point is 3 hours 15 minutes, which is an average pace of 13:10 minutes per mile. Since the overall race cutoff time is 6 hours (13:43 per mile), the cutoff at mile 14.8 seems about 10-15 minutes too 'fast', and later cutoffs are more lenient.
J. F. from GA (3/5/2014) "Perfect Spring Trail Run!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race met all my expectations for an early spring trail marathon! I typically train and race on roads and wanted to complete the marathon distance on a softer surface. The six miles of single track near the beginning were just right. The terrain was unrelentingly hilly, as promised. The symbol selected by the conclave for the t-shirt and pint glass this year was the Hickory Horned Devil (caterpillar). This tradition is worth learning about. I carried the reusable cup provided and a volunteer deftly filled it each time without spilling a drop. The venue, organization, volunteers and aid stations were truly wonderful.
W. J. from Coral Springs, FL (3/2/2014) "Beautiful course, excellent support, great runners" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I flew up from Florida to run this race and it did not disappoint. When driving into Umstead Park, I looked at the scenery and thought, 'this is a home run'. It was cold at the start (34°) so all of the competitors went into a lodge with refreshments and a fireplace to wait. This was a serious running crowd; several 100 miler shirts, full ironman, ultras and so on. Everyone I talked to was so friendly, willing to provide tips on the race and share past experiences. Miles 2-8 were single track through woods with hills, rocks, roots and bridges. Warning signs such as 'Devils Spine' and 'Tree of Death' made the run an adventure all the while competitors were chatting with each other and offering encouragement to others. The remainder of the race was on a gravel path that was was a constant up or down hills. There were 3 out and backs where almost every runner offered a 'good job' or slapped five as we passed each other. Support was tremendous; on three separate times my name was announced as I came into and aid station. Each aid station had Gatorade and water and many had fruit, chips gummy bears, cookies and tons of helpful volunteers. We were even given a Hawaiian lei near the halfway mark. Few spectators because of the trails but those that were there had cowbells and were really enthusiastic. Just when I thought the hills were over and my quads had long since told me 'you're an idiot', somewhere between mile 25 and 26 a sign announced 'Entering Graveyard Hill'. This was the last and finally downhill to the finish were I was given a race embossed pint glass as a finishers medal. Back inside the lodge we were given door prizes (mine was a $15 gift certificate), Moe's burrito and cupcakes. This was a wonderful race! By the way, while I was walking back to my car after the race, two separate cars rolled down their windows to ask if I needed a ride. I told you this was a friendly crowd!
B. G. from Raleigh, NC (3/7/2011) "Volunteers are the best!" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first time running the Umstead Trail Marathon, although I train in the park nearly every day. It was a challenging run, but made enjoyable by the wonderful, dedicated, caring volunteers. Thanks to ALL OF YOU! The single track sections were nice but they really wore me out. The hills at the last 4 miles were tough. Thanks for a great race; I will be back next year!
J. R. from NC (3/6/2011) "Prepare for a challenge" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My first marathon, and it was everything I thought it would be. The runners were great. Since it was out-and-back in some spots, you pass runners, and everyone was saying, "Great job; keep it up!" I would recommend doing a training run or two on the course. I look forward to running this marathon again. Great job by all staff and volunteers.
A. S. from Dallas, TX (3/6/2011) "The best race out of my 32 marathons" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a sensibly organized race this was! When I started running marathons out of blue two years ago, I went straight into a 50 states conquest. This was my 32nd, and joys of running on the trails have been growing on me lately. I like everything about this race; the toughness of the course, and great support that I received at every aid station. The race packet had a pair of Smart Wool running socks with blister preventer, and several high concentrated ginger chews in addition to the race tech shirt. While we were running, at aid stations after 20 miles, they served a cup of coke. I am not much of a soda drinker. But when I run a marathon, I always crave for some carbonated drink, namely Coke, after drinking tons of water and Gatorades for hours. They also served great snack on the race, and hearty meal after the race. These people know the beauty of the small race on the trail, and do everything in their power to share it with you. After the race, they also had a door prize and I got another cute shirt from Great Outdoor Provision Company, organizer of this race in addition to the finishers mug. Everything they gave me will be used by me on a daily basis. That's what I appreciated the most. Oh, by the way, I fell in love with Raleigh, NC.
F. L. from Littleton, NC (3/9/2010) "One of the very best..." (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Umstead Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Any new appointed race director needs to be required to come to this race to see how to do things right! Period. Every year, everything is perfect... except the weather (which was perfect this year!!). The course is challenging, but beautiful and fun. You often get to see your fellow runners, as there are several places where you double back. One of my favorite races. I'll be back. But my pint glass finisher's award was defective! Doesn't hold beer very long at all....
B. S. from Charlotte, NC (3/8/2010) "My First Trail Marathon" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have done 13 road marathons prior to this. This race may have converted me. What a beautiful course; support was great and all of the people involved were awesome. For your information, I have tested my pint glass and found it to be fully operational.
R. D. from Raleigh, NC (3/8/2010) "What a doozy for a first-timer!" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first marathon, and I couldn't have picked a better one. Doing most of my long training runs at Umstead definitely prepared me for race day, but I still got my butt kicked around mile 23 (good, old Cedar Ridge). The event organization, volunteers, aid stations, other runners, and the park itself were simply awesome. I plan on making this an annual event and would recommend this marathon to anyone who wants a challenge.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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Daniel Hughes from Michigan (3/6/2022) "Hills are great fun" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm a big fan of trail marathons, but several I have done in the past have lacked adequate course marking, no mile markers and meager aid stations. This was not the case with Umstead. The course was very well marked and included about 6 miles of fun single track and plenty of hills for hill lovers. The aid station and finish line volunteers are wonderful. The prizes, a drinking glass instead of a medal and different animal theme each year show a level of thoughtfulness and creativity you just don't see. I did this as a 50 states quest race. I have never repeated a marathon, but I will come back and do this one again.
D. E. from Wake Forest (4/3/2017) "Great organization!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Having run in Umstead a number of times as part of my hill training run schedule, it was no surprise that the course would be tough. If someone hasn't run in Umstead before, the hills can be very tough if you're not expecting them, especially the 'sawtooth 79' hills around miles 12 - 14.5. The organization of the race is great. The organization behind this race put on a number of other local races, and they are all great. Great course support, but not a lot of spectators. The only complaint would be the somewhat aggressive cutoff time at mile 14.8. The cutoff for that point is 3 hours 15 minutes, which is an average pace of 13:10 minutes per mile. Since the overall race cutoff time is 6 hours (13:43 per mile), the cutoff at mile 14.8 seems about 10-15 minutes too 'fast', and later cutoffs are more lenient.
J. F. from GA (3/5/2014) "Perfect Spring Trail Run!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race met all my expectations for an early spring trail marathon! I typically train and race on roads and wanted to complete the marathon distance on a softer surface. The six miles of single track near the beginning were just right. The terrain was unrelentingly hilly, as promised. The symbol selected by the conclave for the t-shirt and pint glass this year was the Hickory Horned Devil (caterpillar). This tradition is worth learning about. I carried the reusable cup provided and a volunteer deftly filled it each time without spilling a drop. The venue, organization, volunteers and aid stations were truly wonderful.
W. J. from Coral Springs, FL (3/2/2014) "Beautiful course, excellent support, great runners" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I flew up from Florida to run this race and it did not disappoint. When driving into Umstead Park, I looked at the scenery and thought, 'this is a home run'. It was cold at the start (34°) so all of the competitors went into a lodge with refreshments and a fireplace to wait. This was a serious running crowd; several 100 miler shirts, full ironman, ultras and so on. Everyone I talked to was so friendly, willing to provide tips on the race and share past experiences. Miles 2-8 were single track through woods with hills, rocks, roots and bridges. Warning signs such as 'Devils Spine' and 'Tree of Death' made the run an adventure all the while competitors were chatting with each other and offering encouragement to others. The remainder of the race was on a gravel path that was was a constant up or down hills. There were 3 out and backs where almost every runner offered a 'good job' or slapped five as we passed each other. Support was tremendous; on three separate times my name was announced as I came into and aid station. Each aid station had Gatorade and water and many had fruit, chips gummy bears, cookies and tons of helpful volunteers. We were even given a Hawaiian lei near the halfway mark. Few spectators because of the trails but those that were there had cowbells and were really enthusiastic. Just when I thought the hills were over and my quads had long since told me 'you're an idiot', somewhere between mile 25 and 26 a sign announced 'Entering Graveyard Hill'. This was the last and finally downhill to the finish were I was given a race embossed pint glass as a finishers medal. Back inside the lodge we were given door prizes (mine was a $15 gift certificate), Moe's burrito and cupcakes. This was a wonderful race! By the way, while I was walking back to my car after the race, two separate cars rolled down their windows to ask if I needed a ride. I told you this was a friendly crowd!
B. G. from Raleigh, NC (3/7/2011) "Volunteers are the best!" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first time running the Umstead Trail Marathon, although I train in the park nearly every day. It was a challenging run, but made enjoyable by the wonderful, dedicated, caring volunteers. Thanks to ALL OF YOU! The single track sections were nice but they really wore me out. The hills at the last 4 miles were tough. Thanks for a great race; I will be back next year!
J. R. from NC (3/6/2011) "Prepare for a challenge" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My first marathon, and it was everything I thought it would be. The runners were great. Since it was out-and-back in some spots, you pass runners, and everyone was saying, "Great job; keep it up!" I would recommend doing a training run or two on the course. I look forward to running this marathon again. Great job by all staff and volunteers.
A. S. from Dallas, TX (3/6/2011) "The best race out of my 32 marathons" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a sensibly organized race this was! When I started running marathons out of blue two years ago, I went straight into a 50 states conquest. This was my 32nd, and joys of running on the trails have been growing on me lately. I like everything about this race; the toughness of the course, and great support that I received at every aid station. The race packet had a pair of Smart Wool running socks with blister preventer, and several high concentrated ginger chews in addition to the race tech shirt. While we were running, at aid stations after 20 miles, they served a cup of coke. I am not much of a soda drinker. But when I run a marathon, I always crave for some carbonated drink, namely Coke, after drinking tons of water and Gatorades for hours. They also served great snack on the race, and hearty meal after the race. These people know the beauty of the small race on the trail, and do everything in their power to share it with you. After the race, they also had a door prize and I got another cute shirt from Great Outdoor Provision Company, organizer of this race in addition to the finishers mug. Everything they gave me will be used by me on a daily basis. That's what I appreciated the most. Oh, by the way, I fell in love with Raleigh, NC.
F. L. from Littleton, NC (3/9/2010) "One of the very best..." (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Umstead Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Any new appointed race director needs to be required to come to this race to see how to do things right! Period. Every year, everything is perfect... except the weather (which was perfect this year!!). The course is challenging, but beautiful and fun. You often get to see your fellow runners, as there are several places where you double back. One of my favorite races. I'll be back. But my pint glass finisher's award was defective! Doesn't hold beer very long at all....
B. S. from Charlotte, NC (3/8/2010) "My First Trail Marathon" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have done 13 road marathons prior to this. This race may have converted me. What a beautiful course; support was great and all of the people involved were awesome. For your information, I have tested my pint glass and found it to be fully operational.
R. D. from Raleigh, NC (3/8/2010) "What a doozy for a first-timer!" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Umstead Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first marathon, and I couldn't have picked a better one. Doing most of my long training runs at Umstead definitely prepared me for race day, but I still got my butt kicked around mile 23 (good, old Cedar Ridge). The event organization, volunteers, aid stations, other runners, and the park itself were simply awesome. I plan on making this an annual event and would recommend this marathon to anyone who wants a challenge.

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Marathon Details - Umstead Trail Marathon