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Marathon Details - Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half

North America Marathons > USA > GA > Summerville > Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half

Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half

Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half & Half Marathon

Summerville, GA USA

May 17, 2014

http://www.rungeorgiatrails.com/twisted.html

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Primarily trail with some forest service road, and less than one mile total of pavement. Some serious climbs.

Contact Information

Name:	Becky Finger
Address:	PO Box 987 Trion, GA 30753
Phone Number:	(706) 734-4173
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (22)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Carolyn Suss from North Carolina (5/13/2012) "Most challenging marathon I have completed so far!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the first time I've run twisted ankle and they changed the course last minute, so I'm not sure if it's harder or easier than the previous one. I found it both incredibly fun and brutal, climbing Becky's Bluff twice, as well as the fire breaks. As challenging as it was, my husband and I had a blast! The volunteers and spectators were amazing! I even asked one of the volunteers to tell my husband that I loved him when he finished Becky's bluff the second time and he was kind Enough to remember:). It was truly the friendliest and most organized race we've done and that was our tenth marathon. If you enjoy a good challenged and fun people, sign up for next year!
John Shirey from Asheville, NC (5/12/2012) "Tuff Super Tuff I am really not joking Tuff!!!!!!" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 The course is 2 loops run 2 times, and laid out to break you. This year due to a argument with the Feds they had to run us on a fire break to make up the miles needed. Think of a rutted bulldozed path with roots sticking up everywhere while hanging precariously on the side of a bank. You will not 'run' this whole marathon. You will scrape, crawl, and walk your way up some of the steep trails.
T. W. from Oakland, CA (5/19/2011) "A great trail marathon!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Halfs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a small marathon, and being on trails, you can't expect to have spectators. The ones at the finish line are great though. The trails are nice, with a few big climbs. You can expect to do some hiking unless you are a crazy trail beast. The weather this year was perfect. In the past it has been quite hot, which leads me not to be a fan of the 9 a.m. start.
T. L. from South South Alabama (5/15/2011) "this should be called an ULTRA !!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I was happy to have the experience but I would be sure to tell anyone that it is easy to trip on rocks, roots and to fall off a 2 foot trail into an open 'ravine'? I appreciate the hard work of the volunteers and directors. The P + J sandwiches were perfect!! I did slowwwww time 6:01 but I only ran 1/3 and speed hiked 2/3 . I am still glad to have the experience. Everyone was friendly! I put 2 down for spectators because I ran for miles with no one in sight except for runners and volunteers. They were all nice!
Johan Desmet from Suwanee, GA (5/18/2010) "Nuts, Anyone?" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A jar of nuts is what award winners of this race are given, and that's pretty appropriate, considering the elevation chart of this trail run. I admit that at first I was a bit grumpy about the late starting time (9 a.m.) and the resulting temperatures (mid 80's), but as someone reminded me, a race like this is all about the challenge, and the hills and heat are the same for everybody. I have done a couple of marathons and trail races before but I am still fairly new to running, so this was a tough experience (as two of my toenails will confirm), But overall, I absolutely loved it and recommend it to everyone up for a challenge. Aid stations were plentiful, even in that weather, and volunteers and runners at the event are just a bunch of awesome people. See you next year, you "nuts!"
jason marschner from detroit, mi (5/17/2010) "Run it for the love of the hills" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 The course was all that and more. The trail itself was tough, but not so demanding that one could not really run. The hills were tough and really added some pain, but they were not unmanageable. Train for hills and humid weather and you will be fine. I just wish I could have seen more of a view from up on the ridge trail, but with all of those trees in the way, it was hard to see anything, lol. Great aid station volunteers, who did their best to put a smile on my face - 1,000 thanks to them. I was really disappointed with the post-race set-up though. While it may sound petty, it would have been nice to get a finisher's medal (of any sort) after that ordeal. A piece of string wrapped around a stick would have made me happy. Also, to have actually had clean, cold water, or juice, or something other than warm Diet Coke to drink would have been good. There were a couple of warm, already-opened bottles of PowerAde left that I had to steal a sip from... gee, thanks. The food was also really bad. A couple of plates of warm, mushy cookies and orange slices was the only food. I was starving for some real food, not dollar-store cookies. After paying all of the money to drive down, register, and stay at a hotel, one expects that there will be some actual food and beverage at the end. I understand that I was at the back of the marathon pack, but considering the small number of runners and the amount paid to register, it should be easy to have enough supplies for hungry runners. But hey, you can't win 'em all. Cheers! :)
J. R. from Smyrna, Georgia (5/20/2009) "Steep Muddy Trails + Rocks + Warm weather = Fun" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon is, by far, the toughest of the three marathons that I've run so far, but it's also the most fun. The race is small-scale and low-key with a cap of only 175 full marathon runners, but it's also a very well-organized event with plenty of aid stations stocked with water, Gatorade, and food. The trail elevations on the Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon are no joke and the race demands extensive hill training, but nothing along the course is insurmountable. There's a rather memorable section along the third mile of the course that rises over 700 feet in roughly 0.3 mile and, once you reach the top, you realize that you've still got over 22 miles left to race. The trails along the ridge require attentive running, because loose rocks, mud, and tree roots are often obscured by leaves, but the beauty of the landscape makes up for the physical toil. There's no need to bring a camera, though, as the detail of the trail elevations will likely be embedded in your psyche for years to come. If you are the type of runner who needs massive crowds of spectators to cheer you on at every turn of a road marathon, then it's worth noting that you'll occasionally find yourself in remote areas along the Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon where there are no other runners, let alone spectators, anywhere in sight. If, however, you enjoy the isolation of wilderness and the 'woods are lovely, dark, and deep...and miles to go before I sleep' feel of a narrow ridge trail through green leaves, as I do, then this marathon will appeal to you. The fellow runners and aid station volunteers that you do encounter along the way will help you along with their encouragement. This course ends wonderfully with a wooden bridge boardwalk that the runners must cross over a lake to reach the cheering spectators at the finish line. The Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon is a challenging experience full of brutal trail elevations, warm May weather, and rocks in your path, but the challenges are met and equaled with great people, great accomplishments, and great food.
C. F. from Georgia (5/19/2009) "Very Challenging" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Beautiful park. Nice, small, true runner's community-atmosphere. The course is so steep (imagine running on treadmill set to 12% elevation and than -6%) that there is a lot of walking. Be careful not to trip due to hidden obstacles. In 2009, it was overcast and very humid. Good aid stations with very supportive volunteers. Expect to add anywhere from 30-90 minutes over your road marathon time unless you've been doing that hill training, as recommended.
H. H. from Nashville, TN (5/19/2009) "Hardest Marathon Yet, But I Loved Every Minute" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a very well-organized marathon. The trails were marked clearly, there were several volunteers, and there was plenty to drink and munch on throughout the run. It was very difficult, but worth it.
R. R. from Memphis, Tennessee (5/18/2009) "All the Challenge Anyone can Dream of and More!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Are you bored with flat street races and trial runs that promise a challenge and fail to deliver? Are you tired of people crying about hills that are little more than freeway overpasses? Do you want to run a race where rock-climbing experience will greatly improve your time? If you answered yes to these questions, then this is the race for you! It starts innocently enough by a placid lake in a pretty little state park, but it goes all uphill from there. And I mean UPHILL! The elevation chart for this race looks like a space shuttle launch plan - straight into orbit! There are places where the trail is so narrow and steep that runners are lined up single-file, and holding onto trees (and each other) in hopes of not falling backwards. No joke. When you get to the top of the ridge, it is only flat in comparison to the ascent. It's still filled with more ups and downs than the stock market. Just to make it more interesting, the trial is filled with roots, mud and the occasional log. The volunteers are great but widely spaced, so bring a water bottle, gels and anything else you might need. The miles are not marked so a GPS that is not effected by trees is a must if you are worried about your time. My advice is to take this run slowly and enjoy the quiet beauty the trail has to offer. There are places where you are likely to be the only runner around and the quiet and peacefulness of the trail causes pure joy for those who love the outdoors. While this is not a race for the meek or for those who are devoted to big-city races, the rewards of a small, beautiful trial surrounded by lush trees and streams can be tremendous. It has a steep decent back into the state park and a fun finish where you run across a narrow wooden bridge across a lake. Very cool! I only wish they provided a finisher's medal. A challenging race like this deserves one! You'll definitely have earned it!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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Carolyn Suss from North Carolina (5/13/2012) "Most challenging marathon I have completed so far!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the first time I've run twisted ankle and they changed the course last minute, so I'm not sure if it's harder or easier than the previous one. I found it both incredibly fun and brutal, climbing Becky's Bluff twice, as well as the fire breaks. As challenging as it was, my husband and I had a blast! The volunteers and spectators were amazing! I even asked one of the volunteers to tell my husband that I loved him when he finished Becky's bluff the second time and he was kind Enough to remember:). It was truly the friendliest and most organized race we've done and that was our tenth marathon. If you enjoy a good challenged and fun people, sign up for next year!
John Shirey from Asheville, NC (5/12/2012) "Tuff Super Tuff I am really not joking Tuff!!!!!!" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 The course is 2 loops run 2 times, and laid out to break you. This year due to a argument with the Feds they had to run us on a fire break to make up the miles needed. Think of a rutted bulldozed path with roots sticking up everywhere while hanging precariously on the side of a bank. You will not 'run' this whole marathon. You will scrape, crawl, and walk your way up some of the steep trails.
T. W. from Oakland, CA (5/19/2011) "A great trail marathon!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Halfs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a small marathon, and being on trails, you can't expect to have spectators. The ones at the finish line are great though. The trails are nice, with a few big climbs. You can expect to do some hiking unless you are a crazy trail beast. The weather this year was perfect. In the past it has been quite hot, which leads me not to be a fan of the 9 a.m. start.
T. L. from South South Alabama (5/15/2011) "this should be called an ULTRA !!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I was happy to have the experience but I would be sure to tell anyone that it is easy to trip on rocks, roots and to fall off a 2 foot trail into an open 'ravine'? I appreciate the hard work of the volunteers and directors. The P + J sandwiches were perfect!! I did slowwwww time 6:01 but I only ran 1/3 and speed hiked 2/3 . I am still glad to have the experience. Everyone was friendly! I put 2 down for spectators because I ran for miles with no one in sight except for runners and volunteers. They were all nice!
Johan Desmet from Suwanee, GA (5/18/2010) "Nuts, Anyone?" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A jar of nuts is what award winners of this race are given, and that's pretty appropriate, considering the elevation chart of this trail run. I admit that at first I was a bit grumpy about the late starting time (9 a.m.) and the resulting temperatures (mid 80's), but as someone reminded me, a race like this is all about the challenge, and the hills and heat are the same for everybody. I have done a couple of marathons and trail races before but I am still fairly new to running, so this was a tough experience (as two of my toenails will confirm), But overall, I absolutely loved it and recommend it to everyone up for a challenge. Aid stations were plentiful, even in that weather, and volunteers and runners at the event are just a bunch of awesome people. See you next year, you "nuts!"
jason marschner from detroit, mi (5/17/2010) "Run it for the love of the hills" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 The course was all that and more. The trail itself was tough, but not so demanding that one could not really run. The hills were tough and really added some pain, but they were not unmanageable. Train for hills and humid weather and you will be fine. I just wish I could have seen more of a view from up on the ridge trail, but with all of those trees in the way, it was hard to see anything, lol. Great aid station volunteers, who did their best to put a smile on my face - 1,000 thanks to them. I was really disappointed with the post-race set-up though. While it may sound petty, it would have been nice to get a finisher's medal (of any sort) after that ordeal. A piece of string wrapped around a stick would have made me happy. Also, to have actually had clean, cold water, or juice, or something other than warm Diet Coke to drink would have been good. There were a couple of warm, already-opened bottles of PowerAde left that I had to steal a sip from... gee, thanks. The food was also really bad. A couple of plates of warm, mushy cookies and orange slices was the only food. I was starving for some real food, not dollar-store cookies. After paying all of the money to drive down, register, and stay at a hotel, one expects that there will be some actual food and beverage at the end. I understand that I was at the back of the marathon pack, but considering the small number of runners and the amount paid to register, it should be easy to have enough supplies for hungry runners. But hey, you can't win 'em all. Cheers! :)
J. R. from Smyrna, Georgia (5/20/2009) "Steep Muddy Trails + Rocks + Warm weather = Fun" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon is, by far, the toughest of the three marathons that I've run so far, but it's also the most fun. The race is small-scale and low-key with a cap of only 175 full marathon runners, but it's also a very well-organized event with plenty of aid stations stocked with water, Gatorade, and food. The trail elevations on the Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon are no joke and the race demands extensive hill training, but nothing along the course is insurmountable. There's a rather memorable section along the third mile of the course that rises over 700 feet in roughly 0.3 mile and, once you reach the top, you realize that you've still got over 22 miles left to race. The trails along the ridge require attentive running, because loose rocks, mud, and tree roots are often obscured by leaves, but the beauty of the landscape makes up for the physical toil. There's no need to bring a camera, though, as the detail of the trail elevations will likely be embedded in your psyche for years to come. If you are the type of runner who needs massive crowds of spectators to cheer you on at every turn of a road marathon, then it's worth noting that you'll occasionally find yourself in remote areas along the Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon where there are no other runners, let alone spectators, anywhere in sight. If, however, you enjoy the isolation of wilderness and the 'woods are lovely, dark, and deep...and miles to go before I sleep' feel of a narrow ridge trail through green leaves, as I do, then this marathon will appeal to you. The fellow runners and aid station volunteers that you do encounter along the way will help you along with their encouragement. This course ends wonderfully with a wooden bridge boardwalk that the runners must cross over a lake to reach the cheering spectators at the finish line. The Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon is a challenging experience full of brutal trail elevations, warm May weather, and rocks in your path, but the challenges are met and equaled with great people, great accomplishments, and great food.
C. F. from Georgia (5/19/2009) "Very Challenging" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Beautiful park. Nice, small, true runner's community-atmosphere. The course is so steep (imagine running on treadmill set to 12% elevation and than -6%) that there is a lot of walking. Be careful not to trip due to hidden obstacles. In 2009, it was overcast and very humid. Good aid stations with very supportive volunteers. Expect to add anywhere from 30-90 minutes over your road marathon time unless you've been doing that hill training, as recommended.
H. H. from Nashville, TN (5/19/2009) "Hardest Marathon Yet, But I Loved Every Minute" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a very well-organized marathon. The trails were marked clearly, there were several volunteers, and there was plenty to drink and munch on throughout the run. It was very difficult, but worth it.
R. R. from Memphis, Tennessee (5/18/2009) "All the Challenge Anyone can Dream of and More!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Are you bored with flat street races and trial runs that promise a challenge and fail to deliver? Are you tired of people crying about hills that are little more than freeway overpasses? Do you want to run a race where rock-climbing experience will greatly improve your time? If you answered yes to these questions, then this is the race for you! It starts innocently enough by a placid lake in a pretty little state park, but it goes all uphill from there. And I mean UPHILL! The elevation chart for this race looks like a space shuttle launch plan - straight into orbit! There are places where the trail is so narrow and steep that runners are lined up single-file, and holding onto trees (and each other) in hopes of not falling backwards. No joke. When you get to the top of the ridge, it is only flat in comparison to the ascent. It's still filled with more ups and downs than the stock market. Just to make it more interesting, the trial is filled with roots, mud and the occasional log. The volunteers are great but widely spaced, so bring a water bottle, gels and anything else you might need. The miles are not marked so a GPS that is not effected by trees is a must if you are worried about your time. My advice is to take this run slowly and enjoy the quiet beauty the trail has to offer. There are places where you are likely to be the only runner around and the quiet and peacefulness of the trail causes pure joy for those who love the outdoors. While this is not a race for the meek or for those who are devoted to big-city races, the rewards of a small, beautiful trial surrounded by lush trees and streams can be tremendous. It has a steep decent back into the state park and a fun finish where you run across a narrow wooden bridge across a lake. Very cool! I only wish they provided a finisher's medal. A challenging race like this deserves one! You'll definitely have earned it!

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Marathon Details - Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half