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Marathon Details - Spirit Of Survival Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OK > Lawton > Spirit Of Survival Marathon

Spirit Of Survival Marathon

Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma Spirit Of Survival Marathon & Half Marathon, Half Relay, 5K

Lawton, OK USA

October 6, 2013

http://www.spiritofsurvival.com

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2009 2008 2007 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Flat, Fast Course. Great for PR's! More details and maps to come!

Contact Information

Name:	Andrea Hadley, Assistant Race Director
Address:	Comanche County Memorial Hospital 2718 West Gore Blvd Lawton OK, 73505
Phone Number:	580-585-5406
Fax Number:	580-250-5825
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Got the Spirit of Survival? Come run wild with us! (9/22/07)

Andrea Nunn

Spirit of Survival is approaching fast, but it is not to late for you to register for this awesome experience! Our race routes are like no other, this is a run through the wild; buffalo, longhorns and the spirit of the refuge! Once you experience it you won't forget it and you will want to do it again!! Log on now, you won't regret it, it's worth your wild!

Runner Reviews (9)

Course 4.7

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.4

Write a review

Number of comments: 9

S. B. from Fort Worth,TX (11/9/2009) "The only word to describe it: SPIRITUAL" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Most wonderful race. The course is very hilly. In fact there is only one flat spot in the whole course that I can remember. BUT you hardly notice because they are gradual and the scenery is SO wonderful. There was a water station and a port-a-potty for every runner. The support stations were so enthusiastic and they were there for the ENTIRE time. I just cannot say enough about this race. I felt like it was a labor of love for everyone who volunteered.
K. A. from Boston MA (10/27/2009) "Should be a "MUST DO" on your list" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Everything about this race was terrific. People often complain about paying too much for marathons these days, but I felt as if I got back way more than what this one cost. Unforgettable scenery - maybe because I'm from New England where I just don't see landscapes like this, but I will never forget it. It was like all of those running posters you see. A two-lane road out into the wide open prairie. I didn't see any buffalo but I heard from other runners that they did. That would have been another thing on the list that made my day. The pasta party the night before was small and I wish it were better attended; the musicians were terrific though, including a local flute player, and then Bart Yasso related some funny stories from races he ran and covered for Runner's World. After that, I visited Geronimo's grave site, which I used for inspiration the next day. The course was scenic to say the least, and a good challenge with long hills but ideal weather for running. I appreciated the mixed start with half marathoners. The race really thinned out after the split on the out-and-back course. The volunteers were enthusiastic and the aid stations were ideally spaced. (More of them than I needed, and GU was available from them.) The road was open to traffic but the traffic was either runner's families or OK State Troopers, as far as I could tell. Both were welcome sights. The highlight for me was running the last seven miles with last year's female winner, which got me - well her, really - a police escort for the last two miles. That has never happened to me before. Post-race party at the finish line was just what I wanted. Food and refreshments of all kinds were available. The results were quickly posted. The medal was excellent. I don't have a single negative thing to say about this race or organization, which can't have been easy since it involved at a minimum the department of defense and department of interior. It starts on an army base and runs through a National Wildlife Refuge. It's one of those races I wish more people knew about. And it's a run for a cause as well, which benefits the Cancer Centers in the area. There were 110 finishers and there is room for a lot more. It's marathons like this that make you glad you run.
K. P. from Tulsa, OK (10/5/2009) "Great Weekend, Great Run" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is out and back on rolling hills. Usually, that's not my cup of tea, but this was a beautiful run. I'm glad that I signed up, glad that I got out of bed on the rainy morning, and glad that I made it up the last mile hill.
Jackie Duncan from Charlotte, NC (10/20/2008) "A Great Small Race" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What a fabulous race this was. Because I have relatives nearby, I stayed with them about an hour away, but I really wished I could have stayed in Medicine Park in one of the cabins for the entire weekend (Bonnie and Clyde are reported to have stayed in one of these cabins in their heyday). Medicine Park is a really cool, tiny, artsy town with great restaurants (yeah, actually more than one). They even have a massage therapist in town, which I would recommend to you for an after-race massage. The town is so small that if you aren't staying there, you will need to park at a nearby campground area and be shuttled to and from the race festivities. The shuttles were well marked and very well organized. I think there were about 77 marathoners more in the half, 10K and two 5K's (one runs up Mt. Scott while the other is a family walk). When I saw the shuttle buses, I thought, wow, we will all have our own bus. Little did I realize after my race and massage that in fact I did have my own bus back to my car. They actually waited just for me, although I did not know this or I would have made other arrangements with family. But that's how accommodating these folks are and were all weekend. The race runs up the road out and back. A beautiful run through the prairie in the Wichita Mt. Wildlife Refuge. The refugees are longhorn cattle and buffalo (okay, really bison, but we all call them buffalo). Longhorn cattle crossed the marathon race around Mile 3 (I still picture some hidden race official saying, "Okay, here come the marathoners; cue the longhorns). I didn't actually spot buffalo until Mile 22, so apparently they missed their cue. The refuge is the only place in southwest Oklahoma that has hills, so the race was a little hilly. Those of you from mountainous areas will laugh at them, but for those from flat lands, it will be a slight challenge (though you can do it). The water/sports drink stops were the best I have seen in a small race. They were friendly, encouraging and closely spaced. There were plenty of port-a-johns, as well. Naturally, being a small race in an unpopulated area, there was not much of a cheering crowd. The roads are open, so traffic does pass by, but there is plenty of room and I kid you not, every 3rd or 4th car was an Oklahoma State Trooper, so our safety was not in question. They all waved and one stopped to see if I was all right (that's just the way I run). There were also race volunteers driving up and down the road and they would cheer each time they passed. The start/finish area was very nice, including a kids-only play area (monitored, and with each child tagged for safety). I know this because I accidentally wandered in and was immediately approached. They even had bleachers at the finish, which my 81-year-old mother was glad to see. My personal race performance was horrible but it didn't take away from one of the best race experiences I have had (my 28th marathon). I highly recommend this race and the entire weekend in Medicine Park and the Wichita Mt. Wildlife Refuge. Run Happy! Jackie
D. W. from Oklahoma City, OK (11/19/2007) "Very steep!!! Very Challenging!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am a moderately fast walker and don't have that many races under my belt. My partners and I were advised of about a 7% incline up the mountain. Having never been to Mt. Scott I didn't have a clue. (my fault). But I've got to say this is truly a mountain and it is one of the most difficult things I've done walk wise. My one friend is a runner and she couldn't run the whole way. You just keep thinking that there will be a level place somewhere but there isn't until you get to the top. I prayed for help to finish the whole way! But having said all that we all decided that even though steep and unrelenting we will be doing it again next year. The challenge is something we all need. It was walker friendly-meaning they didn't seem to get impatient with us for being slow. The police officers were great and very encouraging. We did feel bad that the others who made it up first had to wait until the last stragglers finished to get the shuttle bus back down the mountain for fear of hitting someone. But people didn't seem too frustrated. We do plan on doing it again next year - 2008 and hopefully there will be some more walkers!!
L. J. from Kansas (10/21/2007) "Very Impressive for a 2nd-year Marathon!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 SOS was great! I was very impressed with the course, aid stations, porta-potties, and mile markers. I was a little disappointed in the expo, the shirt and the finisher's medal. I will definitely run it again though. Thanks for all the time and work you put into making it a great marathon.
J. V. from The Great State of Texas (10/19/2007) "Small, but friendly race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Spirit Of Survival Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Okay the RD tried to improve things from the first year...so we had a MUCH better medal than the first year. The start/finish was moved, giving you a large area for spectators, the outdoor expo, pre and post race activities and what not. A good move as it also moved the turn around to the top of the hill, not over the hill and back up it on the return (it is an out and back course). The race still has numerous...read really a huge number of rest stops, and a ton of porta potties! The rest may not be in the right spots...but I am sure that is only because there needs to be a wide spot in the road as the course is open. Okay, I liked the race last year better. They had cheer squads all over the course. The RD had a ton of soldiers from the local Army base cheering...this year the soldiers more manned the aid stations instead of cheering...a big difference and a huge let down personally. I loved having all the cheering soldiers the first year of the race, now you only got cheering at the relay handoffs. And last year it was tougher on the cheer squads...it was raining! This year is was a bit windy, but very nice weather (ran without a shirt). The race is sort of pricy for what you get...no real post race food (where were the cookies from last year???), just an average cotton race shirt. I mean it is like most $40 to $65 races, no frills...but the price was at the upper end of that range and I'd expect a bit more, and never less than the prior year. You get to run on an open range...no fences between you and the buffalo and Texas Long Horns. Pretty neat and fun. I'd like to see the race start earlier, get the cheer squads back, find a way to get a couple more rest stops closer to the finish...I mean we had rain one year, cloud cover and winds the next. We will have sunshine some year and the course is hilly and those last two miles can be long after a full day of running hills in the sun...oh, there is no shade on the course anywhere...and someday there WILL be sun...just not for these first two years. Fun little event where the race director takes a personal interest in making it the best race possible. Gels may be nice to be out a bit earlier was one comment that I heard...maybe more fruit on the course. I don't use those items, but I did hear those comments.
D. C. from Olathe, Kansas (10/18/2007) "Unique race" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a race a decided to do at the last minute, but it turned out to be a really good race. The race is held on a wildlife reserve and it is an out and back on park roads. There were plenty of water stops and the course was clearly marked. There were a lot of nice views of the Wichita Mountain scenery and buffalo herds. The only two negatives for the event were the 30 minute late start (people waiting to try and catch the last buses to the start) and some of the mile markers were out of place or missing. The cloud cover made the first problem a non-issue since the temps never climbed as high as forecasted. The little town of Medicine Park with its cobblestone houses and shops was a unique site for the start and finish.
Marathon Freak from Dallas, Texas (7/5/2007) "Great little race!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the ingurual race last year. It was about the most organized and well thought-out event that I have ever run! Okay, the race is a small community (not even a town I don't think) that was super for this little race. There was bus transportation from just outside Medicine Park as there is little parking in this tiny community. They had a tent at the race headquarters... seldom see that on small races, but what a break! The 30% chance of rain turned out to be just enough to have rather heavy rain all morning long! The race was small and casual... homemade cookies and all the good things that small events bring! Great local folks and fun time for all. Now the course was very unique... okay, it was actually an out-and-back, but with the scenery (and maybe the rain as well) you hardly noticed this fact. It was run on an open range... you crossed some cattle guards just after the start and that would be the last fence that you saw. There were huge buffalo right on the side of the road. Beautiful little babbling brooks along the road, and really fun fellow racers to talk to. I was amazed at home many runners that I talked to that lived in Dallas! I mean there were like 30 marathon finishers or something... way more half marathon finishers, but I never really looked up the numbers. I love small races, so I am biased on this. But when you have more porta-potties along the course than runners, you have a great event. When you have an RD bring in more spectators than runners, you have a great event. And I personally love homemade cookies. I even got a space blanket when I finished! I got coffee... not part of the race offerings, from a spectator. I mean I had a truly fun time. There were more volunteers than runners as well. Combined spectator/cheerers were too numerous to count (the RD had a ton of military troops come out to cheer us on... I guess they are used to standing out in the rain so their enthusiasm never waned) and really helped make the miles fly by. Every mile was marked. Another very nice touch. I mean everything was thought-out so well and executed to perfection! Best small race that you will do. On a personal note: I stayed in a cabin in the local area. We grilled every night, and had a fire pit; it was simply a good little vacation. The rain stopped after the race (what's new?) so we walked through the town and shopped in the little stores. We went to the local winery and talked to all the local residents (it is a small community - there are not that many locals, so talking to them all is almost a literal statement here). If you don't need bands and glitz, you will love this event. If you are into crowds, you will hate this event. Oh, and if you are lucky, like I was, the buffalo and Texas Long Horns will cross in front of the runners that you are chasing and stop them long enough for you to catch them... twice! Sweet!



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S. B. from Fort Worth,TX (11/9/2009) "The only word to describe it: SPIRITUAL" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Most wonderful race. The course is very hilly. In fact there is only one flat spot in the whole course that I can remember. BUT you hardly notice because they are gradual and the scenery is SO wonderful. There was a water station and a port-a-potty for every runner. The support stations were so enthusiastic and they were there for the ENTIRE time. I just cannot say enough about this race. I felt like it was a labor of love for everyone who volunteered.
K. A. from Boston MA (10/27/2009) "Should be a "MUST DO" on your list" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Everything about this race was terrific. People often complain about paying too much for marathons these days, but I felt as if I got back way more than what this one cost. Unforgettable scenery - maybe because I'm from New England where I just don't see landscapes like this, but I will never forget it. It was like all of those running posters you see. A two-lane road out into the wide open prairie. I didn't see any buffalo but I heard from other runners that they did. That would have been another thing on the list that made my day. The pasta party the night before was small and I wish it were better attended; the musicians were terrific though, including a local flute player, and then Bart Yasso related some funny stories from races he ran and covered for Runner's World. After that, I visited Geronimo's grave site, which I used for inspiration the next day. The course was scenic to say the least, and a good challenge with long hills but ideal weather for running. I appreciated the mixed start with half marathoners. The race really thinned out after the split on the out-and-back course. The volunteers were enthusiastic and the aid stations were ideally spaced. (More of them than I needed, and GU was available from them.) The road was open to traffic but the traffic was either runner's families or OK State Troopers, as far as I could tell. Both were welcome sights. The highlight for me was running the last seven miles with last year's female winner, which got me - well her, really - a police escort for the last two miles. That has never happened to me before. Post-race party at the finish line was just what I wanted. Food and refreshments of all kinds were available. The results were quickly posted. The medal was excellent. I don't have a single negative thing to say about this race or organization, which can't have been easy since it involved at a minimum the department of defense and department of interior. It starts on an army base and runs through a National Wildlife Refuge. It's one of those races I wish more people knew about. And it's a run for a cause as well, which benefits the Cancer Centers in the area. There were 110 finishers and there is room for a lot more. It's marathons like this that make you glad you run.
K. P. from Tulsa, OK (10/5/2009) "Great Weekend, Great Run" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is out and back on rolling hills. Usually, that's not my cup of tea, but this was a beautiful run. I'm glad that I signed up, glad that I got out of bed on the rainy morning, and glad that I made it up the last mile hill.
Jackie Duncan from Charlotte, NC (10/20/2008) "A Great Small Race" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What a fabulous race this was. Because I have relatives nearby, I stayed with them about an hour away, but I really wished I could have stayed in Medicine Park in one of the cabins for the entire weekend (Bonnie and Clyde are reported to have stayed in one of these cabins in their heyday). Medicine Park is a really cool, tiny, artsy town with great restaurants (yeah, actually more than one). They even have a massage therapist in town, which I would recommend to you for an after-race massage. The town is so small that if you aren't staying there, you will need to park at a nearby campground area and be shuttled to and from the race festivities. The shuttles were well marked and very well organized. I think there were about 77 marathoners more in the half, 10K and two 5K's (one runs up Mt. Scott while the other is a family walk). When I saw the shuttle buses, I thought, wow, we will all have our own bus. Little did I realize after my race and massage that in fact I did have my own bus back to my car. They actually waited just for me, although I did not know this or I would have made other arrangements with family. But that's how accommodating these folks are and were all weekend. The race runs up the road out and back. A beautiful run through the prairie in the Wichita Mt. Wildlife Refuge. The refugees are longhorn cattle and buffalo (okay, really bison, but we all call them buffalo). Longhorn cattle crossed the marathon race around Mile 3 (I still picture some hidden race official saying, "Okay, here come the marathoners; cue the longhorns). I didn't actually spot buffalo until Mile 22, so apparently they missed their cue. The refuge is the only place in southwest Oklahoma that has hills, so the race was a little hilly. Those of you from mountainous areas will laugh at them, but for those from flat lands, it will be a slight challenge (though you can do it). The water/sports drink stops were the best I have seen in a small race. They were friendly, encouraging and closely spaced. There were plenty of port-a-johns, as well. Naturally, being a small race in an unpopulated area, there was not much of a cheering crowd. The roads are open, so traffic does pass by, but there is plenty of room and I kid you not, every 3rd or 4th car was an Oklahoma State Trooper, so our safety was not in question. They all waved and one stopped to see if I was all right (that's just the way I run). There were also race volunteers driving up and down the road and they would cheer each time they passed. The start/finish area was very nice, including a kids-only play area (monitored, and with each child tagged for safety). I know this because I accidentally wandered in and was immediately approached. They even had bleachers at the finish, which my 81-year-old mother was glad to see. My personal race performance was horrible but it didn't take away from one of the best race experiences I have had (my 28th marathon). I highly recommend this race and the entire weekend in Medicine Park and the Wichita Mt. Wildlife Refuge. Run Happy! Jackie
D. W. from Oklahoma City, OK (11/19/2007) "Very steep!!! Very Challenging!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am a moderately fast walker and don't have that many races under my belt. My partners and I were advised of about a 7% incline up the mountain. Having never been to Mt. Scott I didn't have a clue. (my fault). But I've got to say this is truly a mountain and it is one of the most difficult things I've done walk wise. My one friend is a runner and she couldn't run the whole way. You just keep thinking that there will be a level place somewhere but there isn't until you get to the top. I prayed for help to finish the whole way! But having said all that we all decided that even though steep and unrelenting we will be doing it again next year. The challenge is something we all need. It was walker friendly-meaning they didn't seem to get impatient with us for being slow. The police officers were great and very encouraging. We did feel bad that the others who made it up first had to wait until the last stragglers finished to get the shuttle bus back down the mountain for fear of hitting someone. But people didn't seem too frustrated. We do plan on doing it again next year - 2008 and hopefully there will be some more walkers!!
L. J. from Kansas (10/21/2007) "Very Impressive for a 2nd-year Marathon!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 SOS was great! I was very impressed with the course, aid stations, porta-potties, and mile markers. I was a little disappointed in the expo, the shirt and the finisher's medal. I will definitely run it again though. Thanks for all the time and work you put into making it a great marathon.
J. V. from The Great State of Texas (10/19/2007) "Small, but friendly race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Spirit Of Survival Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Okay the RD tried to improve things from the first year...so we had a MUCH better medal than the first year. The start/finish was moved, giving you a large area for spectators, the outdoor expo, pre and post race activities and what not. A good move as it also moved the turn around to the top of the hill, not over the hill and back up it on the return (it is an out and back course). The race still has numerous...read really a huge number of rest stops, and a ton of porta potties! The rest may not be in the right spots...but I am sure that is only because there needs to be a wide spot in the road as the course is open. Okay, I liked the race last year better. They had cheer squads all over the course. The RD had a ton of soldiers from the local Army base cheering...this year the soldiers more manned the aid stations instead of cheering...a big difference and a huge let down personally. I loved having all the cheering soldiers the first year of the race, now you only got cheering at the relay handoffs. And last year it was tougher on the cheer squads...it was raining! This year is was a bit windy, but very nice weather (ran without a shirt). The race is sort of pricy for what you get...no real post race food (where were the cookies from last year???), just an average cotton race shirt. I mean it is like most $40 to $65 races, no frills...but the price was at the upper end of that range and I'd expect a bit more, and never less than the prior year. You get to run on an open range...no fences between you and the buffalo and Texas Long Horns. Pretty neat and fun. I'd like to see the race start earlier, get the cheer squads back, find a way to get a couple more rest stops closer to the finish...I mean we had rain one year, cloud cover and winds the next. We will have sunshine some year and the course is hilly and those last two miles can be long after a full day of running hills in the sun...oh, there is no shade on the course anywhere...and someday there WILL be sun...just not for these first two years. Fun little event where the race director takes a personal interest in making it the best race possible. Gels may be nice to be out a bit earlier was one comment that I heard...maybe more fruit on the course. I don't use those items, but I did hear those comments.
D. C. from Olathe, Kansas (10/18/2007) "Unique race" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a race a decided to do at the last minute, but it turned out to be a really good race. The race is held on a wildlife reserve and it is an out and back on park roads. There were plenty of water stops and the course was clearly marked. There were a lot of nice views of the Wichita Mountain scenery and buffalo herds. The only two negatives for the event were the 30 minute late start (people waiting to try and catch the last buses to the start) and some of the mile markers were out of place or missing. The cloud cover made the first problem a non-issue since the temps never climbed as high as forecasted. The little town of Medicine Park with its cobblestone houses and shops was a unique site for the start and finish.
Marathon Freak from Dallas, Texas (7/5/2007) "Great little race!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Spirit Of Survival Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the ingurual race last year. It was about the most organized and well thought-out event that I have ever run! Okay, the race is a small community (not even a town I don't think) that was super for this little race. There was bus transportation from just outside Medicine Park as there is little parking in this tiny community. They had a tent at the race headquarters... seldom see that on small races, but what a break! The 30% chance of rain turned out to be just enough to have rather heavy rain all morning long! The race was small and casual... homemade cookies and all the good things that small events bring! Great local folks and fun time for all. Now the course was very unique... okay, it was actually an out-and-back, but with the scenery (and maybe the rain as well) you hardly noticed this fact. It was run on an open range... you crossed some cattle guards just after the start and that would be the last fence that you saw. There were huge buffalo right on the side of the road. Beautiful little babbling brooks along the road, and really fun fellow racers to talk to. I was amazed at home many runners that I talked to that lived in Dallas! I mean there were like 30 marathon finishers or something... way more half marathon finishers, but I never really looked up the numbers. I love small races, so I am biased on this. But when you have more porta-potties along the course than runners, you have a great event. When you have an RD bring in more spectators than runners, you have a great event. And I personally love homemade cookies. I even got a space blanket when I finished! I got coffee... not part of the race offerings, from a spectator. I mean I had a truly fun time. There were more volunteers than runners as well. Combined spectator/cheerers were too numerous to count (the RD had a ton of military troops come out to cheer us on... I guess they are used to standing out in the rain so their enthusiasm never waned) and really helped make the miles fly by. Every mile was marked. Another very nice touch. I mean everything was thought-out so well and executed to perfection! Best small race that you will do. On a personal note: I stayed in a cabin in the local area. We grilled every night, and had a fire pit; it was simply a good little vacation. The rain stopped after the race (what's new?) so we walked through the town and shopped in the little stores. We went to the local winery and talked to all the local residents (it is a small community - there are not that many locals, so talking to them all is almost a literal statement here). If you don't need bands and glitz, you will love this event. If you are into crowds, you will hate this event. Oh, and if you are lucky, like I was, the buffalo and Texas Long Horns will cross in front of the runners that you are chasing and stop them long enough for you to catch them... twice! Sweet!

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Marathon Details - Spirit Of Survival Marathon