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Marathon Details - Ridge Runner Races

North America Marathons > USA > WV > Cairo > Ridge Runner Races

Ridge Runner Races

Ridge Runner Races & 10M

Cairo, WV USA

June 4, 2011

http://www.northbendsp.com

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Very hilly, with a good portion along a gravel road which is a converted "Rail to Trail". The only USATF Certified Marathon in WV.

Contact Information

Name:	Nick Murray
Address:	North Bend State Park Rt. 1 Box 221 Cairo, WV 26337
Phone Number:	304-643-2931
Fax Number:	304-643-2970
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (45)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.3

Spectators 1.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 45 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

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

G. N. from Columbus, Ohio (5/19/2011) "A few hills" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this marathon in 2009. We were blessed with cooler than normal weather, which made running up the hills much easier. I mapped the course online. The total elevation gain is 925 feet. Expect a total of three major climbs at mile markers 4.7 (257 over 4.8 miles), 14.6 (223 over 1.8 miles) and 23.9 (187 over 1 mile). That's the tough portion of the course. The fun and relaxing leg of the run along the rails to trails section is from mile 17.8 to 24. I plan to run this race with my 50 States buddy and hopefully we will have nice, cool weather! Bring some cash; you pass a gas station and McDonald's. I stopped at each location for food and drink.
John Titus from Pittsburgh, PA (11/15/2010) "Great Small Race" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 5th marathon, and it was the toughest. The course was very scenic. It was nice with waking up and being very close to the starting by staying at the lodge.
Mike Smith from Williamstown, WV (6/8/2010) "Almost Heaven - God, I hope not..." (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 2nd marathon, and boy was it different from the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, which was my first. I ran the Ridge Runner because it was only 30 minutes from the house. The course got very tough right after you went through Harrisville. On several occasions, I thought I would never reach the top of the hill. During the race, I had the chance to talk with a few other runners. They were working on their 50/50 and this was number 17 and 7. One guy from TX said this was his 174th marathon and this one was one of the hardest. Take it slow and stick with your pace time. Walk up the hills if you have too, and make sure you stop at each water station (every 2 miles), the people working them were great. The markings on the ground were good but a little hard to see at a few spots. Overall, a great little marathon and a big challenge. My time was 4:44, which was 52 minutes slower then my first. After the race, I told everyone I was retiring. However, a few days later, I am ready to go back and beat my time. See you next year.
K. A. from Key West, FL (6/8/2010) "Hills, yes! But if I can run it, anyone can!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm from the flattest, lowest-elevation location in the US, and I do not train hills. Yes, there are hills, but as long as you prepare mentally, and are willing to walk some if you need to, it's totally doable. Loved the remoteness and natural beauty, especially the trail (and even the scary tunnels) - although the main road was a bit dangerous. If you like fanfare and great schwag, this race is not for you. If you are a marathoner for the sheer love of running and like a small, hometown feel, then this is a must-do! A+ event and great post-race shower in the lodge. Thanks to the North Bend staff and volunteers. If I weren't out for the 50 states, I'd do it again.
C. H. from Louisville, KY (6/7/2010) "Ran the 10-Miler only" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I chose to run the 10-miler only as a training run for San Francisco in July. Six friends who ran the full came along, and rated this as the toughest marathon any of them have ever completed. Having only run the 10, I can only comment on my own experience. Here goes: The race officials did a great job with organization. I only wish that everyone had a 6:00 a.m. start time rather than spacing the times out. My 9:00 a.m. start seemed rather late for a long-distance run, and I was just happy that it was overcast and not bright and sunny. It was, however, very humid and this hampered my race pace quite a bit, along with the hills. My suggestion would be to warm up beforehand, as there is a large hill during the first mile of both the full marathon and 10-miler. The water stops were sufficient, but I would definitely add mile markers to the 10-miler (I asked a volunteer at a water stop which mile marker I was on, and he told me 8 - and only after I asked if he was sure, because being at mile 8 would mean I'm a super fast runner, he told me he had no idea. It turns out that I was at mile 6). The lack of spectators didn't bother me, as entering a race of this size you should know going in that fanfare is going to be pretty scarce. I think I counted 7 people along the course cheering us on. All in all, this was a good run - the hills were a great challenge, especially the mile-long incline at mile 8/24. I would recommend at least the 10-miler.
T. W. from North Canton (6/7/2010) "First-timers: Train hard or stay home" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I just finished the 2010 Ridge Runner Marathon. This was my very first marathon. I trained decently but probably not enough. This course is tough. At mile 20 I simply ran out of energy and had to walk the rest of it. Thanks to family support and an awesome guy named Henry, I made it through. It's a fun atmosphere and there are great people to run with. There were only 47 finishers. I highly recommend this race, but you better bring your A game, plus some.
Roger Huff from Louisville, KY (6/7/2010) "Hills? I'd say more like mountains! Great race!" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was by far my most challenging marathon to date, but I knew that going into it. The natural scenery is beautiful and the trails and rails section is a lot of fun and unlike anything I have ever run. The course was marked with spray paint, and my group almost cut off about a mile at a turn that is hard to navigate. There is next to no fan support, but everyone that organized the race was really nice. It would have been much harder if I hadn't run with my running group, which made up about a tenth of the overall marathon runners. Great thing is that I actually got to lead a marathon for a short time!! This is not for a beginner or those not willing to push themselves. Mile 24... the most challenging hill most will ever run.
David Zajic from Priceville, Alabama (6/6/2010) "Great, small race with plenty of challenges!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 If you want to run with a crowd or need a lot of spectators, this one is not for you. But if your like me and like the small races, friendly crews and a well established race, this is the one. The hills are tough, but hey, it is West Virginia. You should expect hills (BIG HILLS). This was the 32nd running of the race, so the folks have experience and don't have problems that new races have. The friendly folks at the water stations and checkpoints were great. I needed more fluids than usual, so it was nice to have H2O or Gatorade every couple of miles. It's a good idea to go to the Q & A session the night before. They discuss the course and talk about where to make sure you don't take a wrong turn. With few runners, it's easy to get spread out - I was at least a quarter-mile behind the guy ahead of me until we caught the folks that started an hour early. With fewer than 60 runners, you still spend a lot of time not seeing other runners. The Rail Trail (mile 18 through 24) was a great way to head back to the park. The surface was good on the joints and it was good to get off of the roads. The trees and tunnels kept the sun off of us and it was neat to see the occasional horseback rider. I don't know when I'll be back because I'm focusing on my 50 States goal, but who knows?!?
G. J. from Washington, PA (6/5/2010) "Brutal Course" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I underestimated the 2010 Ridge Runner Marathon today. This was my 12th marathon and I also have done a couple of ultras, and this was a "brutal marathon." Constant rolling hills and inclines over 1.5 miles. They seemed to never end. If you want a cheap race ($35), okay medal, okay shirt (remember, only $35), a challenge, and amazing support from the volunteers (it is WV, which always provides good hospitality), then run this race. Don't come in with expectations to run a PR or qualify for Boston, but to run a painful marathon that will make you feel great for weeks afterward. My time was much slower than my PR, but that didn't bother me. Cons: No race support or spectators The course isn't marked that well and could improve with some more spray paint on the roads This race should sell out every year because of the course difficulty. WELL DONE. The Ridge Runner Marathon kicked my butt! I'll be back next year to improve. You guys set the bar in marathoning.
M. S. from Chicago, IL (3/11/2010) "Great area - not for beginners" (about: 2002) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The course is excellent - and very hilly. I ran this in June of 2002. It is a small race - fewer than 500 runners. The course was well-marked. The organizers did a great job. The course has many uphills and downhills for 1-mile plus. I ran this for my first marathon ever; however, I recommend it for experienced runners. -MTS

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



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G. N. from Columbus, Ohio (5/19/2011) "A few hills" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this marathon in 2009. We were blessed with cooler than normal weather, which made running up the hills much easier. I mapped the course online. The total elevation gain is 925 feet. Expect a total of three major climbs at mile markers 4.7 (257 over 4.8 miles), 14.6 (223 over 1.8 miles) and 23.9 (187 over 1 mile). That's the tough portion of the course. The fun and relaxing leg of the run along the rails to trails section is from mile 17.8 to 24. I plan to run this race with my 50 States buddy and hopefully we will have nice, cool weather! Bring some cash; you pass a gas station and McDonald's. I stopped at each location for food and drink.
John Titus from Pittsburgh, PA (11/15/2010) "Great Small Race" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 5th marathon, and it was the toughest. The course was very scenic. It was nice with waking up and being very close to the starting by staying at the lodge.
Mike Smith from Williamstown, WV (6/8/2010) "Almost Heaven - God, I hope not..." (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 2nd marathon, and boy was it different from the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, which was my first. I ran the Ridge Runner because it was only 30 minutes from the house. The course got very tough right after you went through Harrisville. On several occasions, I thought I would never reach the top of the hill. During the race, I had the chance to talk with a few other runners. They were working on their 50/50 and this was number 17 and 7. One guy from TX said this was his 174th marathon and this one was one of the hardest. Take it slow and stick with your pace time. Walk up the hills if you have too, and make sure you stop at each water station (every 2 miles), the people working them were great. The markings on the ground were good but a little hard to see at a few spots. Overall, a great little marathon and a big challenge. My time was 4:44, which was 52 minutes slower then my first. After the race, I told everyone I was retiring. However, a few days later, I am ready to go back and beat my time. See you next year.
K. A. from Key West, FL (6/8/2010) "Hills, yes! But if I can run it, anyone can!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm from the flattest, lowest-elevation location in the US, and I do not train hills. Yes, there are hills, but as long as you prepare mentally, and are willing to walk some if you need to, it's totally doable. Loved the remoteness and natural beauty, especially the trail (and even the scary tunnels) - although the main road was a bit dangerous. If you like fanfare and great schwag, this race is not for you. If you are a marathoner for the sheer love of running and like a small, hometown feel, then this is a must-do! A+ event and great post-race shower in the lodge. Thanks to the North Bend staff and volunteers. If I weren't out for the 50 states, I'd do it again.
C. H. from Louisville, KY (6/7/2010) "Ran the 10-Miler only" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I chose to run the 10-miler only as a training run for San Francisco in July. Six friends who ran the full came along, and rated this as the toughest marathon any of them have ever completed. Having only run the 10, I can only comment on my own experience. Here goes: The race officials did a great job with organization. I only wish that everyone had a 6:00 a.m. start time rather than spacing the times out. My 9:00 a.m. start seemed rather late for a long-distance run, and I was just happy that it was overcast and not bright and sunny. It was, however, very humid and this hampered my race pace quite a bit, along with the hills. My suggestion would be to warm up beforehand, as there is a large hill during the first mile of both the full marathon and 10-miler. The water stops were sufficient, but I would definitely add mile markers to the 10-miler (I asked a volunteer at a water stop which mile marker I was on, and he told me 8 - and only after I asked if he was sure, because being at mile 8 would mean I'm a super fast runner, he told me he had no idea. It turns out that I was at mile 6). The lack of spectators didn't bother me, as entering a race of this size you should know going in that fanfare is going to be pretty scarce. I think I counted 7 people along the course cheering us on. All in all, this was a good run - the hills were a great challenge, especially the mile-long incline at mile 8/24. I would recommend at least the 10-miler.
T. W. from North Canton (6/7/2010) "First-timers: Train hard or stay home" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I just finished the 2010 Ridge Runner Marathon. This was my very first marathon. I trained decently but probably not enough. This course is tough. At mile 20 I simply ran out of energy and had to walk the rest of it. Thanks to family support and an awesome guy named Henry, I made it through. It's a fun atmosphere and there are great people to run with. There were only 47 finishers. I highly recommend this race, but you better bring your A game, plus some.
Roger Huff from Louisville, KY (6/7/2010) "Hills? I'd say more like mountains! Great race!" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was by far my most challenging marathon to date, but I knew that going into it. The natural scenery is beautiful and the trails and rails section is a lot of fun and unlike anything I have ever run. The course was marked with spray paint, and my group almost cut off about a mile at a turn that is hard to navigate. There is next to no fan support, but everyone that organized the race was really nice. It would have been much harder if I hadn't run with my running group, which made up about a tenth of the overall marathon runners. Great thing is that I actually got to lead a marathon for a short time!! This is not for a beginner or those not willing to push themselves. Mile 24... the most challenging hill most will ever run.
David Zajic from Priceville, Alabama (6/6/2010) "Great, small race with plenty of challenges!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 If you want to run with a crowd or need a lot of spectators, this one is not for you. But if your like me and like the small races, friendly crews and a well established race, this is the one. The hills are tough, but hey, it is West Virginia. You should expect hills (BIG HILLS). This was the 32nd running of the race, so the folks have experience and don't have problems that new races have. The friendly folks at the water stations and checkpoints were great. I needed more fluids than usual, so it was nice to have H2O or Gatorade every couple of miles. It's a good idea to go to the Q & A session the night before. They discuss the course and talk about where to make sure you don't take a wrong turn. With few runners, it's easy to get spread out - I was at least a quarter-mile behind the guy ahead of me until we caught the folks that started an hour early. With fewer than 60 runners, you still spend a lot of time not seeing other runners. The Rail Trail (mile 18 through 24) was a great way to head back to the park. The surface was good on the joints and it was good to get off of the roads. The trees and tunnels kept the sun off of us and it was neat to see the occasional horseback rider. I don't know when I'll be back because I'm focusing on my 50 States goal, but who knows?!?
G. J. from Washington, PA (6/5/2010) "Brutal Course" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I underestimated the 2010 Ridge Runner Marathon today. This was my 12th marathon and I also have done a couple of ultras, and this was a "brutal marathon." Constant rolling hills and inclines over 1.5 miles. They seemed to never end. If you want a cheap race ($35), okay medal, okay shirt (remember, only $35), a challenge, and amazing support from the volunteers (it is WV, which always provides good hospitality), then run this race. Don't come in with expectations to run a PR or qualify for Boston, but to run a painful marathon that will make you feel great for weeks afterward. My time was much slower than my PR, but that didn't bother me. Cons: No race support or spectators The course isn't marked that well and could improve with some more spray paint on the roads This race should sell out every year because of the course difficulty. WELL DONE. The Ridge Runner Marathon kicked my butt! I'll be back next year to improve. You guys set the bar in marathoning.
M. S. from Chicago, IL (3/11/2010) "Great area - not for beginners" (about: 2002) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ridge Runner Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The course is excellent - and very hilly. I ran this in June of 2002. It is a small race - fewer than 500 runners. The course was well-marked. The organizers did a great job. The course has many uphills and downhills for 1-mile plus. I ran this for my first marathon ever; however, I recommend it for experienced runners. -MTS

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Marathon Details - Ridge Runner Races