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☰
Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) Runner Comments
Back to Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marathon) Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.0
Number of comments: 52 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
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J. L. from Austin,Texas
(7/6/2008)
"Great, runnable single-track in the woods" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The Triple Crown Trail Marathon is held in one of the best trail systems in the Mid-Atlantic. The marathon consists of two loops - you can also enter a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, or what has to be unique: the "Triple Crown" - 13.1 race plus 10K race plus 5K race (for a total of about 22 miles). There are staggered starts for the 10K and 5K to make this possible. The trail aid stations were good - the race had Gatorade at the stops, even after advertising that they didn't. Be prepared to cross White Clay Creek up to your knees (or waist, if it's been a wet year) four times. If I ran this race, I would probably improve the race shirt (long-sleeve, cotton). The design is quite ridiculous. The coffee mug is a nice touch! Other than that, it's an amazing race. Everything is runnable and smooth, except for the downed trees at the end of the loop. But those will probably be cleared up for next year's race, and new obstacles will await! | |
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S. W. from Philadelphia, PA
(5/3/2008)
"Very runnable trail marathon" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I enjoyed this marathon a lot. I usually race on roads, but like trail races, because of the faster recovery. This is a good race for the occasional trail racer, or for someone who wants to get into trail ultra racing, since it is an easy course (by trail racer standard). The race consists of 2 13.1 mile loops. You can pretty much run the whole race, with maybe the exception of one steep hill before the water-crossing. I definitely recommend shoes and tech socks that drain well, since you will cross a river 4 times. The aid stations were well stocked with all kinds of goodies. There were virtually no spectators, but that is normal for trail races (who else is crazy enough to jump over downed trees for fun on a Saturday morning). Barbecue was nice afterwards. It would have been nice to have at least the top 3 per age group (you just got another finisher medal) to give the middle of the pack some extra incentive to race. However, very pleasant experience, nice volunteers and fellow runners. Would run this one again. | |
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T. M. from Bethesda, MD
(4/29/2008)
"Fantastic" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 A great trail marathon, with challenging hills, four river crossings, lots of logs and trees to navigate over and under, wonderful supportive volunteers, and varied terrain. If you like running through the woods, this is one for you! | |
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Matt Skarzynski from Baltimore, Maryland
(4/29/2008)
"Beautiful and Challenging Marathon" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Overall, I had a great experience running this marathon. This was my 5th Marathon and 1st trail marathon. I loved running the 26.2 miles out in the woods and fields in a serene environment drastically different from the big road races I have run in the past. The first loop of the 13.1 mile course was run with half-marathoners who started 5 minutes ahead of the full marathon. This made for a bit of a congested first 5-7 miles on single track trails. Once I got clear, things got a lot nicer. When I hit the end of the first loop, there was zero recognition or instruction for marathoners but a small sign telling me to go left and start my loop over again. This lack of direction was a bit odd, but I headed off on the next loop and found myself completely alone for the next hour or so. It was just incredible to be running a marathon without another person around for who knows how long. I loved the second loop! I passed one other person in the first ten miles of the second loop and was caught by 3 or 4 in the last mile. Seeing 5 other runners for the last 13.1 was crazy! The course was hilly, as expected. The hills were not extremely challenging but were harder the second time around and there were quite a few hills toward the end that were grueling. If you're not worried about time, and you shouldn't be for this one, you'll have a great time. I recorded my worst marathon time yet, but my highest finish: 18th. It was pretty cool to be "out-in-front" of a marathon pack, and still finish just over 4 hours. It is hard to worry about your time when at four points in the course you will have to walk through knee deep water for about 50 yards to cross a stream. This was interesting to say the least. It was a bit of a momentum killer and my shoes were soaked for the next few miles. But I got over it and my shoes dried out just in time to walk through the stream again. The only time this was enjoyable was at mile 23 when the excuse to walk for a minute was more than welcome! Pros: Beautiful course: you'll have to see for yourself, but it was awesome. No hassles: you can register on the morning of the race day and your hotel will be less than a few miles from the start where you can park your car right at the start and the finish! Refuel at the half way point: leave your water bottles or Gatorade in a cooler and grab it as you go off on your second loop. Bathrooms: Running in the woods for 26.2, the bathroom is all around you! Not sure if this is a stress reliever for anyone else, but not having to worry about finding a port-a-potty was really comforting to me. Post-race BBQ: Free BBQ afterwards that hit the spot. Spectator-friendly: If your supporters don't mind only seeing you once during the race and are looking forward to sitting out in a park for a few hours, this race is perfect for them too! Spectators: The lack of them was awesome! And one of the guys at the last water stop on the loop was really supportive. Cons: Not many, but some worth mentioning" Wet shoes: It made the race more interesting, I guess. Water stations: They were there, and I think I am just bitter that I picked up an empty cup as I started a hilly climb and didn't turn around to get another cup. Probably my fault, but I was tired and running a marathon! Overall, they were good, and actually had Gatorade which would have been nice to know since I opted to carry a bottle of Gatorade instead of water because that is what was advertised on the website. Final Words: Not sure what the other Delaware Marathon is like, and this one may be hard for 50 staters to get to, but it was well worth it. I had a blast! I hope it stays as enjoyable in the future. | |
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S. M. from Allentown, PA
(4/28/2008)
"Beautiful trails and very friendly trail 'dawgs'" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I didn't run the marathon, but ran the same trail as the marathoners on the accompanying "triple crown"(a half, then a 10K, then a 5K). Scenery varied from wide trails with shaded trout streams (they were apparently biting), to wooded hillsides, to gentrified fields with trees in bloom everywhere. The club members ran with us, encouraging everyone with bottomless cheer and enthusiasm. The BBQ afterwards was a great event and even offered veggie burgers. The only improvement I'd suggest would be to better delineate the finishers' chute, as people were congregating there unawares. I used this marathon as an opportunity to get in one 22+ run before the marathon I am currently training for, and will have to come back and do the marathon another year. This being a small trail run, those who need spectators should probably look elsewhere, but you couldn't beat the cameraderie! | |
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M. H. from Tremont, Illinois
(4/28/2008)
"Well-run marathon" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I did this marathon because I needed to get a marathon in Delaware and couldn't make the May 18th one. I have no regrets. It was well organized, with plenty of aid stations and good food and drinks. In addition, there were hamburgers and other goodies for the finish. I was one of the last 10 and the nice people were still there cooking hamburgers and serving us. The people were great. For someone wanting to do a marathon in Delaware, this would be a great choice. Not that it's a fast course, but who cares about finish time (especially when you're back in the race where I finish). Well done! | |
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p. f. from Delaware
(5/3/2007)
"Picture-Perfect Scenery" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 9th marathon and first trail marathon. The course was 2 loops of scenic trails. There was almost no running on roads and only a few short section in fields. The rest was in the woods. I think the course was well marked, but another runner and I were talking and missed one turn adding about 1.3 miles to our day. As the race website says, there was no charge for the extra miles. While this was my first trail marathon, it won't be my last. It was a great day. | |
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T. N. from Virginia Beach, VA
(5/2/2007)
"Okay, that hurt" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was the hardest race I have ever done and by far the hardest marathon. I was in so much pain the last 6 miles it was unreal. First trail marathon for me and by no way the last. The course was awesome. What sights. Even with struggling and my legs screaming in pain I still looked around at the hills and the trees in awe. Great, great race. Prima donnas, hill sissies and speed freaks need not apply. Check your ego at the door and enjoy the ride or else you'll miss out on a great event. | |
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J. R. from Landenberg Pa
(5/1/2007)
"Great Course" (about: 2007)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I will start with first stating I am a low mileage occasional runner. I ran the half marathon on an impulse, and it was the farthest I have run since high school X-C nearly 30 years ago. I do most of my running with my dog on the the trails on the east side of the course. My wife and I even chose our 2nd daughters name while taking a walk on the David English trail ( a.k.a. the Molly Trail)! With all that being said, I must say the run was the most fun I have ever had in a running event. I have never raced longer than a 5K so the half was quite a challenge, but the course, the mud and especially the people who put it together were exceptional. I will be looking forward to next year, and I may have to actually train for the run! Thanks for a great event! | |
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Dean Clifton from Mission Viejo, California
(5/1/2007)
"Awesome!" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Delaware Trail Marathon (formerly the Triple Crown Trail Marath
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Dude, ya gotta do this one... took two headers, covered in mud, runnin' through creeks, slippin', slidin' and runnin' all over the place.... Loved this race... great race!!!! Yeah, excellent BBQ after, and just an all-around great race. I wouldn't change a thing.... |
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