Marathon Details - Shelby Forest Loop Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > TN > Millington > Shelby Forest Loop Marathon

Shelby Forest Loop Marathon

Shelby Forest Loop Marathon & Half Marathon

Millington, TN USA

February 27, 2022

http://www.altisendurance.com/events/shelby-forest-loop-marathon-and-half

Marathon Results

By Year:

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

A fast mostly closed road course of a mile in length with two loops at each end so there are no abrupt 180 degree turns on the course. Just short of 13 loops completes the certified fast and PR type course.

Contact Information

Name:	Mike Samuelson
Address:	9438 William Little Drive Lakeland, TN 38002
Phone Number:	901-355-9820
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (2)

Course 4.0

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.5

Write a review

Number of comments: 2

R. D. from TN (3/28/2016)

"small, fun, no stress" (about: 2016)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Shelby Forest Loop Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3

It's like running a track or cross country event. It's only a 2.02 loop (13x2). I got lucky in finding a runner at my level/pace. We spent the race talking while going 7:35s and encouraging each other.
It's perfect for novice marathoners or BQ hunters. Very flat (small undulations).

R. R. from Collierville, TN (3/12/2014)

"A great small loop marathon" (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Shelby Forest Loop Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4

Loop marathons are not for everyone. This race is run on a pleasant 2 mile out and back loop in Shelby Forest (Meeman Shelby State Park). The paved road is closed to traffic and fairly scenic (considering it is still winter in the Mid- South and all the vegetation is dormant.) Still, detractors will point out that participants run the same mile up and back for the whole race.
While this is true, there are advantages to loop marathons. First, race resources are able to be focused on two aid stations, which meant that there was aid literally every mile. For those who chose to make their own personal aid station in addition to the two well stocked official aid stations, there was no need to carry a thing.Your favorite fuel or hydration solution was never far away. Also, there was a lot of face time with the other runners of all skill levels. You could cheer on all the other participants and take a front row seat as the race unfolded before your eyes. Spectators had ample opportunity to see their runner, and didn't have to travel an inch.
Thus, this small race had a lot of support despite its tiny size. The course was fairly flat and easy to run. There was no t-shirt, but all finishers' received a finishers' award. Packet pickup was on race day and was a snap. The road was wide and the turns were big loops meant to allow cars to loop around without stopping, so there were no sharp turn- arounds to negotiate. There was a trail that shot off the far end of the course that created a little confusion for the leaders on the first lap. After lap one, however, everyone knew where to go.
Amazingly, this course is USATF certified and is a Boston Qualifier. Thus this is an ideal race for those looking for a fairly flat, fast BQ course without the crowds and distractions of bigger races, but with ample aid and support.
Bottom-line, do not run this race if you need a ton of distractions like bands and ever changing terrain. If you are looking for a small race in a scenic location that is fast (and certified), or if you have supporters who want to actually see you run without the fuss of traveling all over town, then this race is perfect for you. Personally, I had a blast and look forward to next year.