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Marathon Details - Greenbrier River Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WV > Marlinton > Greenbrier River Trail Marathon

Greenbrier River Trail Marathon

Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Hlaf Marathon

Marlinton, WV USA

October 6, 2024

http://www.grtmarathon.com

Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

USATF Certified! Flat, fast, scenic marathon on old railway bed. Point-to-point course, mostly crushed limestone surface with two miles paved. Run through an old train tunnel at mile 15.

Contact Information

Name:	Kellyn
Address:	2002 Fitchburg Ct. Apex, NC 27523
Phone Number:	3046850922
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Unique, Flat, Fast, Scenic - Inaugural Marathon (8/1/18)

Kellyn

Whether you're looking for a marathon that is flat and fast, or scenic and beautiful, or unique and different, or just looking to add West Virginia to your 50-state goal. This inaugural marathon checks all of those boxes.
Come join us on Sunday, October 7th, where the fall colors will be out, the average temperatures are 52 degrees and the flat, point-to-point course will be fast. The race will start with a Steam Engine Train Whistle at 8:00 AM and at mile 15 you will pass through an old train tunnel. You don't want to miss out!

Runner Reviews (5)

Course 5.0

Organization 5.0

Spectators 3.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 5

C. S. from North Port, FL USA (10/3/2021) "The Race Director Cares, and it shows!" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 In the weeks prior to the race I had a couple question, and the RD always responded promptly. The boxed dinner the nite prior to the race was awesome. A deal with a local bar for a free drink. Race started on time. Aid station people who care. Pretty good spread after race. The venue doesn't lend itself to having a lot of spectators, but those out there were great. I didn't pick up my age group award, but I bet the RD takes care of it. This is a race to sign up for. It fills up early.
J. M. from West Virginia (10/16/2018) "First time marathoner, and glad I picked this one!" (about: 2018) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Long before the race actually occurred, the race director was very active not just answering questions, but sending out tons of encouragement and runner spotlights. The start line is located right next to the Cass Scenic Railroad, which I will have to plan a trip on the next time around. The course wasn't as fast as many expected due to multiple weather type issues, but it was a very beautiful run. Luckily, I was in-and-out of small groups that weren't as locked in on 'just running' and I was reminded to look around :) The volunteers all the way along the course were very friendly and encouraging and were spread into the very end miles where the cheers were definitely needed and appreciated. Kellyn himself was at the finish congratulating most if not all of the finishers. The post-race shelter had huge tables full of goodies. The roads to the start/finish are in very good condition but are definitely your typical rural WV twisty roads, so definitely allow adequate time to arrive early. I will definitely repeat this race in the years to come!
S. S. from Lexington, KY (10/12/2018) "Awesome scenery and flat, fast course" (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Course: Everything about this course is scenic and unique. From starting at Cass Scenic Railroad (with a steam whistle to signal the start) to running along the Greenbrier River and through Sharp's Tunnel, this race has plenty of views. While it technically is a 'trail,' the surface is crushed gravel that is fast and forgiving to run on. Spectators are few and far between, but the ones that are at water stops are enthusiastic and helpful. The only reason I rated spectators as '3' is that the nature of this race and remote sections just do not lend themselves to constant spectating opportunities. There can be times when you're on your own, but I think that gives the race it's personality. There's something to be said for pushing yourself at mile 18, 19 when it's just you and an empty trail. There are few better places to be than along the Greenbrier River in fall. Organization: Extremely well organized. Pre-race communication was constant and helpful, and busing everyone to the start worked flawlessly. The timing group (Appalachian Timing) were impressive as always. They had photographs at the beginning, middle, and end of the race, as well as video the midway point and finish. SWAG was great. The shirt was a new alpaca blend from Janji, and is now my new favorite cool weather shirt (so much so that I'm buying several more straight from Janji). Overall, I'd highly recommend this race. It is well worth the drive. For the inaugural year, I was impressed with the organization and thought that went into this race. If you would have told me it had been going on for ten years, I would not have been able to disagree.
S. M. from United States (10/9/2018) "A great start for the inaugural race" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Run almost entirely on the rail trail next to the Greenbrier River, this race showcases the beautiful fall colors of WV. While the day got hot and way above the average temps, if more seasonal weather occurs, it could be a PR type course. Excellent communications from the Race Director (both pre and post-race) on a number of platforms really helps build enthusiasm. The volunteers were all amazing, kind and enthusiastic. Only 3 stars for spectators as it's simply not that type of course. However, those who we saw were great. There were aide stations with not only water and Tailwind, but also Honey Stinger Gels, Waffles, and Chews. Shirt is amazing quality and a beautiful design. Finish line food was also very good (heard there may even be adult beverages next year). Check out a map before you go - things are somewhat spread out in this part of WV and roads are windy and hilly, so you need to allow appropriate travel time. Listen to the RD, park your car at the finish and take the bus to the start. It will make life easier post-race. If you want big city crowds and fuss, this is not the race for you. If you want to enjoy a good run in beautiful country, check out this race.
James Towey from Richmond, Virginia (10/8/2018) "A race put on by a Race Director who cares" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 74th marathon and I don't think I've ever posted a review on any previous marathon but I feel the need to do so for this one. The description of the course by the director is spot on so I don't feel the need to be duplicative here except to say that the Greenbrier River Trail is a beautiful trail and I was thrilled to see someone organize a point-to-point marathon on it. The year was the inaugural race and, as such, you never really know how its going to turn out and glitches in the first year are expected. But I didn't see any glitches at all. I'm sure there were some in the weeks leading up to it but the Race Director must have handled them just fine. The Race Director added a personal and local touch to the race. I was also very impressed with how he seemed to treat every runner as a friend and took the time to answer emails and talk to runners at packet pickup and after the race. When I finished, he wanted to know what I thought about it and seemed to already be thinking about how things could be made even better next year. This was a runners' race put on by organizers who clearly know what marathoners wish for and need. Don't expect big crowds along a trail in rural West Virginia but the local volunteers at the water stops and the support along the way were great. For a rural area, the local enthusiasm was energizing. The Race Director clearly put his heart into this race and it showed. I'll be back next year for sure.



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C. S. from North Port, FL USA (10/3/2021) "The Race Director Cares, and it shows!" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 In the weeks prior to the race I had a couple question, and the RD always responded promptly. The boxed dinner the nite prior to the race was awesome. A deal with a local bar for a free drink. Race started on time. Aid station people who care. Pretty good spread after race. The venue doesn't lend itself to having a lot of spectators, but those out there were great. I didn't pick up my age group award, but I bet the RD takes care of it. This is a race to sign up for. It fills up early.
J. M. from West Virginia (10/16/2018) "First time marathoner, and glad I picked this one!" (about: 2018) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Long before the race actually occurred, the race director was very active not just answering questions, but sending out tons of encouragement and runner spotlights. The start line is located right next to the Cass Scenic Railroad, which I will have to plan a trip on the next time around. The course wasn't as fast as many expected due to multiple weather type issues, but it was a very beautiful run. Luckily, I was in-and-out of small groups that weren't as locked in on 'just running' and I was reminded to look around :) The volunteers all the way along the course were very friendly and encouraging and were spread into the very end miles where the cheers were definitely needed and appreciated. Kellyn himself was at the finish congratulating most if not all of the finishers. The post-race shelter had huge tables full of goodies. The roads to the start/finish are in very good condition but are definitely your typical rural WV twisty roads, so definitely allow adequate time to arrive early. I will definitely repeat this race in the years to come!
S. S. from Lexington, KY (10/12/2018) "Awesome scenery and flat, fast course" (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Course: Everything about this course is scenic and unique. From starting at Cass Scenic Railroad (with a steam whistle to signal the start) to running along the Greenbrier River and through Sharp's Tunnel, this race has plenty of views. While it technically is a 'trail,' the surface is crushed gravel that is fast and forgiving to run on. Spectators are few and far between, but the ones that are at water stops are enthusiastic and helpful. The only reason I rated spectators as '3' is that the nature of this race and remote sections just do not lend themselves to constant spectating opportunities. There can be times when you're on your own, but I think that gives the race it's personality. There's something to be said for pushing yourself at mile 18, 19 when it's just you and an empty trail. There are few better places to be than along the Greenbrier River in fall. Organization: Extremely well organized. Pre-race communication was constant and helpful, and busing everyone to the start worked flawlessly. The timing group (Appalachian Timing) were impressive as always. They had photographs at the beginning, middle, and end of the race, as well as video the midway point and finish. SWAG was great. The shirt was a new alpaca blend from Janji, and is now my new favorite cool weather shirt (so much so that I'm buying several more straight from Janji). Overall, I'd highly recommend this race. It is well worth the drive. For the inaugural year, I was impressed with the organization and thought that went into this race. If you would have told me it had been going on for ten years, I would not have been able to disagree.
S. M. from United States (10/9/2018) "A great start for the inaugural race" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Run almost entirely on the rail trail next to the Greenbrier River, this race showcases the beautiful fall colors of WV. While the day got hot and way above the average temps, if more seasonal weather occurs, it could be a PR type course. Excellent communications from the Race Director (both pre and post-race) on a number of platforms really helps build enthusiasm. The volunteers were all amazing, kind and enthusiastic. Only 3 stars for spectators as it's simply not that type of course. However, those who we saw were great. There were aide stations with not only water and Tailwind, but also Honey Stinger Gels, Waffles, and Chews. Shirt is amazing quality and a beautiful design. Finish line food was also very good (heard there may even be adult beverages next year). Check out a map before you go - things are somewhat spread out in this part of WV and roads are windy and hilly, so you need to allow appropriate travel time. Listen to the RD, park your car at the finish and take the bus to the start. It will make life easier post-race. If you want big city crowds and fuss, this is not the race for you. If you want to enjoy a good run in beautiful country, check out this race.
James Towey from Richmond, Virginia (10/8/2018) "A race put on by a Race Director who cares" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 74th marathon and I don't think I've ever posted a review on any previous marathon but I feel the need to do so for this one. The description of the course by the director is spot on so I don't feel the need to be duplicative here except to say that the Greenbrier River Trail is a beautiful trail and I was thrilled to see someone organize a point-to-point marathon on it. The year was the inaugural race and, as such, you never really know how its going to turn out and glitches in the first year are expected. But I didn't see any glitches at all. I'm sure there were some in the weeks leading up to it but the Race Director must have handled them just fine. The Race Director added a personal and local touch to the race. I was also very impressed with how he seemed to treat every runner as a friend and took the time to answer emails and talk to runners at packet pickup and after the race. When I finished, he wanted to know what I thought about it and seemed to already be thinking about how things could be made even better next year. This was a runners' race put on by organizers who clearly know what marathoners wish for and need. Don't expect big crowds along a trail in rural West Virginia but the local volunteers at the water stops and the support along the way were great. For a rural area, the local enthusiasm was energizing. The Race Director clearly put his heart into this race and it showed. I'll be back next year for sure.

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Marathon Details - Greenbrier River Trail Marathon