Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Great course on C and O Canal and Antietam National Battlefield
It gets hilly at mile 16 so don't go out too fast.
Phenomenal point to point marathon. Here are the highlights.
1. It's a point to point marathon that starts and ends in West Virginia but most of it is in Maryland (you can cross 2 states off your marathon bucket list) 2. Runs through 4 National Parks/Parkland 3. Half of it is very flat and half is quite hilly 4. The finishers medals are homemade by a local potter 5. You finish in the middle of a college football stadium 6. The post race party/Oktoberfest is at a German Inn 7. You run down a spiral staircase as you enter Maryland 8. Part of the race is on the historic Appalachian Trail 9. The race director is a doctor and owns the country's first natural running store 10. This is a small "old school" race that you'll be telling everyone you know about
Don't use too much energy on the "Millers Sawmill" hill because the battlefield hills are still in front of you.
Not too many water stops in the first half of the race so you may consider carrying water.
Don't miss the post-run Oktoberfest at the Bavarian Inn across the street.
There is also a half marathon, 10k, 5k, and a kids fun run
The Bavarian Inn is directly across the street from the finish and there are shuttle busses to the start.
First class service by Freedom's Run race director! Government shut down forced the director to change the course only 12 days prior to the run. He did so without missing a beat. Plan B was hilly but beautiful, and course -support was great.
Shepherdstown is lovely. Enjoy!