This was one of those races that came together at the very last minute. We were waiting for school to get out (I am a teacher) and for work schedules and time off to be approved. So, about ten days before the race we went into fast-paced planning mode. And so it was that on June 7 we loaded up my new car to drive to a little half marathon with a big mountain in the middle of it.
We had a beautiful 14 hour drive to the middle of nowhere, and we certainly took the long way to get there! I'm so thankful that I had the forethought to update my GPS before setting out on this adventure as regular cell phone service was sparse. There were some moments I thought we should have taken the 4-wheel drive vehicle since there were a few dirt road adventures. Although we seemed to drive in circles every once in a while, we did finally make it to our "boarding house" along the Tug River. This is really the Hatfield-McCoy Inn owned by members of the McCoy family.
When we arrived on Thursday night, the town was shut down. We couldn't find anything open so we fueled ourselves on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after a crazy jaunt in search of a pizza place. We all stream with tears every time we tell this story that involves more dirt roads, crossing the railroad tracks to a dead end, barking dogs in the black of night and a spider in the car. We were ready for a restful night.
Throughout the next day we learned the history of the Hatfield and McCoy family feud. We took the infamous historical tour, drove the course and attended the pasta dinner at Belfry High School. The skit was very entertaining, and, if you wait long enough, everyone wins a raffle prize.
So far, this is one of the prettier courses I've run. It is quiet and peaceful and passes by many of the locations pointed out on the tour. At about mile six there is a one-mile climb up Blackberry Mountain. A little rough going for this girl who trains in Florida, but it felt good to reach the top.The half marathon course finished right behind our accommodations, so we were fortunate to be able to have a quick shower before boarding the bus to be transported back to the start and the complimentary pig fest.
This was a great community race. Participants are really made to feel like one of the family, whether it be the Hatfield or McCoy family makes no difference. Dave Hatfield is the race director and he and his wife make every effort to be sure everyone has a great weekend. One of the most interesting touches of this small race was that in addition to a finisher's medal, each person also receives a mason jar signifying their finish position in the race.
This is a point to point race. It begins in Goody, KY and ends in Matewan, WV, so runners can choose to count it for either state. I've chosen to use this as my WV race. I have my eye on entering the Kentucky Derby Half Marathon in April one of these years.
We had a beautiful 14 hour drive to the middle of nowhere, and we certainly took the long way to get there! I'm so thankful that I had the forethought to update my GPS before setting out on this adventure as regular cell phone service was sparse. There were some moments I thought we should have taken the 4-wheel drive vehicle since there were a few dirt road adventures. Although we seemed to drive in circles every once in a while, we did finally make it to our "boarding house" along the Tug River. This is really the Hatfield-McCoy Inn owned by members of the McCoy family.
When we arrived on Thursday night, the town was shut down. We couldn't find anything open so we fueled ourselves on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after a crazy jaunt in search of a pizza place. We all stream with tears every time we tell this story that involves more dirt roads, crossing the railroad tracks to a dead end, barking dogs in the black of night and a spider in the car. We were ready for a restful night.
Throughout the next day we learned the history of the Hatfield and McCoy family feud. We took the infamous historical tour, drove the course and attended the pasta dinner at Belfry High School. The skit was very entertaining, and, if you wait long enough, everyone wins a raffle prize.
So far, this is one of the prettier courses I've run. It is quiet and peaceful and passes by many of the locations pointed out on the tour. At about mile six there is a one-mile climb up Blackberry Mountain. A little rough going for this girl who trains in Florida, but it felt good to reach the top.The half marathon course finished right behind our accommodations, so we were fortunate to be able to have a quick shower before boarding the bus to be transported back to the start and the complimentary pig fest.
This was a great community race. Participants are really made to feel like one of the family, whether it be the Hatfield or McCoy family makes no difference. Dave Hatfield is the race director and he and his wife make every effort to be sure everyone has a great weekend. One of the most interesting touches of this small race was that in addition to a finisher's medal, each person also receives a mason jar signifying their finish position in the race.
This is a point to point race. It begins in Goody, KY and ends in Matewan, WV, so runners can choose to count it for either state. I've chosen to use this as my WV race. I have my eye on entering the Kentucky Derby Half Marathon in April one of these years.
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