Comments from the 7th Annual RRR (2010)
This was my first trail run….And will not be my last! I have participated in the Muddy Buddy series for the past two years and your race made that look like child’s play. You can count on me next year and I will be bringing my wife and a few friends. Great job!!!
Thanks for allowing for feedback. I love this race and this was my third year running it. I just wanted to comment on the timing of the awards….I feel that they are started a bit too early. I had been done with the race for only 5 minutes or so when they began (finished in 2:12). But there were still many runners still coming in, and I think it discouraging and unfair to them as most people were gathered for the awards and no one paying attention to the finishers….I would have liked to cheer some others in, but was torn between the finish line and the award/raffle ceremonies. I realize that you have to be timely and all that but just wanted to comment on that.
As usual, we really enjoyed RRR this year. Thanks for putting on a great race. We look forward to this one each year.
I am saddened to see that the powers that be selected the second weekend in Jan 2011, as this is the same weekend as the Walt Disney World Marathon. If possible, could you try to schedule it for the first weekend in 2012 (I know the date will not be considered for almost a year)
Again, really enjoyed this year. Thanks!
This was my first RRR Run and I didn't know quite what to expect, although from talking with those who have experienced this course I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to avoid (ankle turns, a bloody face, cuts and bruises to name a few). This turned out to be one of the most challenging, unique and exciting runs I have ever participated in. This event is well-organized, and I just wish to thank you and ALL folks who helped put the race together. It was an experience of a lifetime, and if my old knees hold on, I'll be back next year. Thanks! |
This was the first trail run for me. I am very sore and bruised today and proud of it!!! It was an unbelievable run. My friend (who I ran with) and I are on cloud nine and just laugh at the thought of falling in the muck and tripping on the roots along those beautiful trails. My expectations were more than met. A HUGE thanks to you and all of the volunteers for organizing such a wonderful event. I can't wait for next year's race! |
Thank you for allowing me to experience the River Roots and Ruts Half marathon,
I was amazed and challenged by the course each time I thought I was getting a break the course hammered me again not a boring mile in the entire race ! I also enjoyed all the great people supporting us the attitudes are a reflection of your leadership.
I look forward to attending your event again next year.
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Just wanted to congratulate and thank you for this race. It was absolutely awesome. The course and volunteers were terrific. I truly enjoyed that race and will most likely be back there next year! |
| Comments from the 6th Annual RRR (2009) |
| Whoever added the stretch between miles 8 and 11 needs to be either congratulated, or sent away for a long time. I've never paid money to be subjected to this kind of abuse. It was great!!! |
| GREAT RACE!!! I don't mind the cut backs but please don't cut back on the really cool long sleeved t's! I also think the rate is very very reasonable so you could up that too. THe course was even better than I remembered two years ago. More of an adventure race. I love the frequent water stops. Great volunteers, friendly people for being stuck in the woods. I liked that there was a bike volunteer by an especially steep hill. Good idea on someones part. Great run. Thanks |
The course was awesome! You guys were organized and on
time with everything. I'm not a fast runner or even a "serious"
runner, but I love off-road events (at heart I am a Mt. Biker) and
right now my wrist is fractured so I can't ride my bike. This was a
great challenge and a great alternative for me to get in some fun and
some exercise!
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This was my 3rd River, Roots and Ruts and the race just gets better and better. I liked the easier, flatter course from years past around miles 10-13. But I can't complain about this year's course. The harder it gets the better the stories at the finish line!!! I love this race...The spiritual ride at dawn out to Alva. The stained glass medals. The AG "trophies". The personal touch of announcing your name at the finish line. The hospitality from race officials and volunteers. The sensitivity to nature. It's all there at the River, Roots and Ruts. I will definitely be back. Thanks for making it another memorable experience!
Only constructive criticism is that I wish the race was two weeks before the Naples half as I believe it would encourage more people to register for both.
Overall, an excellent job done. Thank you so much!
|
Just a quick note to thank you for your hard work in making this year's race another wonderful, successful event. I know that all the participants enjoyed the racing experience even though a few of us got to taste and feel the "roots and ruts" up close and personal....
A suggestion might be to make the Team Relay awards 3 deep.
I am already looking forward to next year's event and hope to fire up enthusiasm among my fellow runner to encourage them to try this unique and always fun race. Your efforts are appreciated. |
I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the event today - it was well organized and I thank you for your obvious hard work and dedication. I did the event in 2006 and I have to say the back section of the course seemed much harder then I remember (and I had a much better run today then in 2006). Don't change a thing on the course for next year (unless you can somehow make it harder - but it is quite a good sufferfest as it is!) I also really appreciated all the volunteers on the course. I was leading a pack of runners for about 4-5 miles and never once did I question what direction I needed to go. The presence of the volunteers on the course really helped make that possible. I also really like the idea of the reusable bag and the medals made from recycled material - very original! Have a safe trip back up North. I look forward to next years RRR!! |
I just want to thank you and everyone involved for a tremendous trail race experience. I have never run a Half-Marathon trail race before, and I will not go another race year without including one. I have already circled January 3rd, and plan on bringing many friends along with me. The aid stations were outstanding, the course clearly marked, and the awards and food could not have been better. The best part of the whole race, was seeing all the volunteers and staff, and their commitment and enthusiasm for running and the true enjoyment they showed in putting on the race.
This was my first trail run so I decided to do the 5k. I must say that this was the most fabulous run I ever experienced. I am not sure I will be able to go back to road races. I plan on doing the 1/2 marathon next year and will run AROUND the trees and not into them. Thanks to everyone that made this a wonderful experience.
This was my first experience with trail running... ever! Thanks to the RRR race, trail running has now become a passion. I can't seem to get enough of it. The course was just lovely and most of the volunteers were happy to help. Terrific SWAG as well (best race shirt that I've ever received). I'll be back next year!
Comments from the 5th Annual RRR (2008)
"I think you have finally got the whole race perfect,
even mother nature co-operated this year. I liked the new site and
how you were able to keep things moving in regards to the awards
and door prizes. I loved the goody bags. Ther're very imaginative
and fitting for the race. I've done this run every year, and didn't
even get close to being lost this time around. Count me in to running
it next year also. Thanks for a great race!!!!"
"Outstanding job, great course addition, ran last
year, got lost- forgot all about last year after this race. The trail
was marked great, had people in the right spots, weather was great,
course beat us up, what more could we ask for? I really like the
results page all the manipulations you can do to see the results.
The only thing that got me this year was a case of acute bronchitis
I got last week. I'll be back next year to challenge the course for
time. I really enjoyed the race. Heck of a job!"
"I loved everything about this
race. The course was hard but doable and it was fun to go "off roading".
The race staff were great and their smiles and words of encouragement
kept me motivated to keep attacking those hills. The two things that
I loved most about this event were the course and the finishers medal.
This race also showed its class by shouting everyones name that came
thru the finishers line. To the RD and race staff thanks for a great
race and keep up the good work for next year. "
"Great race, please pass my appreciation to anyone
that helped put the day together. It's one of my favorite days of
the year! See you in 09..."
"This was my second year running the River, Roots
and Ruts. This time I did NOT get lost! The pre-race instructions,
accomodations,
volunteers and overall execution of the event was perfect. The course
was much harder this year due to some moguls / hills around mile
8...but that just added to the overall experience and accomplishment
of finishing this race.
You all do an amazing job with the logistics.
Everyone is so friendly and up-beat. I love how they announce your
name at the finish line!
I highly recommend the River, Roots and Ruts to anyone looking for
a beautiful course, a physical challenge and an alternative to the
normal road race experience!
Keep up the great work and I will definitely
be back next year!"
"My first trail run and it was AWESOME!!!
I look forward to running it next year. I love a good challange and
the fact of succeding. I loved that everything was organic and recycled.
Water stations were plentiful and everyone was great. A well planned
course. Thank-you for all your hard work."
Comments from the 4th Annual RRR (2007):
It was hot, dusty, I tripped a bunch, got lost once, ran/talked with
a woman who had fallen 4 times already. What a great race!!! Runners
understand, others think I'm nuts. I'll be back from Illinois next
year to do it again.
This was the best trail race I have ever entered. The course was
challenging but "doable." The scenery was absolutely stunning.
I love this race. Don't know why…. It can't be because of
the race cuz the course is a KILLER! I guess I like it because it's
so
challenging to even finish. Yea I'll go with that one.
I traveled from Knoxville, TN to the race and have only good things
to say about it! I was part of the group that got lost around mile
3, but I think that is all just part of the experience of trail running!
Thanks for the great event and all the planning and work it took. I
will definitely be back next year!
Thanks for putting on such a great event today. It was such an enjoyable
(although difficult!) experience. Please extend my thanks to all your
wonderful volunteers who made it possible. I look forward to next year!!!!
Just a quick note to say THANK YOU for all you do in getting the
RRR event to happen. I know a lot of time and effort goes into it.
Just
know that myself and about a half a dozen others from the "east
coast" enjoy this run. I sincerely appreciate your hard work.
Until next year....
What a Great Race! Had a wonderful time and look forward to next year.
Thank you for this Trail Run!
This was a fantastic race with excellent support. I wound up taking
much longer than I anticipated due to the heat, but everyone was very
encouraging and kept me going which I greatly appreciated. I especially
appreciated Susan (Sue? she was at the finish and looked like one of
the organizers) who when I apologized for holding up the finish line
people, replied "Did you have fun?." Well that summed everything
up. Yes, I did have fun. Will train harder this year. Will get more
heat tolerant and be back next year for a wonderful race in a beautiful
spot.
Comments from races past:
I thought you folks did a super job! The RRR is now my favorite trail
run that I do each year. (I do about 12 trail runs each year.)
I participated last year and loved every "hellish" mile.
The awards were terrific--who would have ever thought that a tree
root could be so pretty.
Whoever set up that course has a sick mind!
We thought the course was excellent and well marked, the volunteers
very friendly, the food and awards afterwards were great and the atmosphere
overall was fantastic.
The FREE campground fee was the best thing! It made it a true outdoor
experience to sleep in a tent, walk 100 yards to registration, and
come back to my tent site after the race.
What a great race! Well organized and well staffed. Everyone was
so nice! Thanks so much for making my first trail half marathon such
a good one.
Thank you so much for an excellent race! Every detail of the race
was great! You really outdid yourselves! The course was exceptionally
well monitored and well marked, the course was a great course, the
pre-race website info was definitely THE BEST I've ever encountered
for any race (aerial photos, course photos, details, etc.) The host
hotel was in a perfect location, very nice rooms, and who could ask
for more than waterfront rooms? The "medals" are very unique.
the trophies were the BEST I've ever seen. Kudos to you on your environmentally
sensitive philosophies (recycled ink, wood "medals", recycled
license plate giveaways). The giveaways were amazing! Every detail
of the race was great!
