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When we set out to put on this race, our strategy was to make an affordable "runner-first" event that was not like every other race. The Rocky Mount Endurance Club is a small non-profit running club, so our motivation was never about trying to turn a profit. This is why we provided runners what we feel were some nice extra perks. This included a full color race poster, a long sleeve technical race shirt, a truly one-of-a kind race medal, and even a running hat for all finishers.We honestly value your feedback, because we want to improve in 2009. Please take a minute to let us know what we did right, and where we can improve. Like all races, our budget and resources are limited, so we want to make sure we are putting our effort in the right places, and not spending money on things that are not needed. We understand that no race will ever be perfect for everyone, but that does mean we should not strive for it.
We will be reading and listening to all feedback. Consider things like packet pickup, race amenities, volunteers, aid stations, the course, the shirts, the medals, the awards, the date and time, etc. If it is important to you, than it is important to us.
Again, another first class event. Thanks to Michael and all the RMEC volunteers--and others--for helping to pull off another flawless event. I appreciate Raleigh Running Outfitters and RBC Bank, and all the other sponsors too. I appreciate everyone's efforts on that "cool" Saturday morning. Race starts went smoothly, trail was well marked, lots of smiling faces on the route, great shirts, medals, hats, food, etc...
ReplyDeleteI don't have any negative feedback or know of anything that could be done better next time. Keep up the great job.
Michael, the entire event was great. The volunteers were friendly and did a great job. The post race snacks and food was plentiful and very good. The course was very challenging, but not over the top so that the normal road runner got a taste of trail running without being damaged for life! Also having the 10 miler was a real plus as this is a challenging distance but something most runneers can ramp up to fairly easily. Doing a little later in October when the fall colors would be peak would be a suggestion. Also if the Halifax Co. travel and tourism dept would plan a fall festival type event on the property the same day may make it fun for non runners if it would not get to congested. Thanks again for all of your hard work on bringing this together.
ReplyDeleteThis wasn't an easy course to run but it was an easy race to have fun during! Every volunteer was cheerful. The weather was perfect. The shirt was nice. The medallion was the biggest I've ever seen and the optional pre-race camping was perfect! Great pre-race, race day, and post-race execution by the organizers. It's a bit of a drive for me to come back every year, but it's definitely on my short list for future years.
ReplyDeleteOnly "complaint" is that there wasn't anyone in a Medoc outfit at the finish line or giant footprints in the woods. Oh well, something for next year...
Medoc was hidden in a few places in the woods along the trail, but apparently too well hidden if you missed him. . .
ReplyDeleteWe will take note and make sure Medoc is seen more often in 2009. There is also a rumor that Medoc might make an appearance at the finish line next year as well.
We think maybe the runners scared him back into his tree house.
This was the best race I've ever participated in. The volunteers were great, friendly, helpful, encouraging and seemed to be having a good time. I liked knowing that there would be a metal wating for me at the finish and I love the cap. The snacks were perfect. The course was challenging. It was a great trail, perfect for running and what a beautiful day. I appreciated the volunteers hanging in there for those of us who were the last few to finish. They welcomed us and cheered and were genuine in their offer to get food, water and give support. My coworkers loved the shirt and thought the metal w/Medoc was really great. This is one race I plan to run every year. You are an awesome group of runners, volunteers and I wouldn't change a thing at all. I did see Medoc several times and would like to see him at the finish line. Congratulations on putting on a great race. See you next year. Deb Young
ReplyDeleteI was more than happy that I ran this race. It was my first introduction to trail racing, and I think it was a challenging but fair course. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the aid stations- the volunteers were so nice, and they were all well stocked! The course itself was well marked, the post race food was delicious, the shirt was very good, the hat was a nice bonus, and the medal was one of the best I have ever received. All in all, very worth my 430 AM wake up call on a Saturday! I am already looking forward to next year!
ReplyDeleteI ran the 10 miler and this was my first trail race. I thought this event was very well run. The volunteers were helpful, the T-shirt, cap and medal were awesome. I never expected such nice goodies for a 10 mile race! The course was well marked, scenic and a good challenge, but not overly difficult.
ReplyDeleteI did see a few marathoners who apparently took a wrong turn. Perhaps next year more signs would be helpful...i.e. yellow signs for 10 milers and red signs for marathoners. I did not have any trouble finding my way on the 10 mile course.
My sincere thanks to RMEC -- you are truly a great group of runners and your efforts are greatly appreciated! I will be back next year for the marathon!
I have run a number of races over the past 10 years. This race came in a close second to my favorites (next to a hard to beat Boston Marathon)! The volunteers were super friendly, the course was beautiful, everything was wonderful. I truly, truly enjoyed the run. I will be back next year for more!
ReplyDeletePS. Love the shirt! Can't wait to wear it on my next long run!
This was one of my favorite races ever! Everything was great, and even the weather was perfect!
ReplyDeleteThe management of this race was absolutely first-rate. I appreciated getting updates prior to the race as well as the easy and organized packet pick-up. When we pulled into the parking field and were directed to park against a spray-painted line, I knew that this race would be smooth and professional. The course was well-marked, the volunteers were plentiful and friendly, and the post-race snacks were super.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing but compliments for the those who spent so much time planning and organizing what turned out to be a fantastic day. It was that attention to detail that set this race apart from so many others that I have attended. Many thanks, and we'll see you next year!
Excellent race and exceptionally well organized – from packet pick up, parking, race start, timely award ceremony, etc., etc. I am always concerned when participating in an inaugural race, especially one with such an early start but this one was the welcome exception. Both races and the wave starts were ON TIME - this is very important to serious runners. I have never participated in a race in which the volunteers were so genuinely friendly – you folks should write an SOP on how races should be organized. Mike W.
ReplyDelete-awesome job!
ReplyDelete-great shwag
-phenomenal post-race food
-super organization, way to go volunteers. they gave me a boost on top of the "mountain"
-i talked to the guys from the richmond marathon that ran. they were very complimentary.
-i am not sure about the whole "medoc" guy thing, but that's okay.
brent (the "only rocky mount marathon finisher")
This race was the most fun I think I have ever had running. The organization was incredible, the food was plentiful and more than I think anyone could have expected. The Medoc Mascot was fun and helped set a tone/perspective that this race was also about having fun and gave me someone to talk to during the race. The trails were well marked, best ever from my experience almost to the point of a road race equivalent, which some trail runners may have thought the clear markings took away some of the technical factor that is part of running a trail race. I appreciate the work that was done to make things so clear and the awesome volunteers who dedicated so much time and energy to this race.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone who helped make this GREAT event possible. The race committee and race director definitely put in countless hours of dedicated planning and preparation for several months. THE HARD WORK PAID OFF. Plus, the sponsors and volunteers deserve a big thank you. Without them, it wouldn't have been nearly as successful. Both Raleigh Running Outfitters and RBC Bank were great partners in supporting this race. Eagle Press and Golden Corral too. And the Halifax County Visitors Center hospitality tent was exceptional. That was a terrific added benefit. It's so nice the way they supported this community event (and they were super friendly too). Kudos to Halifax County for being there to show their community support!!
ReplyDeleteThere was no shortage of food after the race -- good food.
As far as I could tell, the park staff was helpful too. It was great to have the truck with the flashing light marking the entrance to the park. It helped to ensure no one missed the turn (since it was still dark). Also, parking was easy and well organized.
For me, this was one of the most enjoyable races I've done. It was just a great day all around. I thought the course was well marked. Thank you for putting the warning signs about the steep steps going down - that helped. The only suggestion I would make on markings is to put the directional signs lower to the ground. I found that my line of sight was mainly on the trail (carefully watching my next steps) so I had to look up for the markings. Overall, I just felt good Saturday -- just seemed to glide through the woods in my trail shoes from RRO. Call me crazy -- but this race actually felt easier than Ford's Colony (even though longer and more technically difficult). Amazing what a difference cooler temps and low humidity make. The weather was beautiful.
I'm so grateful for the volunteers too. It's because of you many of us were able to run at this event. Next year, I will volunteer. Go ahead and put my name down!
Thanks for all of the feedback.
ReplyDeleteWe have posted all reviews on the Medoc Trail Races site now. This includes blog posts, emails, and online reviews. We ahve heard from over 40 runners.
Go to the race site and check them out!
Great location to have a trail run. The course was challenging yet manageable. This was my first distance race over 10k and first trail race. The aid stations were fine and well manned. The trail was marked adequately and any "lost" fears would be put aside with a viewing of the next orange tape hanging every 100' or so. Will definitely like to run again. How about "grandmasters" awards?
ReplyDeleteLooking at all the other comments really doesn't leave much out...Thank You, it was a great day, a great race, put on by great organizers, supported by great volunteers and park staff, an absolutely cool course, run by some of the friendliest runners I've enountered (well I am new to this stuff but still...), I'll be back next year for sure. (Hopefully with more runners than this year). THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Frank, thanks for all the support and motivation, you were definitely my #1 fan, you're absolutely awesome....hopefully you'll see me again on 11.22
Having run many trail races over the years I left the Medoc Marathon with a smile on my face. The volunteers were the best I have ever encountered at an event. The race was well organized, the course was well marked and the aid stations were very well stocked! I really appreciated the GU!
ReplyDeleteWell, this was my first trail race and I have to say it was a blast! This is my 4th inaugural race this year(the others were 1/2 marathons)and this is the only one that has gone off with out problem. The trail was great and not to over the top. Medoc behaved, we camped out which was so nice with the hot showers. It made for a clean drive home! The medals, hats and shirt awesome, the volunteers, can't say enough about them, aids stations and food great! I will be back next year, so Frank maybe you will get your coffee then. My only suggestion loose the poster and pen throw in a waterbtl or soft cooler. Angela W
ReplyDeletePS: camping is a must the sky at nite is amazing!