This is a very challenging marathon course. If you run a 3:30 marathon expect to finish this race between 5-6 hours. There is 5,883 feet of elevation gain on Marathon course. The course is made up of 99.9% mountain trail and fire break roads. The only asphalt that your trail shoes will touch is a few crossing as you traverse northbound at the lower elevations. There are sections of accent and decent that will be technical but extremely scenic. As in the past you may experience snow, rain, mud, potential stream crossings but without a doubt – rocks. Although the distance is that of a traditional marathon, it is anything but traditional. There will not be porta-johns, mile markers, spectators, or volunteers at every turn showing you which way to go. You should treat this race course like an ultra-distance race. The course will be marked with orange and blue flagging. Continuous orange flagging will indicate the correct direction. A combination of orange and blue flagging will indicate an upcoming turn. The blue flagging will appear on the same side of the trail as the turn will occur. The course will be marked well but you must pay attention to the flagging.