Being a first-timer, my conclusion was disappointment. After all the hype about the scenery, challenging course and fun, I came away disappointed. I ran the half & these are my comments:

-The mile markers were small orange cones w/ tiny numbers on them.

-Speaking of mile markers, they were off by maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 mile! I'd run a 7:15 one mile then drop to 9-10 min/mile pace! I ran the uphill mile #13 in 8:39 when I'd run the previous flatter mile in 10 min.

-The organizers probably can't do anything about this but lots of waiting at the finish and for the results. Only watermelon, Gatorade & water available.

-At a water station, the runners had to reach for the water cups sitting on the table instead of someone handing it to you. When you're racing, this is incovenient.

-The bus ride back took forever! Prepare for a 15-mile bus ride back and also plan on losing your warm-up clothing.

-Pre-race emails were never returned.

-Post-race emails have not been returned.

-If I run this again, I'll run the 6.7. Less waiting, feels more like a race & more spectator-friendly.

-The scenery is over-hyped. For most of the course, there is a hill that comes between the lake & the course but once in awhile you'll catch a glimpse of the lake. It's better to just visit than to race if you want to enjoy the scenery.

If you are going to do this race, please read the comments of other racers. They are very helpful. Notably:

1. It is cold at the start
2. No Gu along the race, and the Gatorade is watered down. Bring some Gu.
3. It is rarely flat. Six miles uphill followed by sox miles downhill. Combined with the altitude, expect to walk a good bit and add 45 minutes or so to your normal time.
4. The camber of the road can be tough on the feet.
5. Zero spectators.
6. Top-notch mind-blowing scenery.

In general, this shouldn't be your first marathon, but it is well worth the trip. Food and lodging are limited around the park. I would recommend eating at the new Annie Creek Restaurant near the south entrance and village. They have an all-you-can-eat pasta buffet. Also, we stayed at Wilson's Cottages, a mere 15 minutes from the village, and there were still rooms available. I would recommend checking it out.

I ran this marathon again after 13 years. I had forgotten how tough the hills were. Probably a good thing. Its a very beautiful course, breathtaking. The aid stations are plentiful and everyone is very friendly. I would expect this marathon to take most people about 40 minutes more than they are used to. I ran with a GPS this year, the cones were off a little at times, but at 6.7, 13.0 and 26.2 that part is perfect. Mile 12 cone was at mile 12.3 but 13.0 came up at the right place, so you get to feel fast for mile 13. The cone for mile 24 had been moved up the hill a bit, so the uphill mile seemed to go on forever, but mile 25 came up quicker so it ended up okay. I would recommend this run for anyone who enjoys marathons and wants a view that can't be beat. When you get your medal from this event, it means more because after 26.2 miles of Crater Lake, you've definitely earned it.

I ran the 2006 Crater Lake Marathon yesterday... what a gorgeous route... incredible scenery... but so challenging... miles 10-14 are straight up forever!!! There is a 1,000-foot gain over winding roads... then 14-22 are straight down!!!! But then come the killer miles - 22-24 are straight up a dirt road. I almost gave up with about a tenth of a mile to go on the incline, and then I saw the top and the aid station. The last two miles are all downhill - so tough. Only the tough do the marathon.

You will hate it, love it; hurt from total pain and exhaustion; and revel in the victory of finishing. Add 40 minutes to your best marathon - loved it (especially when I finished)... go for it. They have great volunteers, aid stations every two miles with Gatorade and water (every mile the last 6), no spectators (none), the course is closed to the public and virtually impossible to watch anywhere except the finish, but no spectators are needed for this gorgeous battle. There are only pop and watermelon at the finish line. This race is spiritually and physically humbling and exhilarating....

This was my third marathon, and my goodness was it difficult. After a short incline over the course of the first mile, it is mostly downhill until about mile 8.5, where you begin a brutal 1,200-foot climb over the course of 6 miles. This is by far the toughest part of any race I have ever done. However, the good news is that most of the second half is run at a steep decline, although this can sure do a number on your quads. Miles 22.5-24.5 are extremely challenging as well, as you climb 470 ft. on dirt. This race was about as difficult as a marathon could possibly be, yet it was a wonderful race. Although you are required to stay at least an hour away in Klamath Falls, it is definitely worth the drive. I came down from Seattle the day before and was pretty sick of driving by the time we got there, but the race sure made up for it. All of the volunteers were extremely helpful, happy, encouraging, and excited to be out there helping the runners. It was as if they kind of felt what we were going through, and tried to do everything they could to make it easier for us. At the final turn-around point at mile 24.5, one of the volunteers making sure we completed the turn-around gave me his water bottle because I looked tired. It was incredible! It was exactly what I needed!

The park rangers did allow cars on the course for short intervals during the race, which was fine, because the cars did an excellent job of staying out of the way, driving slowly, and stopping if need be. It was a chilly start, about 44 degrees, which can be somewhat of a shock to your system in August when you aren't expecting it. However, it warmed up and was nearly perfect during the course of the race, about 55 degrees or so. My only two complaints are that the post-race spread was nothing to jump up and down about (which isn't a big deal to me since I can't eat for a few hours after a race anyway, but to some runners this is a very important part of deciding whether or not to do a race) and the t-shirts were cotton.... Oh well, this was a great race and I would recommend it to anybody looking for a challenge, as well as some great scenery.

Being my first marathon at Crater Lake, I thought it unusual that there were so many repeat runners there. I understood why by the end of the race. Only the bravest and toughest go there. The sense of accomplishment was so rewarding. I counted myself fortunate to be numbered with such elite athletes. Some were the kind you read about in magazines. Others were just every-day people. What an honor. I wish to do it again. I expected huge challenge from the altitude; it effected me but little. I felt that the thin air was as much an asset as a challenge. I noticed that there was less air resistance. It makes a difference over 26 miles. I trained on much smaller hills for the two months previous, and it greatly helped. The sponsors and volunteers were the real heroes. Aid stations were excellent. The registration price was amazingly cheap. God bless you all. I would recommend any seasoned runner to treat his or her self and try this one.

Brent Fitzgerald
From the low flat lands

This was my 70th marathon and my most difficult so far. It's not a good marathon for first-timers; I recommend having a few marathons under your belt before you tackle this one. It's at altitude and has long vertical inclines. I was running up Greyback Ridge (miles 22-24) and was passed by several walkers, which was a humbling experience. I had to pinch myself to make sure I was really there at the start line at the Watchman; it really was that inspiring. And the scenery throughout Crater Lake National Park was simply breathtaking. This was a fantastic race and I would consider running it again.

This really is way gorgeous, as well a great excuse to see one of our great national parks. I run lots of trail ultras, so thought the hills would be nothing, but combined with the altitude, this was one very tough race (I was 40 minutes over my PR). Even walking up most of the final hill, my head felt like it would explode from the pounding. My wife had a great time waiting with our baby near the finish line hanging out with a very friendly and fun spectator crowd and staff.

What a great place to run a marathon! We always pick our holidays based on where we can run a Marathon & this was one of the best. I personally prefer running these quieter routes, not being deafened by big crowds - the enthusiasm of the helpers is enough encouragement. I hadn't properly prepared for the altitude - don't know how I could living at sea-level but this did not detract from a great day!

Quiet, peaceful; I run alone for nearly the entire course after the pack thins out. The inclines at the beginning go by fast, the declining side is a coast. Miles 22-24 can go away and then it's over before ya know it. No spectators and that's a big plus. Be sure to leave the middle of the road and look over the edge of the crater rim when the lake comes into view!