I recommend that you read the article published in Runner's World about one of the previous edition of the marathon. I second every word of it. This is a perfectly organized race and volunteers are numerous, friendly and very supportive.
Pre-race pasta party was very good and post-race celebrations too.
There is a common start for the 5 Miler, the Half Marathon and the full. So, at least in the beginning, you never run alone. The race is not so flat, especially in the first half but it is not a killer either. The first miles are not very scenic but it gets better and better after 5 miles or so, when you reach the bay and nice wooded residential areas.
I had a great time in Saint John and I would definitely recommend this race.

I thought the course was challenging but the fact that we ran most of the city was great. This was my first year to run the harbour bridge and that was awesome. FANTASTIC COURSE.

Running the half marathon in Saint John was lovely. The people were incredibly friendly, racers and supporters alike. The weather was fine - the cloud of fog refreshing, and the weather clearing as we progressed. But I do have two recommendations for improvements based on other races run.

1)Please!!! be more specific in identifying ALL the roads that make up the route in your description. The map and description provided were not adequate for out-of-towners to decipher.

2) Please post more markers in km, not just miles. Each of the marker boards could have listed the distance in both km and miles. Not all runners can run and do mental arithmetic simultaneously but would appreciate a more consistent sense of distance travelled/to travel.

St. John really put on a great event for runners in the marathon by the sea. Although the shirts were plain, the medals were really nice. The post-race refreshments/food were the best I have seen at an event. The crowds were very welcoming and the bands playing and volunteers at the stations were A-one. The YMCA took good care of the children, I could run without worry. I am returning this year to run the half. Thanks St. John for a job well done.

This was my first marathon, and I live in the subdivision that the marathon weaves through. I had family and friends along the course, and it was a thrill of a lifetime. Great weather and lots of support along the way. It's a challenging course and a great event!

I have one suggestion for next year: If the sponsoring hotel (I stayed at the Delta Brunswick) could make an exception of a later checkout so that the runners could go back to their room and have a quick shower after the run, that would be fantastic.

This was a great event despite the weather. I ran the half-marathon as part of my training for the marathon in Washington, DC. It was a great workout, as there were a lot of hills on the course. Great job Saint John!!!!

Runners World did a very nice article for them. The people are incredibly friendly. The festival by the sea on the same weekend is a nice plus. The course, however, is hilly and not as picturesque as one might imagine. The stretch out in 'lonelyville' is hot and a bit boring. All in all, it still is a heck of a bargain, put on by a city who really wants your business. The whole experience was a nice vacation for us.

This race has it all. I've run the marathon-2001, 5 miler-2000 and half-marathon -1996-98(P.B.)-99, and it is hard to find a better organized event anywhere. The Bay of Fundy breeze makes it cooler than in-land during summer (although this year was the exception). Gold-marathon;silver-half; bronze-5 miler medals to all finishers. 1000 runners from 8 provinces, 17 US states, and as far as the UK, Italy & Albania took part this year. Rated BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK IN NORTH AMERICA, 4th top destination in Canada & 8th Best small marathon in North America by 'Ultimate Guide to Marathons- 2000'. Here the volunteers will secure you to a safe course, water/all-sports/sponge station every 2 miles, finishers medal, great T-shirt, pre-pasta supper with live band entertainment, pizza party for whole family afterwards at pool-side of the Canada Games Aquatic centre (Olympic-size pool, slides, kiddie pools), free babysitting at the YMCA,free photo line finish, finishers certificate, championship timing, Boston qualifier, Kids Microthon day before (free), and draw prizes incl. 10 - 100$ gift certificates, 10 New Balance running shoes, 10 Timex Watches at award ceremonies. More draw prizes at pasta supper- Timex watches, Runner's World caps, duffle bags etc...for 38$ CANADA entry fee.
Runner's World did cover the event this year so look for exposé in future issues. They don't call it 'A RUNNING ODYSSEY' for nothing. Now, what other race would send you a Christmas card to send you greetings and hope that you are running well. This is a Marathon with a 'HEART'.

This is a great race. The pre-race pasta party is nice and the use of the Aquatic Centre on race day is perfect for entertaining the kids. I've run the 1/2 marathon three years now and really enjoy the semi-hilly course through the city. Spectators and volunteers are both very supportive.