There's a lot to love about this marathon. First, in 2003 roughly 40 percent of the field BQed. The combination of a very fast, downhill course and cool but rainy weather helped tremendously. Here's my rundown, with a disclaimer. I live in the Albany area and run parts of the course three or four days a week.

First, the Albany area is affordable and accessible, and the course is laid out in a way that my family saw me four times without much problem. Mile markers are clear and there was water and Gatorade every two miles, with energy gels at miles 16 and 18. Course follows a bike trail along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers for most of the 26.2 miles. There are one or two sections that are boring but it's mostly trees, foliage and river views. Fan support was enthusiastic but not overwhelming by any stretch.

Some point to some glitches in 2003. Start area was slightly confusing (not really a big deal - someone forgot to post a sign) and I've been told there was a shortage of food at the finish for those over four hours. I finished in 3:44 and there seemed to be plenty of bagels, cookies, etc. It was hidden away under a tent so maybe people didn't see it. There's a nice medal, a decent t-shirt and magazine/certificate. This isn't NYC but if you are looking for a no-fuss fast marathon - and a great chance to BQ -- look into this one.

What a great course. The foliage is consistently tremendous, especially along the rivers. The trails are great. Fast course and excellent organization. I've done 15 marathons and none compare.

First, let's dispose of the negatives. Application said that bus pick-up for those who paid to get to the start was '7:00 AM, Sharp'. Too bad the bus drivers didn't read that info. Runners must have waited 15 to 20 minutes for pick-up. Upon arrival to the start area, I headed immediately to the restroom building. Long lines for too few facilities. Organizers should recognize that we were getting ready for a trip by foot that would take several hours to complete. Having a toilet available before that journey is very important.

Starting line area was a little confusing for this first-timer at M-H, but I made it to the start with a full 5 minutes to spare.

That's when the experience became an event that I truly enjoyed. Cold with showers - can't blame the organizers for that - I still found the fall foliage along the long sections of bike trails and the view of the rivers to be quite pretty. The flat, almost imperceptible downhill nature of the course helped me to stay energized throughout. I was pleasantly surprised by sizeable clusters of spectators in many sections, and there was ample water. The mile markers seemed to come up very fast (except 16, check that one) and I eventually finished with a PR, bettering a time I set over 5 years ago. Finishing along the Hudson River made it a visual experience from start to finish.

If you don't need large crowds, want to drink in views along with your water, and need a course for your PR, look into this one!

The weather was miserable, but the fast, flat course more than made up for it. Because most of the race is on a rail trail, there are few spectators -- but those there were awesome. Unfortunately, there were some glitches in the preparations -- no bib pins, no signs posted for race-day registration, baggage bus, so there was some confusion. The only thing which I was upset about was the fact that there were no refreshments left at the end but a few apples -- and I finished in under four hours. But the app DID say refreshments would be provided 'weather permitting'. I think the weather was a factor, though -- it really was an awful day! I would run it again for the fabulous course.

This was my 7th marathon, and my 2nd attempt to break 3 hours. I didn't succeed, (3:03), but I really enjoyed the race. Despite cold, driving rain, the volunteers stuck around, and the fall foliage took my mind off the wetness. One word of caution: some of the downhill slopes in this race are quite steep, and in the rain, I was nervous about slipping. Be careful, especially if it's wet. There were very few spectators, so if that's something you look for in a race, look elsewhere, but if you want a fast course with good scenery and well organized staff, this is the race to run.

I have run many marathons and this is the best course of them all. It is fast and very scenic. The race organization is among the best in the country, having efficient registration process, great water stops and results posted very quickly. I would recommend this marathon to anyone, except those needing to run with headphones.

This was my 13th marathon and I'd run it again if they would allow the use of headphones. Easy course, good footing, flat or very runable downhill with not too many turns and enough Gatorade. Great BQ if you don't depend on crowd support.

The race starts in the park and winds along a bike path next to the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. A very nice course, flat and scenic, with lots of volunteers. It was my 3rd marathon but the best course to that point. The more rural points of the course don't allow for many spectators but the fall foliage makes up for it.

I ran this course in 1995. Be careful as I remember the first twenty miles seemed to be all down hill. Don't get carried away on downhills. A great race if your used to running alone.

Wow! The first half or so of this marathon was extremely pleasant and beautiful, with incredible gold, red and brown leaves falling all around us on a comfortable trail by the water. Unfortunately, the second half of this race mostly trades in this scenery for asphalt and traffic and a dearth of shade. Crowds are sparce, but supportive. (Stay away from the sub-par Ramada Hotel; Crowne Plaza is a superior choice.) Overall, with the relatively small running crowds and the gentle downhill nature of the course, I would recommend this marathon.