Hmmm, shortening a marathon at the nine-mile mark due to "warm" temperatures? Very unfortunate. This was a wonderful event right up to the point of it being shortened to a half only two hours (well 2:15) after the start. The decision was hasty because the corral start meant that many runners were running around a 10:00 pace, going slower and drinking more due to the heat and humidity - a smart strategy. To then learn that they should have been pushing harder to miss this unannounced cut-off was VERY disheartening, especially considering that many of them were 50 staters and folks who had spent considerable money to travel to this event. Waiting an additional 30 minutes to shorten the race would have made little difference in the race conditions but a HUGE difference to many of the out-of-town participants. Gee, what are signed waivers about anyway?

Other than this unfortunate decision, this was an excellent event.

The half marathon course had great support. Once the marathon and half split, there was much less support (less water, etc.).

Expo was nice, and medium-sized, but watch out for meter maids. Three people I know were ticketed. The race start was timely and orderly, with corrals. The weather was much warmer than expected - 91 - and people not reaching the 10-mile mark in 2 hours were looped back on the half marathon course to the finish (due poor planing - not enough cups or EMTs for IVs, etc.). The course featured mild to moderate rolling hills throughout. The finish entertainment was stopped just after 5 hours into the race. The beer tent ran out of beer. There was plenty of food and water at the finish. Parking was easy, but some construction made driving hard.

Of course, every marathon has its flaws. My biggest complaints are that we didn't start on time, and it took 20 minutes to get from where I was standing (in the 4-hour pace group) to the starting line. It is always a frustration when you're getting started and you have to dodge people who are running slower than you are or who have just started walking. I wish the people in charge could have corralled people better to get into appropriate pace groups. It took a full 3-4 miles for people to spread out.

This course is mostly flat, but the last 3-4 miles were pretty rough. The most substantial hills are at this point, and the course is completely exposed, so no shade plu hills plus heat equals very close to serious leg cramping!

Overall, it was a fun race and a great way to see St. Louis. I only wish I had stayed an extra day or two to explore the city more!

This was my first half marathon and I thought it was set up very well for us 13.1-milers. As others have said, I definitely was not prepared for the hills.

Crossing the finish line was a great experience with tons of fan support. I look forward to doing the full marathon next year.

This was my 29th marathon, and 8th time for St. Louis. As previous comments indicate, there are some flaws to this event, but this marathon continues to be my favorite. I first ran this event in 2001 when there were 1,800 participants and maybe 200 runners for the marathon. Over the past 9 years, this event has experienced rapid growth, and due to this growth, there are some growing pains and areas for improvement. Previous posts have addressed these concerns, so I would like share what I like about this event.

Overall this is a well organized and solid event. I think the race day experience makes this event worthwhile (which is why I return every year). The best part of this event is the course itself, a stellar route featuring a "taste of St. Louis," along with a festive pre- and post-race atmosphere.

The course highlights a background of the Gateway Arch at the starting line and finish line, splendid green parks along Market Street, Union Station, Busch Stadium, Anheuser Busch Brewery, Forest Park, Saint Louis University, Washington University, Downtown Clayton, the rolling hills and charming neighborhoods along Delmar, and yes, Harris Stowe State University near mile 25, and of the course the final mile, a downhill cruise with a dramatic view of the Gateway Arch on the horizon.

At the finish line a gigantic American flag, hoisted by two fire trucks flying overhead awaits you, along with a well organized finish area and an attractive medal for all who finish.

Spectator support is solid and enthusiastic in some areas and sparse in other areas. With 12,000 half marathon participants, and 3,000 marathon participants, it goes without saying that the strongest spectator support is along the first 8 miles or so, with the lonely stretches reserved for the full marathoners. That's not a complaint, but that's just the reality of running a marathon of this size.

My favorite part of this marathon (or with any marathon) is the volunteers. I have great respect and admiration for these individuals. The volunteers sacrifice their personal time, their day off from work, or whatever, so we as participants can achieve our goals. They tolerate frustrated motorists, and some cases frustrated runners. They work hard (and fast), offer their support and encouragement to us, and offer a smile regardless of the circumstances. I commend their efforts, and quite honestly, I would not be willing to volunteer at an event such as this, and make the sacrifices that these individuals choose to make.

Regarding packet pick up, I was lucky when I arrived (3:00 p.m. Saturday), there was no waiting, and I got in and out in less than 15 minutes; others were not as fortunate, as addressed by a previous post. Since I have been participating in this event, it seems to a challenge for organizers to establish an ideal location that would be accommodating to all. Hopefully in the future organizers will find a solution, and will pin down that elusive packet pick-up location (somewhere out there), as I think the actual marathon event (or half marathon) is a fulfilling and worthwhile experience.

Disclosure: I only did the half. I have run 6 fulls and numerous halfs.

Pros:
1. Really liked the women's shirt.
2. Pretty standard post-race food (request better bagels next year).
3. The expo was small but Big River Running had good deals on shoes. Rice and a few other freebies were also nice.
4. The half course was fine - I prefer courses where we see other runners. There were lots of rolling hills, but I didn't think they were bad ones. An elevation chart on website would be nice - it's what I look for in out-of-town races.
5. I also love the effort to get so many people involved in events. My dad lives there, and I had several friends doing the 5K, half, relay, etc. Several are already planning longer races than they did here - they had a good experience and gained confidence.
6. Parking for race was so easy!

Cons:
1. Early water stops weren't prepared for the number of runners. Need to stack layers of cups.
2. Start corrals too crowded to get into them.
3. The crowds were so quiet, even at the finish. Maybe give out cowbells or cheer posters or have contests for the best cheer section along the route.

Last, I have to reply to person complaining about lining up. I'd been sick and unable to train all through March, so I had no idea where to start (or if I could finish); I went with a couple minutes slower than usual and did a run/walk. I'll be more understanding in the future about people walking.

Overall, very good job by volunteers and race staff!

I appreciated the layout of the course. Good sights, many cheering spectators, great weather. Great National Anthem opening. I also appreciated the large American flag hanging over the street. Even though there was excessive heat I applaud the race leaders for providing plenty of hydration to counter it. I feel the critical issues were well-thought out in the "Go St. Louis" event. There was adequate nutrition, toilets, and aid stations during the race. The one area I fail to understand is the choice of location for the expo. In my dozens of marathons I consider their choice the poorest I've experienced. It lacked floor space and begged for long lines in the packet pickup. The expo parking could not have been planned any poorer, and why should the runners pay $5 to park for 30 minutes in order to get their packet? Was there politics involved or just shallow thinking? Choice of expo site was the weakest link of the whole race event. The rest was outstanding. Thanks to every volunteer and the race director.

Expo: smaller but nice; not many options for marathon-related garb, and they did not have ones for the specific distances. I usually like to get one that specifically says, "marathon." The shirt was a very nice Zorrel one. The anniversary duffel bag was also a nice touch.

Course: Very scenic; it's gorgeous to get to see the sun rising over the arch, it was cool to run through the brewery, and Forest Park is also very pretty. But it is very hilly, and only gets worse once you lose the people doing the half. There was a decent show of spectators, but they were pretty sparse in those last few miles that were basically all uphill.

Post-race: The medals are very nice. I like that they provided a map showing exactly where you would get snacks and medals and water in the finisher area. They also had abundant food available, which I had been nervous about considering the majority of the field being halfers. The Mich. Ultra post-race party was lacking; you got basically one Dixie cup of beer with your beer ticket. I just ran 26 miles; I think I deserve a little more than that. However, the band was good, and it turned out to be a hot, gorgeous day - the heat was much more appreciated when I wasn't running in it.

Overall, it's a nice race; just make sure you hill train appropriately!

I enjoyed the city/course very much. But I do agree with previous posts that there are very few flat spots. It seemed to be a constant, but gradual, uphill and downhill. Volunteers were great. Thanks for a fun, memorable race.