This was number 9 for me, and by far the best small-ish marathon I've run. Everything about it was wonderful. The race headquarters/check-in was cozy and warm. And if you arrived early enough, the church bathrooms provide power, lights, and lemony bleach found at no other marathon I've run. The course was smooth asphalt. I did not see a single pothole or trip hazard. The course is almost completely within the battlefield memorial park, with indescribably beautiful scenery just past peak fall colors. The aid stations were minimal but not stingy. If you train and run alone, you'll be fine for the last 10K. It'll be a test for those used to a running club support group, because runners thin out pretty quickly. But serenity awaits anyone interested in finding it. Race chat was easy to find (almost no ear buds on the course) and extremely pleasant. Locals will tell you all about life and running choices nearby. I agree with other comments about bringing gel and a water bottle with you. I carried my own gel and one bottle of water, and needed both. The PowerAde and water stations were evenly spaced. The locals do not support the race in big numbers, but the folks on the course clap and smile for everybody, not just family. This is not a Champion-Chip runner-mill race - this is a friendly event, supportive of first-timers and solo runners as well as regulars. The pre- and post-race activities seemed more like a church fellowship hall potluck than a marathon. Chaotic in a good way. The organizers should be proud of what they've done with this race. It was a treat to be a part of it.

I've run 10 marathons to date and there are none to compare this one too. Meet and end at a little country church (with real bathrooms) in the followship hall! Nice pre-marathon ceremony; then one mile on a little country road to the battlefield and only 25 more to go. Course is a double-loop. The wife drove over and parked with the other families, and got out the folding chair while the kids played in the field behind. Kind of cool to have the wife hand you a cold Gatorade or water when you pass by. Get in the right place and you'll pass by four times. This is a flat course. I did it in a little over four hours, which isn't bad for an old guy.

P.s. These people run a really great race.

This marathon is a well-kept secret! The course is beautiful and the organizers take excellent care of all the runners. I enjoyed the size and solitude of this marathon - peaceful is how I would describe it. We had a great weekend in Chattanooga - a beautiful city with lots to do.

I could not have special-ordered a better marathon than Chickamauga for my first marathon. The friendly & helpful volunteers, smiling spectators, and fellow runners were wonderful folks to spend the day with. And I couldn't believe how many times I was able to see my hubby throughout the course! Being in a national park, I figured that the course would be scenic, but it turned out to be even more beautiful than I had imagined - and worth every 26.2 miles of running to view! I wish the race shirt had a larger logo on the front - but that's small beans compared to the overall organization, abundant food, & friendly atmosphere of this marathon. An extra special touch was the framed race bib that was given to first-time marathoners (like me). That was really nice! Running the Chickamauga Marathon is definitely one of my favorite memories of 2005!

This marathon was a small one but the crowd support was great. The course was made up of rolling hills but I still PR'd here. I was afraid the almost double out-and-back course would be boring but it was gorgeous. The post-race food was the best - they ordered so many pizzas they asked everyone to take one home with them. The race is also very close, just a few miles from Chattanooga, TN which has a lot to offer for a city its size. I recommend eating at the Big River Grill downtown. The Howard Johnson in East Ridge offered a great marathon rate and was pretty clean with friendly staff and late check-out.

This was my first marathon, so I could not give it 5 stars--I have nothing to compare it to! The weather was great, a lot of enthusiastic volunteers, fairly small pack (between 400 and 500?). Not a lot of spectators, but the ones there were cheering everyone. I had a great time and will likely go back.

This race is the proverbial diamond in the rough. Fabulous race! Masterfully organized. Everything about this race was well thought out. The spectators were few but very enthusiastic. The volunteers were friendly, helpful, and well informed. The course was well marked and accurate. A couple of very short hills, but not much to speak of. Mostly flat. The battlefield was a beautiful, if not eerie, backdrop for the marathon. Special plaques for those who were finishing their first marathon. Post-race food included pizza, Little Debbie snack cakes, as well as the usual bagels, bananas, water, PowerAde. THANK YOU Chattanooga Track Club. This was my tenth marathon and has become one of my favorites. I would rank it with Chicago and Twin Cities. Word of warning: AVOID the BEST WESTERN in Ft. Oglethorpe. It was dirty and the staff was not helpful at all.

My second time for this marathon. The course became familiar as you ran it. This was my 12th marathon and 8th in the past year. As I double-backed, I came to enjoy re-running the course because I knew what to expect. It was nice to see the other runners a few times after the double-backs. We saw the 23-mile marker sign 3 times. Coming in from the north, you can save time and are less likely to miss the start if you take I75 to exit 353, go west 3.2 miles to Fant Lane, turn left for .2 miles then right on Battlefield Parkway and go on past Hwy 27 to 27 Bypass. Go toward Lafayette at the next exit (a right that winds left to the south) and then take a right on Wilder to Oakwood and you are there. The official directions must have been written before the bypass was built. The road surface was much better than last year. Last year there was old patched asphalt on much of the route but this year some was new and smooth and only a short stretch was the older patched asphalt. The aid was good, and the 2 stations that ran out of Gatorade did have calories (bananas) and water. So I couldn't really complain. Good pizza and cookies at the finish line. The official hotels need to allow a late checkout for a post-race shower. Some did, some didn't. Nice medal - same as last year except the date. Will likely do it again. Flat - 95%, yes. Same baby hill twice.

Only my second marathon but I've done many 5Ks, 10Ks, and halfs, so I feel comfortable in saying that even though it lacks in number of spectators and any kind of expo, it more than makes up for that with a scenic course, excellent volunteers, and very good organization.

Some specifics:

Start/Finish - Plenty of parking and easy in before the race and out after the race. We were able to sit in our warm car until 5 minutes before the start, which was nice. The finish line party had lots of good 'recovery' food, such as pizza and cookies.

The course was for the most part, scenic and gentle. I know the course had to change this year because of road construction, but everything was well marked and I didn't notice any confusion. There were several areas that friends and family could cheer for you as you came by or where you could drop off or pick up things from them (gel, sports drink, clothing, and such). There were also several points along the course where runners passed each other (going in opposite directions) and gave words of encouragement.

Spectators - while limited in number they certainly were generous with their encouragement and enthusiasm.

Volunteers and aid stations - Aid stations were about two miles apart. All aid stations had water and sports drink, and most had ibuprofen, oranges, vaseline, and Band-Aids. As I approached many of the aid stations, the volunteers would say "good job" and ask how you were feeling and if they could get you anything.

Other miscellaneous items - Medal is pretty nice. T-shirt: while good quality, the design was just so-so this year. No real expo, which is fine with me since I don't usually spend a lot of time at those anyway. Plus it makes picking up your race packet quick and easy. The race is just 20 minutes from Chattanooga, TN and about 90 minutes from Atlanta, GA & both nice places to spend a weekend.

If you're looking to run in a marathon with a gentle and scenic course and one that isn't so crowded that it takes 3 to 4 miles just to get to your pace then I would highly recommend the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.

I have only run five marathons, but this one was great! The course was altered due to construction, but the organization was fantastic. The support to the runners was first-class and I thank the volunteers who made this a great race day. Hopefully subsequent races won't have the double-backs. Other than that, it was worth the trip. Thanks again!