A superb marathon. The course this year was new and except for the short big hills at the turn-around, this was a great course to run. The volunteers are especially supportive and the aid stations were for the most part well stocked. Two stations ran out of Gatorade early, which was the only negative. Though there few places on the course that had fans, they were fantastic. One had a sign about a smile and she seemed to pop up everywhere. Reading all the battlefield signs helped to take your mind off the course! The after-race party was great and had something for everyone. Thanks to the sponsors and the Chattanooga Track Club for a great race.

The 2005 run was my first marathon. The course was great not only for the runners, but also great for family involvement with multiple areas for viewing and support.

This is a scenic, fast, almost flat course through the serene beauty of the Battlefield Military Park. Organization was excellent, aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers just where you needed them, nice food afterward, real restrooms and a warm room for warm-up/cool-down at the start/finish, nice medal and long-sleeve T. Frosty at the start but the volunteers retrieved outer layers that were left at aid stations along the way. A good first/PR course, and very easy for spectators to watch the race. There were no race clocks along the route, so use your watch. Be aware that the 10-miler started 30 minutes after the marathon, which was not announced in the race info.

I think this is a PR course. I improved my previous marathon by 14 minutes. There was some road construction so the course had to be modified. Lots of deer out grazing early, very serene. You really have a chance to focus without a lot of distractions. My only complaint is that some people were misdirected or not directed at all by the volunteers. Also some of the people at the aid stations were not paying attention to the runners. I missed opportunities for water and food due to this!

I have ran this the past 5 years and I'm running it again this year. One of my favorites for sure! Great organization, nice shirts/medals, nice post-race (food, etc.). Probably not a PR course, but not far from it. No significant hills to mention - gentle rolling hills. This year's course will be slightly different due to construction. I ran the course this weekend, and I think it's even better (and faster) than in years past. I recommend staying in Chattanooga and enjoying some of the sights there. It is about 20-30 minutes from the race. This is a small marathon (200-300?), so spectators are scarce in some areas. Aid stations are adequate and mile markers accurate. There aren't many timing clocks on the course, so make sure you have a good split-timer watch. This one is a great marathon for beginners and veterans!!!

Well, this was my first marathon. My dad came down to run it with me, which was very nice. The weather was pretty cooperative, though a bit on the chilly side for me. Overall great scenery, but some of the roads were a little tough. I was in need of some Gatorade near the end, but my dad helped me through! Overall, a great experience.

Seemed like a good course for first-timers like myself. Race was not so big that you felt crowded, but large enough to have some running partners during the entire race. Some small hills during race but nothing compared to where I train in the mountains of NC. Only complaint was that the aid stations ran out of Gatorade around mile 17 and I had to finish the race on just water. If you plan on running a 4+ hour marathon, I wouldn't rely on the aid stations; carry your own aid.

I want to thank Tim Ensign and his staff of volunteers for their hard work in bringing us this race and the National Park Service for allowing a horde of runners to commandeer the battlefield park for the day.

I accompanied my daughter during her first marathon experience, and the memories are priceless. The scenery was inspiring, the mid-November weather cooperative, and the course rolling and twisting enough to be anything but boring. Where the fans clustered, there was plenty of vocal support. Most of the time, you are alone with your thoughts. A welcome relief from the big city 'concrete jungle' runs.

The road surface was rough for a large part of the course, so a lot of focus goes on foot placement. It can get painful if you let your mind wander too long, or watch the deer feeding in the meadows as you run past. I love trail running, and some of the stretches were as close to being trails as it gets. Very peaceful.

It would be highly appreciated if the NPS would permit a few more porta-johns enroute--too many runners answering nature's call where someone's great grandfather may have taken his last breath. I felt like there were many souls not resting at peace in the woods. I was also disappointed in the number of energy gel packets I saw littering the course. I know they get awful heavy once they're empty, takes too much energy to carry till a trash can is found. But really, a trash can placed every mile or so would be used by most runners.

Very nice awards to commemerate the first-timers' finishes. Classy touch.

I doubt I'll be back until I finish my 50 states campaign, but I sure am glad I chose Chickamauga as my GA run.

In an age where marathons have morphed into garganutan 'events,' the CBM is a refreshing change; a small marathon where you're not fighting the teeming masses waiting to cross the start line. The course is nice; the double loop didn't bother me, nor did the sections of rough road which in a car are not pleasant. My family was able to see me several times on the course which was great! There were ample facilities at the start (the church had actual restrooms for use at the start, nice to be able to wash your hands). Didn't need facilities out on the course, so I wasn't worried about it (I guess the battlefield won't allow for more porta-lets on the course).

Only two complaints: 1. Plastic cups. I hate plastic cups. 2. Somehow my results didn't get posted on the website and the results people haven't been able to figure out what happened (or where I am) a week later. Somewhat disconcerting, as I know I ran 26.2. It would just be nice to know my official time.

This was my 10th Chickamauga in a row. It was my 1st and my favorite. The volunteers are great and cheerful, the course is beautiful.

The hat for the finishers this year was great. It's great to get a finisher's prize you can actually use. Like other comments, the pizza at the end is awesome, can't think of what would be better!

Looking forward to the 30th running of Chickamauga! To the race director and all the volunteers, thanks for all your efforts. If not for your hard work we wouldn't be able to enjoy such a nice "run in the park."