This year was my 12th time running the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon. In the past there had always been around 300-400 runners. This year, with the addition of a half marathon, the number of participants was near 1,300, which did cause backups at the bathrooms and first few aid stations. This is a very scenic double-loop course. It is easy to see a unique sight on the second loop that you may have missed the first time around. Deer are out in abundance. The leaves are at their peak. There is not much vehicular traffic. The entry fee is much lower than many other marathons. Runners received a long-sleeve, technical shirt, a runner's cap, a nice heavy medal, and plenty of food and drinks (banana pudding, homemade cookies, bread, pizza, etc.). The Chattanooga Track club does an excellent job organizing this race with the runner in mind. Bus transportation was available to take spectators to areas along the course. This is a must-do for those of you who want to run a marathon in Georgia.

Although there are not a lot of spectators, this marathon is a beautiful run. You are surrounded by nature rather than city streets and feel refreshed with every deep breath of the clean air. It is family-friendly and convenient for those in the Chattanooga and Atlanta area.

Uncrowded, but not lonely. The fall colors were beautiful, and it was cool to see deer along the way. The weather was chilly at the start, but perfect after the first few miles.

The early water stops were crowded, to be expected when running with the 1/2 marathoners.

The course was somewhat complicated, splitting from the 1/2 and then merging several times. Fortunately, the course monitors were on the ball, and directed me when needed.

What is up with the boys manning the last water stop at Mile 25? They were goofing off so much I just ran past to save time. Bored teenagers.

Unlike a previous poster, I was amused and refreshed when I found myself nearing the finish just as the kids were completing their 1-mile run. I enjoyed running with the kids and even sped up to make sure none of them passed me! Can't have an 8-year old beating me. Lots of fun, listening to the parents coaching as they ran alongside. "Open your stride" was good advice that I took advantage of.

The post-race line for food was long, so I skipped it and ate a Clif Bar stashed in my bag.

This was my first double-loop marathon; makes the 2nd half so much easier when you know what to expect. That probably had a lot to do with the negative split.

To top it off, I ran into a few volunteers at the pre-race pasta dinner who made a big deal of my name. They recognized me along the course and cheered me on by name several times during the race!

This was a real treat, as I ran alone, and had no family or friends as spectators. Thank you, everyone, including the other Bonnie for making me smile while I was running.

All in all, an excellent experience!

The spectators that were present were great. They could have directed families where to watch. Finish line was HORRIBLE, with all of those kids in the way. NO WATER in any coolers at the finish, and the line for food was so long that we ended up leaving. Organization at race day packet pickup was poor as well. Great hat, shirt, and medal. The course was has tons of rolling hills and NO TOILETS! Being a female, this was very important.

Love the course. A bit hilly, but I guess that's why a battle was fought there. I came down from NY with 3 others. Unfortunately, 2 of the members in my party did not finish. The arrows on the pavement came off and race marshals misdirected them.

Hats off to race director and volunteers. Integrity was on display. Good tech shirt and medal, low registration cost. That may explain why the race start was delayed because of fewer toilets available. It may be worth it. We stayed at Ringgold at a Days Inn, about 12 minutes (by car) from the race start/expo. We paid a total of $55 per night with a checkout time of 3:00 pm.

The course is beautiful. But it was a strange mix with the half-marathon. We separated and then rejoined them three times. The 17-minute late start was cold and unnecessary. Those finishing after 4:15 had to finish amid the kids finishing the one-mile run. That should have been long over by then.

Chickamauga is my favorite race and I have done it for the past 3 years and will continue to do it every year.

The field was much bigger this year and there were some growing pains: late start, no water at first water stop....

It was still a beautiful course, though definitely hillier than in years past (still not that hilly, especially considering the location).

Still not much crowd support, but those there show enthusiasm.

A great, small race, and knowing how well-run this race is, the small growing pains mentioned will all be rectified next year.

A wonderful mid-sized marathon, especially for those interested in history. Be sure to go through the battlefield visitor center - plan on spending a few hours here and then drive through the park to look at some of the 1,400 monuments, a tribute to all the states, north and south, whose brave soldiers gave their lives in the Civil War. Ohio seemed to have the most. This battle turned the tide of the war. The charge up Missionary Ridge has to be one of the most spectacular military charges of all time.

The pros:
1. You run over sacred ground on the country's first military national park.
2. Great tech shirt and wonderful tech running hat.
3. Lovely course through the wooded park (some sunny spots)
4. No severe hills; just gently rolling
5. Lots of runners on the loops so that you never feel alone
6. Fine pasta dinner with a chance to talk to other runners
7. Another glimpse into history at the packet pickup - Lt. Dwight Eisenhower taught trench warfare here in 1917.
8. You run on sacred ground where our forefathers shed their blood for our country.

The cons:
1. Late start - over a 15-minute wait. I hope it was something serious and not waiting for late registrants. There are only a few excuses for a late marathon start and that is not one of them. Probably will not happen again is my guess.
2. The Best Western - not much worked in our room. The heat, the phone, the alarm. The "indoor pool" is outside but enclosed. But they gave us a late checkout, although begrudgingly.

I would run here again.

Very confusing course direction at the halfway point. The arrow pointed runners needing to complete the second loop back to the finish. This would have been a good place for a course official to help direct things.

Wonderful, friendly and helpful volunteers.