I ran the half, and it was a great experience. The race is very well organized, and the volunteers are wonderful. The wind was terrible, but there's nothing you can do about that. Total fluke.

I can't wait to go back to Wynne next year!

This was my first marathon ever, other that 5K's. I was determined to do this after working the aid station for the last two years! I finished and "Oh, what a feeling!" Perfect day for it other than a little bit of wind. Loved all of the aid station support. See everyone next year....

This was my first marathon, and I had a great experience. There were only 159 runners in the full marathon, which, after having run two mega half marathons, was refreshing. Also, they had an optional early start time of 7:00 a.m., which was perfect if you wanted to beat the crowd and the creeping warm weather. The weather was unseasonably warm, but the wind mitigated the weather, and the sky could not have been bluer. The volunteers were very friendly, and there were aid stations every mile. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small-town marathon. My family enjoyed it too, because parking isn't an issue, and there's plenty of room to watch the racers. A+!

This is a great marathon put on by real runners. Everyone I talked to was friendly, helpful and happy you were running their race. The pasta dinner was one of the best I've had in 64 marathons - all homemade sauces and desserts. There were vegetarian options as well, and everything we tried was delicious.

Someone else commented that he wished they would start at seven, and they actually did have that option for everyone and you could still qualify for awards even if you ran the early start. Speaking of awards, they gave out very large trophies for the top three in overall, masters, grandmasters, and seniors - AND went three- or five-deep in age groups, which were also very nice awards.

The course was a bit hillier than I expected, and it was windy, but you can't control the weather and it wasn't raining or snowing or 95 degrees. It was a pretty rural course, with water stops every mile manned by very enthusiastic volunteers. I even saw a sign with my name on it and I didn't know anyone in town.

If you need a huge expo and big crowds, this race is not for you. If you're looking for a more laid-back, affordable race, in a friendly, rural setting, it's a very good option.

This town rolled out the red carpet. If you like a grassroots race with local color, good organization, a down home pasta dinner and really nice people, I recommend this marathon and Eisenhower (Abilene, KS).

The course is not that difficult. I agree that an earlier start is needed due to heat, even if it is 7:30. The wind was, as others posted, pretty harsh on the return this year.

Water stop volunteers were enthusiastic, and one even filled up my water bottle while I ran on, and ran it up to me. Hampton Inn Forrest City offered a 6 a.m. breakfast and late checkout, 15 minutes from race start.

I recommend this race if you need Arkansas.

I ran this race in 2000 and again this year. The race director and volunteers did a great job. Yes, it was hot. Yes, it as windy. But only God controls the weather. The race director did offer an early start to those who wanted one. The pre-race meal was great. The post-race food was great. Homemade deserts. Post-race showers. The course is not terribly easy or hard. Running along the highway is probably the least enjoyable part of the course. The people of Wynne are great. It is a small-town marathon at its best.

I ran the half marathon. Wasn't ready for the full. However, I will be back to run the full next year. Great out-and-back course. And like they say on the website, those hills in the beginning come back and bite you again as you come back. Especially with the strong headwind. This has been the easiest race, as far as organization and support, I have been in. Being new to Wynne, the folks here make you feel welcome right off the bat. I'm looking forward to next year's race, and I encourage others to attend as well.

I read through the comments from the previous two years, and honestly... what do you expect when the registration is only $25? I didn't expect much, and got more than I thought I would.

That said, if it weren't for the warm hospitality, and the wonderful attitude of the volunteers, this race would have been a bust in my book. I ran one of my worst times on this course. But considering I was not running for any other reason than to complete an Arkansas marathon, I'm not terribly disappointed.

Though it's early November, the organizers need to seriously consider starting this race at 7 a/.m. It felt too warm less than an hour into the run. But that wasn't the biggest problem today - this is an out-and-back, and we turned directly into the wind at the half. It was a grueling return. I couldn't believe this - no, wait, yes I could, because I checked the wind graph for today and it was fairly consistent at 20-30 mph (from the south and in our face), with gusts reaching over 45 mph. Of course, there's nothing that could have been done to change that. Except to start earlier.

The frequent aid stations were awesome, and for the most part, staffed by very attentive volunteers. They started getting distracted towards the end, but that's no surprise considering it was such a lean field.

In summary, I would say this: if you're looking for something a little different in your marathon quest, Midsouth isn't a bad option. But don't expect an easy run, and don't expect the same things you would find at a much higher-priced race. They run this thing on a shoestring, but seemingly managed to stretch my registration fee a long way.

I appreciated the friendliness of the participants and organizers. I think the spectators were very encouraging and engaged with the marathon. It was a beautiful day for the most part; however, it was a little warm near the end of the race. I would recommend the race highly.

This is a gem of a small-town marathon. The townsfolk genuinely seem to appreciate that you have chosen their town to race in, and everyone I spoke with made me feel at home.

The pre-race dinner was a spectacular array of home cooking provided by some of the residents. I sampled much, and enjoyed every bite. And I had no digestive dilemmas the next day.

To the race we go. Clear, calm, and mild weather gave way to clear, breezy, and down-right warm. Mother Nature is still chuckling about the November 1 she threw at us.

The course leaves town heading NNE on 2-lane macadam roads, open to traffic. Berms are good on the section of US 64, and there is a cone barrier separating you from traffic. There is like no berm on Route 173, but traffic was very light. No issues of concern. It's an out-and-back course, with a lot of gentle, rolling terrain. I enjoyed the variations.

I raced it hard, as the summary states. Perhaps a little over-trained, coupled with the warm morning, and I fell short of my hoped-for time. No guts, no glory. And no second-guessing the battle plan. I came to run, gave what I had, and am pleased with the outcome.

Shower facilities at the school were a plus. The track field finish line is always a treat. Announcer did a great job identifying runners by name and hometown and encouraging them onward.

I had to depart for Memphis immediately after showering up, as I had an early flight home. Arrangements were made the night before to mail awards. So we made the race, made the flight, and life's good.

State count is now at 25, and 47 for total. Halfway home. I am very satisfied with my experiences at Wynne. It has earned my high recommendations for a "To Do" marathon.