This was my fourth marathon. I like races that offer a lot of variety, and even though this one loops around a lake eight times, the idea of night running and running with the ultra marathoners was very cool. Poor word choice.... It was 84 degrees and humid as the race started but sort of comfortable throughout the evening. I am a pathetically slow runner, so I enjoyed being able to not push myself too hard (I ran Grandma's a few weeks ago) and enjoy the night. A few people whine about poor lighting (remember this IS a nighttime marathon) or some of the other stylistic shortcomings. The drinks and snacks were fine. There were also plenty of local people out for their "evening constitutional" until about 10 p.m.; then it was pretty quiet. Great local, low-pressure race.

I did the marathon - not the ultra or relay. The event involves loops around the lake... eight loops for the maathon distance. The event takes place at night... starting at 7 p.m. The weather was warm, but not unpleasant, and it really cooled down as the night progressed. The course was well lighted overall, even though there were some dark sections. I never felt unsafe. There were ample opportunities for porta-potties, water, food, Gatorade, etc. as you finished the loops. The staff were VERY accommodating; they got me anything I asked for. There were cheerleaders at the end of the loop and at one aid station halfway through the loop. It was very well organized. I think it's a great marathon experience. Especially since it's difficult to find events in July! Congrats on a well organized event!

A 5k loop course would seem like a great opportunity for stretching resources, allowing for maximum crowd support, and simplifying course logistics. After participating I still see the appeal in theory, it is just that the practical application was not quite what I was expecting.

Besides the natural congregation of people near the finish line/aid station and the one other aid station at the opposite edge of the loop, there were functionally a dozen people offering any type of support along the course.

The allure of racing at night was offset by the lingering 85-degree temperatures and nearly 100% humidity from the race delaying thunderstorms which left a remarkably unfriendly slick and muddy segment with a waterfilled ditch at a narrow gap between some shrubs and trees, just beyond the limits of paving (and light) at the checkpoint. At least 30% of the course was in eye-straining darkness contrary to the claims of it being a 'well-lit course' so bring a headlamp.

I admit, this is the only marathon that has ever defeated me. More than the awful foot blisters, it was the mental fatigue and subsequent lack of motivation that forced me to stop short to focus on my next race. As I mentioned, the absence of spectators except at the two aid stations and one or two other outposts meant that you were left to the silence of your thoughts mile after mile. And because of the limited field of marathon runners, these were the only people you would encounter with the exception of the occasional walking relay participants. The isolation, the strain of constant vigilance from running in the dark over uneven terrain, and the mindboggeling barrage of mile markers painted around the course just fried my mental processing and killed off any motivation to continue punishing myself once I fell off my Boston Qualification pace.

This all said, I will probably be back in the future to challenge this course once again, though maybe next time as part of a relay team instead.

The organization was superb. They held us up for the thunderstorms but got things going quickly. The sidewalks do get a little hard, and the sloppy grass we had to run over made things interesting, but this is the absolute best time to run a marathon in the summer! You will be doing a lot of loops, so make sure to bring your cheering section!

Mmmkay. I found this race on accident while recovering from a disastrous VCM earlier in the summer. I couldn't believe my eyes. A mid-summer marathon that starts with the sun going down and continues into the cool night! For people that want to race in the summer but hate heat, give this one a try.

The course is a 5K loop around a lake on a sidewalk. It can be challenging, especially when the light is low, but the small number of runners makes it manageable. Seeing the course mile markers can be hard at times but I didn't care. I was just going for a BQ. Speaking of BQ: If you have to fly (run fast) and need support every 1.5 miles to make sure you meet your goal, this is the one.

Any fans that showed up were great. Family members get to cheer you on 8 times as you pass by.

The race director and all volunteers were top-notch. They set the example that every marathon, big or small, should follow. They were mainly concerned with one thing: The runner's safety. You can't ask for anything more. Food was the best I've ever seen at any race.

There needs to be an evening/night marathon in every state during the summer for those that want something different.

I'm off to run my first Boston thanks to this race!

If you like low-key marathons, or if you have a tendency to run into heat problems, this is a great run for you. It's low-key and peaceful (I like quiet runs with less than 500)... however, I even started to feel lonely toward the end. But the neatest thing was that you actually cooled down as the race went on... but not so quickly as to end up with tightening of muscles. Do this run for yourself... not for the medals or t-shirts. This one is an accomplishment because you know you were totally responsible for your performance.

I thoroughly enjoyed doing this race. Even though it's a relatively small race, it had all of the amenities of a larger race. In fact, in most ways, it was administered better than larger races and the logistics of participating were a lot simpler. For example, it was very convenient having the host hotel within a few hundred feet of the start and finish area. Also, since the tent with food and drink were located in the start and finish area, the runners could get whatever food and drink they needed every 3.16 miles. There was also a fluid station about half way around the lake.

All of the people "officially" involved in organizing the race and the volunteers were extremely helpful and friendly. Also, it was obvious that they wanted to do the best possible job.

Running at night and finishing early the next morning were neat. I'm planning on returning to this race in future years, except next time I may do an ultra instead of the marathon.

My husbands and I did this race for the 1st time, and can hardly wait till next year's race. We can't say enough about these wonderful people that are responsible for this race. We enjoyed the 3.16 loop around the lake each time. Did not get bored with it at all. Some of the fast and ultra runners were lapping us, and all were friendly and talking to us. Lots of fluids, gel, and snacks available every loop. The support people, workers and families, were just awesome.

Thanks again to all of you,

Larry and Sue Pritchard

A nighttime marathon? Sounds crazy I thought. Run 8 loops of the same course? Never I thought. A mid-summer marathon without much training? Even crazier I thought.

Well, Runner's World was correct when the editors recommended this nighttime gem as a member of the top 10 interesting (or odd) marathons in the country. What a fun ride. First, the course is thankfully very flat. As you run loops 1-4 in the light/twilight, you can really learn the landmarks which you need when it gets dark. And it does get dark. About 70% of the course is well lit. The other 30% isn't all bad because you do follow other runners and the passing car headlights also help.

Second, the course is very safe on a wide sidewalk. The fun part was passing hundreds of walkers out for a nightly stroll not directly involved in the race. They served as the race cheerleaders.

Third, the race organizers really care about this race and it shows. Great attention to detail with ample food, water, Tylenol, pretzels, power gels, fruit, bagels, Gatorade, and on and on. Each time you pass the loop, you pass the support tent.

Fourth, yes it's fun for the family. My kids have never been able to see me 8 times running a marathon before (15 previous times). The transition area was in the parking lot of a Best Western with an outdoor pool. Need I say more.

Fifth, I'll never chuckle again at a 10k runner who races alongside marathoners in these dual races we marathoners race in. I felt like the 10k guy racing alongside the Ultra runners who shared the race with me. I ran, I finished, I partied a bit, then I went to bed. I woke up and as I ate breakfast, I was still watching the same ultra runners I passed the night before. Good heavens these runners humble me!!!!

If you want a fun way to break 4:00, go ahead and try to do it in this race. I bet it's more difficult than you think. I know it was for me... but very satisfying when I did. If a sub-4 is not your deal, enter this race anyway because you can share it with friends and family better.

Remember your reflecting wristbands!

Having run twelve marathons prior to this one, I'd always thought that running multiple 5k loops would make it easier to stop running in those tough last miles, but surprisingly, it was the opposite. The idea of having 'only two more loops to go' instead of six miles after running around the lake six times was somehow less daunting.

I also was surprised that I enjoyed running at night especially around the lake where the lights of the host hotel could be seen from the opposite side of the course. The ultra-marathoners that you pass along the way serve as a continual inspiration to the mere marathoners. The organization was very good, and guaranteed fans along with race monitors watching your progress at every 5k mark is a boost. This was my thirteenth marathon on Friday the thirteenth, but it was anything but bad luck for me. I enjoyed the race and will have a hard time resisting it next year, as you can't find another one quite like it.