First of all, THANK YOU to MarathonGuide.com for terrific information regarding this and other small races around the country. Without the runner comments from past events, it would be much harder to get reliable information about these types of races. I relied on the information posted for the last few years to make my decision to run Yakima - and I was not disappointed. This is one of the best races in the country - large or small. Terrific organization, great course, good pre- and post-race festivities, and excellent on-course support. This is a great race to check out - especially for 50-Staters.

Nothing negative can be said about this event. It has everything. If you enjoy running, you will enjoy this marathon. It will always be one of my favorites!

This was a wonderful adventure run in the beautiful Yakima River Canyon. The hills, and slanted bevel of the roads, got the best of my knees, and slowed me down.

I was unable to run as fast as I had hoped, but the post-race dinner and entertainment cheered me up, and were great. Several door-prize winners left with bottles of local wine. I was introduced to Aplets (apple), and Cotlets (apricot), which I enjoyed. The drive to and from Seattle, WA was spectacular. I may do this one again in the future.

The course, as has been said, is physically beautiful and is run alongside the Yakima River - one of America's premier catch and release fly-fishing spots. This year was the reunion marathon for the Marathon Maniacs club. Last year was for the 50 staters. The race directors Bob and Lenoir Dolfin put their heart and soul into the organization of this race and my appreciation of that knows no bounds. I had two pace bands, an aggressive one of a 12-minute PR and one to just beat same; I should have worn the later. The last hill is very gradually graded but I just ran out of gas. I will be back next year. I even got a picture of myself shaking hands with the "Penguin" - impossible at a larger event.

This was my second marathon and I will definitely do the Yakima Run again next year. Inspirational, motivating, and truly a joy.

The course is beautiful. The river and scenery make up for a lack of spectators (not really important to me anyway). I was pleased to visit Selah and thought the organizers did a pretty good job. It was cool to see a herd of mountain goats along the run.

Suggestions for the future: At a previous marathon there were GU packets every four miles and I thought they were a lot easier to get down than the gummy bears and Rice Krispy treats on this course. Do you guys ever think of turning the course around and running uphill? I am probably in the minority in suggesting that, but I would definitely be interested.

I really like Central Washington. I will probably run this race again next year.

The good: Aid stations were well stocked and staffed and I liked that the course was A to B. Not so good: Route was desolate with no trees and only a few spectators. The bad: No beer at finish.

A beautiful course, very scenic, but with significant hills. You won't PR, but it is a very nice one to slow down and look at the scenery. Weather this year was 55 and overcast, no rain, no wind, really perfect. In general, due to geography, the end of the course is likely to be substantially warmer than the start. Virtually no points for spectators to gather, which was fine with me. vVry well organized. Many water stops, but very little food or goo on the course: bring your own, or perish! Road has some camber, but it's manageable. Lots of twists - if you are going for time, you need to play the inside lane, but unfortunately that's where the camber is nearly always the worst; outside of curves seemed to be the flattest in general. There is soft shoulder to run on, too, for almost the whole race; but it is mostly only a shoe width, so you have to want it pretty badly to stay on it; it does not coincide with the fastest track. The road is nearly shut down to traffic, so only a handful of cars, at very controlled speeds for traffic control. This is one of the best small rural races I've ever been to. Save some mojo: big hill around mile 21, and save some for going down the other side, too. The last few miles of downhill turn out not to be an 'easy glide home', at least not for me! Overall: a really enjoyable race. I hope to do it again. This running club also sponsors a half marathon in Yakima in the late summer, which i did once and also would give high marks to.

The scenery of the course is indescribable. You're in the river canyon for 23 miles. The race directors both do a phenomenal job and you can tell the marathon is a labor of love for them. This is one of the best marathons in the country. You're really missing the boat if you don't check this out.

If you are looking for a small marathon that has it all, Yakima is perfect. Great course, and the weather was between 43 and 50 degrees. Awards dinner had potatoes to kill for. Love how all first-time marathoners are honored. The Dolphins know how to put on a marathon. Thanks!!!!