Awesome course with a lot of great spectator support! I can't say enough great things about the course - you start by the OKC Memorial, downtown, run by the state capitol, circle a lake, and run through some awesome neighborhoods. There are few hills. It's mostly downhill. The weather was sunny and 50 to 60 degrees throughout the entire run. My only complaint is the relay runners who blast by or suddenly stop in front of you while you're trying to run the marathon. Towards the end of the marathon, there is a sea of people walking the 1/2 marathon who you must shuffle through. This is the best marathon course I've done and I definitely plan on running it next year. This is a must-do marathon! Other marathons I've done: Dallas White Rock (twice), San Diego, Okinawa, Japan, and Austin.

Wow -- way to go Oklahoma City!

This is a must-do marathon for all, including those traveling from afar on a tight budget. I was able to fly in inexpensively (Southwest), rent a car for three days for a total of $51 (Budget), and get a no-frills-but-acceptable hotel room for $55/night with late checkout (Lexington Suites).

Course (very good):
** The course is basically flat and runs through some very nice sections of the city and along a local lake for several miles.
** A GREAT down-sloping, fan-lined finish, along the lines of Columbus and Hospital Hill Kansas City.
** The only downside is that there was not much shade on the course. I'd encourage those that struggle with heat/sun to take advantage of the early start.

Organization (excellent):
** The early start was great. The national anthem was played and a group of several hundred die-hards took off! As advertised, water stops were not open until 90 minutes into the run. However, the course was well patrolled and monitored for the early starters.
** The water stops were very well run with enthusiastic volunteers.
** The police and volunteers were very positive and friendly.
** Post-race party was very good.
** The medal was a nice change from the large colorful ones that seem to be the new standard.

Spectators (excellent):
** Lots of fan support - well above my expectations for a marathon of this size.

Overall -- excellent! Way to go OKC!!

This was my 3rd Memorial OKC, and it seems as though the volunteer were more encourageing then ever. It was nice to see that Gu was offered in more than one place as well. Traffic control was fabulous too. I ran City of Trees in November - and boy was it a lonely place, even at the aid stations. OKC, you are awesome, and I look forward to running again. Just wish I could have set a PR this time. Ah well, better luck next time. Keep up the WONDERFUL work, OKCPD, OKCFD, organizers and VOLUNTEERS.

I honestly went into this race with the intention of adding another state to my total. But after seeing the memorial and meeting relatives of the victims of the bombing, I came away with great respect and admiration for the people of Oklahoma City.

The course is nice, some rolling hills but mostly flat, running through nice neighborhoods and through a local park. The main problem was the sun: it got up to about 80 degrees, and there was little shade until the last few miles. Fortunately, there are fluid stations just about at every mile, staffed by wonderful, cheering volunteers.

There were some organizational snafus, namely the lack of a promised shuttle to the start from our hotel (had to race in a cab). Also, there were several inaccuracies on the website. But these shortcomings were more than outweighed by the officials' and volunteers' generosity and hospitality.

This marathon has gotten better each year. The people of OKC keep you focused as to why you are running, to remember those whose lives were lost or changed forever because of violence. The course is pretty quick, hills are manageable, and the volunteers are fantastic.

This was my first time participating in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, and I must say I am impressed with the organization, water stations, and friendly staff who really went an extra mile to ensure everything was ok.

Everyone from the organizers to the folks along the course did everything in their power to make us feel wanted, appreciated and as comfortable as one can get while running 26.2 miles. I REALLY would recommend this one to a first-time marathoner (and there were several in our group from Tulsa) because this is about as good as it gets. Good job folks!!!!

The run was lots of fun.

I have currently done three marathons and so far, this one has been my very favorite. The course was flat and fast with wonderful volunteers and spectators - people sat outside in their lawn chairs and cheered us on! The best part was how well the marathon really honored the victims of the bombing. My husband and parents all came with me (none are runners) and we were all very impressed with the activities of the whole weekend - we visited the memorial, toured the museum, and attended the sunrise service prior to the event. The expo the day before was great, and I loved the idea that you could run in honor of one of the people in the bombing (I ran for a child who had been in the daycare who was under a year old). Of all the races I have ever done including all of the 5Ks before I started doing marathons, this one really meant the most as far as its cause. The entire city of Oklahoma City did an amazing job honoring these people and their families, and it was very inspirational. VERY good organization - I always knew where to be, where everything was, etc. Tons of great food at the end, three free t-shirts, and a free DVD and finisher's certificate mailed out later! GREAT first marathon or marathon for anyone to do - I would love to do it again. Very highly recommended!!!

Come prepared with your own hydration, first aid and energy bars. Oklahoma City from 4 AM to 7 AM is a ghost town.

Richard