Except for the railroad tracks at the 1KM/4KM point, a perfect course for a race walker. No part of the course turned into a mountain over the 8 full laps or the 1/2 lap. Road surface conditions very good. Full 2-lane road width turn at start/finish, better than 2-lane road width turn at far end. Some tangents to take advantage of, but not significant. Timing of race in 2003 very good for race walker needing a marathon while getting ready for National 40K. Some 5AM starters may complain of lack of official results for 2003 - it wasn't clear until one read information included in the packet, but I was okay with earlier start to have time to get back to my hotel and check out after finish.

This was my 46th marathon and my 27th state. I enjoyed the race, despite the heat (73-75 deg w/ 75% humidity), 10 mph wind, and my bad cold. With a finishing time of 3:44, I figure I lost about 10 minutes to the heat and wind, 10 minutes to my cold, and 10 minutes from running a marathon two weeks before (Grandfather Mountain in NC). The course is an extremely flat 5K repeated 8.5 times, which should be good for a PR if you have nicer weather. It was a very low-key marathon with about 100 participants, but very pleasant and fairly well organized. I didn't know what to think about an 8.5 lap marathon, but it was actually nice for a change. I found myself breaking things up into the natural 0.5-mile chunks (run to the flashing light, run to the water stop, run to the cone, run back to the water stop, run to the flashing light, run to the starting line). That was very manageable and even enjoyable. It's even good to time yourself every 1.55 miles to see how you are doing. You can also see who's coming up behind you at the turnarounds. You will lose about a minute or so during the marathon by running around the cones. One big plus is that this course is completely closed to traffic. Good job!

To improve the event you might need some music (recorded and/or live) at the aid stations, more restroom facilities before the race, a few more porta-johns at the start and the aid-stations, more than one award per age group, and a better variety of food at the finish (bagels, power drink, soda, yogurt, fruit, etc.). You might even want to schedule your event in the spring or fall when the weather is better and people can take full advantage of your perfectly flat course (maybe get the city to improve those railroad tracks). You could do some of these things by adding only $5 or $10 to your $25 entry fee. Runners don't mind paying the entry fee if they feel like they get a quality event in return. If you make a few minor improvements, you could double or triple your participation.

Running a marathon in the middle of the summer may not be the ideal time of year for such a long race, but the early start time (5 a.m.) helped to 'beat the heat'. The course is completely flat with water stations every 1.5 miles or so. The race is 8.5 laps on a 5K loop, so family and friends can sit at any spot along the race and end up seeing their runner pass by several times during the race.

Small town event used to raise funds for local charities. Less than 100 marathoners, so you get the personal touch. Aid stations every mile on a 5K loop course that is repeated 8.5 times. Excellent medal awarded to all finishers. Early start is available (5am). I enjoyed it very much and will come back every year as long as the Lord allows me to run. Very safe conditions, because traffic is closed on the entire course. I have run many marathons, and I recommend it for all runners.

Flat but boring course. 2.5K out and back (5K per 'lap') you repeat eight times and then partially repeat a ninth time to get to 26.2 miles. Course closed to traffic by 5:30 AM so very safe. Water/sports drink every mile. Optional early (5:00 AM) start nice so you can avoid the heat. Spectators only at start/finish area and fairly quiet. Nice medallion for such a small race (less than 100 marathoners). Results posted the next day. Age awards given out at the end of the race. Compared to Sherwood Marathon (which was a total disaster), the way a small run should be done. A decent race if you are in the area, but not worth a major expedition to get to.

Point-to-point 5k loops within Carrollton Township. Roads were closed to traffic, proceeds go to charity. Early start allowed, they waited for the last runners. Very nice small marathon, you get a hometown favor.