At first I was a little concerned when looking at the course since it's entirely out-and-back; however, I needn't have worried! The marathon started an hour and a half before any other races, so seeing the turnaround points for the half, 10K and 5K wasn't a problem since no one was actually breaking off at that point. The spectators were scarce, but those who came out were fabulous. The volunteers absolutely deserve some credit for this race - everyone was very encouraging and made sure to cheer for each runner.

The mile markers were also themed - giant blow-up martians holding the mile marker (this is especially important for people like me, who are so into the race that they often miss the markers!). The weather this year was also amazing: 30+ degrees and sunny. The tees were a bit small (I would have ordered a size larger) but still fit ok.

The only downside was that there were supposedly 4 GU stops - 2 stations on the out-and-back course - and I only found one since they weren't advertised on the course.

I would definitely recommend this race!

This was my 26th marathon. The race was very well organized, with plenty of water and GU on the course. Spectators were sparse but most of the course is closed to traffic. If you are going for all 50 states, this is the one for MI. Good job.

This was my first 1/2 marathon. At first the race seemed pretty well organized, but they had some BIG oversights that made me mad.

#1. The 1/2 marathon ended up being 13.4 miles instead of 13.1! I think this had to do with last-minute changes in the course, but that is just BAD!

#2. GU and water were promised. GU was not provided and water wasn't as available as they claimed beforehand.

#3. The results are still all messed up, with placements based on the start times, not the chip times.

#4. There isn't anywhere to give them feedback. The "contact us" email isn't working.

I had a great race and I'll go back next year. Hopefully they will have corrected these mess-ups.

I gave 5 stars to this event because it was really a great and unique kids marathon for my 4 year old daughter. Giving the same official marathon T-shirt and medal was really wonderful. She was really proud.

By the way, the official hotel (Dearborn West Village) was really outstanding: breakfast at 4:30 am, free shuttle to the start line, late check-out (2 pm), and not expensive! They even gave to us free milk for our baby the night before. Dont hesitate and go there if you need a room next year.

About the marathon, the out and back course was very boring (Im sorry to write this but there is not a lot to see during this half-marathon loop). This is not a marathon oriented race for sure, but I have a lot of fun and the organization was great (except the congestion at the arrival).

Thanks to all volunteer and for the great kids and family oriented event!

My 10th and fastest marathon! Perfect weather this year with a great marathon course and superb volunteers - thank you! Highly recommended if you want a spring marathon goal to keep you focused during the Michigan winter!

My 27th marathon! It was great to see so many Marathon Maniacs on-course! Very friendly, well organized run. Could have used more porta-potties and the lack of doors on the bathrooms were a bit of a turnoff. Next to no spectators on the course, but the volunteers were great. Fun course; good expo. Great value. Will do again!

The Martian Marathon is a well-organized spring marathon with a quirky theme. The medals and shirts this year were really cool. The alien head medal was enough to keep me going late in the race.
The course is closed to traffic and runs out and back with continual rolling hills. (The quads are definitely feeling it today!) Spectators are sparse, but when you meet back with the half-marathoners around mile 17 the support will help you finish strong. Pizza, bagels, bananas, and apples at the finish. Highly recommend if you don't mind a 35-degree (Fahrenheit) start!

The course is flat and fast and a bit boring. Ran the half this year with a GPS, and it said that the half was 4/10 of a mile too long! (I cut every tangent too.) This was confirmed by others. If it was long, that's inexcusable!

This was my 4th half Martian. This is a great spring, early-season run. The course is just fine - weather was good. Parking is a little bit of a challenge though. I had signed up for the full marathon, but had been sick - and had no problem changing to the half.

The shirt was way too small, though. My a medium fit my 13-year-old niece just fine. And the shirts have always been great.

The organization was good, with excellent water stops, easy packet pick-up and nice medal and shirt. The course was a lot of the same - a long park road with little scenery, few spectators, and almost no elevation change. The course was either boring or mentally challenging, depending on your perspective, but at least there was no traffic with which to deal. Finish line food was good; just add soda next year. All in all, a pleasant but not very memorable race.