As others have already expressed, this marathon is well executed. Its scenic and quite simply breathtaking. You can't really ask for a nicer course! As a 50 states member, this was my 38th state and 40th marathon.

My only suggestion would be to dial back the time on the shuttle bus departures. I got on a 5:15 a.m. bus to the start and waited 1.5 hours before the start. Too much time, in my opinion. These buses could easily leave closer to 6 a.m. Otherwise, nothing but a great experience, and I would HIGHLY recommend this marathon (or half, for that matter).

By the way, my favorite part was when the announcer called my name and mentioned my location. He even thanked me for coming to Ogden as I was crossing the finish line - very nice touch!

Having now done several marathons, I can say that no race has measured up to this gem. There cannot be a nicer course anywhere. Organization is excellent. Volunteers are the best - the cold sponges at mile 15 were pure genius! Great shirt. Great medal. What else can you say? The only inconvenience is the fairly long wait at the start - but that happens at any race. Every year this event sells out earlier and there is good reason for that. If you want to experience the fun in 2011, sign up before Christmas! You will not regret doing this one!!

Everything about this race is terrific, but it's getting harder and harder to get into the race. So, to make it easier on me, don't run this race. That leaves more spots for me!

The course is totally stunning with snow-capped peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and green pastures.

The organization was excellent as usual. The volunteers at the aid stations were terrific.

This is a rural marathon so there are not many spectators.

My only complaint, and it's a minor one, was about the congestion in the park at the finish. Getting into and out of the amphitheater to retrieve my clothes bag took about 20 minutes. There are too few ways in and out of the area.

This truly is one of the best marathons in the U.S.

The positives were a beautiful course, a fast course, great weather, easy packet pickup, and frequent, well stocked aid stations.

The biggest negative was the buses leaving (or at least scheduled to leave) 2 hours before race time. That left well over an hour for us to wait at the start line. It was OK this year, but if it had been really cold or raining, it would be a different story.

The size is about right. Probably can't get many more people down the canyon safely.

Spectators who were there were great. It's just not easy to get spectators up the canyon, so numbers were small.

Overall, much more positive than negative. I will be back.

Beautiful course, and amazing volunteers who really took care of us!

Bottom Line: This is one of the most beautiful marathon courses that I have run (9 marathons so far). The volunteers are great. The largely downhill course is fun, but it is rather tough on the legs.

Sign-up, website and pre-marathon: You will want to sign up for this marathon early as there are only 2,000 slots (2010). I signed up in January for the May 15 race and I was one of the last hundred to get in. The website is nice and thorough in its information for where to start, where the expo is, and how the race-day morning works. This race also does not seem to bombard you with as much pre-marathon spam as some others that I have run.

Expo: The expo is part indoors at the Union Station and part outside. In 2010, we had Bart Yasso speak, so for me it was a winning expo. Decent number of Cliff bars, and ample ice cream and PowerAde-type samples to snack on. It would be nice to see some more clothes and shoes. Overall, though, a decent number of booths and stuff to look through for the size of the race.

Start: The details on the website and booklet (that comes with the bib pick-up) were spot on. You cannot drive to the start of the marathon, and instead have to take the buses, which leave at 5:00. The loading area was well staffed and organized. The start was rather brisk but they had plenty of fire-barrels around which you could warm yourself and ample port-a-potties for the number of runners. Bag drop was convenient and efficient. Only thing I would do differently is wear a Goodwill top that I could just toss right at the finish. The air warms up plenty, but it was brisk standing at the starting line.

Course and support: Easily one of the best courses that I have run. The course description on the website is spot on. The road for the first few miles is rather steadily downhill and follows the river. There is one half-mile hill as you round the crest of the reservoir, but it is really rather minor. The downhill after that is rather rough on your legs though. I did not realize how much I had beat them up with the first downhill section. As you leave the canyon, you run along a bike path for a few miles before running the last mile through the downtown. I never felt like I was running with traffic and there are ample shoulders to run on for the first few miles.

Water and port-a-john stops: Water stops are about every two miles starting at mile 3. Port-a-johns are generally tied in with the water stops. They had PowerAde and water at the stops with GU and fruit (oranges and bananas) at some. Volunteers were excellent.

Hotel and transportation: I stayed at the Motel 6, which was about 1.25 miles from the bus pick-up/finish. It was an easy walk, although you could easily have driven and used the free parking. Motel 6 was one over several very cheap (<$30) motels and was adequate, although I was glad that I brought my own oatmeal and dish for breakfast.

Ogden and places to eat: Ogden is a great town. I checked out the Dinosaur Park (great place for kids) and the Railroad and Browing Museums (both at the Union Station). For places to eat I tried (and would recommend) the Peleton Café (right on the river) and the Rooster Brew-Pub.

This is one of the best races I run all year.

Incredible course and scenery.

Great organization and volunteers.

I agree that the water tasted funky, but luckily we had PowerAde at the aid stations to stay hydrated.

I definitely recommend this race!

I chose this race as part of the 50 states (Utah), and I loved it. The scenery, the town, the people, the volunteers, and the runners were great.

I loved the course, from start to finish.

And the free massage at the end was great. I got on a plane that afternoon to run the next day at the Colfax Marathon in Denver.

I will probably travel again from New Hampshire to Utah next year to run it.

This was my sixth marathon and it was probably the most beautiful (and run on the best course). The aid stations had great volunteers. The water at all of the aid stations, however, had a metallic smell and aftertaste to it that really upset my stomach. But I had to drink it - especially when it started warming up. Please fix the water!

Overall the 2009 Ogden Marathon was great. Incredible organization and support from the staff. The finish line was awesome, especially the runners' area, which had all sorts of great goodies and good support. The course was more difficult than what I expected. The trail path at the end was difficult to maneuver through. It would also be great if there were a way to get more spectators up the canyon. In any case, the experience was awesome and I ran a PR. The expo was also great. I second the comment on bringing Dane back. I plan to be back myself next year, hopefully to BQ on the course. My daughter also loved the Kids' K. Good job, Ogden staff.