Some may not expect this race to be appealing given the mid-Prairie geography of the town, but it matches that of many of the western marathons. Overall, I'd rate it above Kelowna, for instance, unless you like that open country running - I just prefer buildings/residential, that's all.

Course is generally flat, but given to brief rises that will knock down pace for 10-20 seconds. Some open area (for ~8km) out at the airport is prone to breeze. Don't worry about the nature of the winding course as some fret - in reality the bends are straight at the speeds of most folk; at least it was for me, as a 3:35 finisher.

Very well supported - you won't get surprised by missing water stations. They were all there at 2.5 km or closer. Held in September, this race is ideal timing for those of us who don't wish to pound out big training miles after the summer and into the fall. Fans were there, especially the family with pots, pans and wooden spoons for extra racket.

I'd do this one again.

2003 marks the second QCM for me. I'm impressed by the organizers' attitude and by the volunteer support. It feels like a race for runners.

Since this was only the third go 'round (with a new start & finish line to boot), I'm willing to cut the organizers some slack. For next year, though, there are some little details that could really improve the race:

- If QCM continues to grow, they'll need a new course. Already, the pathway system is way too congested at the entry and exit points (four or five places on the course). And what's with the gate at mile 5 (or so)?

- There was no toilet paper in the porta potties. (I was there early, and was 0 for about 25 porta johns in the TP department.)

- Out on the bike trails, fan support is pretty dismal. But, remember that it's year 3. I expect fan support will grow as the event becomes better known.

Here's some good stuff about the race:

- Despite the congestion, I like running on the bike trails, it's very scenic.

- The course is challenging - don't let anyone tell you Regina is flat.

- Did I mention the great volunteers and organizers? Gatorade at every station, gels at two points on the full marathon course, a great recovery area with warm chicken broth (!! a nice treat in the cold !!).

- Very nifty medals and T-shirts for both the half and full marathons.

I'll be back next year, budget willing.

I have run this Marathon each of it's 3 years in existence. Although the course which is run primarily on undulating bike/walking trails is tough on the knees/ankles, the organization of this event is great and the crowd support has been getting better each year. I definitely intend to return in 2004.

Organizers, volunteers and spectators of the QCMIII should be very proud of their tremendous event. Everything is very well organized and geared toward making the participant as comfortable as possible. The route is an amazing, winding tour through some very scenic parts of Regina. Crowds were enthusiastic when we ran by and the volunteers were great! Having the option for dropping extra clothing at aid stations is a nice touch that I never took advantage of. Instead, I found my 'throw-away' shirt in a well-organized pile at the finish line. I loved this course! The weather was cool but sunny, and the city is amazing. Congratulations to the city of Regina for having such a well organized event and such great volunteers. I plan to be back next year.

QCMIII was my first full marathon and overall, a good experience. I did the half last year, and so was very pleased that the start/finish was relocated away from the congested track. Chip distribution was also much better this year. Great looking t-shirt. However, parts of the course should be reconsidered. Although scenic, the slanted bike path was very difficult and dangerous to run on. Also, the little wooden bridge along that same section was not level with the pavement. I wasn't the only one who tripped there while crossing back.

I ran this marathon both years of its existence. It is flat, boring, cool to cold, windy, small dips and turns, nothing spectacular, but I loved it. With theses types of characteristics the queen city marathon still challenges the runner in different areas of running then in more hilly or scenic routes. Each marathon holds it own characterics. However I think I have had my fill of Regina and may only return once more, its time to move on. I have 8 marathons under my belt and would like to venture to others.

The course with it's winding, slanted bike paths and tight turns had my knees and ankles screaming by the finish. The event seemed well organized, however, there did seem to be alot of confusion after the event with timing chips/numbers as there seemed to be a number of mistakes with individual finishing times. The crowds/volunteers were very good.

This is a demoralizing course-lots of down and backs on narrow, off-camber bike paths. The majority of the race is run through bike path systems out in the boonies. Crowd support is minimal, if at all, although volunteers are very good. You will also find the hair-pin turns around pylons to be especially hard on the knees and ankles. My friend and I were ready to run a PB, but the slanted paths had us hurting pretty bad by mile 16. We weren't injured before, but we sure were after. Generally, the design of this was not sensitive to the needs of the runners.

I had a great time - from the pasta dinner in the curling rink, to the Friendship Run Saturday morning, both providing opportunities to meet lots of area and regional runners (I came from San Antonio, Texas), to the Sunday morning race. Despite chilly, wet weather, the volunteers and spectators did a super job of providing encouragement. One minor concern - 10 days after the event, I'm still trying to access the age-group results w/o success.

This was my second time running QCM (I did the half last year, the full this year) and it just keeps getting better. Volunteers were well-trained and so cheerful and supportive - even on a cold, rainy day! Medical volunteers on bikes were plentiful in the last 6 miles, which added a whole other level of security that I really appreciated (even though I personally didn't need their services). Wonderful finish line amenities: plenty of massage therapists, plenty of food (even for us poky people) and more wonderful, enthusiastic volunteers. (It didn't hurt my mood that I smashed my PR by 32 minutes :) ) I'll be doing this one every year for as long as I can. Fantastic.