On the positive side I would list
Over 90% of the roads were shaded by trees
Lots of wonderful lakeside views
Finisher shirt was nicely done
Great weather

On the needs-to-improve side I would list
Hilly compared to Chicago (my local marathon)
Small mile markers (I question their accuracy)
Some tight, shared sidewalks toward the end
Lots of turns especially in the last few miles
Announcer congratulated a man for being the first woman to finish
No American flag for the National Anthem (on Memorial Day weekend)
No spectator?s guide
Expo too small (4 real vendors) ? need more local vendors like New Balance
No Mad-City Marathon polo shirts (only t-shirts)
No salty foods at aid stations
No suggestion forms

I do need to give the Madison Festivals, Inc. and the Events Services of Madison credit for doing a great job on their first marathon. Thank you!

This is a gorgeous course that showcases the natural highlights of a wonderful city. The marathon takes you by each of the three lakes surrounding Madison and also through the shady UW Arboretum. The weather was absolutely perfect, with a starting temperature of about 50 and a finishing temp of about 60 - clear and sunny the whole way. This was my first ever marathon, and to that end, it was a good course to begin on. Runners seemed to be pretty evenly divided on the 'hill issue': those from flatter areas considered the course a little hilly, whereas those from more hilly areas thought it to be not that bad. Regardless, there are no steep climbs at any point; all inclines and declines are gradual. There wasn't the sort of crowd you might expect at a big-city marathon, but there were quite a few supporters out there, all of whom were overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. Madison is the home of US running sensation Rod DeHaven, who spoke at the evening-before 'Carbo-load dinner,' and the air of excitement about his recent accomplishments seems to have infected the running community there with a certain enthusiasm that made running the race all the more exhilarating.

Poor race expo. Good organization. Great volunteers.

I have fond memories of this Marathon because this is where I ran my PR! I have tried to come close (Chicago), but it must be something about the Wisconsin air that had me cruising that day. Try it...You will like it.

Sincerely,
Kris J. Pomplun
Runner

I have run this marathon 3 times and the half once. I have only had bad weather once (80 degrees in 1999). Normally it's about 45-55, PERFECT! You run through some awsome areas (Maple Bluff, The Arboretum, etc..) I turned in a Marathon PR in 99 and hope to qualify for Boston this year. I travel almost every Memorial day weekend to run this race since 96. I was injured in 98 and only ran the half which was still pretty cool. and I took a year off in 2000. I will be back this year though, COUNT ON IT!!!!!

This is a well organised event through one of America's prettiest towns, a tour of the city that sometimes felt like being in the country, crowds were supportive, the course fairly flat... lot's to do after the marathon... good for first timers as well as veterans.