As a marthoner who has run the Boston, NYC and Marine Corps, this marathon had a lot more hills and the route itself was more challenging (with the largest climb at Mile 20). Perhaps only Pittsburgh has more hills...

I recommend it highly due to the organization and spirit of the City. Also, it really gave you a good idea of all parts of the city.

The course was good but a little hilly and the pavement was broken in spots so you had to watch where you put your feet. Crowd participation was outstanding, very suprising for an inaugaural event. The event organization was incredible. From packet pickup to water stops, medical stations, information and entertainment. Whoever put this event together did their homework. If you don't need a flat course to run on, this is a good Boston qualifier.

The race was exhilarating. The fans along the course were so encouraging and supportive! Baltimore has many beautiful scenic areas that we were able to see along the course!

Having run NYC twice, and not getting a number in the lottery this year, I decided to run Baltimore. While the Baltimore Marathon was fun, and I'm glad I did it, it simply didn't compare with the incredible experience that NYC offers (in terms of course, fans and sheer spectacle of the 30,000 runners and 200,000 fans and fanfare). The Baltimore course was very hilly, as if running on a series of rolling waves...though none of the hills were too steep. The course takes you through some pretty/residential areas of Baltimore, but too often we ran through less than scenic areas of the city, and on highways with traffic (and car fumes) coming from the opposite direction. (Only two of the drivers of the cars watching us from the opposite direction cheered or beeped their horns--I think most were annoyed at the traffic delays we were causing!) The parts of the race where we ran through college campuses/parks and residential areas were great. The students, Army cadets and families were very supportive. The volunteers who handed out water/gatorade along the way were always terrific. The fans on the streets were pretty quiet in the beginning (we actually were trying to rally the fans to cheer), and got better and better til they were great towards the end. In terms of organization of the event, it was ok, except in the area of communication--locations of number pick up changed and there were a few discrepancies between info/number pick up times & location between the internet site and race confirmation packet. Also, the packet arrived at my house through the mail only 2 days before the marathon, making some of the info in the packet, like hotel and airfare info, irrelevant. All in all, the weather was beautiful, and it was a pleasant marathon that I'm glad I was a part of. Especially since I ran a personal best of 3:45.

It was my first Marathon and it was truly fun.The support volunteers were amazing, it could not have been better prepared. Dehydration, in spite of the hilly course and the rising thermometer was never a worry.

The spectators along the course were so enthusiastic that I ran with a smile on my face the whole time. The little children with their hands out were terrific, and although I am relatively slow at 5:30...I felt like a Champion. Thanks to all who played a part!!!

I want to thank each and every fan, who cheered, honked from their cars and high-fived me on the way, and all the dedicated police officers who helped out in so many ways! I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks to the people who offered candies and pretzels, and their bathroom at one point! I think Baltimore showed its true spirit today and welcomed the marathon with open arms. You guys are on your way to having 20k+ particpants next year and you deserve it, take a bow.

This is beautiful looped course with plenty of ups and downs. This is not a flat course! Once you run through this city you will know why the O's and Ravens love it here... the fans are the BEST! All 26.2 miles of them! Excellent water stop organization and plenty of them. Iron out a couple kinks and this race will rival other big city events. Congratulations to BRRC and the city of Baltimore on this one!

The inaugural Baltimore Marathon was a smashing success. The course is tougher than NYC or the Marine Corps (no surprise there), these are the only other two I've run. As with all beginning marathons, there are some bumps to be worked out with food in the higher miles (bagels, please). I encourage anyone that loves city races - this is the one for you.

The course was a bit challenging with hills.The 70+ degree temperature was nasty! Us mid-packers had to dodge the occasional angry motorist who had tired of waiting for the road to reopen. The Baltimore Police did an admirable job of safeguarding the runners!

This event was much bigger and better than I had even anticipated. A first-rate, professional job for an inaugural marathon. I particularly appreciate the 8-hour limit and the efforts to make this a true community marathon from the get-go. Inclusive, friendly, interesting course, lots of amenities. The only thing I'd recommend working on for next year is to perhaps get the community more involved in the marathon by continuing to encourage local spectators and perhaps invite restaurants, civic groups, and cheer squads to come out to support the runners. The gorgeous weather on the first running (though hot for October) was a nice bonus! If you enjoy destination marathons and haven't visited Baltimore yet, put this one on your 2002 calendar.