I ran the marathon relay and had a great time setting a PR for the distance. The 1 mile loop made it very easy to track your pace and stick to your target pace. The course was flat - a 3' foot change in elevation but not very scenic. However, lapping and being lapped by runners across the whole pace spectrum helped make it interesting. We started and finished outside the race hotel, which was very convenient. This year the race began at 8am, so we only had to contend with a slightly chilly morning. I wore the race wind-shirt for the first 3.2 miles. This is a classy blue micro fiber wind shirt that I'm going to wear on lots of spring and fall runs. Much better than the usual cotton that nobody would want to run in.

Crowds were sparse, but it wasn't a big event style race. Water stops were well manned and served water and powerade (IIRC). Post race food included bagels (cheese, plain and a sweet flavor I skipped) and bananas, plus stuff I didn't eat.

Our group of seven had a real nice time and will definitely do it next year. And if we need a late BQ we know where to come. There were quite a few happy qualifiers at the end of the day.

Definitely an interesting idea - 26 x 1 mile. But it worked well last year (even though I cramped up at 22). I've already qualifed for Boston, but am running again in 2003. Great race last year, and now I see we're running on the street, and in the daylight!! Hoping for no wind this year.

This was an awesome race. It seems insane as previously mentioned. But it is a great way to get your qualifying time. This was the only marathon where I was able to run in group. There was 8 of us that ran through mile 21 hitting a 7 minute mile each time. Five of us made it under the qualfying time. The course was poorly lit and there was some problem with the championChip but worth the $40.

I agree with the Columbus runner's comments. You might think that 26 one-mile loops would drive you batty, but the course was interesting and pretty, for still being winter. This year, it was 37 degrees with a 20 MP wind that hit you going up the 100 yard long hill. That combination took its toll, so the course wasn't as flat and easy as you might expect in Columbus. The race directors thought of the little things, like posting the quarter and half mile marks. The arboretum let them and the runners down by not lighting the course better. However, it was a change of views after a couple hours, and not bad at all. One bad experience was the snafu with the Championchip losing a couple of my laps. The race director quickly assured me (during the race) that my lap count would be accepted.

Twenty-six one mile loops in the cold while the sun goes down. That summarizes it. This wasn't an 'event' marathon with a lot of distractions or a big crowd. This was a nose to the grindstone just get it done race. Perhaps a novelty marathon for those who have raced a lot, or for those who really wanted to qualify, a no nonsense way to buckle down, focus on pacing and do it. The course wasn't bad---it was through a park and had some little hills. Because it was a loop, hydrating, layering and keeping track of time were easy. The volunteers were excellent. Running in increasing darkness (the course could be much better lit) was weird. There were a fair number of spectators through the first three and half hours, then they virtually all vanished. This was the first time for the race, so there were some first year organizational bumps. It will be interesting to see how this race develops. It was a good half, a rather painful full. Maybe it will develop a cult following?