This was my 1st time in running the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although, I did not set a PR, I was pleased in the way my body performed during the whole race. I found the local community to be very friendly - in fact, some of the friendliest people I have met in my life, as they made you feel welcomed in their community. As for the marathon course, I found it to be pretty much flat except for some rolling hills at the beginning and at the end. It became somewhat lonely after the marathoners made their split from the half-marathoners, but this did not bother me since I run/train by myself. Some places had very few spectators, but those that came out cheered everyone on - even the policemen and women who were controlling traffic gave good support to the runners.

Only 2 minor compliants: (1) I found the expo to be extremely small, and the official merchandise section had little of each item in stock; (2) I think I was given a tee-shirt that represented the half-marathon vice the long-sleeve mock that I saw some marathoners wear after the race, but I have sent in an email to the official race website asking about this. But, all and all, I had a great time, and I will definitely add this race to future running events, and definitely would recommend this race to anyone who is looking for a good marathon to run and a fun weekend. Thank you Louisville, KY, for a great weekend.

The first half is extremely well staffed and organized. The course is not difficult at all. Just a couple of hills on the whole course. The second half has some work to do. The water stops were too far apart in the last ten miles. After 18 there should be one every mile. The gel was nice at 18. The finish line for marathoners was a little confusing. With the half finishers still coming in it was difficult to know where to finish. Maybe banners and signs would help.

This looks like a great 1/2 marathon. The first 12 miles are the same for full and 1/2, and I had a blast! There were tons of specators, a great crowd of runners around me, and lots of support. We ran through some neat areas and I was pumped. Then we turned onto the marathon course. I knew it would be sparse from the previous comments, but I didn't realize how sparse! We could barely see one person running in front of us, and another running far behind us. It was like a training run.

I am a 5:30 marathoner, and this course is advertised as having a 6 hour time limit. I finished in 5:38, but water stations near the end, although still up, were devoid of people. I couldn't find any food in the last 8 miles. The stands at the finish were empty except for my mother, who was valiantly cheering all us slow pokes on. As we reached the mile 23 marker, I could see a man actually taking the time clocks down! So no clocks for the last three miles for me. And to ad insult to injury, the chip clip guy asked me if I was the last runner when I finished. I wasn't. Guess he was ready to go home.

The police support was terrific. There was traffic control at every intersection, and it was nice that you could see a police officer - esp. in some of the areas, where you were running downtown pretty much by yourself.

The course itself was great. Very flat, with two sections of hills around mile 6 and mile 16. But nothing really that hard.

This could be a great marathon. To make it a big one, pay attention to us slow-goers out there! We pay good money, and without us, who would all the fast people beat?

Couldn't ask for better race organization. Even the bus system to the start was efficient and convenient, especially if you stay at the official race hotel. Traffic control on the course was all you could ever hope for. Even with only about 600 people in the marathon, the roads were completely blocked to traffic. It was hard to turn for the full marathon, leaving the 6000 people running the half. Crowds were quite sparse in the second half, particularly in contrast to the first half. But the organizers are trying hard to improve that situation, encouraging people with the lure of free food and drink and music at designated 'scream team' locations. This was their first year to try that, and the weather definitely worked against them. 50 degrees, overcast skies, with 15 to 20 mph winds is not so appealing to spectators.

The course does have some hills, but they're not too bad. Might not be a PR course but you can still run a good time. They obviously want to grow the marathon and are working hard to find ways to do it.

In contrast to posts from previous years, I finished just under 3:40 and there were a lot of people (and music) at the finish line that were very encouraging and there was plenty of food available.

Definitely consider this race if you're looking for a KY marathon. Overall it was a very good experience.

The marathon and mini-marathon (half marathon) start at the same time and place and split near the 12 mile mark. I've run the mini a number of times and give it 4 stars for both course and spectators. I ran the full marathon this year and have to give the second half 2 stars for course and 1 star for spectators -- as soon as you leave the half marathon pack, you're in a poor section of town with hardly any spectators other than traffic control folks. There are a couple of nice sections (fancy homes, beautiful park), but a good deal of poorly maintained homes and buildings.

I heartily recommend the half marathon, but the second half of the marathon leaves a lot to be desired.

The half marathon course is also somewhat easier; though both sections have hills, there are a few more in the second half than in the first, though none are particularly steep.

A typical urban-setting marathon with focus on the half. The course is nice for the most part but has eminently forgettable stretches. Hills not much to complain about. Volunteers very nice and helpful. A fairly desolate look at the finish even though I finished under 3:30. No great attraction to come back and repeat, as there are plenty of other races to try.

I wanted to thank all the people who helped at the water stations, which were numerous, and the police officers at every intersection.

Nice course, especially through the two parks. It was great running with all the mini-(half-)marathoners for the first 12 miles, with lots of spectators. Then, like others have said, almost no spectators for the second half.

Good water stops, although there could've been more volunteers at the first few, due to the large number of still bunched-up runners. Also, it was disappointing to have virtually no food at the end. Please reserve something for the marathoners.

I ran this as my second marathon event (Chicago '03 was my first). The course is nice - starts along some residential streets, then through a wooded park with some rolling hills. Proceeds toward downtown where the half and full marathon runners part ways just before the 12-mile mark. Up until then the crowd was nice - some handed out orange slices, etc. But at the split the crowd dwindled to almost zero. There were an occasional few in their front yards along the course, a few family and friends scattered here and there, and traffic control at every intersection for a little bit of encouragement. The course took us through another wooded park and some more hills (which actually lifted my mood a little) around miles 17-19 or so. There was a section of industrial/business area that was sort of boring, and then on into the downtown area. At about mile 25 we rejoined the half-marathon course and suddenly the street was busier both with spectators and quite a few folks who were walking the half course and closing in on their finish as well.

A good finish area and most all the finishers were being announced over the loudspeaker as they neared the finish line. My two complaints were no gels were offered at all and during the first half of the race sports drink was available only at every second aid station. So I carried my own. Weather was nice - about 50 at start to low 60's at end. The hills probably add a little to most runners' times but I had a PR and a BQ with my 3:29:52, so not a bad day. I may go back again and run the half-marathon next time.

This was my seventh marathon (New York, Chicago, Marine Corps, etc.) and by far the prettiest venue. From start to finish, except for about a mile of warehouse areas, the scenery was marvelous. Dogwood trees, azaleas, iris, tulips and pansies were all 'in bloom' and added to the beautiful landscape. The course was relatively flat except for two areas with hills from miles 2-6 and miles 14-18. From a person who lives in flatland Florida and who hates hills, this was not a difficult course.

I thought the mini water bottles at each water stop were great. However, you do need to watch out for the caps. The volunteers at the start, water stops, and finish were very supportive and enthusiastic. Except for the scenery, the police traffic control was second to none. As has been stated, the back half of the marathon was far from being crowded but the Louisville Police cheered you on and controlled traffic. I felt very special running down a four-lane road with no fear of encountering vehicles.

The expo was small but had everything you needed instead of booths with repeats of the same items.

I would highly recommend this marathon because of the scenery, course layout, relatively flat terrain, very easy for your fans to follow you and see you along the way six or seven times, and no hassles with crowds.

I want to congratulate the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Committee/Race Director for the great organization and performance. Keep plugging the marathon and someday it will be as large as your mini-marathon. I challenge the mini-marathoners to go the next step next year and run the whole enchilada.