2012 is the second year I've participated in the Texas Marathon (half in 2011, full in 2012) and though my heart is going towards trail runs, this one will remain on my short list for 'road' races. I plan on either running or volunteering every year I'm in town! Thanks for a great way to start off the New Year right.

This was my 8th marathon but my first "small" marathon, and I was very pleased with the experience. Packet pickup went smoothly, parking was a breeze, and I was in and out very quickly. The race hotel was very nice, had a great price, and was just a few miles from the race site. I was a little anxious knowing we had to do 4 loops, as I do not like covering the same territory in marathons over and over, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I actually didn't mind it. The course was actually very scenic and beautiful, and I had lots to look at all of the time. It was fun looking for my name on the trees as I ran by, and I found it on the second loop. On the home stretch, I retrieved my sign and ran it in with a smile on my face, which was a first for me! The pizza, soda and cookies were a nice treat as well. Everyone was so friendly, from the race organizers to the runners. I would definitely do this one again; what a great way to ring in the new year! Oh, and the medal this year was bigger and heavier than last year's, and it is the coolest medal you will ever get! Check out the picture of it on the race website.

Thank you so much to Paula and Steve for a wonderful marathon. I love the food, the water stops, and our take-home goodies. Wow! The medal tops everything. The students at BlackRiver were very impressed. Thanks so much for all your hard work and your friendship! Great race for 2012! It was the best just being with all of our friends!

This was my first time to participate in this event. I loved it! The trails through the woods were beautiful. I was unsure about how 650 runners would be able to maneuver through the trails but it was just fine. It was peaceful and I enjoyed seeing folks throughout the race as we ran the loops. It was a great way to encourage each other. I have run 10-plus half marathons. I ran the half-marathon distance in this race as well.

For 6 plus-hour runners, this is the race that you feel you belong, with ultra friendly atmosphere. Water stations remain open, with some cookie/pizza after the 4th and 5th hours if you forget to bring your own energy gel. Except for during the 4th loop, faster runners running toward you on the left side of the trail will keep you company.

Steve and Paula are hands down the best race directors in the country. A great, small marathon with big-time perks. A must-do for 2012 and every year after.

Beautiful course. I felt very welcome.

This is the 3rd time I have run this race and I love it more and more each time. Steve and Paula have got to be the nicest people. They put on a great race with great swag. If I had one complaint, it would be the surface of the run: concrete always beats my body up bad. But the views and the other runners more than make up for it. And the MEDAL... there is really nothing to say about the biggest medal ever. Everybody I showed it to got instant medal envy.

If you are a marathon runner, this is a perfect race for you!

The race is all about the enjoyment and pleasure of running. Everything from the actual runners to the volunteers, race directors, and spectators was phenomenal. It is a joyous atmosphere to be around.

Things I loved about the race:

1. The route is beautiful. I thought I wouldn't like running on an out-and-back trail. However, it was not a problem at all sharing the path with runners. Every other marathon I have run required more navigating around other runners than this marathon did. Course is 95% shaded, near two lakes, and flat.

2. The medal is by far the best medal I have ever seen. Wow! That's all I can say about it. Race directors unveiled the medal moments before the race and everyone cheered and clapped. Fun!

3. Loved the pizza, pop, cookies, and family atmosphere at the end of the race. :)

4. Great t-shirt, bag, and cup!

5. Organization is great. Easy pickup/perfect directions.

6. Really liked starting the new year running a marathon on January 1st.

Run Texas! Thanks, Steve and Paula (race directors) for a great weekend. Happy New Year!

I either vounteer at this one or run it. It has a small, intimate feel to it. The race director, "Crazy" Steve Boone, is out there himself running, cheering, and having a good time with everybody else.

It is a scenic course, if a little crowded. A lot of the crowding can be avoided if a few of the runners ran single file instead of two abreast in the more crowded sections.

The four-loop course is spectator-friendly. At the second water spot, your family can stay right there and see you 8 times during the marathon (4 during the half).