I had a fantastic day running through the city of trees despite the rain (yet again). The course is easy to run because it is a loop rather than an out-and-back. There did seem to be a bit of a snafu with traffic this year. Better course markings (where runners should be in relation to traffic) would have helped considerably. The volunteers were FANTASTIC. People with pom-poms and cowbells and always a word of encouragement. Very highly recommended.

The Twin Cities Marathon bills itself as the "most beautiful urban marathon," but having done 13 marathons including Twin Cities, I think Boise owns that crown so far. Despite the nasty weather, the course is quite nice. It's very, very flat with only a single incline. Agree with prior comment re: course marking, though it's very unlikely someone will take a wrong turn. I also agree with prior comment about engaging the community a bit more - probably easier said than done, of course. Can't underestimate how nice it is to have your hotel room one flight of steps from the start/finish. Note: This is the exact opposite of a spectacle marathon (e.g., NYC, Chicago, Marine Corps). This is no-frills, which is just fine because there's no pretense of it being otherwise. Thanks to the volunteers - in a small marathon like this, their job becomes all the more essential. I hope people will support marathons like this because ING can't sponsor them all....

Overall, I enjoyed myself. The support was phenomenal. Thank you all for volunteering the rain!

This is a great race for first-timers and old-timers. The only negative is that there were no medals for the halfers! This is only my second half marathon, but I think finshing a half should be recognized.

Other than that, it was a great experience. I would not mind returning for the full.

I have ran many marathons, but is was my very first rained race. It started with some light rain, which was not so bad, but it got heavier later on, which was rough. It could not be easy for all volunteers.... Thank you!!!!

The couse was OK. Well stocked aid/water stations throughout the race. After the race, I was only offered a cup of water.... There was food? Where?

Anyway.... Thank you for the volunteers!!!

My husband ran the full marathon, but I ran the half. Unfortunately, after a lovely Saturday, it rained pretty steadily all day long on Sunday. Nice and cool for the runners but hard on the volunteers; yet I never heard one complaint, and the volunteers seemed surprised to be thanked for their help. Nice expo and bus tour of the course on Saturday, scenic course, a warm, dry place for the awards ceremony and hot food after the race. What's not to like?

By the way, there was a photo and a short story about the race in the Monday morning Boise paper.

First and foremost, the volunteers are what make this race! Even though I was personally having a rough day, not one volunteer would let me see that in myself! What an incredible job!

Living in Houston, where we have a closed course, Boise is basically completely open - which, at times, can be - and was - challenging.

While the turns are marked (on the street) as you approach them, please mark the middle of the street so runners can know where they can run the tangent on a certified course.

The course was OK, but it is better than long out and backs in industrial areas - or along the Rio Grande in Albuquerque.

I agree with an earlier comment. Play the national anthem at the start. It's America and it fits in with the impression that I have of Boise being an All-American city. (And I don't know if it was possible, but having the Marine Corps Marathon women's winner from Boise would have been a nice touch as a race starter (and to talk to everyone.)

I expected a preview article in the local paper on Sunday, but all there was was a wire story article on the NYC Marathon and a picture of Lance. Engage the press. There's more to Boise than Boise State football.

Last year I ran my first half marathon in COT, and it was great. This year I ran the whole marathon. Same great course, with well stocked aid stations. The negative comment I do have about this race is about the post-race food. After I finished running 26 miles in the rain, I was looking forward to some soup and a bagel. But there was not any food. What happened? What a disappointing ending to what otherwise was an excellent marathon.

This was my first marathon. It was well organized. I was undertrained and started struggling around the 17 mile. A lady from Texas talked me through the next 2 miles. Than I ran, limped, crawled 2 miles before a passerby saw me and pushed me to finish the final 6 miles. To you, I am immensely thankful. I finished close to last, but my goal was to finish. As I crossed the finish line damn near last, the crowd greeted me, gave me a beautiful medal and made me feel like I won. I don't have the dedication to run another marathon, but if I did, I would reccomend the one in Boise. It's a beautiful city. I took over 100 pictures while running. I talked to almost every volunteer and I chatted with anyone that would listen.

If you want to enjoy many of the amenities of a big city race with a fraction of the hassle, consider COT! Boise is a lovely city, and COT showcased it in autumnal splendor. Excellent organization and very runner-friendly. No need to rent a car; host hotel has a shuttle & the start is right outside the hotel. Lovely course was very well-marked and contained only one hill, informative & entertaining course tour, great post-race snacks (two kinds of soup + free beer!). Few spectators (probably because of rain) but those there were enthusiatic. Plentiful, well-stocked aid stations, loads of friendly, helpful volunteers. I'll do COT again.

I really enjoyed the course and the weather. There was some rain but not too bad and I enjoy runnig when it is cool. The volunteers were very helpful and there is no way I could have gotten lost. Having the start and finish at the race hotel is a big plus. No long bus ride to the finish. I plan to do this one again.