"THE BEGINNING" is what I call the Eisenhower Marathon. It was my first marathon and let me tell you that it was well organized and put on by a very supportive community. You guys treat us like "royalty." The course was pretty much flat; it had a few tiny hills. I believe that there were more spectators than runners, which makes it the best for a 1st-time marathoner. I highly recommend the race. THANKS to everyone that was involved with the marathon.

Superior organization and community support. What a treat to come to water stations EVERY mile and have an enthusiastic volunteer carrying water and PowerAde and giving me a choice. I believe that there were more spectators than runners. Entertaining course even though the return was identical to the run out. I highly recommend the race.

This is the second time I have run this course (the half marathon). Both times I was very impressed with the organization and support for such a small town. I hope they continue the tradition.... I sure hope to make my participation in it an annual event.

Just read all the comments below. Great on many levels, enjoyed the course, all the great water stops, the weather, etc.... This one should grow, and may have to drop the shorter events for the facility to accommodate the increase.

Great hospitality here in Abilene. Some year more people are going to "discover" this little gem! Nice to get medals for the 1/2 marathon this year. Didn't like the new timing system. Chip times were off from actual!

Very well organized and well supported event ... from packet pick up to pasta dinner to the race itself and the post race brunch.

The weather was beautiful (unlike the wet blustery day before). I was completely amazed that Route 15 was completely blocked off to traffic ... a runner's dream ... running down the middle of the road for miles on end.

The volunteers were very enthusiastic, the aid stations were plentiful and had everything one needed.

A very enjoyable small-town marathon. The town was behind the race - signs on many businesses and in many yards encouraging and welcoming runners. Gentle rolling hills on a quiet out-and-back course. Water stops were very well stocked - more fruit and food than just about any other race I've run. Only drawback (which is generally fine by me) was the lack of spectators. It was also difficult for family support to get to various points, despite the run being held out in the country.

A very well organized race. The only drawback was a headwind that never quit blowing. And for a course that was flat and had nothing to protect you from the elements. There was no place to hide. Volunteers were outstanding. Not only friendly, but knowledgeable and helpful. The whole town embraced the marathon and that made it even more special. Turned out to be a positive experience, despite the wind and a road trip that included 850 miles one way. Glad I decided to take part.

This was a well organized small-town race. Signs welcoming runners were on most business and personal yards. Volunteers couldn't have been more friendly or helpul. Both the pre-race pasta dinner and the after-race breakfast were very tasty. The course was a beautiful rural setting through a park and past a greyhound kennel. Roads were closed to traffic. There were plenty of water/Gatorade stations with fruit and other snacks available after a few miles. I would recommend this race and will probably do it again next year.

This was only my second full marathon, though I have run quite a few half marathons at full marathon events. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I'll break down my comments to the three major categories:

Course: It's mainly flat with a few gentle grades for a change of pace. I especially liked how they planned the run through the wildlife refuge - the prettiest part of the race - at around miles 22-24. The nice scenery made those tough miles a little easier.

Organization: Everything went quite smoothly, and the organizers and volunteers were great - and so friendly. The well-stocked aid stations every mile were great. No complaints. The only suggestion I would have would be making course directions and mile markers more prominent on the course. Upright signs for all turns, instead of pavement markings, would help, especially in the park.

Spectators: Considering that virtually the whole race is run in a relatively rural area, there was good support. The aid station workers were great, too.

All in all, it's a fine marathon. If you're looking for a race in Kansas, this would be a great choice.

Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers! Great job!