Despite an unexpected snowstorm, this race went on seemingly without a hitch! The times were slowed due to weather, but it was still an awesome course (scenic, not too hilly) and the volunteers were plentiful and encouraging. My only complaint is that the promised GU was not where it was supposed to be (a minor detail now, but a crisis at the time. ha!).

This was my very first marathon and I haven't raced since my HS cross country days 20 years ago. I'm a more solitary runner and I liked that there weren't so many people racing. The temp was 34F with light rain at the start followed immediately by LOTS of wet snow. With the 1/2' of slush on the ground after mile 7 my shoes were full of water and anyone passing splashed slushy water on your legs. The course had only a few very smallish hills so it was not challenging from that aspect. I think some of the crowd was kept away by the weather but those that were there were very encouraging. I think more than a few runners suffered from hypothermia and the organizers didn't seem to pick up on this as I would have expected - they did make sure people had foil blankets to wrap up in though. I also was looking for energy gel that was suppose to be at miles 13 and 20. I happened to see them on the table at mile 11 (I think)and took one and they were offered at mile 22(I think). I'd run this again probably and hope for better weather.

I have ran 5 other marathons dating back to the old Maryland Marathon back in 1976. I have done two in the rain but this was my first in a snow storm. It was an extremly flat course for the Frederick area of Maryland. I give it a 5 star rating because packet pick-up Sunday went smoothly and the amount of spectators that stood out in at time blizzard conditions were a great benefit to this race. For an inaugural race I think it came off very well.

I want to thank all the volunteers who braved these awful conditions, esp the fellow Daryl, who helped me in the gym, bought me a cup of hot coffee and made sure I was okay... suffering from hypothermia. He was an absolute godsend! Better luck next year, but this town is a ball! And much potential for the event.

This was a wonderfully organized and executed marathon. Gatorade and water stops were frequent and well-staffed; there was a volunteer at every turn or intersection of the course; and the traffic control was exemplary. The pasta dinner the night before was efficient and was a fundraiser for the local high school. The course itself was a nice mix of city residential and quiet rural. The few brave spectators were vocal and good-natured. But the weather... it was dreadful. 33 degrees, wind-driven sleet and snow, slush on the roads in many areas. I hope this marathon gets perfect weather next year -- it deserves it.

This was my 32nd marathon and I have never run in such nasty horrible weather. It snowed very heavy almost the entire race and I was completely soaked and cold by mile 4. Nothing like running over 20 miles in slush. This was unfortunate being the 1st Inaugural Frederick Marathon. However, the race director and volunteers and fans did an outstanding job considering these conditions. I can't imagine how nasty it was to stand out there all those hours passing out drinks and cheering for all the runners. There was a huge number of police officers doing traffic control and the course was very safe. The support was greatly appreciated. I believe the course was rather scenic and was probably very nice however most of the runners could really only think of surviving the conditions. I hope the race organizers aren't discouraged and come back next year for another try. Running a race like this may not be fun but it builds character and I for one will always remember the First Annual Frederick Marathon.