This was my third marathon and is easily the best of the three (the other two were Portland and Chicago). This one was well organized and supported, with a challenging course, and a superb stadium finish - just a really great running experience. OK, so I'm a little biased being an Akron native, but it's very clear that Akron is putting its all into the marathon, and should you decide to run it, I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

This was my first full marathon. Compared to other races that I have run, this one is the best organized: Flawless expo, convenient parking, more than enough bathrooms at the start area, well stocked aid stations staffed with enthusiastic volunteers, and visible mile markers with clocks at every mile. The course is tough, but Akron is not flat, and you get a look at different neighborhoods, parks, and urban areas. The only drawback was the weather, which the organizers cannot control. I was on a sub-4 pace until the 93% humidity got to me and I had to slow down. The only possible solution may be to choose a date later in the year?

At any rate, you will find this marathon is a fantastic event run by top notch staff and volunteers. I would definitely do it again.

Fantastic spectators, helpful volunteers, and the numerous WELL run water and GU stations made this race A LOT of fun. While the course is not flat, especially through miles 18-22, it was enjoyable and scenic and I even managed a seven-minute PR and a Boston qualifier on it. I definitely recommend it.

As advertised on the website, you better be ready to run up some hills late in the race. I thought I was, but they took their toll on my legs by mile 17. Definitely the most challenging of the five marathon courses I've run, but I'm hoping to learn from it as I train for Boston 2010. Overall, very well organized, with good support and great swag. Highly recommended.

You won't find more variety on a course; who would have thunk that little ol' Akron would have so much to offer? Terrain includes: urban, university, diverse neighborhoods, limestone trails, heavily wooded parkland, even the grounds of a huge estate. Fluid stations were plentiful and well staffed. Expo: top rate; giveaways: top rate. The race is run on a Saturday, which I like because it gives you more time to recover before returning to work.

Nothing is perfect, so the only thing I wish were different: it can still be very warm in Akron in late September. We were lucky this year in that it was a cloudy and raw fall day, but had it been, say, 75, that would have been a struggle for me. I'm sure the marathon calendar is very crowded but I wouldn't mind seeing the race run later in the fall. Oh yeah, I also don't like busting my hump on mile 20 of a marathon when relay racers on their first mile are whizzing past me. I wish the relayers could somehow be segregated, but I do understand the money they bring in is vital to the vitality of the race.

This is just my 4th marathon and I came all the way from Idaho to do it. It was well worth the trip! Everything was well organized and convenient for the runners, from parking near the start line to the stadium finish, also near all of the downtown parking. All aid stations were well staffed and friendly. The course had a great deal of variety in terrain and scenery and the fans in the neighborhoods were enthusiastic and supportive. I would recommend this race to anyone and was not disappointed in the least in any way. Thank you to the race director who shook our hands at the finish and to all of the volunteers who made this a great event!

If you're running this race as a first marathon, or just to enjoy, then this is a suberb race. Top-notch organization, pace groups, crowd support, and the BEST schwag (this year we got a zip-up Brooks track jacket, Cool-Max running cap and beautiful finisher's medal). Easy parking, great food, and a terrific atmosphere at the finish in beautiful Canal Park.

If you are trying to BQ or set a new PR, then you are in for a hard day. I ran the 2009 edition. The weather was a little warm for my taste (62F). I prefer the low 50's. I ran this as a training/long run for a race two weeks later. In retrospect, I'm glad I didn't go out hard because the hills from 14-20 miles are brutal. These make the famed Newton Hills of Boston look like nothing, so beware. And they go on for six-plus miles so it really can wear you down. At least the last two miles to the finish are downhill.

The race director has infused his staff and volunteers with his high-level of enthusiasm and commitment. The pre-race activities were first rate. The course was clearly marked, and aid stations were well-stocked and the volunteers understood exactly what they needed to do to assist the runners without getting in the way. Canal Park was rocking at the finish. What a great way to end the race! I'll be running this one again. In fact, I can't wait.

This race has outstanding organization from the expo to the finish line. Except for the hills in the second half, the course is fun - especially the looping through downtown. There were plenty of water/GU stops and support along the way. Food at the end was marginal, but they made up for in the wonderful stadium finish with crowds and bands. And did I mention the cool Akron Marathon jacket?

Another perfect-weather day: low 60's.

All seven years have been good. I had fun running with Boston Billy Rodgers for the first few miles. He is like a running cheerleader!

As usual at the Akron, everything went smoothly, from the clocks, water and sports drink every mile, to the four GU stops BEFORE the water stations, to the finish-line party in the Astro's Stadium. The finisher's running cap is pretty cool, but the $100 value Brooks running jacket for every runner is by far the best prize I've ever received at a marathon! They have this race down to a science. Akron is the best marathon around for value, scenery, and outright fun!