After getting my BQ, I wanted to run a race with some hills in it. This was the perfect choice for me. The temps were perfect. The course was interesting and challenging. Water stations were plentiful. I ran a 3:14, but I think my race effort and pacing would have given me a 3:10 or better on a flat course. I loved all of the free schwag (Brooks jacket, tech hat, etc), too.

This was my first marathon, and the experience from registration to finish line was great! It might have been nice not to have to walk up the stadium stairs after running a full marathon, but I made it. Also, it would be good if some of the food/beverage choices were reserved for full finishers so that half-marathoners couldn't take all of the protein shakes and sacks of food. Those are just nitpicky things. I had a great time!

I started as a volunteer, then did a relay, then the half, and finally this year, I did the full marathon. As always, it is a terrific event! I can't say enough about this race. It was very challenging mentally and physically. THE FINISH LINE IS PRICELESS! I highly recommend this race to ALL RUNNERS! Excellent marathon staff!

Overall, I thought the Akron Marathon was a wonderful experience. It was incredibly organized, the course was great, and the weather (although we cannot directly thank the Race Director for this) was perfect.

After having experienced Chicago 2007, I was wary about whether I would run another marathon. Chicago 2007 was a terrible experience - poorly run, not enough water, stopping the race before even 25% of the runners had completed - not an ideal way to begin a marathon career. However, I had heard great reviews about Akron, so I decided to give it another try. I am glad that I did. The course was wonderful - through a variety of neighborhoods, at least four miles on crushed limestone trails, and at least another four through a wooded park area. Although spectators were a bit light at a few spots, there were motivational/inspirational signs every 500 feet or so. These were great. Some were funny, and some were quirky, but they gave the runners a way to distract themselves. There were a few tough hills that were long and pretty steep. The hills were late in the course, which made for another challenge, but they were not impossible. The finish was amazing. Finishing in a large stadium, with lots of spectators and music blaring, felt amazing. Such an adrenaline rush.

If you are looking to qualify for Boston, look no further. This is a perfect route to do so; however, after running Akron and realizing the benefits of a smaller marathon (there were only approximately 1,450 marathon runners this year), I am tempted to forgo Boston in the future and simply return to Akron....

If you are looking for a flat course, find another marathon. If you are looking for a well organized marathon with an interesting course, great swag, and friendly crowd, look no further. Getting a handshake from the race director is a great personal touch. A local runner named "Ruthie" provided me with the history of the Stan Hywet Hall and surrounding area, which was very interesting and certainly helped at that point in the race.

This as my 16th marathon, and it was very, very sweet! The organization was flawless and the attention to little details was truly amazing. The aid stations were plentiful. I loved the PowerAde, GU, Saturday race day, expo, and the pasta dinner. The course had so much variety and, oddly enough, there seemed to be a few more downhills than uphills. I'm not sure how they managed that! Having a warm tent with mats for stretching prior to the race really helped me relax, and the stadium and FINISH LINE were very welcoming and well-done... even in the pouring rain. I appreciated being able to shake the race director's hand, especially since the race was such a top-notch event.

THANKS!!!

This was my sixth running. You can read all about the course, the giveaways, and the excellent organization on other postings. My only three comments are: 1) The water shortage problem from 2008 was remedied, and it is unlikely we will ever see that snag again. 2) The pasta dinner was superb, the best I've ever had. Add some dessert next year and it will be beyond perfect. 3) My only complaint is with the runners who don't line up according to their pace, making a crowded first three miles even more challenging. If race organizers preach that a little louder and harder it might help. Bottom line: you will not find a better mid-sized marathon, and there can't be more than a handful of better ones of ANY size in the country.

This was my 7th Akron Marathon and I keep returning each year because this race is A-1; marathoners received a sweet Brooks zippered jacket and a nice-looking baseball cap at the finish, and as always, this race treats each runner like a star. You are NOT just a number in Akron!! Jim Barnett is the consummate race director and I am very proud to have been part of this race since its first year. All being well, I'll be back in 2010!!

What a blast! Extremely well organized, nice course through nice neighborhoods in Akron, and a great finish line at a stadium so your family, friends and fellow runners can wait for you! Also, a ton of support from the community. Jim Barnett, the Executive Race Director, speaks at the start of the marathon and shakes the hand of all finishers at the finish line! What a nice touch that you will not see at other races!

It was my first time at The Bird. I had to switch from the full to the half due to a training injury, but I wanted to share this thought with you at the end of the race. This was one of the best-run races that I have ever run. Your volunteers, support staff, the police, the city - everything was perfect! And, the race support didn't end at the finish line. The food tent was perfect and well stocked, and handing out bags to carry the snacks is *so* much appreciated. You rock! I expect to come back to run the Bird again and hopefully the full course. Three cheers for an excellent race!