The NODM experience was great! The run was gorgeous, the volunteers fun and friendly, and the aid stations seemed perfectly spaced. I was grateful for the mile 18 aid station (I think it was 18 or so) - I really needed those pretzels right then!

And thank you, thank you, thank you to Michelle and Bill, who toted me from the half marathon start line to the full start line, when I managed to end up at the wrong place. I felt pretty bad about that, but you were both so gracious and friendly - really, thank you very, very much! I was also so happy to see you both at the finish line too!

Thank you for organizing an awesome race.

Five miles of the marathon course are nice.

Otherwise, it was all forgettable.

There were PAINFULLY steep inclines and declines, and there were not a lot of spectators. I had to ask race officials TWICE which way to go. Mile markers were off compared to my GPS. There was a section toward the end that was not gravel, but a rocky road.

The shirt was hideous.

I had looked forward to running this race expecting to have a PR. The course was far more difficult than I anticipated.

The race website states, "Be prepared for the hilly section and you can set a PR on this course; a lot have been set here."

I doubt that statement is true. One person in my 32-person age group qualified for Boston.

I do not agree with or understand the positive comments about this race.

NODM is one to put on your calender for 50-staters. It had a small-town atmosphere, with friendly and unique aid stations. I did not enjoy the steep inclines and declines, but the rest of the course was fantastic, especially the last few miles next to the strait.

NODM has some tough inclines and declines along the way; it is lodged between mountains and the sea, so enjoy the view. This race was well organized and the race director always seemed to be available if I had a question about packet pickup or anything else. The race is small, but I have never been met at the finish line and handed water, walked to baggage pickup, given my finisher's medal and then walked to the food tent... where there was still food for a 5-hour-plus finisher. The few difficult parts of the course washed away with this hospitality. It was the 4th marathon I had done this year, and a PR for 2009. I would actually like to come back after I finish my 50 states.

This is a very well organized event in a very scenic location. Admittedly, I only ran the half after downgrading from the full, but the subtly rolling course is fun and challenging without being a killer. The spectators who were on the course were supportive, but you need to run this event for the joy of running on a traffic-free trail in a beautiful part of the world. I have no idea what the previous commenter was complaining about - from packet pickup to porta-potties, the race went off without a hitch. Loved the band at the finish celebration too.

I will keep it simple:

Pros: Great volunteers, nice scenery (for 5 miles total), plentiful aid stations, and great weather.

Cons: HILLY - steep inclines and declines, the remaining 21.2 miles were nothing to write home about, there were not a lot of spectators (although I am not one to really need a lot - I tend to enjoy the smaller marathons - this race was practically desolate), HEED sport drink was given out at stations (this stuff is wretched), there was only an itty-bitty expo, and there was a lack of porta-johns.

This is NOT a good race for a BQ. The hills are really steep. I run the Marine Corps every year and that race is like a pancake compared to NODM.

The baggage handling is better than excellent. Someone greeted me at the finish and walked me through the finish area - got me a water bottle, removed my tag, got my checked bag for me, showed me to the massage area, and saw me to my husband, who was waiting for me.

This was my first marathon and I couldn't have chosen a better race to start with. It was a great size - large enough to feel competitive but small enough to not feel intimidating or crowded. I can't say enough about the course either; it's got a little of everything: scenic rural roads, some nice wooded trails, and a beautiful ocean view finish. The people of Port Angeles were also amazing - so welcoming of the runners. Now if only they could make the weather cooperate!! The year I ran it (2007), it started off hot but by the time I got to the finish, it was pouring and with the wind coming off the ocean, and I was freezing. Oh well, it was definitely a motivator to finish!!

This was my 4th NODM and 10th marathon. I had a hernia and couldn't run, but I could still walk pretty quickly, so I decided to see what that was like. There is an early start for walkers and slow runners (7 a.m.). PLEASE, if you do this, make sure you are going to take 5.5+ hours (or around there).

The first water stop was 6 miles in for the early start, so makes sure to stash some or bring some if you need it before then. It was cool out, so I didn't need any. Fewer spectators out on the first part of the course since it was early, but those who were out were very enthusiastic. It was overcast and cool, with perfect weather. You couldn't see the mountains, but the day before was gorgeous, so hopefully those new to the area got there early.

Course is great - the best I've been on - and the organization is by far the best of the 11 marathons I've done. The "helpers" at the end are a great touch. It was very nice doing the early start and coming in when the bulk of the runners were coming in also, rather than when most were done. I think this is a great idea.

For those who don't think they can run one, walking is pretty easy and great fun. I recommend it. (I'll be back to running soon though.) I did the Alaska Marathon two weeks later, and while it was great fun, it was nowhere near as well done as the NODM. I can now recommend it for all runners and walkers. You will enjoy it.

Oh yeah, I walked it in 6:06, the same speed at the end as at the start (but slower in the middle).

I ran the 2005 half marathon and 2008 full marathon. I'm glad I was in decent running shape to do the full marathon this year. This is a nice race where it is not overly crowded, yet there are enough runners to make it feel "competitive." The course is beautiful and this year was almost perfect weather. I had run the Steamboat Springs Marathon the week before and got torched by the sun. I wasn't expecting that in the mountains of Colorado, but the Port Angeles race was ideal in that there were overcast skies to keep the sun away from you and there was nice, cool air the whole race. Running through the forest and finishing the last 3 miles along the waterfront is quite an experience too! Not many spectators due to nature of the course, but the ones that were there were really "into it." Thanks to all who organized this race! There are only a few gradual hills, but due to the sea level and (surprisingly) relatively flat course for this geographical area, and the cool weather, one could easily set a PR here. I'm surprised at the small number of runners in this race - this race could easily hit 2,000 runners in a few years if word spread how nice this race is!!