For an inaugural race, organizers and volunteers alike delivered a race worthy of world-class designation.
As with any experience in life, ultimately, it is what we make of it. Having done 5, I realize that running a marathon however, how much better of an experience it becomes hinges on a few (albeit small) details that one has no control over. It is on these fronts that the Mississauga Marathon exceeded my expectations. Namely, consistently, at every 2K, water/aid stations, fuel-replenishing gels at 24K and 34K as advertised, road marshals at all key junctures of the race and most importantly, a truly beautiful course of both urban sprawl and park-like settings. The race finishes appropriately on beautiful Lake Ontario.

Perfect weather for the inaugural Mississauga Marathon. The course is a net downhill with a few rolling hills scattered throughout the way. Having water stops ever 2 kms was fantastic - although there were a few that could have been positioned at the top of the hills rather than in the middle. Coming up to the finish line could have been wider and it was difficult to see the finish line and clock until right at the end but the spectator support at the end was terrific. The volunteers along the course were great and the spectators along the route were supportive. Even the people stuck in their cars were relatively supportive, unlike those at the Toronto Marathon.