Although still young, this marathon could develop into a gem. This race had WAY more entrants than expected, but it still went off relatively smoothly. Start was delayed to allow those stuck in traffic time to arrive, which I thought added a personal touch to it. The start, however, was too narrow and walkers MUST be moved to the back. I think the first mile took me 20 minutes. Once we got onto the road, it was smooth sailing. Loved the flat course, but hated the cobblestone street through downtown St. Charles. Talk about ankle busters! The section on the Katy Trail was smooth, fast and shady, which provided relief on a hot day. The hill at mile 10/23 was wretched, but rumor has it we won't see it in '04. I am not a fan of running two 13.1 mile loops, but hopefully the growing popularity of this race will allow it to expand its course.

Water stations were depleted towards the end (and I didn't even run that slow!), but overall the support/aid staff was superb. Hanging out after the race, soaking my barking dogs in one of the many baby pools (great idea, regardless of hygiene!) you got a true feel for how personal it was. Long after most runners and walkers had finished, the announcer was still calling in every finisher.

At one point, word had funneled back that one woman was having a hard time finishing, and needed everyone's support. The announcer gave us a heads up that she was coming and asked us all to cheer her on. Those of us still there gave it all we could, and to see this complete stranger finish, knowing the pain she was in, reminded me why I love this sadistic sport. Keep up the good work, Fleet Feet. See you again in '04.

I have walked this race twice: 2002 and 2003. It is walker friendly and the medal is great! My only complaint is the hills at mile 10 or so... I wish it would have come early, since as a walker I had about had it at 10 (smile). I would definitely do it again.

This course was great for a first time. My only complaint is with the start. I tried to line up in the middle of the group as I was planning on a pace around 4:30. To my dismay, there were many walkers in the front, walking together not allowing anyone to pass. It made for a very slow start with the walkers up front in the narrow lanes. Hopefully pace start groups will be available next year to get runners lined up to start per their projected pace time.

Starting in the middle of the group, we were not able to hear that they were even starting the run until people in front of us started to move. The speaker was not positioned so that we could hear it as the start was delayed a couple of times to allow people to get there (due to a backup in traffic).

I will definitely be running this again as the course is great and the spectators were outstanding. The food, port-a-potties, etc. were set-up very well.

Please keep improving, as this will become one of the better races around!

This is the second running of the L&C Marathon. Last year was the first running; it was my fall marathon.

Personal opinion: The course is a burner. 1/2 on the hard-packed Katy Trail (rails-to-trails, flat as a pancake), the other half on Olde Towne St. Charles streets, also with no hills. The only HILL (that is singular) occurs coming off the Katy trail to transition to the streets. It is a two-loop course.

Great support, there is a Fife-and-Drum core to send you off, only a few cars on the streets, 58 degrees and low humidity (last year).

If you are looking for a great time, I had it here. Last year there was 1,500 in the marathon and half. This year there should be right at 2,000.

This was my 30th marathon/ultra-marathon.

The friendly folks at Fleet Feet Sports are to be commended for a great inaugural race last year (2002). For a local event without the fanfare of a major marathon, organization was superb, and the food at the end was probably better than the larger St. Louis Marathon in the spring. Plenty of water stops and GU. (Historic??) St. Charles Town isn't much to work with (i.e. running past a garbage dump), but the Katy Trail portion is a flat, very comfortable surface. I think that will be the bulk of the race in the future? Fans were few but enthusiastic. Unlike the big time races, it was really homey to have family and friends with you right at the finish. Having the race situated three weeks before the Chicago Marathon was terrific for training. I look forward to continuing participation each year to watch it grow better and better!