If you're looking for a change from the big blockbuster marathons, this is one for you. It features a two-loop, double-lollipop course. Apart from one "hill," it's all flat. My only small gripe is that the marathon and 1/2 marathon started at the same time. It did make it a bit difficult to work out who was doing what race. Also, with 90% of the entrants doing the 1/2, the second loop was a bit lonely :(

Saying that, I'd do this race again. Great volunteers, and good organization. I even got to finish before the thunder and lightning....

I really enjoyed my experience in St. Charles. The hotels were convenient, and the location was charming! The course was well marked, and I enjoyed the sights along the river! The course was well supported... in spite of the bad weather! I highly recommend this marathon!

My 25th marathon and one of the nicer courses I've run.

Very well organized. Plentiful water stations (ample availability of GU, Gatorade, and a few cookies too). Plentiful parking right at the start/finish in the arena parking lot. Real toilets in the arena and ample porta-johns on the route. Even beer and hot dogs at the finish.

The course runs along the Missouri River. Out-and-back (twice for the marathoners). Scenic views of the river (mostly barges, some pleasure craft) and of historic St. Charles.

Easy run; very flat, only two little hills. About 1/2 on pavement and 1/2 on fine-packed limestone trail (easy on the feet). The race starts on the roads so the pack thins out before getting on the trail.

All in all, a nice, easy, well organized marathon.

I missed the music and the crowds of larger marathons, but the volunteer support and the marathon organization matched the best. This was my first time (2006) for this marathon.

I didn't as much like running the same route over as a single-circuit route, but that's not critical for me and I'm sure it was easier for the spectators. Also, a very minor thing, but I noticed it - in every other marathon I've run (only 7), the medal person puts the medal on you rather than just handing it over; always makes me feel like a real champion.... And it was fun chatting with Dean Karnazes for a few seconds on the course.

I ran the half marathon this past year.

The parking for this race was not very bad. The organizers told racers to be there at least an hour early so all cars could be parked in time. Many of those people who were running late did not get to the parking lot at the time advised by the race organizers.

The course was primarily flat and the aid stations were plentiful. I would recommend this race.

This was my first marathon and im really happy with this choice. The only issue was the traffic getting there. After that it was well run. There were not many spectators but the ones there were great. If you have friends and family that come to watch, this is a great course. My parents stayed at the start/finish line and were able to see me five times. My wife took her bike out and I saw her six times. That was better than a bunch of strangers. I will be back next year.

This was my second time running this race. Last year I did the half and this year I did the full. Both times I was able to achieve a personal best time. In fact, this is the perfect race to run if you're trying to qualify for Boston.

The race was better organized this year than last; however there continue to be issues with parking before the race. I saw many people barely make it before the race started because the traffic was so bad.

The drink stations were well positioned and organized (St. Louis Marathon coordinators take note!).

Beyond the traffic, the volunteers were energetic and supportive and those spectators that were there made the most of it. I plan on returning sometime in the future.

I ran the half and I must say it was very nice and we had no problems at all. Everything was fine and I loved the course! Loved running on the Katy Trail! The fans were few and weren't too enthusiastic, but I was! Will come back and try the full sometime.

This was an okay marathon; however, I am the type to need big crowds to get through it. Marine Corps Marathon 2003 spoiled me for the need for crowds. The volunteers were wonderful, needed more porta-potties during the race (I think they there were only at three locations). St. Louis Ultrarunners Group (aka SLUG's) were wonderful, with cookies and water and many smiles! bod Bless the Hashers, who encouraged us with some refreshment at mile 24 or 25. It was worth the money, and I may do it again, next year. The weather was cloudy, cool and windy for the first 13.1 miles, but as I passed the half-marathon point, the heavens opened up, and it poured for about an hour. It was fun running in the rain. Overall, it is good for a small race.

I have run this race twice and have been impressed with how well it is managed. As a back-of-the-packer, I am used to getting the dregs. However there were plenty of GU's at three different locations throughout the course, along with water and sports drinks. The photographers hung around to the bitter end. It is a lot of fun. There is regularly a problem with traffic at the beginning of the race that is irksome; otherwise it is great.