Having only driven through Delaware countless times throughout my life without ever getting off at an exit, my view of the state was limited to the 15-20 span of I-95. This small race was a pleasant surprise in so many ways: 1) although the course was a double loop, it was scenic and a bit challenging, 2) the organization was outstanding, 3) the support along the route was flawless and necessary given the heat, 4) the expo and post race food were top notch, and 5) communications from race organizers in the weeks and days leading up to the race were perfect. As someone who takes my family along with me to most races, I can also say that my 5 and 7 year old girls had alot of fun at the children's museum and we LOVED Mrs. Robino's Italian Restaurant in Little Italy. I'm glad I finally got off of I-95 in Delaware. The race organizers should be proud of themselves.

I loved the course plenty of shade on a hot day. The part by the river was particularly pretty. The early start helps because it got me out of the hot time of day. The spectators and volunteers could not have been nicer. The race was well organized and my wife met me six times during the race with very little walking. Parking for the expo and race day was great.

PRE-RACE: Very good email updates. Registration included a $5 service charge for web registration, which didnt make sense to me. Discount offered to 50 States Marathoners, which was nice. Expo was well-organized, goodie bag included nice technical shirt, and 2 free gels for the race.

RACE: Coffee and rolls offered before the start! Real festive atmosphere with all the tents, music, balloons. The course was very scenic, starting at the riverfront, winding along the river, over a boardwalk, past some beautiful ornate birdhouses. Then through downtown, a city park, gorgeous neighborhood, restaurant district, then back into city. Full marathoners did 2 circles. The only problem was a huge hill that had to be conquered twice, at miles 6 and 19. Mile 6 wasnt bad, but mile 19 was a killer. Can the organizers adjust the course to cut out this second hill? How about going over the river into Jersey?? Spectator turnout was average, but one cant expect much from a small city like Wilmington. Traffic control was excellent, volunteers were fantastic. There were lots of 50 State Marathoners, including the head of the club, probably because theres only 1 other marathon in Delaware. 50 Staters, 1st timers, and mega-marathoners had signs made up with their names on them!

POST-RACE: Finish area was like a huge party. Absolutely phenomenal food and drink (pizza, deli sandwiches, soft pretzels, pop, vitamin water, ice cream, bananas  even champagne samples). Nice finishers medal. Plentiful grass and shade in which to recover.

This was a great little marathon (and half-marathon and relay), especially for veteran runners. Because of the hills, I dont recommend it if youre running for time. The good news is, once you conquer the second hill, its easy going to the finish. Thanks Wilmington, I had a great time!

fun, beautiful course with a few hills and nice shade. Only downside was downtown Wilmington - it's not pretty and sort of the Hood, I was a little surprised by this - thankfully the race is mostly outside this area.

I did this one to click off DE in my 50 state quest. I wasn't expecting much in terms of scenery (it is Wilmington after all) or amenities since I am a slower runner. I was pleasantly surprised on all fronts!

PROs: Volunteers were very friendly and helpful, called you by your name (names on bibs).
well organized, lots of communication pre-race from the RD.
shuttles. I stayed downtown and hopped a shuttle in the morning, no problems. Yes, I could have walked, but it was nice to have the option.
Nice amount of swag for the size of this race and the price. A pint glass, tech shirt, hat, pen and pad.
Course was actually very pretty! We had perfect weather, so that helped, but I really enjoyed the riverfront section, the zoo area, the park, Little Italy; actually the only part I didn't enjoy was the industrial section after you leave the riverfront.
well stocked water stops
encouraging personalized signs for 50 staters on the course
even as a slower runner, there was TONS of food and drink left at the finish for me, and tables and areas set up to hang out and enjoy it, watch the race

early start if you need it

CONS: There were a few intersections that were not manned by police, and could have been dangerous.
The course marking. There is a half, the full and a relay. For 99% of the race, it was very well marked. As I approached the finish, I was told, go left...I did and see two banners. One to the right that says finish, the one on the left, where we started that says sTART. I went to the finish to realize it was not the finish for my race. either have one finish or have someone right there where they split off, not a block away, to make sure the bib matches where you are going.
GU anyone? They gave us 2 Gu packets in our goodie bag, but one fell out of my belt. I was down a gu and hoping to be able to get one at some point on the course, but no such luck.

I loved this marathon. As is often the case with small races, it was so well organized and runner friendly. The shirts were great, medals very nice, and we also received a hat and beer glass. There was plenty of sport drink and water on the route, and a lot of the route was shaded with huge, beautiful trees which helped with the heat. The best part was yummy sandwiches and beer at the end, even for the slow marathoners, so awesome! The only feedback I have is that the course map be marked with mile markers, which would have helped spectator friends. A really great experience in a nice city.

I am starting my journey of the 50 state marathon goal. I ran the half marathon (which is the nearly the same course since it is a double loop) two years ago. The weather was a bit warm but I will choose mid 70's over mid 40's. Plenty of water stops and decent crowd support scattered throughout the run. Two big hills on the course but you do end up getting the downward elevation. Nice goodie bag. A few more porta potties and a couple of bands/musicians on the course would be nice. I have to give the organizer Joseph kudos for quickly responding to all questions posted on the facebook page. And love that Delaware uses orange gatorade instead of the lemon lime normally served.

I want to say that I DNF the marathon. Quit after the half. Did not have the energy to run the hills a second time. Very well organized. Picked up my number the morning of. Parked right at the finish line in Riverfront Market. Would like to ask that an email be sent out to all runners asking that they STAY RIGHT on the trail. Too many half marathoners had to weaver their way through the marathoners that were oblivious to faster runners coming up behind them. Also a sign at the beginning and along the trail to remind runners to STAY RIGHT. Water Stations were great. Lots of Gatorade. I will be back. I will finish.

Ran this race for my Delaware Marathon and was not dissappointed. It has several hills so it is not that fast, but it is a nice course that is easy for spectators to zip around to cheer for their runners.

I am a 50 State Club member and chose this as my Delaware marathon. This marathon has a lot of good things going for it and has a lot of potential but still needs some tweaks.

The good stuff:

Facebook page, Twitter account, and emails were all very thorough and helpful; Race committee very responsive to questions
Loved that they offered an early start (I didn't need it but appreciate races who recognize this need)
Race info packet in goody bag really informative and had cool statistics
more than ample fluid stations; I never wondered where the next one was
we were repeatedly warned about parking yet I found parking to be a total breeze. I parked in the Chase surface lot as I was staying about .7 mile north of the race. I could have shown up 30 min. before the race and still had no problems.
Baggage check for such a small race was great.
Nice that relay runners and half marathoners had bibs on their backs indicating their status so us marathoners knew who they were when they blew by us.

Constructive Feedback:

There simply MUST be volunteers stationed along the riverfront when the marathoners do their second loop. Imagine a really narrow path along the riverfront that is teeming with people who are completely in your way as you are trying to make your way through the start of the second half of the course. I had to yell 'runner coming through' far too many times and I didn't have the energy to do that. Marathoners should not have to do their own pedestrian traffic control.
At least one fluid station and several intersections were not staffed at the end of the marathon when I came through. This was disappointing and potentially dangerous.
There was hardly any food left for the marathoners. The race advertised ice cream sandwiches, pizza, and hot pretzels (among other things). None of these items were there when I finished. This is a common problem at races that have more than just a marathon as the relay runners and half marathoners get their pick of the food and the marathoners get any left-over scraps. I suggest having 2 food lines, one for marathoners and one for everyone else.

Overall the race committee did a really nice job and they are to be commended for their hard work and their attempts to make everything right. The course was more challenging than I expected, but there were some very scenic sections. The spectators in the beautiful neighborhoods were great. With some tweaks this race could become a 'must do.'