Fantastic organization from packet pickup to post-race amenities including FREE BEER. (Thanks, New Holland!! You're one of the things that kept me going from miles 24 to 26.2!)

I only gave the course a four based on the somewhat narrow trails where you had oncoming runners - which sometimes affected when/where you could pass other runners. If this race gets much larger (which it most likely will) they may need to update the course.
Organization is TOP NOTCH all the way and "Marathon Don" is there each step of the way from sending out periodic emails prior to the race, to shaking your hand at the finish line. Aid stations were plentiful and extremely well stocked and staffed.

A great marathon experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fall race in Michigan

My first marathon! Not too big, not too small. Great course for the most part - beautiful running through foggy valleys and by the river. Easy water stations and lots of encouragement from the volunteers. I'll be back, even faster than the first time.

As one of the 10,000 who showed up for Chicago, but decided not to run, I was looking for another fall run to fill the void. After reading the reviews here, I decided to give Grand Rapids a try.

From beginning to end, this event does not disappoint. The packet pickup at the expo, held at what has to be one of the most impressive YMCA facilities in the US, was quick and easy to navigate. Race-day parking is close and the weather, sunny and in the mid 30s, was just about perfect.

The course is unique for a city marathon with very little "urban" running and lots of parkland. Every water stop is set up the same, making it easy to find what you need at the particular stop. Most were stocked with extras, such as gummy bears, Oreos and even one with pickle juice. The course could use a little tweaking, but still has to rate as one of the best I have done.

Spectators were here and there, but were friendly and very supportive. The finish line was well managed, with plenty of food, a nice medal, and free use of the locker rooms at that great Y, just a few hundred yards away.

I had never been to Grand Rapids, and wouldn't have visited but for this race. Such a well organized event gives the city great PR and is truly an asset.

After some disappointing marathons this year, it was a pleasure to find a race that was so well run. Every volunteer (race expo and on the course) worked hard and gave their all to make my experience one of my best. I have run many marathons (GR made 6 for this year) and I rate this race as one of the best I have ever run.

The majority of this course is through wooded areas on asphalt paths and much of it is along a river. It's beautiful. The organization and support is top-notch. Post-race amenities are great. It's very spectator-friendly and no problem hooking up with your supporters at the finish line. This is definitely a race I will come back to.

Every marathon should measure their event against this little marathon in West Michigan. It's a marathon put on by people who run marathons. The course is beautiful, flat and fast. The race support is top notch, the city extremely hospitable and the race director is the best in the world. Everyone who thinks about Chicago or Detroit should select this marathon; they'll be glad they did.

2007 was helped by perfect weather. But the course, although a little quirky in a few spots, was great; the organization perfect, and the whole event an absolute blast.

What a great experience!! This was my first finish...my first attempt was Chicago. Don and the rest of his staff should be commended on great organization and support. They planned for everything: water gatorade, snacks, and even pickle juice! Aid stations were closer together than Chicago. I loved to run through the tree lined streets. I didn't like the smell around mile 17, but hey. Also my family got to see me 8 times with the help of local friends and the course overlapping the same spots.

Don, thanks for the hug at the finish...it meant a lot.

This was my second marathon, the first being a bit larger (Detroit). The course on this one was beautiful. While spectators cannot access much of the course, it is actually a plus at times...much of the course is through beautiful bike/running trails in the woods. There was something nice about the silence of the woods, even with lots of other runners around. Aid stations were great, organization was great. Weather was perfect.

I've run a few 5K's over the past few years and never imagined training for or running a marathon. I started this year running the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K after some friends asked if I would like to join them. After that race we all agreed to try a Half-Marathon. My friends weren't able to do the training and I went ahead anyways. During the training I ran my first 10K, 10 miler and Half-Marathon. The site coordinator for the training suggested that since I had gone this far, why not train for a marathon. The rest is history.
I want to thank all of the GR crews for everything, especially for seamlessly, and on short notice, accommodating the extra runners that came up from Chicago. All of you made my first marathon an experience that I, my family and the friends that I started the season with, will never forget. I've caught the bug.