If you want a wonderfully supportive, perfectly organized marathon on a scenic, flat course, go to Grand Rapids. Motels are plentiful and reasonably priced. If you do not stay within walking distance of the race, plan extra time for parking. There is plenty of parking space, but the narrow streets leading to the lots get congested by 7 a.m. Overall, the Grand Rapids Marathon is as close to a perfect race as I expect to get. Thanks to the director exemplar and staff for a grand experience.

Course was beautiful and scenic, with enough diversity to keep it interesting. The volunteers were fantastic and the course crew was resourceful and very friendly. Course Director is top notch in creating a personal experience in a crowd of several thousand. I ran Chicago 3 weeks ago, and the confidence in the management of the Grand Rapids race cannot compare. Aide stations were well stocked, medical personnel abundant and dutiful. Delicious hot chili and soup to warm the bones in the sub-50 temperatures, perfect for a long run. The field was widened to accommodate the Chicago runners, and everyone was made to feel welcome. The community was excited and into the spirit of the marathon weekend. If you're looking for a marathon that is dedicated to both the art and the science of this sport, this race is for you!

It was an outstanding fall marathon that was flat, fast and fun. It has the potential for a world-class event. While the course was beautiful, it was at times narrow enough that non-marathon walkers and bicyclists were sudden and surprise obstacles. Volunteers were plentiful and fabulous.

Water/food stations were well stocked. I could tell this run was organized to the last detail by runners. I've run multiple major marathons including Boston, and the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon medal is so far the BEST BLING for the buck!!

I had the unfortunate experience of being one of those 2007 Chicago Marathoners, so I was looking forward to the cool weather and limited field that this race offered. I was pleasantly surprised by how well this race was organized and the runner goodies that were offered. Even the 2007 Detroit Marathon wasn't this well done! Yes, it is a small Midwestern race, but the visit to Grand Rapids was totally worth it. If you are looking for tons of crowd support and the sight of tall buildings, you may be disappointed. The course was rather rural; running on paved paths, and through parks and forests. A friend of mine actually saw live deer just off the course at one point. I would do this one again in a heartbeat!

This was the first time I ever ran a marathon and I couldn't have picked a better one. From the start I ran side-by-side with a stranger till the 1/2 and that was her first marathon as well. I was feeling great till mile 19 and then the brick wall hit me. Not only did I have to walk to the aid station at 20.5, but I was almost ready to give up. But, the help of Metro Health to throw numerous blankets over me, lots of fluids, even put Vaseline on my blistered feet showed me that I had made it this far and I know that god was giving me a breather and a helping hand. At that point, it turned from beating a certain time, to just finishing the race. But, it didn't end there, after about 20 minutes of recovering I still was cold and I got up and started on my way to the finish line when a runner handed me her gloves as I struggled to run/walk. By mile 23 I was almost up to par when I cleared the woods and the sun blazed the path...it was amazing! Even at the end when a pace team member began running next to me to the finish line saying...it's time to smile for the camera :). Even though it was 5 hrs later, the crowd at the end was cheering...for that moment cheering me on and it was great! That is my little story, but for a first timer running the 26.2 it was one of the best experiences of my life. And for me it wasn't just the course, it was each event that took place to get me to the finish line. Thank you for a wonderful marathon and you bet you'll see me next year!

I signed up for this marathon after the fiasco in Chicago. I found it online and found the communication by the race director to be very entertaining, to say the least.

I will return to Grand Rapids instead of Chicago next year.

The communication between the race director and the runners was fabulous. The expo was perfect - no chaos, very organized. They had an early start for the 'velocity challenged' which I loved. I never felt rushed (being a slower runner) and the fans cheered each runner on as if they were in 1st place.

The water stops were very well organized with porta johns at each one. The even had gummy bears and Oreos at some of the stops!

I can't say enough wonderful things about the organizers and volunteers. This goes down in my book as my favorite and I'll return each year.

Thank you volunteers for all your hard work! You really made a difference!

For the most part, the course was scenic with few hills. Aid stations were well-stocked and well-run. Everything about the race was perfect! Don and his crew of volunteers were the friendliest staff I have ever encountered!!! I would recommend this race to anyone interested in a fantastic experience!

This marathon is absolutely first rate in every way. The course is gorgeous on paved trails near the river and in parks, and mostly flat. The organization and aid stations were wonderful and each and every runner gets personal attention from the race director, Don. I ran this one for fear that Detroit would be too warm for me (and alas, it was), and Sunday was a very crisp day, so I got what I wanted there. The pace groups are made up of 'celebrity times' where you can run with Oprah at 4:29 or Will Ferrell at 3:56 (I kept saying to myself, 'Stay ahead of Will!!!'), or Pi at 3:14. Don shakes every runner's hand at the finish line and sends out witty emails for weeks before the race. Absolutely the best marathon I've run, in every way. I just hope I can get into this marathon next year, if the word spreads!!

Beautiful course and very well organized. Race shirts and medals were great. Not a ton of spectators on the course, but the ones that were there at various points were encouraging, energetic and fun! Volunteers were awesome as well. Great race and the organizer, Don, and his staff, get BIG, BIG kudos from me!! AWESOME race!!!

I couldn't have had a better experience in my second marathon. Chicago three weeks ago left me disappointed and Grand Rapids blew my expectations out of the water. It seemed the race was set up to ensure that every runner was happy, taken care of, and enjoying themselves.

Oh and there are free hot showers in the adjoining YMCA at the finish.