The course was great - flat as advertised, and makes for fast times. Not a lot of spectators but lots of chances to pass by other runners at the turn-around points. My two major complaints: Gatorade was extremely weak and timing chips weren't available until race-day morning - a little stressful. Otherwise a nicely done race - definitely put on by runners!

My hat is off to the marathon team, fans, and the many 'first time marathoners' that I talked to.... It was a pleasure to run this. I even ran a PR (and this was my fourth in five weeks!). The only area that I would have liked to have been done differently was the 'same day chip pickup'.... I am proud to wear your neat shirt! Best to you next year!

I cannot say enough good things about this marathon. It was flat, fast, and beautiful. The day didn't hurt, either, as the weather was absolutely perfect. The race organization was exceptional and we received updates from the race director daily leading up to the race. The YMCA was a great host and the host hotel is literally 4 blocks from the marathon start/finish. Kudos to Don, his staff, and the volunteers. This marathon will grow with this kind of management and locale. Thank you!

What a beautiful day, and a well run race. It isn't my favorite course but not without its charms. I love woodsy trails, but 26 miles worth of so-so bike trail got as little repetitive. But, not bad, really. The weather was perfect, and the organization and volunteers were great. There are almost NO spectators on this one though, so take note. I didn't think it would bother me, but it did. I was often all alone for a hundred yards in each direction and mile after mile was without spectator encouragement. But please don't take this as too much of a negative. The volunteers were great, and there is much to like. I loved the YMCA, for a warm place to wait for the start and a warm shower after the race. I got an all-over good feeling from this race.

Although this was my fastest marathon, it wasn't the most stimulating. Due to the out-and-back course (which you had to run twice), I was a bit defeated when I saw the same scenery for the fourth time. It was fun to see other runners (like my dad who was a few miles ahead of me), but it was nearly impossible for spectators to take part along the course.

It was a very cold morning, and the race started late, but I think it was done very well considering that it was an inaugural event.

One of the biggest perks was that the course was VERY FLAT!

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and it was nice having a marathon so close to home. The only thing that would make it better would be a little variety in the course.

This was a great small marathon on a very flat course, with only one very minor hill of any note at all. This is a good race for a PR because it is flat and not congested with other runners. There were some minor glitches that I'm sure will be ironed out next year -- a couple of stations ran out of Gatorade (pretty early in the race, too) and the start was delayed a few minutes. Crowds are sparse for the most part due to difficulty of access in the race's park setting, so if crowd support is important, be aware. But if you've run a few and some big ones, and you are looking for a good race to just put the hammer down, this is a good one. I hope to run this one every fall. I really appreciate the race director's efforts; he obviously is a runner who knows what he is doing, and he did a phenomenal job for a first-time marathon.

I can see this race was put on by a runner. The water stops along the way were great. The only downside was running on a trail and not sure which side to run on with runners going both directions. Other than that, the race was put on great.

I don't have a lot of marathon experience, but it doesn't take a lot of imagination to think of all of the things that could go wrong on a first effort of this magnitude. Aside from running short of Gatorade and food on the course and a few parking headaches, there is very little that anyone could find to criticize. Despite the burnt chili there seemed to be adequate food and the beer was cold at the post-race. The race was top-notch and I am sure it will get even better as some of the rough edges are knocked off in coming years.

This one was great!!

My expectations weren't real high - first-time event, small turnout, double out-and-back course, run on a paved bike path, etc., etc.

But, the organization was excellent, the course was beautiful (all along a river), the logistics were well planned and the execution was well done. And the amenities were comparable to the big races.

I'll run this one again and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice fall marathon.

I was surprised by the out-and-back, usually not so nice. Good little bumps on the course, and the small hill at the end. Chili was burnt, fire was too high. Loved the t-shirt, much better than the plain old cotton.

The race director put out a lot of effort on the one. Only real negative thing was the grand prize drawing at the pasta party. Maybe make something next year that can be taken on an airplane for those of us who travel to races.