Don puts together the best marathon in the country (I'm putting it up against any of the majors). It's incredibly easy to pick up your packet, even on race morning. Stay warm inside until just before the start and get a hot shower after at the YMCA.

The star of the race is the course: beautiful, winding bike paths make up most of the experience, which in the fall are a lot of fun to see.

Spectators are sparse, but enthusiastic. If you need millions to cheer you to the finish, this isn't for you, but if you like a crowd that really appreciates what runners are going through, they are a great group.

Most important are Don and the team he has assembled. I have never felt so personally taken care of as I do at this race. It's a chance for all of the mid-pack runners to know what starting in the elite corral must feel like. First-class set-up and personal greetings from the race director at the finish line.

I'm afraid that one day this race will be so big that it won't be able to provide all of the personal touches anymore. But make sure you make this part of your plan for 2010. You will not be disappointed.

I have done 40 marathons, from Chicago to Boston, and I would rate this as one of the best. Don Kern does a fantastic job as director. It was well organized and and accommodating. We stayed downtown, a four-block walk from the start. The Amway Grand is a beautiful hotel. The course was scenic. Fans were great. Water stops were well manned, and the three GU stops were terrific. My only suggestion would be to place the first four mile markers higher. I missed them and heard other runners say the same.

Great job and I hope to come back!

Where else would a runner rather be on a crisp mid-October autumn morning than at Mr. Kern's extravaganza? Don and his hard-working crew listen to runners and keep making positive changes that add quality to this marathon.

That's the difference of the GRM: "By runners, for runners" would be a good motto. Thanks for the emails leading up to the race, the well stocked aid stations, the reduced congestion on the course this year, and the new city loop. Even the medal was cooler this year! Consider Don's life membership program if you live anywhere near GR. The 2009 GRM jacket is the sharpest article in my wardrobe.

Congratulations on this fine event.

This was my second time running this race; the last time was five years ago, as I ran Chicago the last four years. It has only improved! The course is great, the volunteers fantastic, and the race itself is very well run. There seemed to be more spectators as well. There are a few spots where there are no spectators, but usually within two to three miles you have a water station or a viewing area. This would be a great race for anyone looking to run a smaller race (1,555 marathon finishers).

I liked this race! The staff were very friendly and well organized. The aid stations were well supplied. The course was scenic for the most part, although a bit narrow at one point. Very spectator friendly! Although there aren't huge crowds of spectators, those present do a good job of cheering and are full of encouragement (whether they know you or not). All in all, a good experience. :)

I am a walker and this was my first marathon. I could not have picked a better one for my first. The sponsors and the race director (Don Kern) were welcoming and very supportive. The support along the route was more than you could ask for. There are even people along the last several miles of the route that are there just to make sure you are okay and to see if you need help or support finishing.The race director waits for everyone to finish and is there at the end to welcome the finishers.

If you are considering doing a marathon and you are a walker, you are treated just like the elite runners. It is a great event and my daughter (she is a runner) and I will be there again next year (2009). Very rewarding and worth the effort.

The expo is also great and well attended.

This was my 13th marathon and 12th state. I am SO glad we chose Grand Rapids for Michigan. The weather was perfect. The people are fantastic. The course was ideal. The pace groups were hilarious. I tried to stay with P Diddy but I faded and finished after Oprah. I felt great, though, the entire 26.2 miles. Don greeted me at the finish. I swooned and ended up in the med tent. After a brief stay there, all was well. Everything about this race is top-notch. The post-race beer was very good. Having access to a shower so quickly was a godsend. Thanks to Don Kern and all of you friendly Michiganers!

This was my first marathon ever. What an amazing experience! I could not have asked for a better first marathon experience! The aid stations were tremendous, the course was great, and the weather was perfect. The crowds were not as plentiful as I would have expected but pretty good nonetheless (tons better than Traverse City Bayshore). I love the fact that Don takes the time to shake everyone's hand. The medal and socks were an added bonus! I am already planning on running it again in 2009. I realize it's the same weekend as Detroit, but I'd much rather run a smaller race than get lost in a mob.

Thanks again Don for your dedication and time to give runners a really fine marathon experience.

I ran this race unexpectedly, knowing nothing about it (2007) and was amazed about the scenic course, the course support (which was much better than at any race I've ever entered), easy check in, nice expo, enthusiastic volunteers who were runners, and great post-race food and refreshments. Chili and micro-brewed beer plus healthy foods at the finish line - a runner's choice. Lots of GU on route and many times including early and late miles too. The same positive amenities and support were around for 2008. You even get emails from the race director both to all runners and personal ones if you have a question or need some advice.

This year the course was the same as last year and I see no reason to change it. People complain about congestion on the out-and-back trails, but it's not that bad. Also, a complaint is foul-smelling air, which again is not that bad and only lasts for a minute or two. Try the Myrtle Beach Marathon - running miles on a road with traffic and runners in a lane separated with traffic cones, breathing in car exhaust - for a comparison. My thought: people are looking for something negative.

I do agree those wood posts on the trail should be marked in orange and padded. I'm sure Don will take care of that next year.

Chalk markings of encouragement and verbal encouragement from volunteers made up for the lack of spectators on most of the course. The spectators cannot get to points on the bike path, but the beautiful fall foliage and views of the river are what you get instead.

This is a great race. I'll be back.

This was my first time running Grand Rapids. I truly enjoyed the small size, scenic fall foliage, and perfect temperature. Plus... I qualified for Boston. I have already recommended it to many friends!