I had run this as a half-marathon in 2003 and that was my first time running on Sauvie Island. This year I ran the marathon. After posting a PR in San Diego 1 month earlier, I was anxious to see if I could take advantage of this flat course and post another PR. I was successful. Even in the July 4th heat that we had this year, I was able to shave over 3 minutes off of my previous best. I plan to run this next year as a Boston qualifier.

This race has the potential to be something special. One thing I would love to see is getting rid of the cheesy medals in lieu of something you can hang with pride.

I enjoyed it. At first I thought going around twice would be boring, but it wasn't. The area is so nice, with beautiful views of the mountains. It was just right for me. I don't like a big crowd; here I was running by myself on the wide open road. It was good. I look forward to it in 2005. It would have been nice if they gave out awards for the top 3 places in each age division.

This marathon has a lot of positives. It is a beautiful setting - it is mostly flat, allowing you to do your best time, and it is small. Because there is a 1/2 marathon associated with it, there are plenty of people on the course and watching.

There are really no negatives except that it can be pretty hot on a 4th of July, although it wasn't so in 2004. It is a risk for future events, especially for those of us who can't finish in under 3 hours.

FT is a small, local community race. Two loops around Sauvie Island.

First the positives. I liked the two loop idea; once I started the second loop I felt like I didn't have far to go. Passing the walkers and slow half marathoners was a two-edged sword. You had to navigate around most of them, but they were great at giving encouragement as we went past.

It only took a couple minutes to get parked and lined up at the start line. No huge crowds.

The course was scenic and was relatively flat. The early miles have some slight uphill grades. There are some downhills in the later miles. And one short, steeper hill just before the finish.

Friends could easily get out on the course to cheer you on.

I have a few complaints.

First, the aid stations were not where the map indicated they would be. It's bad when the aid station comes 1/2 mile later than you thought. On the first loop there was one turn that was not clear. The course could have been marked better at this point.

The lamest thing: I finished first in 2004 and got nothing! Not even a cheap, 50-cent ribbon. Odds are good I will never win another marathon; at least make me feel like I accomplished something.

I don't recall there being an awards ceremony.

Overall, a good marathon to use as a training run. Or to have an opportunity to actually win a marathon. I wouldn't go out of my way to run it again.

I ran the inaugural half marathon in 2002. The race flyers advertised 'hundreds' of cows but all we saw was a billboard with a cow painted on it. Also, not sure if the finish is still the same but in 2002, there was a bit of a hill a half mile from the finish. They said it was flat! After running 12.5 flat miles, an unexpected hill is a big deal. Also, the finish is a steep downhill about 30 meters. My quads were doing all they could to not collapse. I'd prefer the hill at the finish over the downhill.

This course is a double loop around a farming island. I was stopped by a loose dog from someone's yard. But the views of wheat fields and flowers are refreshing. Strawberry shortcake is served at the finish.

Enjoyed the island scenery and the flat course. This was a very small, first year marathon. Up until now this has been a half marathon venue but they decided to double up the loop to add a full. If it is not too hot, this could easily be a pr course. The one mistake that the race director made was letting the 1/2 marathon walkers out on the course before the marathoners completed the first loop around the island. Most of these walkers, being unaware and uninstructed, proceeded to walk 4-5 abreast, helter skelter, all over the available roadway. 14-18 miles into a marathon is not a good time to take away a runner's race focus. Hopefully the race director will make the necessary corrections for next years race, if so then I would definitely recommend it for a Boston Qualifier or a PR.

Other comments:

Gave organization 2 stars for the walker deal, other then that it was first class.

Less then 100 marathon participants.

Maybe 20-30 spectators, some islanders acted perturbed by the intrusion.

The police officer patroling the course was very rude to the runners while trying to keep them on the correct side of the road. Maybe this was neccessary.

Post race party and goodies were great and the atmophere was pure 4th July.

Next time I will probably stick to the half.