When choosing a spring marathon, I read all the hype from last year and thought I would give Fargo a try. I do agree with most of the hype. The organzation was top notch. Given the size of the marathon, the spectator support was very good. The course was flat but not too exciting. The neighborhoods were nice but after a while, it all looked the same. The finish was awesome. Finishing in the dome was a nice touch. (no need for foil blankets!)

I didn't like the relay. It was a little distracting. If I counted right, there were 126 teams and only 49 teams broke 4 hours. A majority of the relay runners should stick to running 5K's.

The wind was nasty and I wonder if this might just be a typical spring day in Fargo. If you run Fargo, chances are the wind will be a factor.

Too many other marathons to try but this is definately one to run.

Loved it! Will be back next year!!

This was my first half marathon I have ever run. I am only 17 years-old and Fargo has got me hooked. There were awesome spectators but it was also well organized. What I am very happy about is that this race was on a Saturday; how many races are held on Saturdays nowadays? Not many...

I live in Canada and I will continue to go to Fargo since they have made the event and the course so nice... and it's getting better every year.

I was very excited to return to Fargo for the half marathon. I had run a 1/2 marathon in Fargo in 2004 and was excited and surprised to see how much the participation had grown!! The course was good and the support from the community was outstanding. Overall, the people in charge did a excellent job and I want to say thank you for all your hard work. It paid off!! I am committed to returning each year for this race. I only have one suggestion. Perhaps playing music in the Fargodome when people are finishing??

Although this was my first full marathon, I've run in many small races and a number of large races, including the Rock and Roll Arizona Half Marathon, Crescent City Classic, Cooper River Bridge Run, etc. so I have some experience with the best and worst of race organization. I really can find little to complain about and much to praise about this race.

I think the start/finish at the Fargodome was thoughtful and I hope that it becomes a tradition. My very nice hotel room (Candlewood Suites, brand new) was adjacent to the dome, which simplified race day logistics significantly. I'm sure it will be completely booked up next year with runners, so get a reservation early if you plan to run this race and you're from out of town.

The course was pretty scenic, and the spectators were enthusiastic.

The aid stations were plentiful and well-staffed.

A technical shirt would have been nice, but I do like the long-sleeve T with the high quality graphics.

As others have said, the expo was smallish but quite adequate.

Unfortunately someone in one of the three airports I utilized getting back from Fargo decided to filch my finisher's medal from my checked bag. I e-mailed the race director and had another medal in a few days - no questions asked. A class act.

I ran in the half-marathon, and I have to say it was fabulous. I have run in over 15 half-marathons, and this one has been the best experience. Fargo is such a great community. The spectators were so full of spirit. The course was scenic. The race was so well-organized. Finishing in the Dome was a hit! The volunteers were so helpful. I had such a positive experience. Thank you Fargo!

The race was very well organized; however, I was disappointed in the fact that the course tours were canceled at the last minute. It would have been nice to be able to go over the route before running it. The course itself was not bad, the second half was somewhat boring, not too much to look at when and motivate a person when they need it most. Also the health expo was lacking - not very many booths, and the booths that were there were not interesting or very useful. My last complaint would have to do with the goodie bag. I have run many small-town 5Ks with much better goodie bags than the Fargo Marathon. There was really nothing of use in it - only coupons for local craft stores!

I'm tough with handing out my rating stars, so it pretty much takes perfection to get 5 stars. Overall, I would recommend this very friendly and accommodating race. Expect it to be windier than than you think it will be, as it definitely is a plains state. For a smaller town, the spectator support was decent, and very friendly volunteers. It had the most unofficial aid stations put on by people who live on the course that I've ever seen. It was a standard cotton long-sleeve (not moisture-wicking) finishers t-shirt, but it had really nice graphics. The course was average, a lot of suburb-type residential neighborhoods, but very well marked. I loved the Lefse at the finish, and the medal was fairly unusual. (The interior of the medal can flip over.) There were several entertainment acts along the course, which was nice, but what really won me over was the margaritas offered at the mile 25 "Margaritaville" aid station! The expo was pretty small if that matters to you (it doesn't to me, so I didn't care).

I was pleased overall with Fargo, but my expectations were very high after reading some comments from last year.
Positives - the people of Fargo are terrific! Volunteers do a great job! The course is nice (a little more concrete than I would have liked, though.) Post race was great! Showers, food, massages, etc...Expo/packet pick-up were both good. Nice medal after race.
Negatives - goodie bag was pretty weak, and finisher's shirt was an average cotton shirt. I thought that with Sheels and Adidas as sponsors, the shirt would have been top notch. Very disappointing. If you wanted to spend another $40, you could have got a sweet marathon shirt, though, at the expo. The line for the pasta dinner took about 30 minutes to get through. Aside from running a good majority of the race on concrete, that pretty much does it for the negatives. The wind was pretty brutal, but not their fault, obviously.
Overall a very good (not great) experience. For the 50 staters, this is a good choice for North Dakota.

I ran the 5k ,can't wait to run the 1/2 next year. The packet pick up was very quick and simple, and the expo was entertaining. The start of the marathon was awesome with the music and decor. With the flag being a great touch at the start. People couldn't wait to run. The start of the 5k was also exhilerating. But too many walkers lined up in front, it was very difficult to maneuver around them. I also stayed to watch the runners coming in and was very disappointed with the reception they received. I would've liked to have been able to stand along the finish and cheer them on but it was roped off. The 2nd place marathoner didn't even get recognized,until he was taking off his chip. I would have liked to have seen it like the start with loud music and people at the finish. I felt I received a more enegetic reception for the 5k than the marathoners received. And I think they need more room to run out the finish rather than turn immediatly after the finish line. Also the medical volunteers at the finish line looked content visiting with one another rather than checking on the runners coming across. When one of the runners got sick at the finish, it took quite some time to get it cleaned up. It also sounded like the sound system wasn't working right after a while. My whole running experience was great, it was the welcome for the other runners that was disappointing. Maybe the FargoDome is too big for the size of crowd generated, although I did like it there. I would like to see this continue and can't wait until next year. If there comes a time I don't run I will be there cheering them on. This was a sporting event and should be advertised as a spectators sport. Thanks,Philip Keller