While the race was very well organized and a beautiful day, I was very disappointed with the choice of race photographers. This company hires people who take snapshots and not any really good photos were taken of me. Quite disappointed, as it was my first marathon.

The course was very nice - and the food and post-race party were excellent. Will I do it again? Maybe!

What a great time! Everyone was super friendly, especially the volunteers, spectators, and townspeople. Despite the fact that the cold front blew in right at the start, the runners were cheerful anyway (hey, at least it's not snowing like last year!).

I ran the half and the course was fun and interesting, including neighborhoods, downtown, parks. It was a great plus to start and finish in the Fargodome - warm, spacious, plenty of bathrooms. I think it's a great advantage to races that do so (Houston, Detroit, Twin Cities).

The expo was fine with me. I'm not looking for brand-name merchandise, but for some racing supplies and race-name merchandise. There wasn't much half-marathon stuff (there was a great technical marathon shirt), but we cornered some of the Scheel's representatives with our requests, and they were very gracious and said they'd take our requests back to the company.

My only problem came at the end of the race as we turned in front of the Fargodome. After all the excellent crowd control and volunteers giving directions, there was a main exit from the Fargodome with a stream of people crossing the race course! I had to dodge some spectators (actually non-spectators!) and almost ran over a photographer in the middle of the road!

At any rate, the volunteers and organizers did a great job, as did the race director. As I made one of the 90-degree turns on the course in a neighborhood, I commented to one of the volunteers that no matter which way I turned, the wind was still in my face! He cheerfully replied, "Sounds like North Dakota!" Uff da! Great race!

Having run Chicago's marathon twice, I was a little skeptical about how Fargo would turn out. It ended up being an absolute blast to run, with plenty of crowd support, even when running through the residential neighborhoods. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and made for wonderful hosts. I will definitely run this marathon again, and strongly recommend it. I agree that the expo was a little small and in a cramped space, but there was plenty of good merchandise for sale and I liked starting and ending at the Fargodome. Overall, just an outstanding run!

This was my first half marathon and I had a lot of fun. The course was beautiful and everyone was friendly. Maybe I did not see it but there did not seem to be any pace markings at the start so runners could be in a group that would be at their speed. I have seen pictures of races where there are pace bunnies that you can keep an eye on to gauge your time. The Fargodome was great, especially for the spectators. However, a friend that was watching said that a runner laid on the grass for about 15 minutes before getting help. She was at the entrance into the parking lot, so only had a half-mile to go. I witnessed a runner who was limping at about mile 6 and he said he could use some help. We told the volunteers at the next aid station but I was not sure if they were able to get to him or not. We have our hotel rooms booked for next year already and the kids are excited about doing the 5K again!

It can't be said enough: This is the friendliest race ever. I can't get over how really into it the spectators were, how encouraging and enthusiastic they were and how MANY there were. I spent a few days after the race checking out the state and folks all over S.D. are pretty darn nice, but Fargo takes first place

The details of the course, weather, and such have been covered already. Let me just add that this race is a serious bargain. The hotel rates are good, no problems with availability, easy access to the race start and finish from anywhere in town, no parking or traffic problems.

I leave this for last, because my overall review is a positive one. But I have a significant (at least for me) complaint, and it can be summed up in one word: PORTA-POTTIES. Where were they? I believe the first opportunity on the course was at mile 5, and very, very infrequently thereafter. It made my race-day experience significantly less positive.

I ran Fargo as my stepping stone to a full 26.2. What a great experience! Well organized, great fans, and a PR - what more could a first-timer ask for? I almost wish I would have tried for the full 26.2. I missed my chance with the finish line photo due to a cramping knee and hip flexor. If anyone has photos fo 2038...

Big kudos to the citizens of Fargo! The volunteers and spectators were fantastic. It made running into the wind and the 26.2 miles not only tolerable but fun. I live in Seattle and you can run for miles with barely a spectator for our marathon. For those who don't run - believe me, the spectators are really important.

The volunteers were great and there were wonderful diversions such as the Blue Zone (even though the Blues Bros weren't there when we passed and we couldn't figure out what the blue zone was). The belly dancers and Margaritaville were amazing. Two comments - it would be helpful to know in advance where the toilets will be on the course and one more station of Gu would be nice.

The course was beautiful and finishing inside the dome with the big screen was a thrill!

Thanks Fargo! I'll be back (maybe for good - I fell in love with Fargo!).

The Fargo Dome is a great site for the expo, pre- and post-race activities. I was most impressed by the signage (the huge signs inside the dome that showed the race routes, rules, start times, etc.). And, the mile markers, arrows, and directions on the course were second to none. We stayed at the Hotel Donaldson in downtown Fargo. Recently re-done, very nice. Our room had a soaking tub/whirlpool that filled from the ceiling, king-size bed and two hi-def TVs. The meal at the hotel restaurant (HO DO) was great, as well. All in all, a great weekend for this flat-lander from MN.

Congrats to the organizers and citizens of Fargo as you people put on one amazing event. The local support on the marathon route was truly inspiring and gave me the juice to keep moving even when my legs felt like they had givin up. The shouts of "Go Canada" as folks saw my maple-leaf singlet were great, and the friendliness of everyone involved made this the best marathon experience I have had to date.
YOU ROCK, FARGO....

I have always enjoyed the Fargo 1/2 Marathon, so I chose the Fargo Marathon as my first and only marathon because I wanted see if I could finish it. I still feel that this may be my one and only marathon because it was so great that I think if I did another one, I would be disappointed. The people were great. The weather was great (especially because of no snow this year!). It was just a tremendous experience that I wish everyone could enjoy!!!! I never once had the feeling of... "I can't wait to be done." Thank you for an experience of a lifetime!!!!!!!