I definitely agree with all the previous positive comments. Whenever possible I go to inaugural marathons for the excitement of the unknown. Of of the ones I've been to, this is the one I've talked about the most. The people were friendly, the event was well organized, the facilities were comfortable, the course support was great, the fans were enthusiastic, and the course is PR friendly (ok, maybe not for all of us). What else can I say? Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the pre-race snowfall was a unique addition. How did you manage it? With the enthusiasm shown by the volunteers, I can only imagine this event getting better. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Great course, amazing organization, and wonderful crowd support. Fargo was very hospitable - good food and entertainment, shopping and nicest folks around (and whole weekend cost me about 1/2 of typical marathon weekend). Will absolutely be back.

This is a marathon run by fellow marathoners and it shows. Mark and his staff did an outstanding job for a first-time event, especially when you consider the weather. From the expo to the pasta dinner and the race itself, we really enjoyed Fargo. My wife and I really enjoyed the post-race party in the big tent. After a race it's great to celebrate the day with your fellow runners. And as great a race as this is, there is always room for improvement. Fargo Marathon has heard what improvements we wanted and has responded. These are some of the changes that are to be made to make this marathoner even better for next year.

1) Start and finish @ Fargodome.... Finishing INSIDE under the Jumbotron video screens. This will make for an exciting finish in a location with tons of parking, washrooms, etc. The expo, pasta dinner and post-race party will take place here.

2) They are taking some of the turns out this year - just as flat and more straight-aways should result in faster times.

3) The open stretch of mile 19-21 has been changed with more running in secluded neighborhoods and parks.

4) Finisher's shirt was just OK last year. This year I have been told they are switching to garment-washed Cotton or moisture-wicking Adidas shirts.

5) Hotel shuttles will be running constantly for everthing. There are 2 new hotels being built right next to the 'Dome that will be open in early 2006. There are also great rates available at other hotels (see website); I have a room already booked for $52 a night.

So all and all a great, flat and fast marathon that should even be better next year. It has got to be the best 'bang for your buck' PR or BQ marathon in North America.

Was this really an inaugural event? Not possible. It was too well organized! Everything was as well put together as Chicago, NY, and Boston. The course was well marked and did a great job of staying out of the industrial areas. The specatators, while not huge in number, were unbelievable. Extremely pleased with this one, and would do it again (when I make my second tour of the 50 states!).

Exceeded everyone one of my expectations, despite the weather. The directors and the people of Fargo should be proud of hosting such a great event and I truly believe that this has the potential to become a world class marathon.
Thanks to everyone who came to Fargo for this inaugural run. Without you, none of this is possible!

This was a very well organized event making for a very fine experience both for the experienced and well as for the first time marathoner. Had the weather cooperated this event would have been even better, but I have yet to find a race director that has any leverage with the weather director. I would, however, recommend this race to those running the distance for the first time and also to those attempting to qualify for Boston. The flatness of the course could be quite accommodating to a fast time. Fargo/Moorhead is a very friendly area and I enjoyed my brief stay.

The Fargo Marathon was an outstanding experience! The runner expo has some terrific hometown touches, the pasta dinner was delicious, the motivational speakers (especially Dick Beardsley) were very enthusiastic, the citizens of Fargo were most welcoming,and the course was very interesting and fair. The race medal and shirt were pretty cool. I truly enjoyed the hospitality of the people of Fargo and look forward to running here again! This was my 41st marathon.

Fargo was my 13th marathon and probably the most enjoyable, despite the weather. I was truly impressed by the community spirit in Fargo. The people of the city of Fargo were out in force to cheer, cajole, joke, and encourage every runner on the course to finish. The organizers, race director and all the volunteers were simply wonderful. It seemed to me that the whole city of Fargo volunteered to help and it was amazing the individual attention these people gave to every runner on every street corner, at every aid station. A wonderful experience!

Nice town, nice folks, nice course, nice race. I'll be back next year, body willing.

Thank you Fargo/Moorhead, Mark Knutson and all the volunteers who made this such a wonderful experience. From packet pickup to pasta dinner to on-time start and post-race assistance, you cannot find a better organized marathon. Despite the weather, I ran the time I planned for and met some delightful people along the way. My heartfelt thanks to all the spectators, but especially to the privileged owners of golden retrievers - Max was beautiful. The Radisson and Howard Johnson are next to the Civic Center and just a few blocks from the start. My only suggestion is to change the last section of the course from concrete streets which were hard to run on late in the race.

Thank you, Fargo!