I had not run this race before, but was pleasantly suprised how flat the course was and how well organized it was for a small race. I really like the finish onto the football field. Other races have finished in stadium parking lots. I had not expected food at the end, and this was a good surprise.

What I liked:
1. The fleece pullover! Register early. I didn't, and was lucky enough to purchase one of the few extras. The t-shirt is great, too.
2. Free pasta dinner. Free is good!
3. Radisson allowed a late checkout. Thanks!!
4. Tom's correspondence prior to the event.
5. Friendly hosts. Volunteers were VERY nice and always offered water and Gatorade.
6. Post-race food. Good and plenty of it.

What could be improved:
1. Use paper cups rather than plastic.
2. Awards were confusing. I was told that awards were given out as people crossed the finish line and that there were no awards left from my age group. However, based on results, it looks like I won something...?

I recommend this marathon to anyone looking for a small, fast marathon. A great one for those on the 50-state quest...

Huntington has already garnered some decent coverage, as being "the flat course in West Virginia." A friend training for her first marathon asked me to join her. She downgraded to the half at the expo, but I continued on the full.

It must be recalled that this is only the third running of this event. They had some details right-on, and others could still use some work.

POSITIVES:
1) Fleece pullovers for marathon runners were really nice. My friends regretted telling the organizers they were only running the half!
2) Good volunteer coverage. A lot of this course was on open roads and there were volunteers seemingly at every block to deal with traffic and to guide runners. There was one place around mile 22 where runners had to guide themselves, but the rest of the course was well-marked. (This could have been more important to me as I'd actually dreamt the night before I was going to get lost!)

NEGATIVES:
1) If you are going to chip-time, put a mat at the start as well. I lined up near the front (the 6- 7- and 8-min pace signs were only a foot or two apart) but this could be a negative for those starting further back.
2) Paper cups, paper cups, paper cups. It is very difficult to drink on the run in general, but all but impossible with plastic cups that cannot be "folded" over.

A FEW SMALL SUGGESTIONS:
A personal preference would be to use one type/flavor of energy beverage and stick to it. My stomach was never sure what to expect when handed a cup.
Also, look at having a recovery drink at the end, and more non-meat pizza. I finished sub-four and got one of the last pieces of cheese pizza, and I know others were looking for some after me.

Overall, this was a good race with great potential. And heck, it's a flat course in West Virginia - what more can you really ask for?

I can't say enough about this race and the awesome organization. The aid stations were frequent and well stocked. The amenities at the finish were great. Mt wife worked the food table at the finish line and she told me that they went out of their way to make sure the back-of-the-pack crowd (like me) still had plenty when we finished (pizza, cookies, chips, fruit, hot dogs, drinks, etc.). Apparently they sent someone to the store to get more provisions. I don't know of many races that will do that. The course was great. I was able to shave some off my recent times. The spectators were at times sparse, but those that were there were enthusiastic. This is a must-do for those coming to West Virginia.

This course has to be one of the flattest marathon courses ever. The only incline at all is three via-ducts that you must go under. The U shaped ducts consist of about 40 meters downhill, then 40 meters back uphill.

Nearly all the spectators are located in Ritter Park, which you pass through twice at mile 9.3 and again around mile 21. The last mile is run through the center of Marshall University, ending at the southern goal line of Joan C. Edwards Stadium, a 40,000-seat football field, where several hundred spectators will be as well.

I ran this marathon to run the flattest marathon in WV. They didn't lie. I was a bit concerned by how small it was, because that usually means I'm running alone, but it wasn't the case this time. I will have to say that this was one of my favorite marathons to date (I've run 11). The people were wonderful! The course was flat, even though it wasn't as scenic as some marathons. There was some crowning that was uncomfortable. But overall, the course was great. I especially liked the park.

The pasta dinner the night before was wonderful. Everyone at the marathon was nice and helpful. There wasn't any crowd support to speak of, but the folks that were out were very friendly and supportive!

Oh, and they even ordered more pizzas for us back-of-the-packers at the finish line. That was great. They were running out of water at the end (on the course), so, that could maybe be improved.

I got the opportunity to run with two people I hadn't met before and this made my experience even more great.

This has definitely changed my opinion about smaller marathons and I would do this one again (especially since it is less than 3 hours away from my house). Really, it is a great marathon! I highly recommend it.

Don't come to this race expecting to run past historic older homes, or avenues of colorful trees, or to even see the river(!) except for a flash, but if you want a flat course, want not to be surrounded by thousands of runners, and want to meet some fantastic PEOPLE, this race is for you.

The following is my input for whatever it's worth, and not in any order:

1. Make the run through Marshall University clearer. At the end of the race it isn't easy knowing what the small arrows mean on the pavement. Also, have some of those students up and out and cheering.
2. Email sooner. I had already left town when the email came with instructions and no one at the YMCA or my hotel knew anything about the marathon. In fact, for the hotels you recommend on your website, give them a few copies of the information so they will know what's going on.
3. At the packet pick-up there should be one person designated to provide "information." Several of us wanted to know about water stops, maps, etc. and we had a difficult time finding anyone. (But when we did she was delightful.)
4. No 'GU' (or other gel)??? I know some people eat those energy bars, and I have only run in eight other marathons, but I've always had gel handed out around mile 17. Yes, I had two with me, but I would have had the third if available.
5. More copies of the course map with mile markers for spectators. My family didn't know exactly where to go to try to cheer (with their enthusiasm maybe that's a good thing).
6. Plenty of water. Although not always poured and ready when I ran past (although one terrific volunteer caught up to me with a cup of water, apologizing). I hate when the cup is too full, and when it's almost empty as the previous person said - but either way I am appreciative. I didn't like the styrofoam cups though, or the tiny one, but both had water or Gatorade so I'm not complaining. And there was plenty of it.
7. No chips!!! Hope that can be changed.
8. No photographer. Would have liked to have the "Thank Goodness I'm Finished and Why Did I Do This Anyway?" photo holding up my medal. A movie of ME running??? I don't watch our home videos, so I know I'm not going to watch myself running - but I do frame my race photos. I'm not suggesting you get rid of the movie for those who enjoy it, but do have a photographer. I bet there's a photographer right there in Huntington who would like to earn the extra $$.
8. I don't use vaseline during a race, but my advice would be to have the person who has it call out that's its available and have a tongue depresser to scoop it out.
9. Really liked the START with the flag unfurling from the cherry picker bucket. It was a nice touch.
10. Try to get the community more involved. I bet there are some teenage kids who play rock music, or hip-hop, who would like to perform, or a gospel group, or high school band.
11. The porta-johns were very nice out in the parking lot. You win on that one.
12. Save your money on the fleece unless they're free. Use the money to buy an arch of balloons or something to make the beginning or end of the race special.
13. Space the food away from the finishers. Everything was just too close.
14. One person for massages???? I finished pretty early and I didn't have time to wait in a long line and I felt bad for the volunteer.
15. The food at the end was excellent. Great job.

Thanks for organizing the race--I know it takes time, energy and alot of work.

I just wanted to thank Dr. Dannals, volunteers and police services for a job well done. Congratulations on getting Marshall to sponsor the race. I think the race course did a great job of showcasing the university and hope other sponsors jump on board with you next year.

Many of my comments have been shared by others so I will try to keep this brief. There are many positives:
Parking: plenty and convenient.
Bathrooms: heated and no wait!
Start: on time.
Course: flat & fast, set a PR when I intended to stay at training pace.
Weather: well, you might as well take credit for good.
Scenery: enjoyed the parks and autumn leaves.
Volunteers: friendly and helpful.
Police: didn't see an intersection that wasn't well covered.
Finish: running the stadium was a very nice touch.
Hotels: I know the Comfort and Hampton at Barboursville both offered late checkout

Nothing would make me hesitate in recommending this race. But, there are a few things that can be improved:
Maps: pre-printed with mileage markers, PDF on website would be nice.
Signage: mile markers need to be more visible, advance warning that you loop the stadium before entry.
Chips: when feasible.
Course: I don't know the area but more along river? Roads with less crowning? U-turns? I personally wouldn't mind some real hills if it would make for more interesting scenery.
Water stops: please fill cups 3/4 full (many cups were only a quarter filled, one stop was using very small Dixie cups and one stop ran out of cups).
Crowds: Maybe the local media will be able to increase local participation?
Medal: ribbon to match Marshall's colors would be nice.

I have shared my thoughts with others in my running group and expect that you will see more Carolina runners next year. Bottom line is that I think you have a fantastic small marathon!

As a Marshall graduate (1968) who spent his youth in Huntington, it was indeed very special being a part of this event. I'm so accustomed to using my radio as a distraction while running but discovered after only few miles that memories long lost seemed to have muted my radio. I have to say too that after mile 15 or 16 discomfort muted my memory. Nevertheless, it was a great event. The volunteers were very helpful and enthusiastic and the stadium finish was fun (despite having to circle it first). A suggestion to think about is to extend the course east beyond Ritter Park to and including Washinton Blvd. It sure would make the course more visually appealing and perhaps draw more spectators. Best wishes to Bob Kroeger and his wife as they face another test.

I ran this as my first double (Richmond, VA on Saturday and Huntington, WV on Sunday). The race director more than helpful in allowing me to pick up my registration on Sunday AM. For runners looking for doubles (50 states) this is doable, but the drive from Richmond to Huntington is a little long. The race is well run with a double-loop in the park. Really appreciate the police help; crossed numerous intersections but the police bent over backwards to help stop traffic. Love the end of the race through Marshall University and finishing on the goal line.

Hope the directors and volunteers can keep up the good work. And again a special thanks to the police department.