This is the 3rd time I have run Rochester (the half this time). When we arrived at the first water station, they told us they were out of cups and were handing out gallon jugs of water. The third water station station also was out of cups. At the fourth water station, I witnessed a volunteer picking up cups and re-using them to offer to the runners. I turned to another runner and said, "Did I just see that?" She said that she had run about 20 marathons and had never seen that before.

Some of the mile markers were wrong. Since the start line changed this year, I think that some of the mile markers were at the 2007 spots instead of the new spots. If you watched the painted marks on the path, you could see that there were 2007 and 2008 markers about 1/10 of a mile apart.

There aren't too many spectators along the way, but the ones there were supportive. I like the band along the canal that responded when I yelled, "I need more cowbell!"

I wish the finish line was inside the stadium, as it was the last time that I ran. The set-up in the street allowed for spectators and finishers to cross in front of runners to get to the parking lot.

I would probably return, but it will be hard to convince my wife to join me again!

This was my second half-marathon, and while the course was lovely, the water stations were lacking. Towards the middle of the race, there were about four miles where there was absolutely no water at any of the stations. I had a fuel belt, but I gave my last bottle of water to a woman who looked like she was about to pass out. While it's hard to plan for such a brutally hot day, there were many more people being brought out on stretchers than I would have liked to have seen. My husband, who also ran the half, told me that he was actually taking two cups at the stations: one to drink and one to dump on his head! While this was understandable in the heat, no wonder there was a lack of water!

Despite the tough conditions, I enjoyed this marathon. The chips should be handed out with the packets, like at every other race I've been to. While the organizers had plenty of fluids/gels on the course, "The Ice Man" brought me back to life a couple of times. Maybe the organizers should consider having contingency ice/misters for future races. The course was very nice and the support of the spectators was much appreciated. I found the host hotel to be very nice. I will definitely run this race again.

The mile markers were definitely off, starting at mile one. According to my Garmin, the course was actually about .2 long. Heat and humidity were the worst I've ever raced in. Volunteers were terrific and let me fill my 20-ounce bottle at every water stop, and believe me, I needed it. The first part of the course along East Ave. is great, with some nice ups and downs out in Fairport. The canal, especially on a hot day, can be agonizingly boring, but it's great on a cool day. I'm not a big fan of the roughly six miles of cinder either, but at least it's a break on your knees. Running the half marathon last year on the same course was considerably more enjoyable, but the temperature was about 35 degrees cooler. Most of the water at the water stations was almost warm this year, but understandably, and probably unavoidably. Race medals were almost unchanged from the prior year, which was also disappointing. A tech shirt would also be better than a long-sleeve cotton one in the goody bag. But overall, great volunteers, good field size, and nice course.

With over 30 half's under my belt, I strongly recommend this one to any caliber of runner. A fellow runner and I returned this year instead of traveling to the money-hungry Philly distance run. I have absolutely no negative feedback, but who turned the heaters on? I will be back next year, with a score to settle.

This is my second year running the Rochester Half Marathon and it was once again a great experience in terms of the organization and on-course support. The weather is out of the hands of the race directors, and I feel they did a great job with making sure every runner was OK. My only real issue is with the water stops, because nearly half the water stops on the half course did not have cups. I had them pour water in my hands so I could lap it up, but on such a hot day, that didn't help much. Also, the traffic getting to Frontier that morning was horribly backed up and I agree, couldn't they open more gates to the parking lot? I waited forever and had to drive all the way around it to find an open gate on the far side. Otherwise I thought everything went smoothly. I'm definitely planning to run it again next year - maybe even try the full! Thanks, Rochester!

This was my second Rochester Marathon, and thanks to the weather, it was brutal. That said, the organization seemed to be excellent and I was impressed with the obvious presence of emergency personnel even on the more remote areas of the canal path. Water stops were plentiful and volunteers were enthusiastic. I also really enjoyed not having to run the extra block or two at the end of the race this year. In the "to be improved" category, larger water cups would be appreciated in the future, as would more prominent and more accurate mile markers. Everyone in my cluster of runners during the first mile commented that the yelled-out mile splits were way off (a minute or more slow). Also, we had been informed earlier in the summer that we would be using the new canal path bypass through the Dept. of Transportation in Pittsford, but we instead were routed the older - and slightly longer - way around. Much of running a marathon is mental, and I didn't like trying to deal with the heat while also worrying that I was going to have to run MORE than 26.2! These quibbles aside, it was a nice race. Next year I'll just cross my fingers for cooler weather!

This is my second time running the half, and it is a great race. Very well organized. I liked the walk to the starting line rather than the shuttle buses - that change worked really well. The water stops along the half were plentiful - on such a hot day I was glad to have so many. The only negative was the traffic into the parking lot. I waited about 20 minutes just to turn the corner to get into Lot C to park. There were a number of entrances to the lot that were closed. Is it possible to open them for next year? I think that would have helped with the traffic. The parking was plentiful - you just couldn't get into the lot.
Loved the cheering HS track teams! They did a spectacular job! I will definitely do again! Great job!!

I've run this marathon since it started up again, and this was my 15th overall. It was the absolute worst conditions I've ever run in. High heat and humidity with a baking sun. The organizers were outstanding, however. It was a bit disconcerting to see golf carts used as mini ambulances on the canal; but for the very dangerous conditions, everyone who needed it received appropriate attention. My only criticisms are (again!) the need to pick up chips before the race and the apparent incorrect mile markings for at least some of the race (certainly the first mile). If you are concerned about people not returning the chips, just take a credit card number as a deposit. I'd happily give mine to avoid having pick up the chip. Regarding the mile markers, did anyone else think these were off?

A great job of organizing. Superb volunteer staff. Interesting course. It was a very hot, humid day and staff did everything they could to see that adequate hydration was available and that the runners were protected.

There was one major negative and that did not pertain to the actual running of the race. The host hotel was the downtown Hyatt Regency. Their concern for the runner was zero. When the reservation was made, they led you to believe that a late check-out would be available (although not promised). When you arrived, they had a letter waiting for you saying that if you weren't out of the room by noon, they would do what they could to force you into bankruptcy. They were not nice to work with. The bottom line on this was that if you were not a sub-3-hour marathoner, there was no way you were going to get a shower before heading home, a fact probably not lost on those traveling in the same conveyance as you. There is ample parking at Frontier Field. Stay outside Rochester near an interstate highway and some restaurants, and drive into the race in the morning.