I have run both the half and full marathons for this race. This year was less organized than previous years. At the start, there were not enough bathroom facilities for the number of runners. Much of the course runs along the Erie Canal Path and that inhibits access for spectators and makes the run no different from a long training run. The course would be better if it made a few loops through the city to help with spectators. Also, the staggered start of the marathon created a situation where the winner of the marathon was in a pack of half-marathoners. I would recommend running the half-marathon as a two-person relay. The organizational problems were especially highlighted at the end of the race, where spectators were allowed to be in the path of the finishers due to the lack of barricades and monitored crossing points. The water station at the end of the race ran out of cups. At one point, the inflatable finish line broke and needed to be replaced. Rochester needs to do better.

Marathon organizers did a good job handling the high heat and humidity, and the organization ran smoothly. Only 2 gripes, neither of which should keep you away from this great race: First is the chip pick-up issue, which is just plain silly. Second is the host hotel, the Hyatt, which gave runners a note on check-in that there was no late checkout on race-day. They cited the "complete turnover of the hotel." Maybe next year the race organizers will drop them as host, and they will realize that having an empty hotel is much worse than a full hotel leaving late.

This is my first time running the Roc Half Marathon. I was really excited to run this because the last 3 miles are quite relaxing and beautiful. However, the first two water stops had run out of cups! Some runners - including myself - asked for water to be poured in their mouths, while others drank from used cups. Next time, I will suggest running with a water system to prevent this from happening.

First off, let me start off by saying I train and race in South Florida. In the race brochure, it was advertised that in the unlikely event of tornadoes, hurricanes or extreme heat, the race could be canceled. Well, unexpectedly, they got 2 out of 3 that day, as Ike paid a visit later on in the day. Go figure - in Rochester! This could be a great marathon but probably should have been shortened to a half marathon this day. The course is beautiful, I especially enjoyed the canal path and area around the university. Race organization was very good, although the mile markers could have been more visible. The volunteers and police were AWESOME! I would like to thank them all over again. I mentioned to my support team (my brother) that if it was hot out, I would need ice, as that's what we make sure we have on long run days in Miami. My brother showed up with 12 bags of ice in various places and shared it with as many runners as he could. If had not been for the ice, I would not have finished. So thank you to my brother, also known as "Ice Man" on the course. I feel this race could have been great, but you just can't control the weather.

The GOOD:
The course was relatively flat. The first 5 miles were a gentle downhill, then rolling with a mild climb just before entering the canal path at 9.5 miles. The canal path was approximately 14 miles of the race. The first 10 miles or so of the canal path were extremely flat and in direct sun. It then was tree-lined until the trail ended at about mile 22. Then onto some city streets that were well staffed by police and volunteers. Water stops were well staffed with friendly folks. Spectators were sparse along that first 10-mile span of the canal path. The course was friendly and the actual race was well organized.

The BAD:
The host hotel (HYATT) did not allow for late check-out, even though I was assured this while making reservations in mid August. The manager had quite an attitude when questioned about it. (Thankfully, one of the race directors at the expo was kind enough to set us up with alternative post-race shower arrangements.)
The marathon room rate ($99) was no longer available even though a deadline of 8/22 was posted on the marathon's website.

The pasta party was ridiculous. It was advertised as lasting from 4-7 p.m. We arrived at six to only pasta and salad. They had already run out of the advertised meatballs, bread, dessert, and drinks (water, soda, etc.). I saw some people get refunds, but then the money collectors packed up by 6:30 and left. As we were leaving, people we entering with tickets in hand.
Neither the expo or the pasta party were held at the host hotel.

I had to drive everywhere after driving over 4 hours to get to Rochester.

The UGLY:
The weather - high 87, humidity 90%. This is obviously out of anyone's control, but it was BRUTAL!!!!!! They shut the race down at 12:30 (mile 20). Luckily, I came in around 11:15. No more September marathons for me!

I just ran the 2008 1/2 Marathon. I was there with running group and we were in both events, the 1/2 and the full. We all got rooms at the host hotel, the Hyatt. Upon arrival we were informed that there would be no late checkout available, even though it was advertised and promised at time of reservation. Therefore, we couldn't get post-marathon showers, which is tough, considering the weather and our four-hour drive home. We also had preregistered for the pasta party, which was the worst experience of the whole weekend. They had a grand total of two tables in a lounge area at the Athletic Club. That meant eating standing up or sitting on a window sill for most there. It was advertised from 4:30 to 7:00, and we arrived at 5:15, and they were out of food all but salad. After scraping up leftover pasta from the bottom of the pan and waiting for a refill, we looked for the organizers at 6:00, but they had closed and vacated the area so we had no recourse for food or our money back. I will admit that both the hotel and the pasta party were held by different company/organization, so they were not directly affiliated with the race. Yet it was a bad start and taste for the weekend. The race went off okay, even though the weather was terrible for a run. Obviously not their control. I would not do this race again, nor my running group.

I have run this event for 3 years now, and this year was the best organized. The course remained largely unchanged, but there were lots more spectators and lots of people cheering. There was a small band and a violin-type group. My compliments to the race organizers. There were lots more volunteers along the course and they were needed due to the heat and humidity of the day.

This was my first "small" marathon-1/2 marathon race (versus tens of thousands) and I enjoyed everything about this event. Although I expected pre-race stress in having to pick up my chip and walk to the start; I did not experience any due to signage and organization, lack of crowding, and a very short "warm-up" walk to the start with time to spare before the graduated starts for each event. The course was beautiful, especially along the river, and without killer hills. And I greatly appreciated the police, who were very encouraging towards the end of the race and who knew exactly how far to the finish. I would have appreciated more mile markers and splits, but that did not detract from the overall quality of the race, which was scenic, friendly, and fun.

Weather player a major factor in '08. At least that was the case for me. After completing the initial 10 miles in 80 minutes, I drastically fell off around the 13-mile mark. The heat and humidity took their toll on many of the runners. I passed a lot of runners who understandably had resorted to walking. Fortunately, I was able to recover and finish the final 6 or so miles in a rather fast pace.

I ran the final two legs of the relay in 2007, so I was familiar with the course for the most part. The canal path is rather boring, in my opinion, but I understand many out-of-towners enjoy the scenery.

I really enjoy the fans that line East Ave. and the few spectators that venture onto the remote portions of the canal path. Running through Shoen Place in Pittsford is always uplifting. Many thanks to the guy near mile 16 who had ice cubes for all passing runners and to the Penfield X-C team and the other local HS and college teams who really know to get you moving.

I'm not sure what to think about the new starting line, but the new finish is perfect. Eliminating the final one block that leads to Frontier Field was a no-brainer.

I plan to run this marathon as long as I live in the area. No doubt about it.

I walked the half last year and really enjoyed the experience, except for the (already mentioned) chip pickup on race morning rather than with packet pickup. Although I know there have been a lot of comments made about this issue, I just found out that the race director has not made a change for this year's marathon. So disappointing... it was inconvenient and time-consuming to have to go to the finish line before the race, to say nothing of the poorly organized shuttle buses!