Always impressed with the City of Charlotte and the marathon didn't disappoint. A tough course - there are almost zero flat stretches, however, with few exceptions the hills are very manageable and the change of pace from what I'm used to was nice. I didn't PR, but came close and my time was just barely a BQ.
I'm surprised it is such a small race - Charlotte is a fairly active large city. The corrals were open access, but getting towards the front was not an issue it seemed most of the field was lined up correctly on their own.
Spectators were great in pockets, but some dead stretches particularly in the tougher parts of the 2nd half.
I will definitely run this race again in 2013.

This is my second Thunder Road. Ran with a pace group, extremely helpful. Well organized from expo to finish line. Parking for the expo at 5pm was difficult. Plenty of options for race day parking, short walks from the start and finish.

Thanks to the NoDa and Plaza neighborhoods!! The mental energy boost helps during the tough 3-4 mi. at the end.

The course is challenging. Rolling hills along the way. If I remember correctly, miles 18-20 are a steady gradual incline...

Lots of food/snack options at the end if you still have an appetite. I did find the beer truck! Shot blocks were difficult to open. Might consider going back to gels.

I would recommend this race to anyone that wants a small race with the organization and attention to details of a large race.

The race provided a shuttle from the airport to packet pick. This was a GREAT idea and very much appreciated!!!
Packet pick-up: very organized and plenty of gear or last minute items available
Hotel: nearby hotel was within walking distance of everyone and everyone was friendly
RACE DAY: plenty of porta potties, organized start line, local shops allowed up to enter to stay warm.
THE RACE: the race was absolutely scenic!! Beautiful tree lined streets, nice bands, spectators. The race is Hilly and challenging, so practice hill work!!
The finish line was organized, plenty of food drink and volunteers.
GREAT RACE and I'd recommend it to any and everyone!

Overview: This was a great race for me. I achieved my goal of running a BQ and set a 16 minute PR. Just about perfect running weather, although a little windy at times. I arrived at the Westin, one of the host hotels, in the early evening. There were several events going on at the Westin and we had to wait about 45 minutes for check-in, so I didn't get to spend a lot of time at the expo. They ran out of shirts in the size I registered for, but they offered to mail one in the correct size. I'm still waiting on it to arrive, but I'm hopeful it will come soon!
The Course: Not as hilly as I expected based on other reviews here. I live and did all of my training in the foothills of western N. Carolina and was prepared for some major climbs. But the course is rolling with no major up or downhills and enough straight sections to make it interesting. In general, the first half of the marathon is much prettier than the second half. There was a section with lots of construction and some industrial sections along the way. NoDa was lots of funlove the spectators and their enthusiasm. The race website suggested there would be more bands and entertainment along the way. Not really impressed with this aspect, but I generally don't run races for the entertainment.

Spectators: Some bare spots, but overall good support. My family was able to catch me at the 14 and 16 mile marks. Again, kudos to the NoDa and Dillworth neighborhoods. A fun block party that made everyone feel welcomed. There we some fun motivational spectator signs along the way too (pain is temporary, internet results are forever).
Water Stops: Plentiful and well stocked with water. Also had gatorade, but I just opted for water. They offered Shot Blocks 2x, but I carried my own nutrition and didn't take the blocks.

Post Race: A good selection of snacks and entertainment. Nice finishers medal. I was able to find my family immediately. No complaints!
If you're looking for a well-organized, modest sized race, this is a great event. I will definitely do this one again. Thanks for a great experience!

Start and finish close to hotels. Loop course with no backtracking. Plentiful porto potties along course. Scenic and varied course. Enthusiastic spectators. Police department went above and beyond:they were out in force and many of them cheered us on when they could. You could see the finish coming from a distance so you could pace accordingly.Variety of food and drink at the end and places to sit if you had to. Only thing I would have preferred differently is gel instead of energy chews along the course.

I signed up at the expo for the full, but they only had 1/2 bibs and 5K shirts. If it weren't for the fact that you pay a 2/3 premium to sign-up at the last minute, it wouldn't bother me as much about getting the leftovers. They do offer a one-year deferral, which is definitely a plus, as this is not very prevalent.

As for the uncontrollable factor, it was great marathon weather. A bit chilly at the start, but there were a couple of buildings with plenty of space where you could stay warm and prepare until just prior to the gun. Parking isn't free, but reasonable and plentiful on an early Saturday morning. Charlotte has a really nice downtown, actually called uptown, where the course started and finished. In between, the course meanders through a variety of tree lined neighborhoods and business sections. It's not a large marathon, yet I couldn't hear the starting announcements from a short distance back in the pack. I think the fanfare of the start could be improved. There are a lot of low, rolling hills, but nothing overly difficult.

While there are sections that do a great job, like NoDa, fan support for a city this size is weak. Maybe 12-15 bands were supporting the runners. Water stops were plentiful, with a few neighborhood sponsored, which are always greatly appreciated. Only one sponsored energy stop along the way, and no beer at the finish, but this seems to have become more the norm since the Great Recession. A streamlined, barricaded exit for the runners with chips, fruit, liquids, and energy bars made for a smooth transition to vendor booths and a band stage.

Overall, this is a reasonably well-organized race in a nice setting. Amping up the starting and finish lines, and getting the community more involved would move it up a notch. The former is an easy upgrade. The latter could take some work.

I have to say, I loved this marathon. There are some that I would love to repeat, in spite of trying to get 50 states. This ain't one of them, but if you need NC, it's a truly wonderful race. I think the town was beautiful and the race was incredibly organized. No big surprises and we had a LOT OF FUN during this one. It was a great race, great support, safe clean streets, and I truly enjoyed it.

I loved this race. Very gentle rolling hills throughout, much easier than some comments would lead you to believe (but I come from a town where the HS team name is 'Hillers' so maybe you can't go by me). My only complaint is that the website brags about access to warm indoor waiting area with bathrooms before the race. In fact we were all shivering outside and waiting in too-long porta potty lines. If you're not providing the indoor facilities you need to update your website and you need to have more outdoor porta potties.

Enjoyed this difficult challenge. I wish the last mile did not have a hill because i would've finished stronger. Also wished we had more food for us runners after the race. I also think it would be great if on the medal it had the engraving of FINISHER.I am glad that they gave out SHOT bLOCK GUMMIES INSTEAD OF GU BUT PLEASE AGAIN PROVIDE FOOD FOR THE RUNNERS BESIDES BREAD AND GATORADE . WE NEED SOMETHING MORE AFTER 26 LONG HILLY MILES!

A very good race with a lot going for it. Orderly start and with wide streets so you can get into your pace early. Hilly course, but the ups were not bad and the downs were pretty sweet. The hill at the end was tough though. The first half was more scenic than the second but the support in the community was good throughout. Lots of food at the end. I would have liked a little more food on the course and please open the Clif Blocks next year, I really struggled with the package. The medal and shirt are solid. Park at the NASCAR Hall of Fame if you are doing this race. Only $5 and 2 blocks from the finish. I was on the interstate 10 minutes after my finish. Charlotte is a beautiful city and this is a great time of year to experience N. Carolina.