Going into my first marathon, I heard a ton from more experienced runners that this was the most disorganized inaugural marathon they'd ever seen. Aside from the major issues with the port-a-potties at the start, I couldn't disagree more. The water stops were plentiful and the volunteers were great. Then again, this could have been the worst marathon ever put together, and me being a newbie, I would never know. Overall, I give the event organization, the course, etc., a solid B or B+.

The only major drawback was the lack of fan support, though this being the first year of the race, I reckon that is to be expected. I also never realized that there were so many hills in PGC, and given the number of runners absolutely staggering towards the last five or six miles, I'm guessing a lot of people didn't realize it either.

I had a blast, and I'd recommend the race to anybody else (assuming they have it next year).

Gorgeous day, beautiful city, great first effort. BUT... miles 11-21 are so hard, with hill after hill after hill, that it almost makes me cry thinking about it. I think running 26.2 is a great accomplishment, and I don't need or want the hassle of hills. After 50+ marathons, this is the worst/hilliest course I have ever seen. I will not do it again until the course is changed.

The registration/start/finish area was a bit disorganized. There weren't enough porto-lets and the post-race food consisted solely of bananas (race management: please have something with salt at the end of the race).

Once the race started the on-course logistics were well done. The course was well marked and marshaled. The aid stations were well done (the guys chasing around getting runners the right flavor gels at the gel distribution point were exceptional). Police (esp. PG County) did a great job from the runners' standpoint at traffic control (even for us back-of-packers).

The spectators were a bit thin, lots of encouragement from the woman who was creeping along in traffic next to me on Central Ave.

I was prepared for the big hills at the marathon halfway point. What I wasn't prepared for were the continual heartbreaker hills from mile 20 to the finish.

First, I would like to just say that this marathon was probably the most challenging of all the other marathons that I have done up-to-date. But, in my opinion, it was a great course. And, for those who came out to encourage the runners - thank you. The Maryland police officers were also very supportive. As this was the inaugural marathon for the nation's capital, there is a lot of promise that this will develop into a top marathon event as years go by; I'm just happy that I was able to run in the 1st National Marathon. I felt that there could have been a few more post refreshments after the marathon, especially with all the hills that all the runners had to take on. I would highly recommend this course to other runners, but my advice before you do: make sure you incorporate "hill repeats" into your training program. Being a local resident, I plan to make this and the Marine Corps Marathon my yearly marathon events - I will definitely be back next year.

I expected this to be a much bigger race than it turned out to be! The lines at the porta-potties at the start where huge!!! About four times as many would have been great! Almost no spectators, but great volunteers. Their enthusiasm made up for everything. Great potential but will never rival the Marine Corps!

Wow!!! What a cool experience. The inaugural run of the National Marathon was a great experience. All the volunteers, Bob Sweeny and Keith Dowling did what it takes to make this a great event, just like the city and metro area that hosted it. The course was as described - a nice run through DC then on to the suburbs and the challenges of a diverse course. I finished well and I look forward to running this marathon again next year (2007). I believe everyone enjoyed themselves participating here.

Dave
NYC

This was a good marathon that has the potential of being a great one. Running through the city for the first 6 or 7 miles was a wonderful experience. The course was challenging, but not overly difficult. Given that this was a first, I was surprised at the number of volunteers and spectators along the way. Absolutely great job by the volunteers!

While the organization was pretty good, there could have been more snack and drink options at the finish. Also, it may make sense to run this a week or two later when the blossoms are in full bloom and the Nationals are playing. Do it in combination with the cherry blossoms and a Nationals' game... as Boston is done in combination with Patriot's Day and a Red Sox game.

There's a lot of potential here. I'm glad I was part of it!

For an inaugural event, clearly there is lots to learn. Expo was small but the registration/packet pickup was well organized. Water stations though well supported by volunteers were in unpredictable places. I swear we went from mile 13 to 16 without one. They said the second half of the course was challenging; it was tough.

The course first takes you through well-known sections of DC (capitol; White House; etc.), then visits lovely neighborhoods to the east of the Anacostia River, including a wonderful run through Fort Dupont Park. The terrain becomes hilly after mile 11. However, the spectators - particularly in PG County - were wonderful. The course organizers are doubtless going to have to respond to complaints about traffic problems the race created; cars were backed up at almost every intersection. However, the police handled this very well, and even made the effort to cheer on the runners. Overall, an excellent course, very well managed.

Hats off to the organizers of the inaugural National Marathon.

While the race failed to attract the number of runners anticipated (wanted 5,000, drew 800 due primarily to prequalification time requirements and an unfair public association with the aborted Washington Marathon), it went off without a hitch.

The course itself - which flat over the first half and had hill after hill over the second - was well marked and had plenty of water/Gatorade stations; more than a few offered gel as well.

Volunteers and traffic coordination were exceptional, particularly given the small size of the field. Race T-shirt and finisher's medal were average and the post-race food left room for improvement.

I can recommend this to others and hope that next March brings a second running.