The Poconos marathon is a very scenic, fast course with good organization and enthusiasm from the volunteers. The first 7 miles are fairly challenging, with most of the running done on local roads. You are on top of Pocono marathon, making wind a big factor. But miles 8-18 are a significant decline, so if you run patiently, you will be rewarded. The final miles have some rolling hills but nothing major. If you are a runner that feeds off spectator support, this is NOT the race for you....the crowd is only in a few spots on the course. But those who come out are great, including the volunteers. Water stations, food at finish are plentiful. The medal is nice. My only complaints are that 1-2 of the mile markers were noticeably in the wrong place and as of the Monday morning after the race, results were still not posted. This needs to be fixed in the future.

After a bad day last year at Steamtown, I decided to run this race to redeem myself and restore my confidence - and I succeeded in both. I heard many negative comments about it beforehand from last year but decided to see for myself since I live less than an hour away. First the positives: the course was exceptionally beautiful and scenic. I was warned about the steep downhills but they actually helped me run a nice pace, effortlessly. Afterwards it wasn't my quads that hurt the most it was the calves, maybe from the change in terrain at parts for the uphills. I welcomed the uphills because they offered a slight change in muscle use but weren't that steep to drop my pace dramatically. People complained to me beforehand about the cement part of the course roadway but it was only about 2 miles maximum and didn't alter my pace or feeling in my legs at all. I loved the pentiful water stops about every 2.5 miles and the larger sized cups that allowed me to take about 3 full gulps of water each time. They also had Gatorade first and water second at every stop making it easy to grab fluids while moving. Last year and this year's weather was absolutely perfect - low humidity, lots of sunshine but not too warm. I didn't PR but qualified for Boston but could kick myself because with a little extra work probably could have beat my best time. The spectators were sparse but the ones who were there were so sweet. The finish coming into the stadium was great because I knew that I what time I was going to end up with and my family was able to see me easily. Plus Chariots of Fire was playing for my finish and it brought a tear to my eye. Now for the negatives: the organization could have been much better. I had to print the info out from the internet before the race to figure out where to go for the Expo and for raceday. An infomative letter in the mail would have been great. The Expo was tiny compared to other races I have run. It was at a huge resort but there was one little sign for parking and we drove around the place once before we figured out how to get inside. There was little advertising about the race so I think about 500 signed up about the same as the inaugural event. I also didn't learn until raceday that I could have saved an hour trip on Saturday and picked up my packet at the gym on Sunday. My husband said very few names were called out on the track for the finish. It would have been nice to announce everyone. The food at the finish was not very good - fruit, stale cookies, bagels and drinks. We left and went out to eat instead. But overall it was a race I believe for serious runners who don't need all the frills like bands every mile, cheerleaders, or big city crowds. It was perfect for me, someone who likes to run alone in training and loved the solitude this race provided.

Everything that they could control went even better than the first year, starting with the expo and ending with the finish line timing chip collection. It was a bit windy for some, but otherwise the weather couldn't have been better. There appeared be be much larger crowds of fans, especially along the Main St. portion during the last mile.

It's a good, fast, closed (no cars) course, with a small field.

This was the first marathon that I have ever run and, I have to say it is by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I attend East Stroudsburg University and have lived here for the past 3 years and I never got to see the beautiful scenic side of the Poconos that I did the day I ran the race.

The organization was awesome and the volunteers were supportive and encouraging. The coverage before and after the race in the news was great!!! The spectators along the road, even though they were few, were cheering as loud as they could whenever you passed by. I remember around mile 24 there was a little girl about 10 years-old handing out water cups to all the runners who went past. When I wanted to quit, she was my inspiration to finish.... She and the most amazing man in my life, who ran the last mile and half with me, helped me qualify for the Boston Marathon by a couple of seconds!!! So to the community of Stroudsburg, THANK YOU!!!!

Great event... I have attempted to BQ for two years. The downhill course was just the edge I needed. I did BQ with a few seconds to spare. Do not let the profile fool you... there are a few inclines, but overall a great course.

This was a terrific debut for the Poconos!! Well organized and many enthusiastic fans. The people at the fluid stations were awesome. The course is truly scenic and challenging. There are stretches where there are no fans but I highly recommend this one. I believe you will see this marathon grow quickly!!

Very good job for a 1st time event. The organizers should be proud. The bus transportation was right on time, no problems picking up my gear after the race, etc. The course is pretty, but because of the roads it follows the crowds were small. Mile 8 - 10 downhill was tough on the quads and the long gentle hill at 19ish got my undivided attention. The crowds were small but vocal, even towards the end where I was. Would have liked a few time checks on the course. I don't wear a watch and it was tough not knowing the time until I hit the Stroudsburg HS stadium. Bottom line, I will run this one again.

The course is good, nice to have no traffic to worry about. The volunteers were great, from the police, fireman, ambulance crews and all those manning
the water stops (boy scouts, civic groups, churches, high school teams). The spectators were few but supportive. Nice job by the race director. Hopefully the real winner is the Monroe County Red Cross.

Very friendly group of runners, with excellent coverage by the local media. The course at times was a bit desolate, but the scenery was worthy of the solitude.

I loved this race. It was my fourth marathon in a year, and it was my favorit. Everything was handled well, and I have no complaints. I'd do it again, and I'd recommend it to my friends.