This was my first marathon, so perhaps I don't know enough about marathons to comment.

The course was beautiful, however far from flat. Not really hilly, but rolling is certainly fair. I found it somewhat hard to judge my pace. I've done a pretty flat 1/2 marathon for three years, and have had no trouble staying within my pace. Perhaps this is inexperience on my part.

The race was very well organized, which is impressive for the first time this race was held.

My one complaint was the food at the finish. I'm literally finished, completely wiped out, afraid to sit on the ground for fear of not being able to get up, and the only thing to eat is water, gatorade, oranges, and stale bagels. Here again, I'm no marathon veteran, but I've done enough races to know the kind of food normally available. Why else do we run these darn races? To eat! The race was a fundraiser for the American Red Cross of Monroe County, and perhaps they could not get a food sponsor.

All in all, a great course, and very organized, and though I may check out other marathons, I would do the race again!

The organization of this marathon was impressive. Thankfully, they didn't spend time or money on gimmicks like bands and mascots. They just put on a great marathon! The certified, chip-timed course is downhill from miles 8-16, so if you can hold onto the pace during the last few miles, this is a great PR/BQ type course. This was a smaller marathon (400 registered) that is run through the country, so obviously there aren't a ton of spectators. However, the area seemed to really embrace the marathon, and those that were out on the course were cheering constantly. The water stops were well staffed and organized, as was the finish area. The course is also mostly point-to-point, so there's none of that annoying out and back stuff. Finally, what's most impressive was that the roads were completely closed to traffic for the ENTIRE race. This made running SO much more enjoyable, as we had the entire road to run on. We could enjoy the scenery and quietness of the area without cars buzzing by us! In addition, you could avoid the camber of the country roads by running down the middle, if you wanted.
Overall, if you are looking for a great marathon with a fast, certified course, this is your race. I only expect this one to grow in the years to come!

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. Well placed fueling stations, plenty of police to watch intersections, enough inclines to keep the run balanced, and "some" crowd support. I will be back.

If most first time races exhibit growing pains then the Run for the Red might need nothing more then an Advil to make it to year two!

Race Director Bob Werts and an excellent committee of runners seemed to have virtually every need covered and then some. I agree it was probably very tough for spectators to traverse the course. I also agree they didn't have to completely shut all the roads. But let's look at it from a 'safety first, comfort level for runners, and wanting to do it right' perspective.

I have never been in a race of this size in which 25 of the miles were just us- unimpeeded and never even thinking about a vehicle. THAT made it pretty darn comfortable for me! It also allowed me to move (sides) to a little available shade now and then. Those were some major, busy, state roads they shut down so that we didn't have to breathe in fumes/exhaust from cars and trucks (had it been coned and opened)! That would have made the heat of the day feel worst! Can they cone us to one side, remeasure/certify to the cones, and allow flow of traffic? Sure, and it would make the spectators, town's people and businesses a lot happier! But I will take what they did with a BIG thanks because my mind was at ease the whole way. I can't imagine what it cost in dollars, time, and irate motorists- but remember- they did it for us. And I will never forget it.

The volunteers- and many of them super kids- were more enthusiastic then I could have imagined. Great 'comfort food' at the end with even more helpful volunteers.

Small suggestions:
*Make it clear where the baggage is located OR get it closer to the finish. *Have tape ready to hold the space blanket ends together once on the runner.
*Make sure the 5K is done with as much thought and class as the marathon was - make them feel a real part of the day too. Usually events like this- added to the main race- need a whole separate committee to get it all right (I had heard there was a problem at the start of the 5K course) and make sure their shirts are of colorful quality too.
*As the race gets bigger (and it will) have porta potties outside the school at the start to avoid the lines inside.
*Make sure the mile marks are spray chalked larger on the road (if allowable) in case the mile marker sign is placed in the wrong spot. (this happened at mile 1 only)
*As this grows, I am sure they will add a small expo if possible. A new Reg. location may be needed to accomodate everything.

More Positives:
**Every single person in town that knew we were in for the marathon (or they asked because I guess I look like a runner!) were welcoming, enthusiastic, helpful and I might add- in some cases- darn charming!
**Excellent job on the race packets for BOTH races by the way.
**Tremendous job by the Pocono Record Newspaper. Great pre-race articles, post race coverage. Just terrific for a first time event.
**Excellent family destination, lots of touristy things to do. I am sure the committee will play that angle in the future.
**A race director- Bob Werts- and a committee that were absolutely dedicated to getting it right- out of the gate.

I heard these folks got some excellent advice from the Steamtown Marathon directors- and it showed! Now you know why Steamtown (in October, just
a short drive away in Scranton) is not only one of the fastest 26.2 miles in the country- but also simply one of the best events- period.

Congratulations to all the runners, volunteers, committees and residents. I direct 14 races a year in CT and believe me you all deserve high praise!
Well done!

Great course, great organization, very helpful volunteers. Need a half marathon to go with the full marathon. Good support throughout the race.

I've only two previous marathons to compare it to, but this one takes the cake in terms of race organization, spectator enthusiasm, and sheer number of volunteers. Great course through the Poconos, with net elevation loss of about 1500 feet (with hills the elevation gain/loss, according to my gps, was about 6200/7700, so no piece of cake). I shaved off 10+ mins from my current marathon time. Already looking forward to next year. Thanks Stroudsburg and environs, for your hospitality.

I cannot imagine a first-year marathon being organized any better. Fantastic job. The course is very fast, mainly downhill, with some small rolling hills and a mix of towns and countryside. Crowd support can be sparse at times (what do you expect running down the side of a mountain?) If you are looking for a Boston qualifier, this is it. I was, and I PR'd by over 15 minutes.

The field was small but the race was great. The spectators were few but unbelievable! The course had a lot more inclines than what was shown on the website. There were no race clocks throughout the race and I forgot to wear a watch, so I had no clue what time I was running until I came into the stadium to end the race.

This was my 18th marathon and I set a P.R. by almost three minutes. This was probably the fastest course I have run.

There are some small hills mostly from miles 18-23 but you should be so far ahead on your time from the 1600' decline before them that they will be a welcome change. I also thought for such a rural course that the crowd support was pretty impressive.

P.S. I do not recommend the Best Western hotel. It is outdated and probably the noisiest hotel I have ever stayed in. If you must stay there, request a room far away from Main Street. There is a bar with bands playing there on weekends and then people hang out under your room until 3:30 a.m. yelling and blowing their horns.

I enjoyed the fact that all the roads were closed, nothing better than a totally traffic-free course. Many more declines than inclines, and well shaded country roads. Spectators were sparse due to the remote area, moreso than due to the road closures.

Volunteers were the best!!