The race gets worse every year. 3 years ago they had a real nice post race feast. Now they have junk snacks. There is no place to get a decent meal in Marathon. The few restaurants/cafes appeared to be closed. You have to drive to Alpine to eat. There is a party the evening after the race. Food is for sale and it is BYOB. There is a pasta party the night before the race, but that means leaving early in the afternoon to arrive in time from any city in Texas with a population over 50,000. The website said the price of the race was $50, but they charged $60.
The race is $65 on line which is expensive considering that they didn't have energy drink until mile 12. Up to that point it is was just water every 2 miles. The T-shirt is a plain, thin and white, $2 cotton with sponsor's ads covering the back. Some volunteers were wearing nicer shirts that had the highway 26.2 miles to Marathon logo. Why didn't the runners get those? The aid station volunteers were friendly and caring. The course is on the shoulder of Highway 90. There wasn't much of a police presence on the course this year and that resulted in a few cars and trucks cruising past us at 70MPH+. It was like running a marathon on an open interstate highway.

This was my second marathon. The elevation change is about 400 feet. The first half is slightly uphill, and the second half is slightly downhill. The 15 mph headwinds on the first half were a bit rough. Easy course to follow; straight down the highway. The water stops were every 2 miles. During the last 6 miles, it really would have been nice to have a water station every mile. There was 1 porta-potty at the start; 2 would have been better. Overall, I really enjoyed this race. The volunteers were heaven-sent. This is a very small race on a relatively flat course. Only slight inclines and declines. You can see the finish line from about 5 miles out, so that's motivating! I would do this race again. Thanks to all the volunteers, organizers, supporters and law enforcement officials.

Very well organized, small, point-to-point race. Shuttle from the finish to the start and vice versa depending on whether you stay in Marathon or Alpine. You can't get lost running this race because it is a straight shot down the highway. The course is not closed to traffic, but the sheriffs keep traffic moving slow. It is somewhat hilly, but temperatures can be mild despite the fact that the race is through the desert. The scenery is beautiful. The post-race food is good and they have a post-race party in the evening. This race gives you lots of time to think because there about 12 spectators, not counting rabbits. Aid station support is good. Medal is OK. The 2006 shirt wasn't great, but hey, it's an inexpensive marathon. If you have a chance, visit Big Bend NP.