I really enjoyed this small marathon. Absolutely beautiful course; the only downside (or upside, depending on what you prefer) was that it was completely flat. Except for maybe a mile, the entire thing is run on an old railroad track that's been converted to a bike trail. Registration was good, held in a gymnasium at a school where you could stay inside until it was time to begin the race (pre-race temps were in the 30's). Race is held at and benefits a school for developmentally challenged kids. We did a walk through of the school before the race and it looks like a great place. Staff and runners were very friendly, and there was plenty of food (pizza, Subway, cookies, mac and cheese) after the race. Small marathon - only 150 runners - so crowds were small, but they were vocal. A great experience, and I'll definitely be back in '09.

Organizers were helpful and friendly. Race was flat and quick. Aid stations were stocked and the food at the finish was great. The trail itself was beautiful with the fall colors. I will be back.

Okay, this is the second year in a row that I have run this marathon and it is quickly growing into one of my favorites. A beautiful course to run, especially at this time of year. Very nice people running the race and along the course. I will definitely be back in 2009.

Here are 2 suggestion to improve the race. 1) Larger mile markers - marathon runners, especially old, blind, and insecure ones like me need to be able to see the mile marker in the distance. We like to know that the time we have spent running since the last mile marker has paid dividends. Yesterday we would have needed binoculars to see the mile markers on the course. And all marathoners know that binoculars are too cumbersome to wear during a race.

2) No more white shirts. We want shirts that we can actually wear. Marathoners get GU and sports drink all over themselves, and they bleed from their nipples. We need shirts of color. Any color. Blue, red, green, pink, periwinkle... I don't care; just please give us some color. Thanks!

What a day! Absolutely perfect, sparkling clean fall day running on a bike path mostly through the woods. Rich folks change continents searching for such experiences, but it's right here. And the most nearly perfect (that is, flat) course I've seen. I will be back.

I have always challenged myself to complete a marathon before I died not realizing that the marathon would almost kill me!! This marathon was a perfect choice for my first marathon. It was small enough to keep me relaxed from the day before the race with the registration process, which was simple, all the way up to the start of the race. The course seemed 90% flat and the surface was very smooth. I would recommend more drinking stations over the last 3 miles. The last station I passed ran out of cups. They also ran out of medals by the time I finished but was told they would mail me one. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

No marathon course is as flat and fast as the Inland Trail. It's a well run race from start to finish. It nearly doubled in size this year for good reason. Word has gotten around with experienced runners that this is an exceptional race.

I've run quite a few of the "big" marathons and this was certainly a different experience, but probably one of the most enjoyable. Great weather, beautiful scenery, friendly volunteers and friendly fellow runners. I would highly recommend this one for anyone looking for a well-organized, fast, scenic marathon. (Got my B.Q.) Thanks, I'll be back.

Nice scenery; quiet; easy access; no crowds. Helpful and friendly staff. It took two of us awhile to finish and we felt like we had our own personal support person. The staff waited patiently for us to finish. Enough water/Gatorade. Good qualifier for Boston or a PR. One more location for a porta-potty would have been nice.

The race is VERY well run (ample water and very friendly support staff). However, would not recommend it for beginners or slow-pokes (like us). Although the course is unbelievably flat, the scenery never changes and there are virtually no fans. We completed Chicago this year and were around 2/3 back in the pack. Here we were nearly the slowest. When we got in, the gym was empty and most of the food was gone. Anyone slower than 4 hours should look elsewhere!

You couldn't ask for a more beautiful fall course to run. It's extremely flat; so a great qualifier if you are able to handle the mental part of being without crowd support. The course a paved path that runs through the woods with surrounding farm fields.

This course is what I think long-distance running is about. Getting lost in your own thoughts; when it's mind over body. At times it seemed like an oasis that never ended as the course is dead straight on, but I loved it. I thought at one point it could only be better if it would start to snow.

It was nice to be able to have my car close to the start and finish and it was nice to be able to be inside the warm school prior to and following the race.

The last 2 water stops ran out of Gatorade and cups. I'm hoping this issue is taken care of next year.

Plenty of restaurants nearby and the hotel room rate was very reasonable ($70).

I highly recommend for an experienced runner. I think this solitary type of course is probably not best for those experiencing their first marathon.