If you are running your first marathon like I was, this is for you. It was flat and fast. It had really nice scenery through the corn fields and towns. I would recommend this race as a first marathon.

The race officials and traffic guards were all friendly and positive. The half-marathoners were also friendly and willing to offer motivation as they ran by from the opposite direction, since they started at the halfway point and ran to the marathon start/finish.

Only disappointment was that they ran out of Gatorade during the race and ran out of bananas at the end. The host said they now know what they need more of next year.

Overall this was a great experience and fun. I would recommend this to all marathoners.

First the minuses: No "bag of goodies," or if so, they were gone. Small field, late start, ran out of Gatorade, different drinks at different stops, and no clocks for splits.

The pluses: FLAT & FAST, out in the country - tree-lined course, sufficient volunteers at water stops (fair amount of water on course), very good food at end, showers available, and great shirt design.

Very flat, no spectators, water/Gatorade every 2.5 miles and 1 Gu stop. If you like running alone with other runners, this is your race. Good Boston qualifier.

Great marathon and half-marathon (I ran the half) course on an old rail line through the countryside (asphalt trail). Lots of road crossings, very well marshaled. Small crowd. Very informal start and finish. Very few spectators (this is a rail trail, after all), but we passed cyclists and marshals who were all very friendly and supportive. Great event for self-motivated runners.