Two years ago I ran the inaugural OBX Marathon and had a great experience. This year was better than the first. The course changed slightly, but is still a really good course - especially the first half. The mile markers were easier to see and made keeping my mile splits easy. Crowd support was super. Water/Gatorade/gel stations were well placed and I had no problems getting what I needed. The parking situation and the shuttle buses are vastly improved from the first. The medal is my favorite ever. My two cons: race shirt was not a tech shirt like I expected; and more port-a-potties needed at the start. Overall, a super experience.

This marathon was extremely well executed. Their information on the web was thorough. The expo was about average. The spectators were sparse at places, but they were generally enthusiastic and helpful.

The race used corrals with wave starts and chip timing. There was ample water, Gatorade, gel, and medical stations along the course, and plenty of porta-potties. The mile markers were generally visible (but I missed one).

My one suggestion would be for the organizers to publish a course profile with their maps. This is NOT a flat course. There are a variety of running surfaces: tarmac, concrete, dirt roads both packed and somewhat loose, and a shady trail section with wood chips. There are some short but steep uphills (with grades that would I guess are in the 5-10% range) that definitely slowed me down.

The OBX Marathon takes advantage of its landscape, running through nice neighborhoods, along the water, through 3 miles of forest (on a dirt trail - memories of high school cross-country) and over the final bridge into Manteo.

The weather was perfect - maybe too perfect, as we ran into the sun for much of the race. The volunteers and spectators all came out; I could tell that the people really treat the marathon as a major community event.

I should have posted my comments a long time ago, but figured I would now, if anyone still hasn't decided whether to register for 2008. All I can say is "just do it" and you won't be disappointed. I traveled to OBX with my husband and two daughters. We rented a beautiful home right on the inter-coastal waterway, and to my surprise, the course went right by our place. Package pick-up was very organized and we were able to drive the course the same day with no traffic problems. There was a Fun Run for all the day before the race, with lots of activities for the kids to enjoy. Race-day weather was ideal and the course was beautiful. There was so much to see. The breathtaking views of the inter-coastal, the Nags Head Woods Preserve, running by the Wright Memorial and the largest sand dune and finishing up in Manteo Village were just a few of the highlights. My family was able to cheer me on at seven different spots along the course, which definitely helped me. The amazing sights along the course and the support of my family helped me PR by 10 minutes. I usually don't drink beer after the race, but it was free and I felt great. If you have the time, I recommend staying and spending some time in OBX. We arrived Saturday before the race and stayed one week. You can get a beautiful place and not spend a lot of money, since it is the off-season. The local YMCA offers free visits for anyone participating in the marathon, so the kids got to go swimming every day at the Y. We also got to visit the Wright Memorial and enjoy Jockey Ridge National Park and not have to deal with the crowds. We walked on the beach almost every day and the kids even went in the water. I am unable to participate this year due to another commitment, but I will definitely be back in 2009.

I ran the 1/2 marathon for the 2nd time and I was so happy to see they fixed the race problems. Shuttles were great and so was parking. The water stops were all well manned and friendly.

Only negatives: the finish was hard for spectators to get to, so no family; and I wish the expo was bigger, but it's not bad.

OBX is a great course - well organized and well executed. Volunteers - shuttle drivers, water stop aides, police, post-race workers, etc. - were top-notch and on par with larger marathons. No massive throngs of spectators - remember this is the Outer Banks in November - but the locals who came out were awesome! I'll definitely consider running this one again.

The entire Outer Banks community made the OBX Marathon a success. Given this was my first full marathon to run, I have nothing to compare it to. The previous positive comments summarize my opinions just as well. I found the trails in the woods to be most challenging. The bridge was not as bad as I had expected. What made this so special was the outpouring of cheering and support from the locals who lined the course. It was a party from start to finish.

Beautiful course with good organization. I ran both years, and enjoyed both times, though weather was much nicer second time around! I like the trails and hills; they break up the monotony of roads. The small neighborhoods through miles 15-19 were boring: big mansions with no fans. The finish line was also disappointing, and this race lets winners "double-dip," so the elite runners win all the bragged-about cash awards. Still, this is a scenic marathon that will continue to improve.

I have now run this race twice and I am sold!! The organizers did a great job making improvements from last year and have created an exceptional race.

The course, aid stations, shuttle system, finish area, and spectators are number one.

I will continue to run this race every year; what a great, small race with a large feel - thanks to the local residents and spectators who have really embraced this weekend.

Excellent job by the race organizers.

I have run many of the larger marathons and have to say that this is as stress-free as it gets. From accommodations to packet pick-up, everything went smoothly again this year (very important for Boston qualifiers). The bridge (climb) at mile 23 is a challenge, but hey, that's what marathon running is all about. The hospitality and small-town feel makes OBX a must-run.