This isn't just a marathon, no. This is a gathering of idiots who realize that you cannot train to run 26.2 miles in the hills of Percy Warner Park with an expectation that doing so will protect you from the famed flying monkeys. The Race Director does an excellent job of communicating his opinion that no one should run this race... in fact, he thinks running is stupid. Interestingly, at some point in the race before the finish line, virtually every runner will agree with him. Running is stupid. Running the Monkey is more stupider.

The course is beautiful, which is why the flying monkeys are so protective. The race organization is AMAZING and the volunteers are AWESOME! I give the spectator rating a 5 because this is a race where you really don't WANT spectators. Where there are people, they are very encouraging, but the course is nature at it's finest.

Don't run this race. Just don't. There are too many hills and monkeys. You're better off running one those RnR races. Yes, definitely.

Besides, the fewer of you who try to sign up, the better my odds are for getting in through the lottery registration!!!

A very tough course, but a very friendly marathon. Excellent organization and volunteers. No crowds, no frills, no hassles.

This is my favorite road marathon hands down it actually reminds you of a trail marathon with all the trees just no dirt to run on...the course is one of the most beautiful courses I have ever run...the park that time of the year is at its best..the reason for only 1 star for spectators there just isn't very many and I think that is best for this marathon..i myself don't need crowds of people cheering me on at every marathon...at some marathons it is nice but this one the course is the thing that drives me.

Expo - friendly and low-stress. Enjoyed and was inspired by the exhibit on Yitzhak Rabin in the Jewish Community Center where it was held.

Goodies - Enjoyed the tech and regular t-shirts we were given, though one shirt would have been plenty for me. Heard if you return to do the Monkey there will be a special indicator on the sleeve of your next tech-shirt.

Pre-Race: Loved that could just drive and park or be dropped off at starting line just minutes before the race started. Good music. Food wasn't ready at the start as it was for the pot luck afterwards which was fine with me.

Course: Things got tough after about the first half mile because of the hills. By mile 6 I was really tired so had to make adjustments. Once I learned to respect the hills it was more manageable. Hill at mile 18-19 was incredibly tough, but after that the hills were much less threatening except a monsterous steep short hill at mile 23.

Aid Stations: Outstanding, frequent and well equipped. Gels aplenty, pickles and other snacks. Very friendly volunteers.

Race Director: Ran the course with us. Had the pleasure to chat with him over the course of a mile midway through the race.

Signs on the course: Hilarious. Put in strategic positions on the toughest hills to make us laugh if we had a breath left in us.

Spectators: Not too many besides bikers and runners/walkers in the park. All very enthusiastic and their support definitely gave me a boost.

After race: Also outstanding. Pot luck brought by all the runners. Delicious complementary microbrews. Motivation enough to finish the race near Noon when alcohol was allowed to be consumed.

Register again? Yes, if I can get in. If it is the only race I do this year I will be satisfied even if there are no chip measurements and is not a Boston Qualifier.

Right after I finished I said 'never ever again!'. Now, I am ready to sign for next one..there is some magic in this place. It pushes you to challenge yourself...and to do it again

I had a fantastic time at the Flying Monkey Marathon: sure, the rain made it difficult, but this is a run I will never forget! It is the hardest road marathon I've done (only other comparable hilly one is Mad Marathon in Vermont), but crossing the finish line felt like a true accomplishment. The pasta dinner buffet was great value for money, camaraderie was priceless, and the race shirt and schwag were some of the best I've ever gotten. I love the personalized tech tee and the wooden laser-engraved medal, sticker, and additional cotton t-shirt. And who doesn't love free (Yazoo) local beer after a race?

It should be on the list of any marathoner who likes a challenge and likes running trails. It had the feel of a trail marathon but on road. The rain made me feel very cold post-race so unfortunately I only had one beer and a plate of goodies before I needed to shower and jet to the airport, but it was great nonetheless. Free showers were provided at the JCC, and volunteers were absolutely terrific! The few dedicated spectators were amazing; they were out in the pouring rain for 5+ hours cheering! I would do it again; worth the flight from NYC!

This is a great little marathon. The park is pretty and you run it all on a paved path. And yes, it's basically all hills. And yes, you will not only receive multiple disparaging emails for choosing to sign up for this race, but there's also signs on the course pointing out your idiocy. The prizes are wonderful, it's quality swag and the post-race food and beer is top-notch. This is a prime example of what makes small races so great.

This is not a race for those looking for fast or flat, but it is a beautiful course and excellently run.

This is one of the best races I've ever participated in. It is so well organized from start to finish. RD does an awesome job with pre-race communication. The course is very well marked and beautiful even in the rain.

The combination of race director, location, camaraderie and volunteers makes for a great experience. This was my 6th time to do this Marathon (another 'streaker') and as long as I can run I hope to keep coming back.