I have run races in big cities and El Paso had all of the great things the other cities have but in a smaller (not overwhelming) environment. Since it was the first one, there is room for improvement, but I feel like it will only get better each year. I thought the course was great because it was varied. I agree that they need more Gatorade and some water at the finish. I'm sure they will have Mariachi's next year and more fan support. I plan to run it next year for sure.

Hmmmm, I don't mean to be snide, but I did not learn that there was any Gatorade at all on the course until I read the other runners' comments here on MarathonGuide. I broke 5 hours, so how fast did you have to be to get some?

At mile 7 we ran a stretch of busy road; we had a dedicated lane coned off, but it was down the middle of the road with cars going by quickly in both directions and turning in front of us. Then, at the end, there was a lot of activity in the downtown area, perhaps a little too much for safety's sake. I can't offer a good solution to these situations, I merely bring them up as a point of information.

I did see volunteers at every turn and was happy to see that! Again, I did finish in a bit under 5 hours and, from other runners' comments, I am gathering that some may have left soon after I passed. Since there were so many turns, I did carry a turn sheet with me. I'd recommend that any runner in a strange city carry either a turn sheet or a course map.

First of all, yes it was scenic but why run on a horrible, rocky levee instead of in a dry river bed. I'm sorry I'm the only one who thought that was dangerous! Then to make things worse, we ran Paisano with only one lane closed for us and another lane open for people to drive by as fast as they could. Lastly, I feel sad for those runners who were forgotten within five hours. There was nothing left for them. Even those that were holding direction signs were gone. What's worse is there wasn't even water at the end of the race.... Oh yeah, there was beer - yuck! Shouldn't there be at least a full six-hour dedication from the city?

Starts out hilly, but nothing terrible if you take it easy for the 1st 4 miles. Some of the water stops ran out of Gatorade and in the later miles water. Cool temperatures made it feel comfortable. Police support was excellent and very friendly. They missed a few cross streets in the last mile in town. A bus pulled out in front of me at the final turn. Fan support was sparse. Much of the course ran through industrial areas and cars were speeding by very closely to the runners as only one lane was closed. Very good post-race support: Bean burritoes, beer, water, energy drinks, fruit and massages.

The course was really great one of the best I have run. The weather was great, as El Paso weather usually is. I would recommend anyone who wants a fast course and great blend of downtown and rural running to run this marathon. It's one of the best.

This was our first marathon as well as El Paso's first marathon. We love desert scenery and it was breathtaking. Unfortunately the half marathoners get cheated on the best views. Regarding support: water stops were only every 2 miles up to mile 18 (every 1 mile thereafter), and at mile 10 they had run out of water, which resulted in a 4-mile fluid support gap. We run about a 10-minute pace, so I guess if you are an elite runner you may have had water. We do carry our own Camelbak but many runners were relying on fluid support. They also miscalculated the amount of Gatorade needed and ran out. My husband and I ran the full marathon seeing the first Gatorade at the El Paso Airport. :( Fortunately at mile 19 they had Gu support (Honey Stingers) - much needed and delicious. Spectators were few but full of enthusiasm for us and their city, and support staff were friendly and apologetic. No problems that cannot be overcome.

We loved our trip to El Paso this weekend to run the half marathon. The Camino Real Hotel was wonderful and it was so nice to be right next to the starting line! (No lining up at porta-potties in the cold.) The course was varied and fun - the historic neighborhoods, the BAND playing, the views of Mexico... it was all fabulous. And so was seeing the Tarahumara Indians in native dress and sandals, coming in at the front of the pack! It was really great to have them there. I'm sorry I didn't see any female Tarahumara runners (though I know they run separately from the men). Perfect weather and regular water stops. The ONLY thing I would add would be a Mariachi band playing a couple of blocks before the finish line - like at Paisano? Would there be any way to set that up next year?

OK, this is the inaugural version of the race, so I have no way of commenting on past races. But I've run the route before and I can tell you that it should be fun -- you'll run by the Sun Bowl, along the Rio Grande and right next to the U.S.-Mexico border before coming back into Downtown El Paso. It's a scenic course, with just enough hills to make it interesting. And the people of El Paso are very friendly and will enjoy supporting the event. I highly recommend it. (No, I'm not one of the organizers...)