Although I've lived in Tacoma for 16 years, I never would have seen this part of it unless I did it while completing a marathon, and nice it was. The course was somewhat hilly, and I expected as much. The police were right there controlling traffic at the intersections and encouraging us on; I even got to high-five one of them. The locals showed up at various locations throughout the course and were loud, and loud is good. Only challenging things were: no space blankets post-race on a chilly day (but how were the organizers to know about the ever-changing Northwest weather?); and having to run on a Sunday. Oops! Scratch that last comment. I noticed the 2008 version is scheduled for Saturday. How sweet it is!

I thought this was a really nice course as far as the scenery. Not a ton of spectators, but the ones who came out were quite spirited.

I ran the half marathon course and thought it was great. The only improvements I would like to see:

1) A starting banner.

2) Bathrooms not in front of starting line.

3) Separate the half runners after the turn-around on Ruston Way from the runners headed north on Ruston.

4) For the money, all I got was a cotton shirt. Need to upgrade the shirt.

This was my first marathon and I loved it. I actually didn't notice the hills that much just because it was challenging in general, being my first. I loved the fact that there were not that many people running and you didn't have to fight people for a patch of pavement. No bottlenecks!

Least favorite thing: the last few miles that run right next to I-5 are torturous. It's a nice path, but after running 20 miles you'd rather be in the trees than sucking on fumes. Other than that, it was a beautiful course.

Definitely will do it again!

It's about time Tacoma had a marathon event! The 1/2 marathon course took you through all the beautiful and historical parts of the city. This was my first 1/2 marathon and I will never forget my experience! Thanks to everyone who put this wonderful run together!!! I'll be back for the other half of my medal!!! :-)

From traffic control to aid stations and volunteers this race was ran flawless from this runners perspective. I went out with a bad attitude because of a nagging injury and finished limping but with a big smile because the race was so much fun. The hills were very challenging, and the course was pleasant and very pretty in parts. Time went by fast, almost too fast. Great work, maniacs and other volunteers, I'll be back.

The few spectators that were there were very enthusiastic.

Tacoma always seems to be seen as the ugly sister when compared to Portland or Seattle in the Pacific Northwest. This used to be my perception until I did the inaugural Tacoma Marathon. The course was both scenic and chellenging. The race started by looping round downtown and then through some gorgeous neighbourhoods and parks. Then it was on out to Point Defiance Park and view of the Tacoma Narrows. The last few miles ran along a bike path too. It certainly isn't a flat and boring course.

For a 1st time event, the organization was excellent. I was suprised that despite everyone having ChampionChip, there was no mat at the start line. It turned out to not be a big deal as the race was pretty small and it didn't take long to cross the chalk line. The volunteers were amazing. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. There weren't all that many specators, but those who were there definitely made up for it.

I'd definitely do this race again. It's pretty small, but once the word gets out, I can see it getting bigger.

Oh and the technical t-shirt was excellent too. :)

The marathon is a challenging course with lots of hills and wonderful scenery in various parts of the course. Enjoyed having the Marathon Manics as pacers, who ran the entire marathon!! The course was well marked and the volunteers were cheerful. The high tech shirt and medal were were first class. Train for hills and you will enjoy the marathon. Will run this course next year!

Very small field, small budget, but organizers put on an excellent marathon nonetheless! This marathon will surely grow into something special. The rolling hills were a real challenge. I loved the downhill finish. The sky is the limit if the community can embrace this event.

4 of the last 6 miles are along one of the busiest highways in the state, noise and exhaust are not fun. For being a premium priced marathon it had no street music or cheerleading squads, no space blankets after the run, little to no spectators along the course, and it felt like a ghost town after the half marathon turn around. Drink stations adequate, traffic management adequate, volunteers enthusiastic. Most walkers NOT welcome with a 6 hour cut off time! Changes will need to be made if this is going to be the first...and not the last Tacoma marathon.