Having never run more than 5K, I opted for the half-marathon. As others noted, the majority of the run is alongside the Trinity River, making for a scenic peaceful run. There weren't any spectators other than some friends/family members, but the few that were there made it awesome! The water stops weren't as crazy as I thought they'd be (the best is awarded $500), but everyone was friendly and upbeat.

Love the people, love the location, and I will be back next year!

This is just the third year for the Fort Worth Marathon, so you never really know what to expect. I found the race packet pick up to be very convenient. I thought it was strange that the chips and t-shirts were to be distributed race day, but that actually turned out to work well. The race had several more aid stations than indicated on the website, which was a big plus, and they were very well stocked. Many of them even offered bananas and oranges. There were also several porta-potties along the way. The course was good, predominately on concrete, asphalt and/or gravel trails, with some road running. The medals are very nice and they double as a belt buckle, which I thought was a clever idea. We received a nice-looking, long-sleeved cotton t-shirt. The race started and finished at a stadium, so there were plenty of real toilets, easy parking, shelter and seating. The money raised from the event goes to a great cause that promotes fitness.

I think the course needs to be better marked. It was confusing to me because there are obviously several events that utilize much of the same course. As a result, there were arrows of every color and direction. It would be nice if there were visible "Ft. Worth Marathon" signs at EVERY possible junction directing runners to stay on the course. Even better, it would be nice to have volunteers at these spots, making sure that runners were going the right way. I happened to veer off course on two separate occasions, thus finishing this marathon with 30.7 miles instead of 26.2. Other than marking the course better, the only other constructive suggestion I'd make would be to have a more up-to-date, maintained website. I think this would give the race the attention it deserves and better promote the event. All in all, a good race that I fully expect to be top-notch with a few minor improvements.

I really like this local race, but I do have a suggestion for improvement. On the second half of the marathon, the u-turn at Water Stop #8 was not marked properly (no sign or cones connecting across the grass to the adjacent sidewalk) and did not have a volunteer present to warn runners who kept running straight on the existing path. I followed another runner off-course for a mile until thankfully a volunteer on a bike told me to turn around. It was my first 28-mile marathon!

This is an excellent race, and I have done over 10 marathons. It is along the Trinity Trail in Fort Worth. Excellent aid stations; great support.

This was a wonderful race. The race director was so flexible with the 6:30 walker start. The course was beautiful - the first time for me running on the Trinity Trails. The trails were wonderful - what a beautiful time of year!!

This is a very small race, but there was a half marathon, 20-miler and full race simultaneously. The 2009 full marathon had about 150 participants.

Pros: Race course was scenic - mostly along the river. The small race staff was very friendly and helpful. The medal is a belt buckle and was very unique.

Cons - There were plastic water cups across most of the course! Not great for runners. The crowd support was very sparse except for four or five pockets of people.

I can't decide if the opening national anthem played on an electric guitar was a pro or a con. It was by far the worst rendition of the national anthem I've heard, with most of the notes off-key, but it was extremely entertaining and set a fun tone for the race.

This is my sixth marathon, and this one was by far the best. The scenic route along the river was just excellent. The race was very well organized, with tons of water stops. This one will be on the top on my list every year.