Beating the torrential rain and gusty winds, along with the hills, made this the most satisfying race I've ever run. I was only using it as a tune up for Myrtle Beach, but liked it so much I'll be back next year. The hills up to mile 20 are challenging, but the steady decline from there to the finish allowed me to finish strong and post a two-minute negative split.

Great organization, and world-class volunteers to be out in that weather. Only complaint: the start area is kind of crowded and parking was a bit of a headache due to the limited roads into the parking area. Other than that, I'd highly recommend this race.

Third time for the half marathon. I enjoyed it a ton - despite the constant rain! Once again, great organization and a really great course.

The only negatives (in my opinion):
-I'd never heard of nor seen any of the "Hammer" sports drink before and was nervous to try it. I wish they'd have something more mainstream like PowerAde or Gatorade.

-Also, this was the third year of not being able to wear my race shirt. I'm 6-foot-5 and every year the shirt barely gets to my waist and the sleeves look like 3/4 cut. I got an XXL and it still doesn't fit. I am definitely not the tallest person running, so there must be others that have this issue every year. I realize the organizers want to use a more local product, but it's so disappointing to have three awesome looking tech shirts that I can't wear!

I've traveled down from Minnesota each year to run this and will continue to run it!

From the expo to post-race, this event was beautifully done.

I ran this marathon without any training. I am from Raleigh, and thought I would come support the local race. I had low expectations for time and ended up having a blast.

The course was indeed very difficult, especially in the last half. However, the beautiful fall scenery and Umstead made me think less of the hills.

T-shirt and medal were great. Everyone seemed upbeat and excited to be there, even in the dreary weather.

Definitely a must-do if you live in the area, and if you are looking to check off NC on your 50 states list, please consider City of Oaks.

Between weather and terrain, this was the toughest race I have ever run. I aimed to BQ with this race (I failed), which was difficult both because the whole course is filled with hills (it's never flat) and because the second half of the course is more challenging. I think the latter is because of the terrain (partially on trail) and because there are far fewer spectators. When the half-marathoners break off before mile 9 and you turn on this long rolling road bordered by fields and unsympathetic cows, it's mentally challenging. The last six miles were miserable, but I don't think this was because the course was any harder at this point, but rather because the course wasn't any easier. The downhill at the end made for a nice finish. I would do this race again because I loved the challenge, the sights, and because while there were very few spectators, anyone who stood outside in the pouring rain and 30 mph winds to cheer us on was a true inspiration.

Be prepared for LOTS of rolling hills. I ran the half with the retrospectively overly optimistic goal of a sub-two-hour finish. Not to be had with the challenging nature of this course, coupled with nature itself. But on the plus side, it made me feel more like a "runner" than any other race I've run - only a runner would brave a long run in the weather conditions.

Spectators were few, but those that showed were a definite boost to the spirit (special kudos go out to the man with the cardboard sign saying, "Your feet are hurting because you're kicking so much a$$" - nice comic relief to help me through that last stretch).

Organization was great. Nice expo. They could have been a little bit more prepared for the crappy weather. Staff was a bit too hasty in trying to get folks in and out of the food tent when several were just trying to find a dry spot while waiting for friends/loved ones to cross the finish line.

If I do it again, I'm definitely incorporated more hill work into the training. This was a tough course!

Apparently I picked a doozy of a run for a first marathon. I loved the change in scenery, as we started in the city and moved into an area with gorgeous fall colors. The second half was considerably harder, as it was about 10 miles of long uphills and short down.

I must say, after traversing this course, and not only because it was my first marathon, I feel awesome completing this one. It was one of the hardest runs I've been on.

City of Oaks was my 23rd marathon and 10th state. Although I read that the course was challenging, I did not anticipate the number of ups and downs experienced. The weather was a bummer and really made the trail portion of the course disappointing. I suspect on a cool, sunny day, it is really very scenic. The volunteers did a great job on a tough day - thanks to all! If you plan to do this one, do some serious hill training, up and down.

There are lots of comments and complaints about the hills, but they were not steep and the downhills seemed longer than the ups. That said, there is very little flat running on the course. Considering the rain, wind and cold, this was a good run... actually the fastest I've run in eight tries.

The challenging City of Oaks Marathon did not disappoint this year. Temperature was perfect (50's) but there was a lot (rivers) of rain, some gale -force wind in spots (briefly), and the trail part was splish-splashy muddy. But everyone running the full marathon seemed very upbeat despite the conditions. The crowds were great but there are a number of gaps of several miles with no crowds. But then, whoever was out there in that weather deserves a medal!

I like this course because it is humbling. It is much harder than Boston (I've run both) but it is very scenic. It is mostly uphill from mile 17.5 to 22, and that part is much tougher than Heartbreak Hill in my opinion. Just take it really easy and save energy in the first half (after mile 13, the climbing starts). I ran a negative split by four minutes!

Because of the hills, this was a very challenging marathon. After finishing the race, I had to seek medical attention. The medical staff was very professional and friendly. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to them.

I've never had to seek medical assistance before and hopefully never again. However, if I do, I hope the staff is as good as the City of Oaks!