What a beautiful course following along the lake, love the small town. I have run some big races and will choose the smaller ones every time. They pay a lot of attention to detail and afterword keep it really personal. I would recommend this race every time

As a first-time marathon runner, I had read all the comments for this marathon, most were very favorable so I had a good feeling going into it. From the time I arrived to the time I left Bridge Park, I was more than satisfied with the whole experience. Parking was the easiest I've ever experienced for a race. We just pulled up and parked in the street. Aside from porta johns, public restrooms were also available with hardly a line. The race itself was outstanding. Water/aid stations were well equipped with sports drinks, water, gels and candy, the course was beautiful and mostly shady and made the run as enjoyable as it could be. The after party was also very nice with sandwiches and many other snacks. Results could be retrieved immediately after the race by the runners which was nice since it was a Boston Qualifier. Overall, it was the most enjoyable race I have ever ran. I entered because I wanted a BQ and felt it was my best chance given the small size of the race and the course being mostly flat with only a few hills to speak of. I'm happy to say I achieved my goal with over 10 minutes to spare. I plan on running again next year.

This was my first marathon and I truly enjoyed it. The course was beautiful and the aid stations were in abundance and well supplied. I however wish I had known that there would be no port-a-potties after the 6 mile mark and at the turn around (mile 13) was very concerned because I realized I would have to run another 7 miles before being able to use the bathroom. There fortunately was a gas station across the highway (around mile 15) that I ran over to and had to wait in a line to use. The gas station attendant actually reminded me that paying customers were in front of me. Fortunately, two girls who were also waiting in front of me allowed me to go in before them. This of course added to my time and I really felt that there should have been at least one port-a-pottie at the 13 mile turn around. Aside from this, I thought the run was well organized and over all a great experience. I would like to consider this run again next year but would want to be sure there were potties available after the 6 mile mark. :)

This was my first marathon ever (I've done 2 halfs) and I'm glad I picked Charlevoix! Charlevoix is absolutely charming! I loved walking around after the race with my husband.

To be honest, perhaps because I train on the lakefront path in Chicago, I am always left wanting for scenery when I run a race somewhere else. I had high expectations for CVX based on reviews, but the views of Lake Michigan were few on the course, and no boats or anything. It was more scenic walking around downtown than running the race. I suppose I'm just spoiled.

The course was definitely pretty flat and the weather was FANTASTIC! (50s-60s) A great combination for my first marathon. It's a small race, only about 400 marathoners, but I was never really alone. And I liked the out and back course because that's how I train and I enjoyed seeing the super fast runners coming back.

One thing that was superb for me was that my husband was able to see me every 2-3 miles on the course and I would like to nominate him as most supportive spectator ever!

I was happy with the shirt (although oddly short) and the awesome medal. But I was disappointed to not receive any other 'goody-bag' items associated with running or Charlevoix. It would be good for local merchants to advertise with coupons, etc. Also, the finish line food was sub par. Only greasy chips and dried-out sandwhiches with a few tiny banana pieces. Overall I think the race is a tad overpriced for what you got.

For the most part, the aid stations were nice. But I've always run with my own water and food (a habit I will hopefully break soon).

Overall, I would definitely recommend Charlevoix: the marathon, the people, Cherry Republic, and the feuding family fudge shops on Bridge Street (although the Weathervane I think is overrated).

I do not think I can put into words how wonderful this race is. From the registration - packet pick up - the information thru out the weekend. The race director and his wife are the best.
I do need to say to the previous runner - A.D from Canton - I ran slower than you and they had TONS of food - and TONS of water and gatorade at the finish and at the food station. The aide stations were FULLY stocked with people and cold drinks! and pretzels and GU etc etc...I will for SURE do this race again and again!!!!

This is a very easy out and back course. There are a few gentle rolling hills and wonderful scenery through a lovely shaded neighborhood and along a park-like paved path along the lake. I highly recommend staying at the Bridge Street Inn as the start/finish is right out the front door. Dave and Elizabeth had a wine and cheese reception for us, homemade cookies in our rooms, and a perfect runners' breakfast. I finished in 3 hrs and 42 minutes and though I did not seek out the food right away, there was plenty! Three kinds of sandwiches, a variety of chips, bananas, chewey bars and it was available throughout the awards ceremony. There was a glitch with the posting of ages, but the crew was on it right away and very apologetic. Absolutely wonderful experience and inviting temps (52-68) especially as I had come from Texas (80-104)!

Simply a great marathon experience. I did this marathon before and enjoyed it. BUT...it was even better this time around! The RD has made impressive improvements in a race that I thought was well done the first time that I did it! The course is scenic, well marked, and in excellent repair. Running on a bike path and over a wooden bridge in a beautiful nature setting...very nice because no worries about traffic. The volunteers were WONDERFUL...there was even a trumpet player saluting me at one aid station! I am a walker and started early, and the volunteers were out there supporting me even though the race didn't start for another hour! The water was cold...and they provided ice! (I saw a comment about well water??? I only saw bottled water at the aid stations.) A good variety of sweet and salty snacks at every aid station! Post race food available...the RD and staff were calling local vendors to make sure that food was available for slower folks like me. GREAT medal as well as a great tech shirt. Lots of medical and police support. Strong presence from the local firefighters. I have nothing negative to say. Keep up the good work!!!! Don't miss this marathon experience!

This marathon was great-from packet pickup to the finish. It's a small race and the course is an out and back. The course was mostly flat on a nice paved trail along Lake Michigan. Being a small race there weren't many spectators, which is fine with me. My favorite type of marathon is scenic and quiet, which this was. There were plenty of friendly volunteers at each table handing out water/gatorade and the water tasted fine. No bad taste to me. Several aid tables also had pretzels and licorice. The medal was put around my neck by the race director. It's a very cool medal! And marathon specific. Do this marathon. You won't regret it!

The aid stations are each run by a local organization and are all unique. They all had volunteers waiting eagerly with water and gatorade. There were gu packets and snacks available at some as well. They were spread apart at good intervals, there was even a pep band at one area! Everything was well organized and moved quickly and smoothly. The organizers are so kind and helpful....this is an awesome race.

The place was beautiful and the race was pretty well run except that some of the water stops were highly disorganized and several had really little cups.

Way too hot for me to PR or even put up credible showing as I baked in the limited shade available for most of the last few miles. Obviously that's not the race's fault but I would have loved the day before when it was cloudy, slightly rainy and much, much cooler.

It looked like a great little vacation town and in retrospect I wished I'd booked a longer stay. The drawbridge separating the finish from the post race area made for some nice pictures. The race was small and actually felt even smaller as it definitely had a bit of a locals vibe. The staggered start made the mostly bike trail course surprisingly uncongested (the half starts 30 minutes after the full goes off).

Not sure what the first reviewer was talking about on the food; I limped in a smidge over 4 hours and there was still some food to be had. Didn't think about the water since I grabbed one on the finish line side of the drawbridge but water on both sides probably would be an improvement. Agree on the parking though, that was easy, close and free.

I will definitely recommend this race.