This was my first Half Marathon, but I have run many races in the past. To address another comment: Yes, we were kicked out of the buildings at the beginning of the race and there was an immense lack of restrooms. The building issue has to do more with the host-site, Johnson & Wales Univ, but I do blame the lack of port-o-johns on the race directors.

It was pouring so there was a necessity to change indoors, and to a certain extent, we weren't given that opportunity. The race did start 10 minutes late, but it was not a big deal. There was a fair amount of spectators for such a dreary day (chilly if youre just standing there), although the rain did subside about 10 minutes after the start.

The course was well-designed, although the finish was nowhere near the start, so you needed to check your bag at the start and it was shuttled to the finish for you. That went smoothly. There was no parking at the start line, so they urged you to park downtown (near the finish) and they provided shuttles to the start, which again ran smoothly; they provided approximately 1,000 free spaces downtown.

As for the course, there was one hairpin turn which I thought wasn't necessary; they could have moved the start back or the finish up to eliminate that. There were plenty of water stops, seemingly every couple of miles or so. Every mile was CLEARLY marked by a large sign and paint on the pavement. The hydration given at the end was so-so. They had very small (10 oz maybe?) bottles of water that they were giving out at the end, and I had to take 2. They were giving out 16 oz Gatorade too, but some waves of finishers received them, and some didn't (I don't know why). So when my wave finished and I found out they were giving those out, I had to jump back and get them.

Overall, a few minor things went wrong -one major (bathroom issue)- but it went very well considering it was the first year running it.

I ran the half, and I thought that overall the race was pretty well-organized, for a first-time race. Problems: not enough bathrooms at the start, and most of the runners didn't even realize there were porta-potties at the start line, so we were going into J&W campus buildings, and rudely getting kicked out. Course was good, but very hilly and challenging. It would be nice if the first two miles weren't through one of the ugliest parts of the city, but the rest of the course showed off some very nice parts of Providence. I thought spectators were great, and especially given the lousy weather, was impressed with how many people showed up to cheer runners on. Bag pickup at finish was a bit chaotic, and could be run better, but a volunteer who saw I was having trouble quickly stepped in and helped me. Volunteers were great throughout the race, although I did hear that some water stops ran out of water. A few tweaks to be made for next year, but I would definitely run this race again.

I've run 10 marathons in 2006, 15 in 2007, and four already in 2008, for a total of 29 in the past 2-plus years. I would rank this race in the middle of the pack of marathons that I have completed. This may not sound like a resounding voice of approval, but I really have nothing bad to say about this race. It did not wow me as much as some other races. The organizational team did fine in their first year with this marathon. The course, fan and spectators were about the same as any other small to mid-size marathon. The water stations were well stocked, and the volunteers and participants I met in the Providence area were extremely nice. I think this race will get even better with age.

I think that, beyond anything that I may have written, the finest compliment I can give this race is that I will run this it again in 2009, and I will recommend it to others.

This was my first marathon, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I was impressed at how well-organized things were for a first-time marathon. Despite only 600 or so signing up for the marathon, I thought traffic control was very good, the course guides were very good, the water stops were well-staffed and well-stocked, and the fans were great. The course was a little hilly, but not bad at all and it went through some nice neighborhoods and along the bay. Registration was easy and getting to the start line was no problem.
A few small complaints: 1) the woman who could not remember the words to the National Anthem (the runners picked up where she left off and finished the song for her- very funny). 2) a 3.2 mile stretch without water (from 16.5 to 19.7) was a bit too long without water at that point in the race, 3) the medals were a little too rinky-dink, 4) race day was cold and rainy, but the Johnson and Wales security kicked us out of the buildings before the race.

Finishing through downtown Providence was nice, though the cobblestone streets were rough on the feet! I would run this race again; I expect it will get bigger as word gets around.

I flew up from FL to do this marathon since I have friends and family in the area. Since it was the first year and the weather was horrible I really didn't know what to expect. I have to say that RI people are awesome! There were so many fans and volunteers out even though it was cold and rainy. I give the spectators 5 stars just for the fact that they were out in such yucky weather. Since it was such a small field I almost felt famous because people were yelling my number as I passed by. The race was really well run. I guess some people might complain that they moved us from one building to the next and then outside in the rain to wait for the start, but at least we got to wait inside for a while and use regular bathrooms. It was a tough course for me since it was really hilly, but I ended up getting my best time by far. The last 2 miles or so are downhill - I think that helps. Also, the cops were great about directing traffic away from the race. It seems that the race directors put a lot of thought into the race and I hope to see more people running it next year. Good job.

What a great race! Although this was my first marathon, I have done several races before this, and I have to say this was one of the most organized. Never once from the moment I signed up to the end of the race did I ever feel lost (except for driving around Providence, but that changed by the end of my stay). I always felt well- informed and confident. Being my first full marathon, I was pretty tense and nervous, so having everything run smoothly was a big part of keeping this race stress-free. The many volunteers and police also did such a WONDERFUL job of keeping us safe, on-course, and well-hydrated (the placement of the many aid stations were perfect). Cox did a wonderful job.

I ran the half-marathon, and could not believe the lack of everything. We were kicked out of 2 buildings at the start in the pouring rain, there were NOT enough port-o-johns at the start, there was NO WATER a miles 4 and 6, there was hardly any Gatorade, and some of the volunteers didn't know what the heck was going on. I know it was the first-time this was run, but you really need to address and fix these problems if you want anyone else to run this next year. No spectators - I'm assuming it was due to the weather - and I almost was run over by an upset driver, due to a HUGE lack of police/traffic control presence.

This must be the Cox's organizations first marathon. The late water stops ran out of cups.......giving a runner a whole bottle of gatorade to sip on and then discard is neither economic or sensible. They ran out of medals.The start was at the J&W University,the finish downtown,BUT the buses left from the State Capital [free parking].Do the organizers really think that having finished a marathon, people want to walk 10 or so blocks to their car???The course was OK,the initial 2 miles were somewhat rough.On a plus note..there was plenty of food for the late runners.I am not sure of the rational for a 9am start,or for the Sat expo closing at 4pm,although packet pick up was available prior to the start.

Course: Some very pretty places, 2 pretty ugly places, lots of little hills.

Excellent people support during the race, but water tables were dry for the slower runners before the 1/2 marathon split off. The logistics are kind of tough for a small race. The shuttle bus rides to the start took forever and finding my car at the end of the race was a challenge. For an out of towner, downtown Providence feels like the maze at the end of 'The Shining'. Starting and finishing near free parking would be a welcoming gesture. The boxed food at the end was better than average.

Not many spectators which isn't unusual for a new race. Some of the urban neighborhoods could provide some in the future, but industrial areas, choke & pukes (4 lane commercial roads) and the really pretty bike path probably never will. Keep the bike path!

the course was a beautiful rolling hills course that takes you through some very pretty parts of Providence I did not know we were even there. Finish line had lots of good food and spectators, but no directions on where to go for food and drink you had to ask around. no help getting chips off either ouch!!! Start it was pouring rain and they aggressively threw everyone out of the building we were waiting in, about an hour and half before the race which was delayed for twenty minutes because the shuttle buses were late arriving. No communication to the runners that were waiting. I spoke with a woman at the end of the race who tried to stop because she was ill she went to the aid station workers for help they did not know what to do and sent her to a cop who said he did not know what to do. She stopped in a coffee shop and some kind man bought her tea and gave her cab fare back to the finish, NICE to know there are good samaritans in the world!! This can be a great race just needs some more organization and better communication to volunteers on help plans.