Fresno continues to grow and make its mark on the running scene. I went to speak to the RD today and we talked for two hours. He explained some of the hang-ups and growing pains. Some of the hiccups came at the hands of others. The RD is already making improvements and plans for next year to ensure that the event is seamless. I can assure you that the RD takes EVERY comment seriously! His philosophy is "this is the participant's race." Having said that, feel free to send him an email. He reads every single one.

This race is awesome and continues to improve. The RD was kind enough to share with me some of the proposals for next year's event (in confidence). I can't say what they are, but I assure you that you will be impressed. Register early because this event sold out and left a lot of disappointed people. Don't be one of them next year - register early.

This event is simply amazing. The flat course runs through the outskirts of Fresno/Clovis trough the fall foliage. The people are genuinely nice. Finishers receive a nice medal; massage; delicious, hot breakfast; sweatshirt; massage; ice cream sundae; coffee; snacks; etc. The staff go above and beyond to make all participants feel valued. Mike, Nancy, and the rest of the board and staff are amazing people who take this race very seriously. I'll be back in 2009 for my 4th year doing this event.

The good: great volunteers, nice goody bags, and nice post-race food.

The bad: the second half of the course has no spectator access, and they ran out of gel at the 1st gel station. Also, they ran out of finisher's medals (late finishers were told they would get it mailed to them in 4-6 weeks), and they ran out of shirts.

I started running marathons in May of 2006. This was my 5th marathon in '08 and 10th overall. Organization is the key to this race - all outstanding. Easy registration, small but interesting expo, race day mechanics were great (including starting corrals which I like!), many well-stocked refreshment areas every two miles, and a fantastic finish area that is closed off to non-runners that had a warm breakfast, fresh fruit, and brownie sundaes! Many larger races should learn from the inaugural Fresno Marathon - great gifts and organization with a registration fee that is a pittance.

The course was flatter than the proverbial pancake. One small climb at mile 21. Otherwise, a course that winds through city neighborhoods until the last six miles bring you home along the San Joaquin river.

I think the organizers should be proud that they pulled this off so spendidly.

I participate in about 6-12 events per year all over the western U.S. Out of all of the events I have been to, Fresno is the best organized race. They go out of their way to make everyone feel special. I really loved the hot breakfast, the nice medal, and the finisher's sweatshirt. I like the course too! Fall is the perfect time for this race. You should come to Fresno (45 minutes from Yosemite). You'll be amazed!

Of all of the events that I've ever competed in (20+), I can say that this is the BEST put-together event ANYWHERE!. I know what you are thinking... Fresno? I have to admit that there are a lot of things about Fresno that leave much to be desired; however, this is NOT one of them. The directors pull out all of the stops to make EVERY participant feel like an elite athlete. The medals are awesome, the post-race meal is, well, a MEAL - a full, catered, hot breakfast as well as a slew of treats, snack, and goodies. They don't give finisher's blankets, but they give NICE finishers sweatshirts! The price is rock bottom. Don't overlook this race. You will be shocked at the care and effort that goes into this. I would GLADLY pay over a hundred dollars to run this but the fee is only around 40-50 bucks. THIS IS A GREAT RACE!!!

Talk about flat and fast! This is the first year of the T2C Full Marathon, and it will be my BQ race. I've run the 1/2 marathon for the past 3 years, and have had my fastest times every time - last year I PR'd on the new course by almost 17 minutes!!!!

The coordinators were wise in working out the kinks of the 1/2 before undertaking the full marathon, and I am confident that this race will be as good as they get! It's about time Fresno got the full marathon back. Kudos to Eye-Q, Sierra Running Company, and everyone else behind the scenes for making this happen!

See you there and happy running!