The marathon was generally well-organized. Considering the first-year status of the race, it was very good. The course had some poorly marked sections and some runners went the wrong direction. Portions of the race were far too narrow for the number of runners. It created congestion around the midway point. The course was relatively easy until the constant uphill of the final mile.

I flew in from Atlanta... I always like races I don't have to rent a car for. Flew in and took the train to a stop just a couple blocks from the host hotel - very nice! The start is quite close to the hotel - that was great. I just ran the half for this one, but Pacer Jim was fab while I ran with him. That last hill at the end does hurt, but other than that, a pretty fast/flat course. The best half-marathon medal and shirt combo I've gotten, and the medal also outshines some full medals (I have 6 half and 6 full medals). Well done race - amazingly glitch-free for a first running. I took them up on the early bird special and registered for the full this coming year in 2010. Well done!!

I had run several Team Ortho events and signed up for the Monster Dash Series and decided to go for the full marathon. I ran a couple of training runs with the Team Ortho group, which were fantastic. Great way to learn about the course and to meet some other runners. I'd highly recommend doing those.

The course was nice, with a good view of the river and through some woods, which added something, though the fans were limited at many spots. Having the hill right at the end is a terrible idea, but not sure where else to put it if you are using that for the course. Outside of that I liked the course. There seemed to be enough water on the course - and HEED, which I didn't mind. They provided that on a couple long training runs, so I was used to it at that point. My only problem is the plastic cups. I'd recommend paper as it's easier to drink out of while running.

The end of the race was a mess though. I finished and got my medal and there was one table of some cookies and water. I was then told to go farther down to get more stuff. About a quarter-mile away was another table, with cookies and fruit and water, but not much else. There was no one else around from Team Ortho directing people to go anywhere. There was no indication that runners had to go to the depot for more goodies and their finisher's jacket. As my car was parked in the opposite direction, and no one was directing people where to go, I ended up heading home thinking jackets were to be mailed. Later did I learn that the jackets were at the depot. I've attempted to contact those in charge at Team Ortho and they have been terrible at responding to me.

To start, why are you having people who just ran 26.2 miles walk over another mile to pick up a jacket when you had the medals right there at the finish, especially when many parked in the opposite direction? Also, if that is what you are going to do, please post someone near the end directing people where to go.

Overall, the race was nice, but Team Ortho has failed on customer service. I've enjoyed several of their races, but this is one time they missed the mark.

The first quarter of the marathon is very scenic, with plenty of spectators. There are a few times that you cross over the river and it's very scenic.

The middle part is secluded on trails under a lot of trees.

The last part is very full of spectators.

There was plenty of stuff to drink, and I was surprised by the salted nut rolls and banana halves offered around the half-way mark.

A few spectators gave me Jolly Ranchers near the end.

This was my 1st marathon, but it exceeded my expectations.

At the end, I was given my medal as I crossed the finish line, then offered Oreos, potato chips, cookies, etc.

I'm very grateful for the organizers. Personally, I wish we would have got a shirt instead of a "jacket." The medal is pretty cool though.

I would recommend this to anyone in Minnesota who wants to run a marathon, but I haven't run the Twin Cities Marathon yet... so I can't compare the two.

This race was nothing short of amazing. Being the inaugural race, it appeared to go off without a hitch! The planning and coordination were flawless, which is more than I can say for many other races I've partaken in! A beautiful course in a beautiful area of the city makes for a great race! With some solid hills on the course, I found this to be a great race to start testing my weaknesses for the summer racing season. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this race for beginners and experienced runners alike!

This was the inaugural race for this event, and, frankly, I expected more glitches. There were lots of friendly volunteers, the expo was very good for a first-year event, and the amenities on the course were excellent. I especially liked the inspirational quotes. After the race, most of the runners hung out with their friends and family by the river, eating the great post-race food and soaking up the sun and ambiance, so they missed the outstanding post-race music back at the expo. It would be nice if the bands could play nearer to the finish line.

I was proud to be a part of this inaugural event. It was well organized from start to finish. I especially enjoyed participating in the training groups leading up to the race.
If I could change one thing, I would elect to run clockwise through Fort Snelling. I would much rather run up the 50 or 60 yards of the steep hill rather than the several miles of gradual uphill grade on the other side. I heard other runners share this observation as well.

I thought it was too crowded for the first 3 miles or so, with the half and full starting together. It was very difficult to maneuver through. There were plenty of water stops and porta-potties (thank you). Some of the course around Fort Snelling was not clearly marked. There was also a fee for spectators in Fort Snelling. Wonderful spectator support. The finish line was confusing, as there were two mats. Very nice expo. Looking forward to 2010.

Great experience for a first-time visitor to MN! My stay at the Depot was fabulous - late check-out, great food, extremely convenience, wonderful service. I found the race to be well-organized, and was thrilled that water stops were pretty frequent and always well-stocked. The volunteers were friendly and encouraging. Despite the hills, the course was enjoyable due to the varied surfaces and beautiful, interesting surroundings. I enjoyed the motivational quotes along the course as well. I was in a hurry afterward so I don't recall much about the food - but I loved the finisher's jacket!

There were some issues in the last several miles related to sharing the bike path with cyclists. As a back-of-the-pack participant, I was on the course later in the day when recreational use of the park and paths increased, and I overheard numerous comments regarding proper use of the paths. Perhaps better communication and/or course marking would be helpful. Oh, and just maybe hold off on renting those 4-person pedi-vehicles until after the race closes? (Great for a funny race story, though!)

There was a lot to like about this event!

Organization was great. Spectators were very encouraging. Course was excellent.