I had just run Chicago and NY and was looking for a small race to finish the season. This turned out to be my favorite race of the year. The weather is always a wild card - and this weather turned out to be perfect. The organization was great, and the swag was a very nice jacket. The course was flat and well staffed with support - although the crowds were thin, as I expected. The course is not closed, so there was some traffic, especially in the second half, but nothing that interfered with the run. The race is chip timed, but there is no mat at the start - and thus all times start with the gun. Still, because the field was small (about 200 marathoners and 200 half marathoners) there was no problem getting a "fair" start. Overall, a great start and I hope they keep it up. It should also be noted that there were a high number of BQs, which supports the description of the course as fast. I can highly recommend this race - especially for those in the Midwest (I live just west of Chicago) seeking a small race.

Very well run. Very safe, nice, patriotic town. Spectators... when there were awesome. Got a wee bit lonely for the second half, but seemed like everyone was out in front of their homes in lawn chairs. Runners were fun; I met some awesome people.

Loved that the RD was so quick to answer some emails. Amazing after doing Chicago to be able to park practically at the start line. LOVED the gear check that comes to you to collect your stuff. Kudos to the YMCA for fab hospitality. No one commented about the great fruit?! But the soup was that good. My superfans/parents had fun also.

Good job making this a Boston Qualifier! I could do without the hairpin turn after the half and sharing the road with the biggest farm vehicle I can imagine. I'm a city gal... but it added to the story. Great course markings. Top-notch aid station volunteers. Great photographers strategically stationed for the prettiest backdrops when you're not looking so pretty. The jacket is a keeper and I heard next year's will be red... love it!

This was a well run race from registration through the start and finish of the race itself. Like many people have already commented, the whole town supports this race and welcomes the runners and spectators into their community.

Lots of positives. The jacket instead of a t-shirt was a nice amenity. The course was well marked and the aid stations were ample. After the finish, there were plenty of goodies to eat, including a couple of soup choices. Before heading back home, we were all allowed to take a shower at the local YMCA, which is a very nice facility.

I can see this marathon growing in coming years. Everybody I spoke with said the same kinds of positive things. Kudos to the race director and all of the volunteers.

Small-town Columbia City showed up for this marathon. Can't say enough for the local hospitality and support. Thanks to the bar for the pasta the night before. Chip us at the finish for the half (and eventually the whole), and then send us out back to the cornfields for 13 more miles? What were you thinking????? Ditto for the dusty dirt road with trucks on it. Gel and food on the course were great, and there was ample water and probably the best marked course I've seen. If you needed a porta-potty, there were none... but I guess those cornfields would provide cover. Having a warm place to wait for race to start with flush toilets was nice. Packet pickup was easy to find - just off of the main road for the out-of-town people. Nice jackets instead of shirts. Medals were the same for half and full marathon people - I could have run 13.1 fewer miles among cornfields to collect that medal. Good time of year for a race for multiple marathoners to run; it's hard to find Midwest marathons in November, and they are non-existent in December.

I grew up about 10 miles from the race, but now live 3.5 hours away. Since it's my hometown, I really wanted to run it, and was not disappointed. The course had a few small rolling hills, but generally flat and very well-marked. The toughest hill came shortly after mile 25. Aid stations were well-placed and supported. Considering how much was in rural areas, it was surprising to get as much fan support as we did (but don't run this if you expect to have constant fan support - there are several stretches with no one for miles). The people out there cheering us on were great! I look forward to running this race again!

There was some vehicular traffic on the second half of the marathon coming back. There was a big slant in the road, so I tried to run in the middle of the road coming back over the last five miles. When cars came, I had to get to the side, but there was bad footing. Coming back in the last mile or so, runners ran on the right side of the road with traffic. It could have gotten dangerous with cars to runners' backs. You just pray you don't get hit.

This was one of my favorite marathons this year! The weather was perfect. Organization was incredible for a first race. I usually don't care about fans or spectators, but for a small-town first marathon, the handful who showed up and their enthusiasm were awesome! One of my favorite parts of this marathon was the soup at the finish. I had four cups of the soup because it was so tasty.

I agree with D.Y from MI; put this on your calendar for next year.

There were people standing by with bags and markers to take your drop bag while you stood at the starting line. They had homemade soups and cookies for runners and families. Everyone was happy and eager to help. The course was rolling - not as flat as I expected. But a PR race for me. I will be back to race again.

This is a great marathon to run after you run a big-city marathon. Easy to find parking. No-hassle gear check. The organization, town, emergency personnel and spectators all deserve a great big pat on the back for a job well done. The course was fun and challenging. Will be back next year!

It was a complete pleasure to participate in an inaugural marathon. The small Midwestern town was totally behind being taken over for a Saturday. The organization was magnificent, the course was okay (are there no bike paths or the like around?), and racers, spectators, volunteers and organizers, and townsfolk were all smiling and great. I'll be back. The looping design would be good for first-time marathoners who don't want a total commitment.