This is the perfect size marathon for those looking to just get one done. Weather was nice, people were great.

I'm very disappointed to learn that 2012 was the last running of the Veterans Marathon. This was a great race in all aspects- I was looking forward to running it again:(

This was my 41st Marathon! Woo - Hoo! This race was very underrated and should be considered strongly by runners. A great sweater/pullover, gloves and free parking near the start. The motel was inexpensive and the organizors were very friendly. Here my pros/cons:
Pros:
1. Low Cost to enter/stay in Columbia City
2. Very, very friendly people in town
3. General Lee! The Auburn car museum has it! Check out the Science Centre in nearby Fort Worth to see all the angry faces in the Canadian flag.
Cons:
1. Not enough water stations (I prefer one every mile)
2. Too many from mile 13 to 14 (3!)
3. Small detail - the medal is nice but I am from the Flavour Flav school of things around my neck. The bigger the better playa'

Found the logistics of getting to and from the race, lodging, food etc..all very convenient. Lots of community involvement; signs welcoming runners and all around support of the sponsored aid stations. Discounts for various running groups and veterans too. The high school band serenaded us at the start while a couple vintage planes buzzed around for a couple hours. The course itself though was not too exciting; rolling through industrial parks, rural-suburban settings and farmland stretches. The second half was much more exposed and thus headwinds played havoc. The second half also was not as closed as the first half and we were running more on the gravel shoulder. All-in-all though, a decent event and the race brings out a social and patriotic bunch. The weather this year was very comfortable (although breezy) and it made for a nice jaunt around Columbia City. Nice frills: fleece jacket and finisher medal.

This was my second year running the Veterans Marathon and it just keeps getting better. The course has a few challenging upgrades, just to make it interesting. The course is well marked and well support with the police and the local fire department for traffic control. Seemed like the aid station were very close together, probably because there were so many of them. The lower than most entry fee, included a fleece jacket in Air Force Blue, one of the nicest I have ever received along with the finishers medal. Packet pickup was excellent, plenty of free parking and hotels nearby. If you are looking for a PR, stay away. If you are looking for a very well organized and supported marathon in a small city it's here.

You should run this race. I think each state has a marathon that is indicative of that state and for Indiana this is that race. Columbia City is a small town in Indiana and the race starts out in the picturesque Courthouse Square. Parking is very easy. There was an Air Force Color Guard, a marching band, guys dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms fire a cannon to start the race. A local high school girl belted out the National Anthem - a perfect rendition. She actually knew all the words (unlike many 'celebrities') and had a great voice. WW2 planes did flyovers during the race. Plentiful water stops and great volunteers. The route takes you across farmland and while the crowds are small there are people on the lawns of their farms to cheer you along. Loved the finisher's medal and the pullover jacket. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful race.

My first year for running this marathon and I really liked it. I have run Boston, Chicago, Columbus, The Flying Pig, and a few other marathons, and this marathon ranks up with the best of them. I live in a rural community and run by myself in the country, so after a few years of running some of the big marathons, I was ready to get back to the country. I got to the race about an hour before the start and easily found a parking spot on the town square near the start. Not only was the city hall open for bathrooms, but also a church on the corner had opened its doors for the runners. Organization was top-notch, volunteers were very enthusiatic, and it was nice to see several locals out on the course cheering on the runners. Plenty of water and gatorade stations with fantastic volunteers. The course had some very gently rolling hills, but not bad. The temperature was about perfect, but just the wind in the 2nd half that got bad, but there's nothing to be done about that. If you're tired of going to the big city marathons with all the crowds and noise, then this is the place to go.

I had some concerns about the hills, but found them to be gently rolling. It's all a matter of perspective but any hill training should get you through it. Enjoyed the scenery and the community.
Thanks for hosting.

Well supported race. Although, my feet were killing me from the crowned roads. The most wind i have ran in and along with the non stop rolling hills,sore legs for a couple days. I enjoyed the race but, probably won't run it again. Keep up the good work.

An enjoyable experience from beginning to end. Sign up on line was easy. The cost was $60. The fleece we received was a vest this year. They had knit hats for sale at packet pickup and free disposable gloves as it was expected to be a chilly start (40ish). The hotel was 4 minutes from the starting line and was under $70 per night. The town has many options for food - all the big chains either in town or a short drive away. We ate at a local Italian place. Dunkin Donuts for bagel and coffee right on the way to the race. Parked for free less than 2 minutes walk from starting line. Start time of 8 AM with porta potties available and city hall was open if you wanted to stay warm. Jr/Sr High School band played the National Anthem which was sung quite well by a local student. Cannon started the race and we ran through gauntlet of students playing Stars and Stripes Forever. The course was basically flat for the first half and was windy on this day. The second half was hilly with many rollers (but none too big) and the wind picked up and was not in our favor til the last 4 miles. Elevation gain at the very end (inside of a mile to go) was not very nice, but was nothing unfair. Support on the course was great for such a small marathon - more than enough waterstops. Two chances for gels/bananas and none before mile 15 or so was one minor drawback, but normal for a marathon. Scenery was gorgeous - farms, animals, churches, graveyards, storefronts etc. There were plenty of quiet spots too. Fellow runners were friendly and supportive as well. Finishing medal in the shape of Indiana with a representation of the Iwo Jima flag raising. Free post race soup from the local Methodist Church was DELICIOUS!! I had the chicken noodle. Local Y offered free showers and even a towel since I forgot to bring one. I have now run in 17 and this was the most enjoyable for sure, though definately not the fastest. Run it if you get the chance.