I have run Boston numerous times and it is an incredible experience - although I found it hard to PR if you are not an elite runner. I was excited and somewhat nervous to run Exeter. In fact, when I arrived on race morning in the rain and realized how small it was going to be, I questioned my decision. However, once the gun went off, my mind was at ease - half-mile markers and mile markers were clearly marked, volunteers with water, Gatorade and GU were everywhere they were needed, and the support and cheering of the volunteers and spectators was tremendous! I felt like I was out on a long run and ended up with a huge PR, running 2:56! I had been chasing the 3-hour mark for several years. Kudos the the race director!

I enjoy running the premier of new races and the Exeter Marathon was no exception. Yes, there were only 54 runners but, because of having to meet a qualifying standard, it seemed like all of the runners were really pushing themselves to do their best! I normally finish in the top 5% of races and I was right at 50%! No, this was not and is not a substitute for the Boston Marathon but it was fun and competitive. For a small-town race it was very well organized, well supported, and personal. I ran this as part of a 50 states quest and I'm sure glad I did! I think Mike and the other race organizers did a great job! Keep up the good work.

I decided to do the race on the spur of the moment. I don't care what people say about it being elitist. There are plenty of other races out there; to have one for those that worked hard to qualify is something special. It certainly is worth the work!

Small turnout, but friendly runners and outstanding volunteers. Though a first-time marathon, these people knew their stuff in directing, nourishing and encouraging runners. I loved the rolling hills and lots of bends of the course; Route 2 was busy but had a wide shoulder. Highly recommended for runners looking for something different, and for 50-staters.

I learned of this race through the Runner's World Online Forums after the Boston Marathon closed in mid-November. It appealed to me instantly for its grassroots nature, its location, and the whole philosophy behind having a qualifiers-only event that ISN'T the Boston Marathon.

I've run Boston four times, and I was looking for something different: something non-commercial, something small, something like the races I used to watch my dad run back in the early 80s. I found it in Exeter.

Mike, the race director, made it a special experience for everyone there. When have you ever run a race with runners from all over the country where the RD knows every single person by name? It was like being part of a select club, but without any airs of elitism. Truly a unique experience. The post-race party was fun, too. We could all fit inside a small ski lodge.

The course will change next year, so there's not much point in discussing it. But the roads around Exeter are quite similar, and I can imagine it will always be fairly rolling, which makes it hard to PR in but also pretty easy on the legs. All in all, a wonderful place to run.