Some hills in the biginning. Running around local streets. Nice course. Not a lot of crowd support but the ones who were out there were very supportive. Everything went smooth and I was able to qualify for boston on this course. Would do it again!

Very nice course. My wife and I did this as a training run for Chicago. As it turned out, we ran faster in this one. The big advantage of a small race is flexibility. We were able to stay dry and wait out the storm, and start an hour late, without really impacting anything. This was a comfortable, friendly group of runners and volunteers. I saw one spectator in a Michigan State sweatshirt 5 different times along the course. Go State!

The race was delayed due to a thunderstorm that was passing through. The race director did an outstanding job of keeping the runners updated as to the new start time.

The course is very pretty; it includes portions along Lake Michigan and Spring Lake.

Very friendly runners and volunteers. Not much in the way of spectators.

Nice tech shirt.

A lunch was included after the race, which was a nice idea, but it did not include a vegetarian option.

The awards took place at the Old Boys Brewhouse, which worked out well, as we were able to order pizza and beer.

I highly recommend this marathon to anyone looking for a Michigan race to do as part of the 50 states. The race was small and well organized. The race director did a great job. The race was delayed for an hour due to a thunderstorm, and everything went smoothly when we started despite the loss of some volunteers due to the weather. The course was scenic and well marked. There were aid stations every 2 miles. Volunteers did an amazing job and the few spectators that came out in the rain were very enthusiastic. The marathon had a separate start from the half marathon. Packet pick up, race start, and race end were all in the same place, which was very convenient.

Overall, a nice marathon run by people who want each runner to have a great experience.

For only the second year in existence, this race has many more positives then negatives. The race organizers did a great job handling the horrible weather (thunder and lightning before and after the race) that met the runners on race morning. I will be back next year, and I do recommend this to anyone who wants a good low-key race.

Positives:
1. With over an hour delay for the marathon we were all allowed to take shelter in the brewery. Plus they opened the kitchen and had water available. Having the options for pre- and post-race made the weather easier to tolerate. Great direction and information by the race director. He was on top of things.
2. A good medal (better than many races I have run) and the beer glass was a nice touch.
3. A free, clean, shower facility was available after the race. Key for when you need to check out of a hotel early.
4. Free lunch ticket. I left before I could eat, but the food looked good.
5. Tech shirt that was better than most.
6. Interesting course. I enjoyed the first 6 out by the water.
7. Great volunteers! Being the lead runner in the marathon, I had great bike support. I was aware of every turn well before it happened. The bike support guys moved cars over away from the runners and I was given a lot of encouragement throughout the race. This was important during the last 8 miles where I was dragging. They even held onto my arm sleeves when I took them off.

Negatives:
1. A few too many turns in the beginning of the course. I wish more of the course would have been closed to traffic, but I understand the logistics.
2. I dont want to sound like I am bragging, but I was the overall marathon winner, and because of a work commitment I had to leave right after the race. I was unable to get my award at that time. The director said that he would mail it to me, which is great, but it would have been nice to have taken it home.

The race is very well organized.
There was a storm blowing through at the start time but the race director did a great job of keeping everyone informed as to when the race would begin.
The course is very pretty, with some hills.
The volunteers at the water stops were very friendly and encouraging.
Lunch at the finish was a pork sandwich - no option for vegetarians.
I would suggest another option.
Hung out at the brewhouse and ordered pizza (and beer, of course), watched the awards, and talked to many friendly people. Never met a friendlier group of runners!
Nice, long-sleeve tech shirt.
Small, no-hassle race; definitely would do it again.