This was such a first-class, well organized marathon, how could you not reccomend it? Just over 400 runners, but every mile was clearly marked, many aid stations, port-a-johns, energy gel, bananas, wet sponges. The organizers did a super job of taking care of the runners. AND, the ice cold, wet towels at the finish line were heaven-sent.

The course is a double out-and-back so there were two opportunities to see the leaders and for the runners to encourage each other. I agree with the other comments that the course was very enjoyable, especially along the river. Hills were minimal; biggest hill was between 24 and 25 miles, but that was not too bad. Hearing the Notre Dame fight song as I approached the finish line made me feel like 'Rudy'!! Spectators were minimal, probably due largely to the 5:45am start time, but the spectators that were out were very enthusiastic. Definitely would recommend this marathon.

OVERALL: Really nice smaller marathon. Beautiful scenery over nicely varied terrain next to a very scenic river. I think the locals take what they have for granted!

FIELD: The 2004 full marathon had a little more than 400 runners and that made for a very uncrowded course and I liked that. It was like running with some of your friends.

ORGANIZATION: Flawless. There were a LOT of aid stations and they were all well-stocked with perfectly mixed Gatorade. Sponges at many stations. Iced-down towels for you at the finish!

COURSE: This was the first time I?ve run this and I think it is one of the prettiest race courses I?ve run. It parallels the St. Joseph river and has heavily tree-lined routes most of the way. I think the word 'bucolic' is appropriate. The course is basically flat. The elevation chart on the Web site shows some hills, but they are only a 50? elevation change. There wasn?t any extended hill climb anywhere... just a few rises and falls... which is about what you?d expect in any stretch of running.

TEMPS: I chose it because it was a late spring race that is in a city that has nice 50-degree starting temps and doesn?t get much above 60 by the end. It was basically a clear day, but there were plenty of shaded stretches and the sun really wasn?t a factor.

SPECTATORS. There weren?t many spectators, but for me that?s OK. If I?m comfortable, I?m zoned-out anyway. The occasional residents mowing their yards and waving was fine. Several very thoughtful families had their sprinklers running and aimed at the street in case you wanted a spray to cool you down.

GOODIES: The finisher's medal is cool and you get a special 'Marathon' T-shirt with slick graphics.

I ran the half in 2004. The course always seemed to moving from an uphill to downhill; very little level ground. The organization is great. Aid stations were very well attended. There were virtually no spectators on the entire course which is fine because I prefer running alone. The out and back aspect of the race ensured you weren't by yourself for long. Overall, a nice run.

Good course... basically flat w/ river views around every turn. Good management as well - worth the drive from TN.

I loved finishing on the 50-yard line at ND Stadium. I didn't like the idea of running 75% or more of the marathon on concrete streets - seemed like the whole race was on concrete. Crowd support was very sparse for several 2-3 mile stretches. Registration was smooth and effecient, finish area was well-stocked, and massage area was nice. Would not recommend this race if you don't train on a lot of concrete, or if you depend on lots of crowd support.

Got a medal and a T-shirt (with safety pins included). Kudos to the volunteers and the participating police for their fine efforts. Best of all: that finish in Notre Dame Stadium! Running through the tunnel, with the fight song blasting away, and out onto the field (not the sidelines, the 'field') will become an unforgetable memory. Almost felt like a religious experience (and I'm a Buckeyes fan). Thanks, Sunburst and South Bend!

Race ran out of safety pins, t-shirts, medals. Couldn't have Gatorade at just any water stop, unless I was in the marathon. Three buses for hundreds of finishers wanting to retreive their cars. I was told at the end of the half that I had to walk to another area to get a drink, not the first water site I staggered to. I ran the half-marathon, not the full, but should that matter? NO!

Great Job, South Bend. This is my 8th state marathon. I love Saturday Marathons; I don't have to jump in the car and head for home. I can walk around and see the sights. (I loved the Hall of Fame and the kayak course). A big plus was that after walking around, I was not sore at all the next day. I loved the flat course through the neighborhoods. Two short hills (50' & 65') with 3% and 4% grades are not worth mentioning. The early start, 5:45, was smart. Water and restrooms were almost every mile. Great traffic control, t-shirts, and medal. I will highly recommend this marathon to everyone back home. Also, thank you for allowing late registrations.

I want to add my compliments to the race. Plenty of aid stations, and great organization, scenery, and volunteers. I don't mind out-and-back; it is interesting to see who is in front and behind. There was some concrete, but I ran alongside in the street, and when the sun did come out, it was behind me. The so called 'hills' were slight, and gave the leg muscles a chance to stretch. My motel did not give a late checkout, so I went to the YMCA for a post-race shower before leaving town. I highly recommend taking the one-hour tour of ND campus, and a visit to Amish Acres in nearby Nappanee. The entire visit was a very nice experience. Thank you South Bend.

I ran the Sunburst Marathon for the first time this year, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Packet pick up was efficient, plenty of water/sport drink stops throughout the course, great traffic control by the South Bend police, and a fun finish on the 50-yard line of the Notre Dame Stadium. I was surprised at how many spectators came out to watch the race that early in the morning. The course seemed no more difficult than the other marathons I have run. All in all, this is a marathon I will recommend to others.