If someone has complaints about this race, it may be time for him/her to consider a different sport.
Every aspect of this race was EXACTLY as it was presented to us on the web site. Execution of race duties by the RD and volunteers was flawless. I didn't run this in 2010, but issues regarding water stations were resolved, and there was no extended part of the course in the sun, so perhaps the course was revised.

This was a great course: beautiful, scenic, rolling, challenging... my only concern was that there was no energy gel provided, and no medics on the course. Thankfully I didn't need either (I carried my own gel), but it was strange that it wasn't offered. Any every marathon should have medical aid at the ready, especially on a hot day. Just a thought for next year... otherwise it was fabulous and the spectators were great! Thank you to all who attended and provided support!

Super well organized. Very impressive with all of the unknowns on a first-year event. Talked to the race organizer about the water stops and they said they will have more next year! Great announcer and good finish food.

I run on this trail several times a week, so the course familiarity helped me run better than I expected. Yes, they had too few water stops and poor signage, but the scenery more than made up for this!

Pros: Race-day packet pick-up with friendly volunteers. Free parking. Beautiful park. Free massage.

Cons: Short on water and sports drink (mixed with a yard stick in a big bucket). No chip timing mats at turn-arounds. Medal and t-shirt were the same for half and full marathoners. Lots of bikes whizzing by you during the run, as the course is not closed.

I've run 7 other marathons and found this one lacking in water stop support, and the last 11 miles are mostly in the open sun with no relief. Maybe switch the start with the finish so the last several miles could be in that shaded path area. Also, there was not enough water or signage. I felt left alone on the course after halfers turned back at 6 1/2 miles.

All in all, I was pretty pleased. I did not expect the asphalt portions from miles 17.5-20 and mile 24 to the finish; they detracted from the overall awesomeness of the rest of the course. We were warned about the course being open, so I would advise anyone in the future to mentally prep themselves for the angry bikers whizzing by you at mile 23.

Almost no crowd support - but I was very encouraged by the great people who were out there! You will not experience the "wall of sound" you get in Chicago going by Franklin and Adams, for instance. You do get a very peaceful, tranquil, forest preserve setting where you can hear your footsteps.

The one thing about the course that really upset me was the stupid turn at the end. It broke your rhythm to almost a complete stop - and then you cramp up on the stupid uphill 30 meters from the finish. Why couldn't they just extend the turnaround at mile 9 another 150 meters? That way you stay on the asphalt path you used at the start.

Even if they don't change the course, I would do the race again.

I ran the half marathon. The course was pretty. The path is for the most part tree-lined. It's not pancake flat, but it's definitely not "hilly." The organization was great! I wasn't sure how many stars to give the spectators. I didn't want a crowd. I wanted a peaceful, pretty fun run through a park. I got just that! There were enough people running the half so that I was never "alone." In future years, they will need more volunteers at the water stops. A few were congested. It's well worth the $45 fee. I LOVED the medal!

This was a nice enjoyable race. Low-key and small, with no expo - you just pick up the packet at the Sports Authority. The course went through a mainly shaded trail through the Independence Grove Forest Preserve. I liked the change of pace of this race compared with other marathons I have done: running on the crushed limestone path, a non-crowded environment where you can settle into your pace, running along the trails. It's just plain old running without the frills. Water stops were roughly every three miles, so you would need to stop and grab a few cups to ensure you kept properly hydrated. It got a little hot by the last 8 miles in the marathon. Only improvement for the course would be to reverse it so the marathon ends in the shade.

I stayed at the Days Inn. It had a great rate and was less than a mile from the race location. I really enjoyed this run and hope it continues. If you like a less-crowded race through a nature setting, this one is for you.

A nice half marathon, but the full marathon participants were short-changed. A beautiful forest preserve course with limited water stops. The marathon field was small. The end of the race was bad with an awful turn at the end, and the food left over included dirty grapes, warm water and a box of fly-ridden bagels. A nice try at a full marathon, but for the cost, little was offered.