I usually like to just talk about the pros and cons so here goes..

Pros
~ Hotels close to the start and the shuttle service to and from the start line made it easy
~ Flat and fast course
~ Well organized
~ Well staffed aide stations
Cons
~ No GU on the course
~ Finisher medal was OK but the ribbon was kind of plain (being picky)
~ Not much food options at the finish line

Overall i would recommend this race to friends, did a great job for the 2nd year and with a few improvements it will be top notch
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I was looking to run a spring marathon and chose Carmel based on the weekend I had available and not being too far of a drive. This was my 5th marathon and my first in Carmel. First off, The town of Carmel is very nice. My wife and I came into town on Friday afternoon to pick up packet and stayed until Sunday. The hotel location was very convenient to the expo and the race start/finish. The expo is small, but I don't usually spend much time at them other than to pick up my race packet.

On Saturday morning I took the bus from the hotel to the start, which was very convenient. Race day was overcast and cool, which is ideal conditions for me. The course is a nice mix of neighborhoods, parks and open roads. The course has a few rolling hills, but mostly flat and fast. The aid stations were well staffed with volunteers over the course. Some of the mile markers may have been off slightly, but didn't bother me since I was going by my garmin. The spectators were kind of sparse on the course, but I think the cooler weather played a factor. The traffic control on the course was outstanding. The post race food was a little weak. I have attended local 5/10K's with better food than that. You don't usually see a bag of chips for post race snack.

However, I ended up running my fastest marathon yet and achieved my 3rd BQ. We went out on the town to have a few to celebrate. Great pizza and service at Bazbeaux's. We had very good Sunday breakfast at Brunchie's.

Overall we enjoyed our race weekend in Carmel. Keep improving/growing the race!

Overall I had a good experience and would recommend to others.

Pros:1)course was gently rolling hills through nice neighborhoods and paved park trails and none of it was concrete. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this course was.

2)Packet pick-up was a breeze. 3)There was a shuttle but I drove from one of the recommended hotels and it was extremely easy to get in and out with my car. 4)lots of aid stations 5)post race massage/stretching/active release with short wait times

Cons: 1)The shirts were unisex and HUGE.My small fits like an XLarge. 2)the powerade was so diluted I could only taste the hose water.Not sure how many electrolytes I got from it. 3)no warming blankets at the finish.It was cold in 2012! 4)poor selection of post race food-banana,chips and peanut butter crackers.I wanted something a litte more substantial after runnning 26 miles

I picked this marathon because it was earlier in the year and it was supposed to be flat. Being from Wisconsin, I found this course to be very flat. Other runners might've noticed a few hills, but to me - it was very flat and FAST. I wanted to get a PR and go for a BQ and I got it! It was my fastest marathon by over 16 minutes, and I've done 8 in the past.

The course was very nice, it had quite a few turns, if you're running it - try to run the tangents/inside corners. I wasn't super keen on the half marathon linking back up with the full later. It was fine, but some of the half marathoners were walking and were a tad in the way. It would be nice if you're walking to stay to the side. The powerade at a few of the stations was terrible! That was a disappointment because I planned to use that type of drink to refuel my glycogen stores. So better mixing next year, one time it was a grey color instead of blue. The volunteers should maybe try drinking it to see if it tastes right.

Other than that, it was a GREAT race! The people of Carmel were awesome! The fans were great and a HUGE thank you to all the volunteers that made it possible. I especially appreciated the traffic control. I didn't have to stop once for a car, and that was a huge help, since I didn't have a lot of time to spare in getting my goal time. Thanks for the great race, Carmel!

This was my 7th marathon, and my first one that was under 4000 runners. This is a great event. Packet pickup was a breeze, getting to race via shuttle from the hotel was easy. Course layout was great. Numerous water stops along the course with great volunteers.

Few minor complaints/cons - Powerade - just my personal opinion but I can't stand it. Road closures made it difficult to get around for spectators. My wife struggled to get to various spots along the course due to all the closures. Could just be because we aren't from the area and don't know the lay of the land. Shirt color - Again, just being picky, but prefer non white shirts. All in all a great marathon and would definitely consider running it again and highly recommend.

Great course! follows bike paths with many turns and great scenery. Almost zero spectators/bands. Few 'goodies' provided at the finish. If you run a race for the cheers and chocolate milk, this one may not be for you. If you run for the love of a jaunt through beautiful scenery and the joy of running with good people, this one is for you.

Decided to run this since it was close to home. The expo was small, but fine and well organized. The course was ok, but not great. So many turns through neighborhoods and office parks it was difficult to figure out where you were, and I'm very familiar with the area. Main complaint was the water and Powerade. The water tasted terrible!! Straight out of hydrants and hoses. It was undrinkable at some aid stations. Some were also out of Powerade. I was toward the back of the pack, but it was a cool and windy day and doubtful people were guzzling it all day. Shouldn't have happened, and had it been a warm day, would have caused problems.
Overall, I'd probably run it again, but won't be in a big hurry.

This is a nice, flat run through the lovely suburb of Carmel on the north side of Indianapolis. Organizers made a very wise move to shift this race from June to April. Weather in 2012 was perfect for running, if somewhat chilly for volunteers.

This would be a very good choice for a first-time marathoner. The course is kind. Traffic control was very good...I enjoyed high-fives with a lot of cops. It's not a big-city marathon but a nice run with good value.

The amenities for this race were a little worse than average. After 26.2 miles in 40 degree weather, most runners want more than water and a bag of chips. There was virtually no crowd support in the many affluent neighborhoods that make up the course. It is important to note that this is only the second year for this marathon.

I really enjoyed the experience and plan on running again next year. Hopefully the weather will be warmer so my family and I can stay and enjoy the expo.