This was an inaugural marathon done right. The course was gorgeous. It was mildly rolling through nice neighborhoods and urban trails, a good amount of shade protected runners through much of the run. This course was mostly on asphalt, with very little concrete. Spectators were plentiful on the main roads and in neighborhoods, but access was somewhat limited on the trails so there were very few on the trails&which doesn't bother me.
The volunteers were very friendly and well prepared with plenty of water and powerade, though we could have used gels at one or more aid stations later in the run.
They had a big thunderstorm come through at around 1:30 Saturday morning and when the sun came out more than an hour into the race it became quite warm. A 7 am start on this run is perfect, any later and we would have cooked out there.
The block party after the run was a blast, with plenty of vendors and food choices. Though there was much confusion about the awards ceremony, I highly recommend this run to all. Great job Carmel.

Inaugural marathon but very well run. Lots of aid stations, medical tents. Enjoyable course but not that interesting - mostly neighborhoods and parks. No bands or music. Mostly flat; no major hills. I was concerned about heat, but we had a beautiful day with temps 68-75 and good cloud cover. Will run again.

Driving from Indianapolis to Carmel was an easy 15-20 minute drive. What I noticed on the drive into Carmel is that the town is beautiful. There were beautiful homes with tree lined streets. I had a feeling-just by driving into the town that this was going to be a great race. It was! The course runs through beautiful neighborhoods and along a shaded and beautiful bike path. The start and finish are in the downtown Art District which has a yuppy East Side feel to it. However, the residents are anything but snobby. I think Carmel should get an award for nicest residents/volunteers to go along with its award for having the best high school in the nation. They had powerade-not a fan but it served its purpose. Mile 8 was a tad off but not big deal. We figured it out. I would suggest runner tracking for next year. Shuttles to and from the hotel were so easy and convenient. There was no waiting-wow! I stayed at the award winning Hampton Inn. (Everything in Carmel wins awardsit is an overachiever kind of city.) The Hampton was nice and inexspensive. Stay for the post race party-I regretted not staying another day. Once you visit Carmel, you will not want to leave.

This was my 5th marathon. The expo needed some minor improvement logistically. I was there very early Thursday and got turned around 3 times, first buy not having been prompted at the entrance to look up my number, then having to duck the ropes once in the expo to go back to the entrance to use the bathroom, and finally not noticing the 'chip check' was outside until I stopped looking for it, so I am sure that later on with more people it got a little confusing.
Plenty of vendors and items to buy though and the Monon center is a large and beautiful complex.
The course was great! The start and finish area was the same and was well organized and plenty of room. A few awkward turns through subdivisions occurred (I imagine to get the exact mileage) but the varying landscapes from roads to sidewalks to paved park paths was nice and helped the miles go by. The course was mostly small rolling hills. The only hill I actually noticed was the long gradual climb from mile 18 to 20. Plenty of medical and fluid support, never noticed and Gu's but I didn't want any.
Spectators were out in plenty. I could here cheers coming up to and leaving main intersections.
The chocolate milk at the end was a great twist on an Indiana tradition...
Downtown Carmel is beautiful, amazingly organized and has plenty to do and lots of places to eat at.
I definitely recommend the race.

well organized race in a beautiful area with helpful volunteers, thank you for showing me Indiana hospitality

If organization, friendliness, and excellent directions are important to you, then this is your race. The expo was rather small, but that was my only complaint. They had plenty of port of potties at the beginning and along the course; they had around 19 stations along the course...all had water, powerade, and a medical staff. The staffed stations had the friendliest workers. The police were the best...friendly and encouraging. The course was well marked-you couldn't get lost if you wanted! I left with great memories!

This is as good of an inaugural marathon as I have ever run. The course was nice and flat with some small hills. It ran through upscale residential and business areas, and some lovely rural sections with wooded areas and river views. The volunteers were great and water was plentiful, I really cant give any significant negative comments. This race should grow in statue and is worth considerations for 2012 if you like nice small town races. Crowd support was comparable to most small towns races.

I ran the half at this event and was very impressed by how well it was organized. You couldn't tell it was the first year they held this race. I've never had an easier time getting to the start line at a race before. I live in Carmel and have run the route of the full marathon many times in training. It is absolutely beautiful, as is the half course. The only thing I didn't love about the half course was the 180 degree turn around at the bottom of a hill. My only suggestion to the organizers would be to get the word out to the community a little better about road closures- there were some angry motorists. Overall, this was a really awesome race. I'd definitely do this event again.

Where to start.& Music selection - terrible. Music Volume - Deafening National Anthem Singer - really can't think of a good way to explain it i guess wow, but not in a good way Results - apparently no one wants them its only 2:03pm and the race started at 7am and they still are not posted anywhere

The course itself was fast. Flat, wide running paths, they did a good job keeping car traffic stopped. My only complaint is that I ran the half marathon and there were a couple of stretches the only mile markers I saw were for the full marathon, so I was worried I got off course somehow. Also, i always enjoy the spectators but these Carmelites were all just standing around drinking their Starbucks...no music or other entertainment along the course.