I always thought that the Marines were the best, but how did they make the weather so perfect for this race? This was my first one and I couldn't be more pleased! The course was perfect and interesting. The water stops/with the Marines were well done, and inspirational. Being able to run hard for those who keep our country safe was an honor. Congrats goes to the organizers, I look forward to running next year! Thanks.

The crowds were simply awesome and I was thrilled to be part of such an event. The people of the Washington area should be very proud to have put on such a spectacular event.

This is a tough marathon to run if you are not used to large crowds. I felt like I was constantly running away from the horde of people behind me, whether it was registration, the start or the race. It is difficult to run your own race with so many other runners and the crowds.

The crowds are enthusiastic, but it is too loud for me at least at some points. It you want solace, run another race. You have to be careful with the crowds--their enthusiasm may lead you to run for them. If you are not careful you can run too fast to 'impress' the crowds. For instance, at mile 3 everyone was cheering like it was the end of the race. And when some runners were walking, you heard fans say 'Don't give up' as if the runner was not already discouraged enough.

You need to drown out the crowd and just run your own race. I saw more runners running too fast and crashing later.

The aid stations were well run, as was the finish area. I wish they would get rid of Ultima--it tastes like chalk. The start went off on time and was well controlled. The parking lots at the Pentagon were pretty empty. The only catch is you have to walk over a mile to get to the Start. The finish area was well controlled.

For a local, the course is not that interesting, considering all the hype it receives. You are basically in the Pentagon parking lot for 8 or so miles, including the end, and the 14th Street bridge is tiring. There is a lot of concrete too. The actual monument portion is maybe 5 or 6 miles. You run up and down Route 110 three times, which is a little tedious when you have walked up it to get to the race.

I enjoyed every minute from start to finish, including the cramps that set in at mile 16 until I finished. If I had to find one thing that I could change, it would be the Ultima drink used on the course, Gatorade just beats it hands down. Thanks for a great experience.

This was my 1st marathon and I am glad I chose this one...the fans were great and the Marines helping out were awesome. It was very well organized and the course was nice too...the uphill at the end...well maybe not too nice but I am sure to return next year!

Can't express enough gratitude towards the time and effort spent in making this 27th marathon a great sucess. Great dedication. Highly commended for the hard work well done. Very proud to be part of the such a memorable event. Many many thanks.

I ran this marathon with a group called the National AIDS Marathon Training Program. I raised money for AIDS Research. What a fun time it was! I would recommend it for a first marathon. What ever you do wear bright clothes because there are so many people there! Tape your name on your shirt (especially if it's your first marathon!) The fans really cheer you on! Can't wait to run in 2003. If you have any questions please drop me an email asharrai@hotmail.com

I did MCM as my first last Oct, and it was nearly perfect. Great weather, no sitting around on buses to get to the start, relatively flat course, and great spectator support. Only negative was that at the end, the meeting place signs with letters on them all blew over; and since my cell wasn't functioning I met my husband only by chance roaming through the crowd of thousands! Gotta fix that! Be forewarned; look at the finish area beforehand and pick a spot to meet. Special thanks to all those Marines who come to help out and cheer the runners on!

I have run the Marine Corp Marathon twice already and training for my third MCM. The people involved in organizing the race do a fantastic job! They're supportive and encouraging. The course is beautiful and it truly makes you appreciate our nations capital. Most of all the spectators are AWESOME and give you the drive to finish the 26.2 miles. And last but not least the Marines who work the race all day in their cammies are to be commended. They are supportive and encouraging as well....SEMPER FI!!!

I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1998. It was my first Marathon in 1993 and it was a great run. I have ran a total of 5 different Marathon courses and this was by far the best; the monuments, spectators, and scenery were great. The last .2 miles rounds up the hill around the Marine Corps War Memorial ... truly inspiring. Semper Fi.