This was my 8th marathon but 1st Athens Marathon. The town was beautiful, the people were friendly, the course was scenic and flat, and the Gatorade and water stops were frequent. I missed several mile markers on the trail - they were not always easy to spot. I only saw one porta-john on the course, and I ended up having to go in the woods (not so easy for girls). At the end of the race, there was no ice for injured runners by the time I came in. Granted, this was my slowest marathon due to complications, but I think ice is crucial for those runners who take longer to finish. So I would suggest more porta-johns, larger mile-marker signs, and ice available at the finish - even for the very last runner.

I really enjoyed the whole experience that came with running the Athens Half-Marathon. The weather was awesome and the bike path where the race was run is gorgeous. I ran with my step-dad and this was our second half-marathon together. The finish is so nice because you end right on the Ohio University track. We ended the race together and had a lot of fans cheering us on. Then we were given our medals and pizza and Gatorade. It was a very nice experience, in all. I can't wait for the '09 race!

This was my first Athens Marathon, since I just started at school down here. It's not for those who require a lot of fans and support, but it's beautiful, run along the bike path, and it couldn't have been nicer weather. The volunteers were friendly, and there was a great biker bringing up the rear (of which I was a part!) who made sure to check on the remaining runners on the course in their final miles. This was much appreciated! I look forward to doing this one again next year, and for the rest of my time in Athens!

It's a new thrill!!! I am a seasoned marathoner after 29 races in Europe and America. But it was a whole new kind of thrill to get a check in the mail. I forgot, or never really considered, that part of the experience.

And to do it at Athens on a beautiful day.... What a treat. The Athens course is great - almost entirely on these wonderful Ohio-style rails-to-trails paths through the countryside. I can't recommend any marathon more highly than this one.

To improve it, how about a German-style beer tent for my husband and dog to wait for me in.

If you are like me, when you read these comments, you are trying to figure out whether to run this marathon or not. So here goes.

The course is set up for PRs. I sure didn't, but that had nothing to do with the course. The race starts with a downhill section, then a slight hill, and after that, it is flat for a few miles. Then theres a VERY gradual incline for most of the way until the turnaround. The only way you know it's an incline is because the river is running the opposite way as you run along it. As you return along the same bike-way, that means you have a very gradual decline most of the way back. The finish is great - a loop and a half on a soft finish track. And hearing your name announced as you near the finish line is pretty cool.

As far as the organization, I thought it was great. Yes, the cannon didn't fire for the start, but who really cares? An ex-champ just yelled, "Go," and we went! Water stops are about every two miles. They are well manned, with someone clearly calling out which side had water and which side had Gatorade. I didn't pay much attention to which ones had gels, as I had brought my own. Plenty of post-race pizza, etc.

As far as spectators go, you better not need much encouragement. We ran under nice, clear conditions, but it had to be the loneliest course I've ever run. Anyone who came out should be appreciated, because frankly, who wants to spend a beautiful day clapping for people you don't know? If you don't need crowds, then this is a great marathon. I highly recommend it.

This small race is just perfect for those looking for a PR. This was my 13th marathon and I bested my previous PR by 6 minutes. As others have said, most of the course is a flat paved bike trail running along fields, woods and some water overflow areas. There are areas with no shade, and even the stretches with trees were mainly sunny as the leaves hadn't yet appeared, but the early spring time of the race made for great running temperatures. Being a small event (213 and 460 marathon and half-marathon finishers respectively), it is low-key, and spectator support is minimal, especially along the limited access bike trail. There were plenty of aid stations, however, and the post-race food was good. The only administrative snafu I found was that there was no Gatorade at the marathon turnaround aid station, and I later heard that that station eventually ran out of cups. There also was some minor problem at the beginning, aligning the cannon shot starting the race with the actual start. But those minor issues really didn't detract much from a well managed event. I also must add that Athens is not far from Hocking Hills State Park, which is one of the most scenic areas we have ever seen. Definitely try to at least day trip there if you go to this marathon.

In sum, a fast, pretty course, well managed, run at a great time of year and in a scenic area. The Athens Marathon is a winner.

Couldn't have ordered a more perfect day, group of volunteers or setting for a marathon. I selected this race hoping it would give me the best opportunity to achieve the goal of running my best race along with a PR and BQ time. I wasn't disappointed. The great weather only added to what was a very well organized and supported marathon. From the uncomplicated registration/packet pick-up, to the school kids doing a great job serving at the pre-race meal the night before, to the thrill of running onto the college track, seeing your time on the clock knowing you're within reach of a long-sought-after goal, it was a great experience from start to finish.

This was my 16th overall marathon, and one of my best - yes, even with a time of 4:33.48. It was what I shall call a "NO FRILLS, just get it done" run. No crowds, no problems getting around, and easy access to the course for observers, and family.

Whether through trial and error or just great planning and organization, those who are responsible for pulling this race off each year has done their homework. It may be too, now that I'm 51 years-old, that I might just appreciate the effort a little more, and I'm a little happier that I am still able to finish. I can easily recommend this marathon. My thanks to all of those working the aid/water stations and race organizers. Great job!!

I have a different slant on this marathon (which overall is well-run, on a pretty course, and very reasonably priced; I am sure others here will speak to those aspects of the race).

I didn't feel right as I was running, and by mile 10 had become very light-headed and exhausted (probably because of a recent bout with flu and a sinus infection). I have run many marathons and many more long training runs; it was obvious that something wasn't right. At the next aid station, I pulled off the course and sat down. Immediately I had several volunteers around me, offering me water, Gatorade, and bananas. After lying on the ground for a few minutes, I still wasn't feeling much better. Two of the volunteers offered to drive me back to the start (significant, as this course is an out-and-back). Fortunately, I started feeling better, and perked up after getting back to the hotel for a shower and nap.

I want to thank the race organizers and especially the volunteers for being able to respond so well to my situation. Their dedication really makes this race work. And I hope to thank them in person after I cross the finish line next year!

This marathon is one of the best values in running in America. For $35, you get a long-sleeved cotton shirt with "Athens Marathon" down the sleeve - a mirror of the 2007 Boston Marathon shirt (only difference is that Boston's entry was $95). Mile markers were easy to see and aid stations were well manned. Course was flat on a bike path along the scenic Hocking River, and its trees helped to block out the sun. Nice age bracket prizes, handed out as you finished! Post-race food: pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, bananas, and Gatorade, all generously provided by the Ohio National Guard. Boston's post race food: a bag of chips and a banana. But the highlight was the pasta dinner ($5): a grand helping of spaghetti, salad, and dessert, served by polite 6th graders dressed in white and black. One young man wore a bow tie! It doesn't get any better than this.