I ran the 2006 Athens Marathon and found it to be a great experience. The event was well organized and there were adequate aid stations throughout the course. The volunteers at the aid stations were very friendly.

Having run in several large big-city marathons I found this to be a very nice alternative. No crowds to fight through at the start, finish or aid stations. Crossing the finish line and walking 100 yards and getting into my car was also a plus.

If you do not need the crowds and cheering fans and would like to participate in a peaceful low-stress event, then give this a try. I will be back next year!

This was a great marathon experience. The weather was great, the course was lovely, and the people were friendly and helpful. Not many spectators, but that made it easy for my husband and 2 year-old to get around. None of the fuss of the big-city marathons. You have to like running alone or else bring a buddy - things get pretty quiet after the half marathoners turn around. The finish is at the university track, which made it easy for my family to wait for me and there was no hassle finding each other afterwards.

This was my first marathon. I was aware of the remoteness of the course, but was still surprised when I found myself totally alone at the 3-mile marker. It really helped to have one of the trainers from my running group run the second half with me.
This is a very low-key race. Packet pick-up is at an Italian restaurant the night before (really tasty carbs). Most of the race is on a bike path along the river, so is very flat, in spite of the hilly terrain of the town. In fact, the only real hill is at the start, when you run down from the town center to the river.

Athens is a quintessential college town, very picturesque and friendly. Lots of pizza places. It made me nostalgic for college days. It was pure heaven to finish on the soft surface of the Ohio University track. Because there were only about 180 or so marathoners, my family could get up close at the finish.

I don't blame the organizers for it being the hottest April 10th on record. The water stations were plentiful and the volunteers were very supportive and friendly.

To sum up, this is a great first marathon if you don't need big cheering crowds, or if you can bring a running partner. For me, long runs are about solitude and introspection, so it didn't bother me at all.

As a first-time marathoner, I wanted to avoid the logistical distractions associated with big-city marathons (transportation to starting line, crowded expo and Gatorade stations, etc.). This small-town race definitely delivered:

1) The marathon is small and the city is not crowded, so I was able to park close to the starting line.

2) Packet pick-up was quick and easy.

3) At $27 for early registration, it's a great value.

4) Gatorade/H20/fruit stations were uncrowded, well-spaced, and well-stocked by enthusiastic volunteers.

5) Flat, well-maintained bike path.

6) Great for those who don't want fanfare (but bring a friend if you don't like running in solitude).

I train in hilly terrain (read the comments for the Baltimore Marathon!), so running this course really boosted my confidence. The only downside is that there is no change in scenery. All the same, I recommend it to anyone who has thought of running a marathon, but is afraid to take the plunge.

After leaving the town of Athens, it so nice and peaceful on the bike trail. Not all the screaming and noise making of the big marathons. This is an excellent place to run a personal record or qualify for Boston. Almost all flat.

This is a runner's race; tailor-made for a PR or Boston qualifier. Most of the race is on a very scenic rail/trail--flat as a board. The 2004 race was a bit chilly and breezy. However, with the course being out & back, we had the wind at our backs coming home. I set a PR by 20 minutes (3:28) and my friend qualified for Boston.

The race is very well organized with a small town feel. At the starting line, the Wendy's in town opened its doors early to allow us to use the bathroom and stay warm. Also, as you finish on the track, they announce everyone and where they're from. That was nice.

The spectators there were enthusiatic enough but this isn't the race to run if you're looking for throngs of cheering spectators.

I'm not running it this year but would consider running it again. Very positive experience.

One suggestion: Run with a friend. With only 150 people in the marathon, it gets really quiet once the half-marathoners turn around.

This is the fastest course I have ever run on. No PR because I fractured my foot, but still ran a 4:38. Great weather, great crowd, no hills, lots of Gatorade.

There wasn't much not to like about this marathon. Your typical friendly, small, university town. The course was flat and fast. The waterstops were well placed and well stocked with water, Gatorade, and fruit. Easy access to the starting area. Enough runners to keep you motivated or to strike up a conversation with. Not much fan support except for the enthusiastic waterstop volunteers, but if you brought your own fans, the organizers published directions to help them get to good viewing spots along the course. This race is definitely worth a look.

I am a tree-hugger enviro. I love solitude, but this race was way too much for me. Spectators only at the start of the race, they you can hear a pin drop after that. Only 150 finishers. The course, on a gorgeous rail trail, is fine for a long slow run of 18-20 miles maybe, but not a race.

My main complaint: ABSOLUTELY NOBODY GIVING TIME SPLITS AT ANY MILE IN THE RACE!!! NO CLOCKS, EITHER!! I don't wear a watch so I had NO IDEA of my time for the entire race!! Fluid stations few and far between (every 2-3 miles). Only good part was the entry fee. Save your money and time and go elsewhere.

This race has the potential to be a PR if the weather cooperates. This year, unfortunately, it was cold and windy. Aside from that, it's flat, fast and very well organized. The miles are marked, the aid stations are plentiful and my family was able to see me at miles 10 and 15 on the course. On the downside, I ran the entire race by myself, which usually doesn't bother me, but due to the weather it was tough. Good value at $30 too.