This was my 21st marathon and one I would not revisit. I ran it 12 years ago and again this year, and the organization and support has not improved with the change in management. There were not nearly enough water stops, with long stretches without any water. The weather was 90+ degrees and 90% humidity, where water is really necessary to perform well. Advantages are the flat course and occasional breeze off the lake. Long stretches have no wind, and the heat off of the pavement must have been 100+. For the later finishers, the water stops had packed up and left. The high points were the frozen ice treats and the Indian tacos. Almost worth the dehydration and heat exhaustion.

This was my first full marathon and I found the route to be a little boring. When I came to the water toward the end, it was all gone. If you do not finish fast, you will be forgotten. I did get a finisher's medal, though; it's cool.

This a great race and a great course to run if you are new to the marathon experience. I stayed close to home (the course is where I train) and was pleasantly surprised with the organization of the event. The staff was extremely helpful and encouraging. You will see me back in 2010!

This race continues to improve each year. Yes, it's hot in the southern U.S. on the Memorial Day Weekend . The UNITY organization provided cold water, cold Gatorade and sections of oranges. During the last three miles, two race vans drove by to ask if I wanted any more water. I have run this race before and I will be back for 2010. All the best to this group for conducting a quality running event

There aren't a lot of things I can say that I didn't like about this race. The fact that there weren't a lot of spectators was discouraging to begin with, but the spectators that were there were great. My best friend had come with me, and made a sign that said, "Respect the Distance" and I saw a lot of other signs too. One guy had one that said, "Today you are going to finish a marathon." That was great. I can't say enough about the people who organize and time this event. At one point, there was a police officer who stopped between aid stations to hand out water. It was very hot! When I had finished the race, the guys doing the time followed me to my car to tell me that I had gotten second in my age division; they gave me Gatorade. Everyone was so nice and eager to help in anyway that they could. I would have to say that, out of the 3 marathons I have done, this was my favorite! I will do it again next year!

This was my third marathon. The organization was good. I was worried about the monotony of three laps around the lake but found it quite nice. Lap one was easy, lay two was focused, and lap three was a challenge. I'm thankful for the flat course. The drink stations were adequate and the spectators, while few in number, were positive and supportive. I recommend this one.

Thanks to everyone - runners, organizers, even spectators who set up ad hoc aid stations - who helped me to the finish line.

I wanted to run a marathon following my half at the OKC Memorial. Decided to stay close to home after reading the positive feedback on this forum. Was pleasantly surprised by the low entry fee of $35. Here is a list of the positives and negatives:

Positives

1) Well marked course with little vehicle traffic.
2) Well organized packet pickup and start.
3) Route 66 Park is a great venue for this event, with plenty of parking and a good atmosphere.
4) Cool t-shirt and finisher's medal.
5) For the small number of spectators that were there, they were all great.

Negatives

1) With three laps around the lake... it is what it is.
2) Poorly placed and lacking aid stations.
3) Refreshments were warm for the first couple of laps.
4) Some stations were unmanned and I actually had to fill my cup on the last lap.
5) Some volunteers seemed reluctant to be there and I actually had a volunteer tell me she was tired at mile 20!
6) No post-race snacks. Just water and small bottles of Gatorade.
7) Post-race awards ceremony was unorganized and the race director forgot to bring some of the trophies, so I have to wait for mine to be mailed.

Overall, you get what you pay for with this race. If the price stays the same, I will do this one again. Next time, the iPod and Fuelbelt will be worn to combat the monotony and dehydration.

Hats off to the handful of people who manage this event. It was a fine marathon. It was worth the trip up to do it. Thank you to everyone.

Just ran this race this morning. Very well organized for the number of participants (95 finishers). Not a lot of spectators but the people who were there were enthusiastic. My one compliant would be the lack of a water stop between the Iron Bridge and the last water stop. Made for a long 3 miles in the heat!