This was a great first 'small' marathon, and my first experience with an out-and-back course. It was fun to cheer on the half-marathoners (who started at the turn-around point) and the faster marathon runners as they went by. Having the spectators concentrated at a half-dozen 'access' areas is a great idea... the noise and enthusiasm of those groups rivaled the crowds at the base of NY's Queensboro Bridge! And many homeowners along the way gave out orange wedges or water, and they played music (lots of Springsteen) and sprayed runners with hoses on request. The finish on the track was awesome, and you can't beat a post-race food area that includes Cold Stone ice cream.
I do wish they gave out more splits on the course (only available at the halfway point), and that the workers at the aid stations filled the cups more than 1/3 to 1/2 way, especially on such a warm day.
Traverse City is a great place to visit. I recommend wine-touring on the penninsulas as a perfect post-race activity.

Great race, Great medals, did the half marathon, will do it again next year. Only bad thing is the Nike bag, would of rather had a Dri-fit shirt....

Great course, great people, beautiful run. Race organizers added an 800-person half this year. Didn't impact those of us running north as they passed us going south nearly as much as I thought. Didn't seem like 800 at all and it was nice to have some more runners to root for. Friendly, friendly people all around. Course is pretty flat. If you think the gentle rolling terrain that does exist on the course are hills, you must live in Chicago or Florida. Shade saved us on a day that was warmer than the norm for this time of year. If you are doing the 50-state thing, this has to be your Michigan marathon.

It is truly a beautiful area of the world and the people are great.

I just wanted to add that the course is truly lovely but it is NOT pancake flat as some previous people have commented.

The grade is gentle and rolling...no real tough hills, but expect some long minor uphill and downhill grades.

It's still doable for beginners, and in fact, I would recommend it for first timers. It is a friendly race and the area is worth sticking around for to visit for a few days.

What a great marathon, aided by some great weather, in a great resort area. The event was well organized and the local community was very accommodating. First-class event!!!

The Bayshore Marathon was one of those experiences where it seems everything in life is just perfect. The beautiful course along the lake provides the beauty of the water and the forest. The mature homes and roadway provide a canopy of trees that protect from the sun and...if there were any...the wind. Aid Stations were well placed, the out and back course added to the ambiance, the mostly level but some rolling hills adds the variety that improves finish times and attitude, the start parking and high school arena parking made for easy access. This was my 32nd marathon and the first one I've been in where the ladies were given a true female shirt rather than everyone being given men's shirts. A true plus and attention to detail. The community support is terrific; a plenty-smart running store took pictures of the runners and then pasted them all over their downtown store so runners could get a good quality free picture shortly after the race. Traverse City is a fun old downtown city that is walker friendly, clean and inviting and a nice place to be post race. This is a terrific first, middle, Boston Qualifier, or latest marathon for anyone.

Of course, I never need an excuse to go up north. Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco; mine is left in NW Michigan. Did the half and really liked it. I was surprised that I finished last in my age group but I guess I was competing against primarily runners, not runner/walkers. However, I was never alone on the course. Loved the friendly spectators (having people respond positively to the college named on my shirt really put a pep in my step), the route, the organized packet pick-up and bus drop-off. Liked the track finish. The only change I suggest is to have shirts for the half participants instead of the bag. Can never have enough Dri-Fit-type shirts.

The race was great; it is so nice that it makes it hard to hold back from running too fast. But the only problem was that there wasn't enough water on the course - since it was only every two miles, you could get dehydrated pretty easily. I would recommend bringing some with you if you plan on running this race. But other than that it was GREAT!

Everything in this race gets 5 stars, from the organization to the scenic course to the very lively spectators. Beats the big marathons hands down. Is going to be on my repeat list.

My first full marathon. Well done in every way. I loved the area, the course, the sincere/simple support from locals, the areas where people could view the course...

The course scenery and shade is great. The temp was above the norm but no one can control that.

My only problem was I was not as ready for what seemed like more (moderate/slight) grade running than advertised. The amount of serious hills is minimal but the course has several long up/down grades. First timers will need to do some hill work.

Several hit a 'wall' around 19/20 miles where a steady slope exists. It got me bad but there could be a next time when I beat it ....