Loved this marathon and the course. Its as close to flat as you can get. There are a few rolling hills but nothing worth mentioning and really nothing that did much more than stretch your legs out. It's a gorgeous town and perfect scenery to entertain. The spots that are available for spectators (with the exception of one) are very easy to access.

Organization and water stops were fantastic. Only downside is that they are every 2 miles and if you want them closer, you should carry your own. Though there was a sweet, sweet man and his wife and granddaughter around mile 23/24 that were handing out cups of water due to the heat. That's the wonderful kind of crowd support you get from the locals here. Also, lots of people just sitting on lawn chairs in their front yard cheering you on or playing music. I'd highly recommend this one!!!

I can't add anything that has not already been said. I recommend staying for a few days. Stay up in the peninsula at Bowers Harbor B&B. Great hosts and wonderful lodging with a view of the bay; and in the middle of cherry orchards, vineyards, and beaches. A beautiful place to spend a few days. Have dinner at Bowers Harbor Inn... great food and a little ghost story to boot.

Loved the scenery and the organization was great! Keep up the fine work; I'm looking forward to running this one again!

This course is the best I've experienced and I've done Disney and Chicago. One very small hill at the 1/2 split but otherwise pancake-flat. The course runs on the east coast of a wooded peninsula with a hill running up the spine so any wind is dampened greatly and the wind here is usually out of the west. The spectators were few but that's the way I like it; I've had enough cowbells in Chicago to last a lifetime and the Disney characters sort of got on my nerves. The water was a little more spread out for my liking but not bad enough to carry your own. Running Fit provided race photos free, which was a nice touch. The course was shaded more than not. There was some light residential traffic, but it wasn't a factor. I ran this one as a spirit runner for a friend so it took me 2 hours longer than I'm used to, but the course was so easy and the scenery so good that it didn't matter. I wish they were all this nice.

Even though I had a slow race Saturday, this event definitely delivers. I got to see my wife four times during the race including the finish. I strongly recommend this race for those spouses who are "runner widows." It definitely turned my wife around on the sport. Plus, this is a beautiful region to enjoy nature and the wonderful town of Traverse City. It was a beautiful day for a race!

This marathon is true to its word; it is scenic and fast. While not completely flat, it had what I would call small rolling "hills," which were very manageable. Organization was great with local hotels providing good coverage and support. Although there were not a great number of spectators (mind you, the organizers don't hide the fact that spectators are limited, the one's that were out there were loud and supportive). The race is run along the lake which is beautiful and mostly in shade. The fact that it was so scenic offset the fact that it was an out-and-back marathon. I did PR and qualify for Boston... definitely will be back as it is a great weekend getaway as well.

This was my first marathon at the ripe young age of 46. I have all positive comments. From registering and picking up my race packet to the very end, everything seemed top-notch. The volunteers were friendly and helpful, the spectators were fantastic and supportive, and the coordination and attention to detail was just exceptional. I will definitely run this marathon again. For my first marathon it was an absolutely positive experience. Thanks for all who contributed to this.

-Mark Horsley

This was an awesome place for my first marathon; great course, great views and great spectators. All of the volunteers did a great job and the spectators were very supportive of everyone. Can't wait to run it again!

When you approach the mile split and there is an aid station there also, please put the marker well in front of the aid station so the runners can push the split time on their watch and then get the cup of water or Gatorade. It is hard to juggle all of that at once. Runners like to see the split time on the watch and know if they are on pace. When you give us the aid at the same time, it is hard to manage both.

I have run Bayshore Marathon twice (1999, 2002). Although I live in Michigan and have run other marathons, and Bayshore Marathon beats them all. You cannot beat the fresh air, the beautiful scenery and the friendly folks. I will definitely run this marathon again.