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.

My assigned vacation week fell at the end of May this year, so I naturally decided to take that opportunity to try to qualify for Boston. After researching all of the marathons happening that week (quite a number!) I chose Bayshore and was delighted with that decision.

Highlights of the race for me: 1) Qualifying for Boston!:) 2) Getting to meet a lot of very friendly, dedicated, great runners before, during and after the race. 3) The pictures posted that afternoon at the running store - very fun to peruse all the pix. 4) Great Brooks shirt that I actually can use! 5) Amazingly scenic route, tremendous weather.
Really the only negatives with this race were the difficulties my family had finding spectator points, and I was not fond of the Ultima as everyone else has mentioned!

I would definitely give this race a hearty recommendation and also advise that you spend a few days enjoying the lovely Traverse City region.

This was Marathon #2 for me. I live in Utah (high altitude) so I greatly enjoyed breathing in the rich, clean, heavy air of Traverse City. I loved it!

This marathon could attract more people if they only knew how ideal the running conditions are. Running with 62-degree weather, partly cloudy skies, light breeze, and a flat course the whole way. The course is mostly surrounded by the bay, trees and forests, and very expensive houses. There is plenty to admire about Traverse City.

I forgot pins for my number and my time chip! The organizers were very helpful and helped me start the race on time. Some of the benefits of a larger race weren't to be found, but I enjoyed the peaceful amount of spectators and the ease of registration, leaving, etc. The food after was very, very well done, I ate enough for a few meals. Great job Traverse!

This was my first marathon and I was very pleased with the course and the volunteers. The course is beautiful and the weather was perfect for racing. I will run this race again and is a good race for first-timers. I would agree with others about the Allsport; please replace with something more palatable.