Beautiful, relaxing course along the Traverse Bay. Very well organized. Highly recommended.

I've run Detroit and Chicago, and this race was, by far, the best. The course is absolutely beautiful, and there were no problems with traffic.

I think the 1,000 person limit is just about right. I never felt crowded or alone. Even though there are some areas where spectators are scarce, the people who do show up (even in the rain) are wonderful. What a great time! Register early, as I know some people were shut out because of the cap.

Thanks TCTC for putting on a stellar event. I'll be back!

My 3rd time at Bayshore. About 50F and overcast w/ a light mist/sprinkle. Exact same weather last 2 years. I consider this ideal for a marathon, YMMV.

Hats off to TCTC for GREAT organization - they fixed the check-in SNAFU from 2002, kept the nice medal and got a REALLY COOL t-shirt design! Plan to register early. I'd guess the race cap (1,000 runners) will stay: 852 finishers this year & I don't think the course can support much more.

Plenty of cheap rooms within walking distance of the race, but I'd recommend staying at a b&b. I stayed 10 minutes away @ Country Hermitage (www.countryhermitage.com) which I highly recommend. If you want to eat @ Roma's, GO EARLY. Otherwise go downtown (5 min. away) for a GREAT selection of restaurants and easy parking. Downtown is also a great place to hang out in with cafe's, bookstores, brewpub, etc.

This year's Bayshore was much better than last year's. The organization at packet pick-up and change of location were much more conducive to the jump in participants over the last couple of years. The aid stations were perfectly spaced and the volunteers were great. The weather could have been better, a little less rain, but we can't control that. Overall, a beautiful marathon in a great location. Closing the entire course to traffic would be a great idea. The start mat for the chip this year was also a wonderful addition.

Great small-town race. I've run Chicago and New York. It was wonderful to run a race out and back along beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. The air was fresh. The course was awesome. Even though traffic continued throughout the race, it was never a problem. The fans were great. Even with the rain, a lot of people were standing at their doors blaring music for us.

Coming off of an injury, I was looking for a race in late May where I could put up a good time. As all marathoners should do, I did my research on Marathon Guide. Found this race in northern Michigan. Its ratings were good, so my friend and I decided to run the race.
Boy, we found a good race.
This is not a 'mega' race. There are no bands. No huge crowds all along the course. No gimmicks.
It is a good out and back race on a flat course (it really is flat). And the course also has great scenery, as most of the course is run along the bay.
The race is also the perfect size to me. With a limit of 1,000, it is small enough that you don't get caught up in the crowds. At the same time, it is big enough that you are never running alone. (It is a true out and back course, so you get the lift of seeing the rest of the runners too). The finish is also kind of neat with almost 400 meters on the local high school track.
There is no real expo, but a local running store sells some logo stuff and last minutes needs (GU, gloves, etc.) at registration.
Our wives were able to see us at 3-4 places fairly easily, so it was a pretty good spectator course.
If you are looking for a fast race with a good small-town feel, this is the race for you.

This is a wonderful marathon. It was my first and it was such a positive experience that I can't wait until next year!! Even though it rained, was cold, and was a bit windy, the spectators were out and cheering. It is such a scenic course with the bay on one side and nice homes on the other. Plus my family could meet up with me at several points on the course and get me re-fueled. The volunteers were great; from the people on the bikes monitoring traffic to the water stations attendants, they each had words of encouragement.
The last few miles get a bit lonely as everyone is gathering at the track to see the finishers, so if you need a lot of last miles encouragement, get it from deep within yourself.
Plus, dinner at Roma's Italian restaurant was the best pre-race food.

I don't think you could find a more scenic marathon than the Bayshore. As you run along the eastern shore of the Old Mission peninsula, you see water to the east and wind-blocking trees to the west, with a few houses scattered about. Although the spectators were sparse, they were vocal and willing to cheer for anyone.

Organizers have told me that chip mats will be located at the start and finish in 2003, so that should alleviate the concerns about a slow start.

I believe this marathon will have to be an annual event for me!

If you need fans cheering you on every step, this is not the race for you.

If you like a small, scenic race with hotels within walking distance and easy access for spectators and friends, you can't go wrong. Traverse city is a great place to spend a weekend, and Bayshore is a great excuse to drive up for Memorial day weekend

Second time for me at Bayshore this year. Recommendations are to improve the check-in process and to keep the nicer medals from this year (Last year's medals were kinda chintzy)

Roma's, across from the college, has great italian food - but get reservations or go early!!!!

This gem escaped my notice until this year, despite its approximately 20 years of existence. What a beautiful course--flat and on the lake. The 800 or so runners is a very nice change from the current trend of mob scene marathons. Nicely organized, though registration line a little (lot) too long. Register onsite to avoid the wait.