This was my first marathon and it could not have been a better experience as far as the organization, the residents, and even the support of other runners. Aside from being under trained, I was able to finish. I didn't have to crawl across the line either. I actually sprinted. Thank you to all that make this marathon possible. You are all doing a great job.

This is a really great, small race on a beautiful out-and-back course. While the course in not pancake flat the small rollers pose no real problems (and I am from Chicago). It is a rural course, so if you are accustomed to constant crowd noise, you may notice the silence. This is a very nice, little town so stick around for a day if you have the time to spare. I stayed at the Cambria, which is a very nice, new hotel a whopping 3-minute walk from the start.

Out-and-back course along the shore of Lake Michigan for all but a few miles. Gorgeous views, and a flat, excellent course. This race is put on basically by the track/running club with a big sponsor being the bank. The people are super friendly and accommodating. Pasta dinner was fun and easy to get to with very nice volunteers. The medals are big, beautiful, and abundant in that they awarded through 5th place in 5-year age groups. At the finish they had ICE CREAM and it was delicious. All in all, it was everything I had expected and more. The only possible downside is that there are not crowds of cheering people along the course. I didn't go there for that, so it was just a wonderful experience all the way.

Having run close to 30 marathons, this race is definitely in the top three. If you want a race where you can run fast, enjoy the scenery, and not break the bank, then this is it. If you need a large crowd, with a mega expo, and expensive hotels/restaurants, then go elsewhere. Read what Grandma's says about itself (which is an exaggeration) and you would think they are talking about Bayshore.

Expo is small, but so is the race. They had everything I needed with very little hassle. The pasta dinner in the school cafeteria was OK, but it had the best homemade desserts I have ever eaten, and for the price it cannot be beat.

The course truly has lake views and a few rolling hills, but just enough to stretch the legs. A PR is very possible.

After-race food and drink were far above the standard. (I ran NYC in November and was handed a dry bagel and soft apple.)

There's a lot of family entertainment in the area so bring them along as they will not be bored.

Fifty-Staters and Maniacs, put this race on your list and you will not be disappointed. Race officials keep, the size limited and the hotels in check with the pricing, and you will be around for a long time. I will be coming back to do the half to take a crack at my personal record.

This was my 25th marathon and the 4th time that I have run Bayshore. I will be back. My wife and I have a great time, the course is beautiful, the race is well run and the size is right. Please do not change the course, nor increase the entrants, as both would take away from this marvelous marathon.

This was my second Bayshore and I plan on doing it again! What's not to like?

The course is beautiful; you run along Lake Michigan for most of it. We stayed at a hotel downtown and walked to the race 30 minutes before the start. Very stress-free. Did a PR and BQ, but had a heat-related issue at the finish line. The medical staff were right there and did a great job of taking care of everyone. There was Stone Cold ice cream at the finish.

Got to love that.

I ran this marathon with my 2 daughters and niece, all first-timers. We'll be back next year - plus daughter #3!

I agree with all of the positive comments. So, I will leave my negative comments to give a bit more information.

1.) The race is for FAST runners. I finished in 6 hours and 14 seconds (the cut-off time is 6 hours). All of the finisher food was gone, and almost all of the people. Everyone was very nice and all of the aid stations were still open, but I felt very alone out on the course. If you are a slow runner, I would suggest a different race (perhaps Grand Rapids).

2.) The course had more hills than I expected, and the turns on the road were banked, making it hard on the knees. I wouldn't recommend this race to anyone with bad knees.

3.) The women's t-shirt only comes down to my belly button. I would prefer a longer shirt.

4.) Overall, a GREAT RACE!!! The volunteers were great, the spectators (the few there were) were awesome. The medals are AMAZING! This is the perfect race for a fast runner with good knees who enjoys short t-shirts.

The course was fantastic. The post-race survey asks if the out-and-back is good or if the organizers should explore a loop course. KEEP IT AS IT IS! The multitude of water stops, the excitement of seeing the elites, the scenery so wonderful you enjoy it both times... all great. The medal was one of the nicest I've earned and the shirt isn't that bad. I like the fact that it is relatively void of advertising too. The reason the course and organization do not get a "5" is because cars were allowed on the closed portions of the course every so often. Having runners on each shoulder while a car is driving down the middle was discomforting. Also, the packet pick up site (local high school gym) was great once you got in, but the traffic in that school parking lot was mayhem.

This is a great, scenic race course. I ran with Team in Training. It was really cool to see and encourage my other team members on the out-and-back course. The start and the finish are congested. It seems like the finish line volunteers were too close when finishing. I like how other marathons have wet towels or sponges at the finish and room to walk a little before the medals are handed out. I love the fact that spectators can easily move along the course to support the runners.