When the start was moved to Byron in 2007, the second half of the course was intended to include a loop that followed much of the first half of the course of previous years. However, a bridge on that course was closed a few months before the marathon, leaving a short time to find alternatives.

Several years ago, there was some thought given to moving Med-City up a few weeks. The organizers not only considered how this would affect participants' scheduling and travel planning, but also the effect such a move would have on the number of volunteers.

I agree that the post-race amenities are not what they used to be, but the entry fee seems lower.

Contrary to another finisher's comments, I had no problem contacting the race director the Wednesday before the race to confirm that my fax for entry had been received.

The initial downhills weren't as bad as advertised, but the rolling course on the out-and-back to miles 20 and 21 did more damage to me; however, keeping runners off of the roads - I would think - is what keeps the price down for this marathon. And I agree that the back 13.1 miles are a mental challenge with very few spectators, especially after you run right by the finish line to start your second half!

The volunteers were absolutely spectacular along the entire course.

When I signed up for $40, I knew exactly what I would get: a no-frills, safe, supportive marathon, which is all I want. I'm always shocked at what people expect in the "freebee" bags. Here, you get exactly what you need to have a successful run - water/Gatorade station every 2 miles; protection along the roads/highways; accurate measure of finishing time; challenging course from the early hills, through 8 miles, through the lonesome wooded bike trials, through miles 17 to 24; and Gatorade, water, and a banana and bagel at the finish, which is perfect. And for my troubles, I got a decent finisher's shirt and a medal. I'd say a pretty good deal.

The course has its physical and mental challenges for a runner. The volunteers were very pleasant and supportive. The spectators were very few and far between, but I wasn't surprised or concerned. I think it was a great event sponsored by the YMCA for the size, and would be willing to run it again if I'm in the neighborhood.

I have run this marathon three times now, and overall they do a really good job. I would recommend it to anyone. However, this year I had an issue with registration and received absolutely no help from the race director. In fact, she wouldn't even listen to my problem. I tried talking to her twice on the phone and she just told me to refer to the website - "All the information is on the web site," she said. Well, the answer to my problem wasn't on the website.

The Med City Marathon is put on by the Rochester YMCA. As a 20-year YMCA employee myself, I would say she (also a YMCA employee) doesn't represent the YMCA very well as a "people" person.

The rest of my experience was great. The new course (it was changed last year) is much more interesting than before and also more challenging (hilling first 7-8 miles). The volunteers and spectators were excellent and the new finish line area is very runner- and spectator-friendly.

It is a great way to spend part of your Memorial Day weekend.

This was a well organized race; the logistics were impeccable and the volunteers cheery. The hills at the beginning take a toll, which I really couldn't overcome with the hot and humid weather of that day. This race would be a lot better 2-3 weeks earlier, for an optimal race temperature.

If you are looking for a well organized race at a good price, and you don't care about all the extras, then this race is for you. I did the half marathon. The organization was excellent and the course was challenging (hills the first seven miles) but lots of fun. There was nothing in the goody bag and the food at the end was very basic, but for a $25-entry fee, you can't complain. The Best Western is the place to stay: $59 a night and 4 p.m. check-out. I would recommend this and I will be doing it again.

Good organization and nice course, with lots of downhills. Nice finish area. Only issue I had was having the marathon relay teams blow by me. I set a PR and was very happy.

This was the first time I ran Med-City. I was frustrated by the cost of lodging at Duluth for Grandma's, so I decided to try something different. It was $59/night at the Best Western. There's a shuttle bus directly to the start. They had a 3 p.m. checkout, so I was able to shower afterwards - and only 2 short blocks from the finish. I signed up early so I only paid $25 for the race. I don't know how any other marathon can beat this deal. I thought the spectators and support at the H2O stops were fantastic. My only comments for improving this would be to get a better sound system at the start (no one heard the nat'l anthem and I was near the front) and play some music at the finish. Wife said they need a better finish announcer.

The race was very well run. I wasn't crazy about the course; I don't like an out-and-back, which pretty much make up the whole race from mile 14 on. But it was very well run by the organizers. If you're looking for a great half marathon, this course is for you. Overall, the weather was perfect [high 40s at start - high 50s at finish] and I couldn't complain about the food at the end especially since I finished as one of the last finishers. Note to all interested: Stay at the Best Western that they advertised. They shuttle you right to the start, and they give you a late checkout on Sunday of 3 p.m. and an unbelievable price.

The 2007 (12th annual) edition of the Med-City Marathon featured a new and more interesting course. Although this new course is more physically challenging (first 8 miles has several hills), it is easier to "stay in the game," with its elevation changes and the elimination of the previous course's second-half section. There are plenty of aid stations and the volunteers are as good as any you will find.
I would like to thank Peg and Wally Arnold for their tremendous efforts as race directors since the inaugural Med-City Marathon in 1996. Peg and Wally are stepping down as race directors and they have done an excellent job over the years providing Rochester with a first-class marathon. Thank you for a job well done!