This was my first. Very challenging course; the first half has lots of hills. Second half was quiet. It was about 86 degrees at the end of the race, which made it tough, but the water stops were well spaced. The Clif Shot at mile 18 was apple pie - YUCK!!! - but fortunately there was a close water stop. The part to the zoo was nice, but the rest was run through a blighted, economically disadvantaged neighborhood and miles 23 through 25 were through a dirty industrial area. It smelled like asphalt, oil, smoke and other stuff. The water stops were well staffed, well spaced and very encouraging. I set a PR - only because it was my first. :)

I ran the half in '05, and the full in '06. Overall, great course, which runs through the Con-Agra Park, Henry Doorly Zoo, and historic neighborhoods of south Omaha. The second half is a quiet and scenic run through north Omaha and Carter Lake. I would like to see a clock in about three different places to measure progress. Very hilly course, but by no means impossible. I liked the addition of bands throughout, and the spectators were very encouraging and supportive. My brother and I always look forward to the post-race food (especially the bread) afterwards. My biggest concern was the finish line, in which a group of children (I'm not sure which organizations) began running with the athletes to the finish line in the last quarter mile. I found this to be potentially dangerous for both groups of people, as some runners want to finish strong and could easily collide with them. Others may want to get a good PR or qualifying time, and would not be happy if they are slowed down by non-athletes flooding up the chutes. Keep the finish chute clear and fun by letting the children put their hands out on the spectator side for high-fives instead!

This was my first marathon. The volunteer organizers were terrific, and packet pick up was simple and efficiently run. I am from the Omaha area, so I expected the hills. I was very disappointed in the last half of the course. There are nicer parts of town to run through, but overall I found it enjoyable. The German polka music at mile 20 or so pushed me through the wall, and the impromptu aid station at mile 24 outside of a community center picked me up for the push to the finish line. I am running again this fall and bringing my sister along!!

This was my first half marathon and I couldn't believe how hilly the course was. The scenery was nice and I loved running through the zoo, although I was hoping for salvation on the way back since the first half was all uphill and unfortunately we turned to yet another hilly direction to get back. The fans were few and far between until the end of the race where everyone was packed inside the convention center for the finish line. I'm glad I did it although I think I'll be running the Lincoln one next year instead.

It's kind of my home race; I live in Omaha but I'm from Paris. Never liked it - the first half is hilly and stressful for the legs, and the second half is lonely because most of the runners run the half-marathon. The crowd is not big, but very cheerful.... Must be a Midwest thing, because Lincoln and KC have the same deal. Come on, guys, come cheer for us.

The first half of the course was much hillier than I expected, but the scenery was great and crowd support very helpful. The second half of the marathon was thankfully flat, and though there weren't lots of fans on this part, the quiet was kind of a nice way to enjoy the lake and park setting. We lucked out with nice weather(temps in the 50-60 range) and low humidity. For a small marathon(the half marathon was much larger), its a wonderful race,and the city itself was enjoyable as well.

I entered this marathon late; was training for the Marine Corp Marathon. Good race! Great organization! Enough hills to keep it interesting, and lots of fun volunteers along the course.

This was an enjoyable experience, even with the many hills and the few spectators. Overall good traffic control, but some areas were not protected. The water stops were great, the music groups along the course were good, especially the polka band on the steep incline, and the cheerleaders in uniform were entertaining and enthusiastic! The finish line inside the building was very unusual; I didn't like that! But I would recommend this race for 50-Staters.

The short version:
This was a hilly, boring course in a city that seemed more interested in keeping us out of the way than supporting the event.

Some details:
- Planned on running with the 3:30 pace team, but the pacer was nowhere to be found at the beginning of the race.
- The race packet promised lube on the course, but I never saw any.
- The aid stations were devoid of food. Furthermore, the only time gels were handed out were at mile 18. By that time, it was too late to ward off the "wall."
- The long-sleeve shirts were nice, though I still don't know why race directors choose cotton over technical fabric.
- The volunteers were nice and supportive, but there was little support from the locals.
- I can't get over the poor quality of the course. If these are the best areas Omaha has to show visitors, than I feel bad for the folks who have to live there year-round.
- Ironically, the traffic signs were all marked with the words "River City," but I don't think we ever had a view of the river throughout the 26.2 miles.
- I did the Des Moines Marathon in 2005, and - though it wasn't perfect - it is far, far better than Omaha. If you're looking for somewhere to run in the area, go to Des Moines. If you're trying to check Nebraska off your list, then the Omaha Marathon is adequate.

Ok - I may be crazy but I did enjoy the course. I had some health problems during the last few miles that killed my time BUT even that did not take away the enjoyable day. The medical team was there for me with smiles and help - we do not always see that extra care for our pain. And everything else about the finish line was enjoyable - would be hard to get it much better.... The only things that I would like to see changed would be a wider area to come into and more room after the finish line to slow down. And please - give us more time and walking space before we give back the timing clip! I would like to run this again after I finish my 50 states (this was my 36th). Would also like to see more runners in the marathon - get the word out!!!