This race was really an incredible experience for me as a first-timer. The volunteers were amazingly supportive and friendly, the views of the lake were gorgeous, the race was peaceful because of its small size and lack of cars for most of the race, the hills were challenging but rewarding, and the post-race food and festivities were great. The race was really well-organized (I especially liked the water stops every two miles and the fig newton bars/Gatorade along the way!). The pasta dinner the night before the race as well as the post-race party were great ways to meet other runners and I seriously can't stress enough how amazing the volunteers were. It was also really fun to have people local to the area cheering from their balconies! Everyone was really friendly and I would definitely recommend this marathon to anyone who loves scenic views, great post-race food, and fun! I would love to run this race again!

Even if I had a cold, this race was a great pleasure! Gorgeous place, with very, very nice people and organization. One of my favorites so far.

This a great, small race. The scenery is beautiful. The weather this year was near perfect (cooling down as the day progressed). All of the comments about how friendly everyone is are true. My only complaint is that the elevation chart on the race website is not very accurate. There are many more ups and downs in the first half than are shown on the elevation chart.

From the picturesque Adirondack town, and the wonderful scenic views that lie around each bend, to an experience complimented with a small army of volunteers that make everyone feel welcome... you will not leave this weekend. without mentioning how much you can't wait to do it all over again next season! KUDOS - THAT was an incredible first half-marathon experience! See ya'll in '09.

I had difficulty finding accommodations, and ended up staying about 25 miles away. I thought that it was a very boring town... for night before festivities. The crowd at the race was nice, but weaving through the halfers was strange. I qualified for Boston, so I can't be too upset!

I chose this small marathon for its beautiful scenery and geographic location. I never anticipated that there would be a lot of spectators on the course because of the race size. The organizers and volunteers surprised me though, and added great support to a gorgeous course. There were volunteers with noisemakers, helpful and friendly aid-station workers, and even drummers sprinkled throughout the entire course to make the experience pleasant and to encourage runners. I was impressed with the organization and enthusiasm in this small marathon, and definitely got more out of it than another state and great scenery!

This was my first marathon and the overall experience was wonderful from the beautiful course, to the hospitality of the small town, to the locals scattered and cheering on runners from all areas of the course. I do agree with a previous posting on separating the finish for the marathon and half-marathon. I would definitely run this race again, and I recommend it for first-timers as well as seasoned marathoners.

I really enjoyed the whole experience. Schroon Lake is a beautiful area and was a really nice setting for my wife and two kids to spend a long weekend. Volunteers are very helpful and the spectators along the course are very encouraging. This being my first marathon, I had a great experience. The low-key, charming, and fun atmosphere was a great combination for this first-time runner! I would definitely do this again.

This is perhaps the friendliest town to hold such a spectacular event. It was well organized, and the volunteers and town folk take you back in time where you feel welcome and one becomes overwhelmed with the attention and support given by the entire town. The marathon was a great run experienced by all, and if you have never run this marathon, it should jump to the top of your list. For those who have run this great event in the past, you know you will be back again next year. Thanks to all for letting us be part of your town for two days. We will be back in 2009.

This was my first marathon, and although I could have picked an easier course to do. I definitely could not have picked a more runner-friendly one. I talked to one of the directors after the race and asked her how many people lived in the town year round. She said 1,500. I then asked her how many volunteered, and she said over 500. That is just amazing for one town to work together like that. But all their hard work paid off. Check-in was fast, with the pavilion for info. Well- stocked stations, with water, Gatorade, and fig newton bars.

If you are looking at this for a first marathon, it is very easy to be intimidated by all of the hilly reviews. But I now believe that I made the right choice. I never felt like a rookie because everything was very well explained and well organized.

Again, I can't tip my hat off enough to the great volunteers who made every thing run smoothly.

I also have no idea where that other review found a bad place in Schroon Lake; everyone that I met was more then happy to have you there

Also, they don't lie when they say, "The most beautiful 26 miles and 385 yards that you will ever run."