I thought the course was excellent. Only problem: you can't ALWAYS run the tangents because you have at times marathoners and half-marathoners running at you because of the turn-around course. Nevertheless, my Garmin only read 26.32 and I was able to PR by 5 minutes. The early start meant I could only feel the temperature heat up somewhat in the shaded environment after 2.5 hours or so. I hope to be back.

I ran the half and was quite pleased with all of the above. A great race to enter the fall season. Organized well with two start locations and some coordinated loops. A narrow path, but there was no trouble passing others or being passed. Things are kept interesting; as a half-marathoner, you get a view of the leaders of both the half and the full marathoners as the course doubles back. The turnaround is anti-climactic and the stations were manned well. Shade is great and the free massage at the end was just what we needed. The only comment is that the spectators are somewhat far apart and the finish was confusing for some.

My wife and I ran this marathon together, and there were some issues on the course. They ran out of Gatorade after mile 20, there was no GU handed out at mile 24, and there was no fruit to be found anywhere. This wouldn't be that bad if you weren't expecting to have those items at the posted aid stations. My wife ended up getting very lightheaded and needed to stop around mile 23 and 25 because the only thing that was offered to us was water.

The course was great. The limestone was nice and soft, so it was very easy on the joints. My one complaint would be that between miles 19 and 20 you come to a complete dead-end and have to come to a complete stop and turn around. Not exactly what you want to do 20 miles into a marathon. To make matters worse, there is an aid station at this dead end, so it becomes very crowded.

My wife and I have run numerous marathons and half's, in all sorts of sizes, and for a smaller marathon like Towpath, we would suggest the Grand Rapids Marathon a week later.

My second visit to the Towpath Marathon, and I was just as happy this year as last year. The course is all that a runner can ask for: Flat, fast, scenic, and shaded. The last two years this race has been on the same day as Chicago, and with the high temps, I have been glad I came to Ohio. Other positives are the small, well-organized expo, and the well run aid stations. My only criticisms of the marathon are the time it takes to get finisher awards. Tanya was great to give me mine early so I did not get locked out of my hotel. I think I will be back in 2009 for a third straight attempt at a PR.

This was my first marathon and I doubt I could find another that offers the scenery/terrain like this one had to offer. It was flat and limestone was soft. It was beautiful in the fall, too.

Small, well run, BEAUTIFUL, peaceful, easy on the joints due to the course surface, everyone was helpful and the runners really supported each other during the run. If you haven't done this marathon before, YOU SHOULD!

One thing: it would be nice to add more timing stations and make it easier for fans to get to us and cheer us on....

You guys put together my favorite marathon - job well done!

My sister and I ran the half in 2008 and it was a great experience! It was a beautiful course with the all the fall colors! It was a quiet run, so if you need tons of spectators and commotion, this is not for you. BUT this was beautiful, flat, and well organized. One small suggestion: if you can have someone pick you up at the end, it is a lot easier than waiting for a shuttle - but it's not a big deal.

My uncle and brother have run this marathon every year. This was my first time and I could not have been happier. The race is organized extremely well and the course is beautiful. The only thing I think could be better is the expo. I loved this race.

This was my first organized running event and I really have never been much of a runner at all. But the scenery was impossible to believe every step of the way and really kept me motivated to finish the race. I would love to come back every year.

The start was confusing, even to those who had done this before. Also, there were several runners who I saw turn back toward the finish before reaching the turnaround point. Were there not supposed to be additional mats to verify that runners actually completed the whole race?

No matter; I would love to return next year and beat my own time.

I thoroughly enjoyed running along the flat and very scenic trail. Seeing the river and the fall foliage made for such a great experience. The only criticism I have is where the start line was located, which was nearly a mile from the trail and about 2/3 of a mile south of the parking lot at Boston Mills Ski Resort. Ideally the start line would be much closer to the trail.
Otherwise, the organizers did an excellent job, aid stations were plentiful and supporters were extremely friendly.