What a course. I ran it 14 seconds faster than when I ran my first marathon (the old Tucson Marathon) almost 24 years ago at the age of 25. Need I say more? Can you say 'Boston'?

1. The bus schedule should have stated 'the last bus leaves at.' This would have avoided a 2-hour wait on the buses at the start line.

2. The spectators needed to be freaked out like Big Sur or Bay-to-Breakers. The marathon needs belly dancers and cheerleaders.

3. Misjudged the descent and it kicked my butt!

I ran the half marathon. I had trained well, but was not warned about the dangers of a downhill course. I knew it was downhill, but I did not realize the running area on the side of the road would be slanted as well. Long story short, I was diagnosed with both ITB Syndrome and bursitis in my left knee. I have not been able to run the same since that race. I would recommend beginners to run a flat and friendly course. Not this one.

Like everyone else comments, it's FAST, but if you run the first half too hard, you may find yourself walking in! This race continues to improve in organization and traffic control. I really saw a improvement from prior years. It's one of my favorites marathons.

This was my third marathon and best experience so far. The course was fast and downhill almost the entire time. I shaved almost 15 minutes off my previous time for a PR. I will say that my quads were in a lot of pain after the race, so you would be wise to train for some descents!

The scenery is nice, mountains and desert and very peaceful. There are no spectators until the end, but very typical for a small race. Weather was nice too--about 30-40 degrees at the start, but you can stay on the buses to keep warm right up until before the gun goes off. This was really nice b/c the buses have porto-potties right on them so waiting time was minimal. There aren't water stops every mile, but every other mile, which was more than sufficient.

The only negative thing I could say about the race was the organization. The host hotel was a really nice resort, but the people at the front desk had no idea when buses were leaving in the morning, etc. because they weren't informed by the race directors.

But overall a great race. I would definitely run it again!

My whole Tuscon Marathon experience was terrific. I loved the course although it really got the best of me. My quads gave out around the 17th mile and pretty much struggled in but was still able to quaify for Boston. My toes are all bruised up and are finally improving after two weeks. If you can handle a downhill course, this one is for you. It's never too overwhelming but just gently declines from start to finish.

The organization and support were both fantastic. Mile markers were small but consistently located on the side of the road. I never had a problem with water or sport drinks. If you're able to stay at the host hotel, please do. It was perfectly located and the workers were extremely helpful. I plan on someday coming back to conquer the course (I need to improve on my downhill running), but until then, thanks again Pam R. for putting on such a great event and Tuscon for being such a great place to visit.

Tucson is a very beautiful course to run and the weather can be great. In 2004, the temperatures were perfect with temperatures in the high 30s at the start rising to the mid-50s at the finish.

But, heed the warning about the hills. Downhill running is hardest on people with larger quads and heavier bodies. Myself and another Ironman triathlete, both with quads the size of cannons, felt great through 18 miles and then found ourselves in real distress. Other runners talk about a 'quick course' and 'not minding' the hills, but keep in mind that the bigger your quads the more difficult it will be to brake yourself coming downhill. This is especially true on the two big downhills in miles 1 and 3.

As a fast runner (sub-3) I would say that this course does have the potential to be very fast. However, I think it really depends on your build and your running style. Even with plenty of downhill running training prior to this race, I found myself walking in the last miles of the race. We took it very easy in the first few miles, but I bet if we had jogged slowly down the first two big hills, it would have completely changed our race later.

It's a gorgeous course, but it may not be for everyone. If you're light and slightly built, you could probably fly on this course.

My husband and I ran this race together as we were both trying to qualify for Boston. We both took over 26 minutes off our last marathon time and are both going to Boston! The race was as advertised - fast and friendly. The downhills were easily run - not too steep, and the few uphills were gradual. Our quads were extremely sore for 3 days, but it was worth it! There were plenty of fluid stations and the sports drink was good. Spectators were limited, but enthusiastic. The race was fairly small but well organized. We'd recommend it to anyone trying for a fast race!

Great little race - not too crowded and weather was perfect; don't know if it will be that perfect again: low thirties at start, overcast all day and cool finish (could see my breath most of the day). But perfect; the sun never came out. The hills ruin your legs, but you do post some lightening fast splits, especially the first half which is scary fast. The second half evens out with even a few short, gradual ups - not really hills though. Not many spectators, but that's fine with me - make sure and look to your left and check out the snowcapped mountains.

Best part about this race is that you could hang out on the bus, which was nice and warm for as long as you wanted before the race. I've had too many experiences of freezing my arse off after being dropped off.

Run this one for a PR--run PHX Rock N Roll to hang out and listen to some tunes among a mass of runners.

Only critical feedback might be to put more clocks out on the course and have some cookies at some of the aid stations - you may want to wear a fanny pack and pack some Gus.

Host hotel was awesome!!

Tuscon was my 7th marathon. My time was 3:24.

It is an increadibly fast course. It is downhill almost from start to finish. If you have trained well you can run at your race pace and still have something left at the end. I took 14 minutes off of my PR and easily qualified for Boston. I would suggest staying at the Holiday Inn Express or Hilton and take the bus at 5:00AM and sit on the bus until the start. I would also suggest going to the pasta feed before the race; they give some good suggestions for the race. My legs hurt but it is a good hurt.