Every positive comment you've read about the 2005 Rocket City Marathon is true. It was (by far) my best marathoning experience. Also, there simply isn't a better value. For example, I received a FREE 5 X 7 color finish-line photo in the mail last week. I have the utmost respect and admiration for this marathon's organizers. It blew the socks off '05 Chicago for a sheer running purist experience.

Of the 16 marathons I have run, this is by far the best run and most enjoyable of all of them. It is what running is all about and I hope it stays as pure as it is for years to come.

SUPPORT:
I don't have any cons for this race; it all works as smoothly as you'd want a race to be run. The race directors are totally accessible throughout the year, the course is extremely well-marked and staffed, plenty of hydration, sufficient porta-potties, and really nice after-race eats & hot soup, made to order bagels with peanut butter and jelly, fruit, hydration, etc. One of the unique things about this race is the start line location and its proximity to parking. There is free parking and it is possible to sit in your warm car until race time and simply get out and walk 100' to the start line. Or, the hotel lobby is also 100' from the start.

COURSE:
There are the normal shallow dips and hills found in any city/suburban environment, but essentially the course is flat. It leaves downtown Huntsville and ventures through the city's historic district and then out through beautiful older suburban neighborhoods. There are mountains to the one side but you never get near them so there are no hills.

AFTER RACE:
There is an evening meal after the race that is well worth your attendance. It is very informal but you get to discover (or rediscover) what racing is all about. I keep thinking that I am lucky to have the experience of running this race because it is what honest running is all about. No one is in this for the bucks & it's all about running. Many small races (1,000 runners or less) have the same persona as Rocket City, but what separates this from all others I've run is fact that it isn't a show & it's a race & and ONLY the full marathon - no half, no relays, no 5K, no walkers (runners only). Everyone at the start line is there to run 26.2 miles, and as a result it attracts some really good runners.

This race is deeply committed to the runner's well-being. This is the only marathon I have ever run where someone at the finish does a one-on-one with you for several minutes to make sure you are OK.

VALUE:
I don't know how they do it for the money. You get a long-sleeve Nike Dri-Fit technical shirt, a Finisher's hat and neat finisher's medal. Also, the speaker at this year's pasta party was by himself worth the cost of entry!

SPECTATORS:
Only a few spectators, but in smaller races you aren't going to get the "Chicago" cheering masses. If you must have them, then this isn't your race. If you like an appreciative few, then Rocket City is your race.

WEATHER & CLOTHING:
It was chilly, but I was dressed appropriately and felt great the whole race. This year started at 22 and made it up to 40 but with an 11 mph wind, so it stayed chilly. If you over-dress or like to start a race in sweats, the race is so well run that if you shed clothes as you run, the aid stations will get your clothes back to the finish line for you.

I selected this marathon because of the date and the convenience. I was completely satisfied with my marathon experience. From the hotel staff (Holiday Inn Select) to the volunteers, police, and spectators everyone was supportive of a good marathon experience.

I went to the start line full of self-doubt. I was worried about being able to finish in the 6:00 cut off. The positive energy generated by the marathon organizers, the other runners, and the crowds eliminated any doubt as soon as the gun went off.

There are LOTS of turns, the course IS relatively flat (as advertised) and, for those of us at the back of the pack, there is no traffic control at busy intersections over the last 10K or so. This is spelled out in the detailed race booklet mailed well ahead of time. It would have been nice to know at the time I was selecting the marathon. But, then I might not have registered and missed this wonderful experience.

Each runner is treated as an individual and, despite finishing toward the end of the race, I felt supported and cared about. There was even plenty of post-race food left! The salty vegetable soup was a stroke of genius!

The course is neither 'scenic' nor boring. It is challenging enough to give one a true sense of satisfaction. Yes, there are 'hills' (as advertised), but I never really felt them.

I cannot say enough good things about this race and the community of Huntsville. I had a great day and had a 13-minute PR. The hills are nothing to worry about here. The value that you get for this race is amazing. Great shirt, great hat, great food, great medal, great speakers, pre-race booklet, finisher's picture and booklet. WOW!

Great folks on the course in freezing weather making everyone feel like a rock star. And for everyone in Huntsville on race day, you are rock stars. Thanks Dink and Suzanne. I'll be back.

This is what marathons should be like. Having done LA and Nashville, I had forgotten how great a small marathon could be. The organization was superb, post-race food was great and, like another poster, I have no idea how my race fee paid for it all. The organizers should be commended for running a first-class race. While there weren't fans along the whole course, the fans that were there (especially the hilarious high school kids) were wonderful. My one complaint was my giant purple toe. I'll blame myself for that.

I cannot even begin to say enough good things about the marathon - particularly the skill of the organizers and the friendliness of the volunteers! I've only run one previous marathon - Chicago way back in 1997. It was a largely miserable experience. All I remember is: ouch, ouch, ouch, Dear God let me finish and I'll never ever do this again.

To contrast that experience with this one: after Chicago, I didn't run a step for years. After Huntsville last weekend, I was already on the road 72 hours later preparing for my next marathon.

I'm hooked on marathons - and the fine folks in Huntsville have much to do with my new addiction! Here's the deal: I was preparing to run Music City in April, and a friend invited me to accompany him to Huntsville. I figured why not - and since I was going, why not run the thing?

I wasn't really ready for it. It was frigid at the start, somewhere in the low 20s. The marathon was tiny compared to Chicago, less than a thousand people.

But guess what? I ran a whopping 45 minutes faster than my goal, shattered my personal best from almost a decade ago (and with less training), and had a helluva a good time.

The weather turned out to be perfect: once the sun came out, it was 45 and clear. It was definitely different running in a smaller race: there were times when I was all alone, and rarely were there more than a handful of people around me.

But the course was flat and relatively interesting (except for that one long straight stretch - ugh!). While groups of spectators were infrequent, when you came upon them they were boisterous, friendly, and loud! And let's not forget the massive gaggle of teenagers at the high school - I think my right ear is still ringing from their screams!

But the best part was the organization. It was flawless. The people were wonderful. Crossing the finish line and hearing my name called, and then being treated like I'd just won the darn thing, was amazing. I wish I'd gotten the name of the guy who guided me through the finish process, put the medal around my neck, and helped me into the hotel. He was literally an angel.

Can you tell I was impressed? :) The food was great, the speaker was great, the t-shirt and medal are great. Having a room at the HQ hotel about 10 feet from the start/finish was WONDERFUL.... So different than Chicago.

Only one criticism: they have GOT to make sure there are no torn up sections of road in the last few miles next year. That REALLY hurt. But it was only for a couple hundred yards.

Other than that, it was perfect. Just perfect. I've never understood all the marathon addicts. And now I'm one of them.

About the only bad thing about Huntsville is that I'm worried that I'll be disappointed with other runs now.

If you want a smaller, more laidback marathon with great people, absolutely zero stress, great goodies, and a good time... do Huntsville. And in case I forgot: it's also fast as hell, too!

This was my second marathon, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. The pre-race information was excellent with emails and booklet. The expo was way better than the mega-expo I experienced at San Diego in June, with good buys and helpful people. Was on the cold side, but clear and beautiful. The people that were there along the route were wonderful, friendly and supportive, including the volunteers, especially the fantastic crew at Grissom High School. Wish there had been more spectators. Lots of water/Gatorade stops, 2 well placed Gu stops, and even candy. For the first 17 or so miles, every mile was marked with a volunteer calling out times. I ran the race in about 5 hours, a time I was pleased with; however, after about 3:45, the volunteers were packing up the course. Three times I crossed busy streets without assistance, and twice I was not sure I was still on the route. The course was beautiful through downtown Huntsville. There was a long stretch where we ran along a busy 4-lane street with traffic buzzing by, only cones separating us. And there was a fairly long stretch of unsurfaced, very rough road under construction which was tough on my feet. The amenities at the finish were fantastic. Nice medal, hat, and long-sleeve, Nike shirt. I would do it again, but I hope they can improve the route and not close it down so early: it was advertised as a 6-hour limit, but if you were slower than 4 hours, you were not supported.

While being a bit lit with this review, I still wanted to get my comments in. Overall, the Rocket City Marathon is an enjoyable event. The expo was more encompassing than I expected for a marathon of this size. The course support was top-notch, and the course itself was fairly fast. The most significant challenges were of the highway over- and underpass variety. My favorite course attraction was the rollerblading accordion player, even though I couldn't get her songs out of my head every time I saw her. Once again, the term southern hospitality comes to mind since everyone I met that was associated with this event ended up being a great person. Try this event. It's definitely worth it.

I drove five hours through snow and ice, only to be met with a 21-degree temperature at the starting time Saturday morning. They under-promised and over-delivered on making it a very memorable race. The support team on Friday and Saturday could have not been better. They were well-trained. I was delighted to see a very active intergenerational group that worked at the expo, and also the race. I recommend this, especially to anyone who desires encouragement while with a smaller-size running group (1000). You are more than a number at Huntsville. Their food supply after the race was beyond imagination, but very heartfelt and appreciated by the worn out runners. Thanks. The course was marked perfectly, along with accurately timed mile splits. All of the volunteers seemed well trained. Having hot showers afterwards was invaluable. The group of 200 or 300 teenagers on the ten mile-mark were the greatest cheerleaders I have ever seen. I hope they receive just reward for their effort. What a boost! It was my 14th marathon, and none has ever surpassed this one. God bless you. What goes around, comes around.

I was a little apprehensive because other runners' comments had mentioned hills. THERE ARE NO HILLS! There are one or two little inclines and these are not a problem. Those other runners must have been talking about a different race or don't know what real hills are. The race itself is extremely well-organized, and everyone is very friendly to and appreciative of the runners who turn up for their event. The race is a great event for the first-timer (no hills!) and for those wanting a Boston qualifying time.

My only gripe (and it is a personal gripe) was the 4-5 mile section along a very long and straight section of main road - too many exhaust fumes! Apart from this the race was excellent. Plenty of aid stations and times at EVERY mile. What few spectators there were happened to be very vocal and very encouraging. At about mile 10 it looked as though an entire school had turned out, and to run past hundreds of screaming kids was a blast. I enjoyed the race and will definitely recommend it to my running friends wanting a race in Alabama for the 50-stater. The T-shirt was very good (one I'll actually wear!), and post-race refreshments were very good and plentiful. Excellent value for your money. I wish all marathons were as good as this one.