This was my firt marathon, and I thought it went quite well. There weren't an excessive amount of spectators, but the ones that we did have were very enthusiastic, and helpful. I liked the bright yellow arrows painted along the course. The many volunteers and authorities that helped did a great job keeping the thing organized. It was flat, which I liked, being a first-timer.

Expo disorganized, room was too small for expo and packet pick-up. Pasta dinner was good. Volunteers during race are great, police do a good job in controlling traffic. Parts of course are boring, but, overall, course is fast.

Reiterate what others have posted about friendly, helpful volunteers and staff. Course has some historic sections, but not mile-to-mile scenery. Enjoy it for its essential flatness. Big thumbs-up for finish line... you're announced, have a pic taken (and get sent pic...not proof), and get an individual volunteer attendant to help you through the chute.

(Run in 99.) Organizers and volunteers get high marks in some aspects (detailed booklet, bib with your name, goody bag, quality finish-line photo, course PR potential) but fall short on others (did not receive booklet before the race, not enough pre-race fluids in start area/lobby, post-race foods given in paper bag with leaky lidded soup spilling on ice cream bar). I agree neighbors don't share enthusiasm/curiosity of volunteers and organizers. RE: lodging... Holiday Inn's shuttle service claim was misleading and insufficient... only one 20-seat van, first come-first served. If you can, stay at race HQ hotel for EZ race logistics.

I ran this marathon in Dec. 1999. The volunteers were great and the race was well-organized. The fans were nowhere to be seen. I especially enjoyed the prerace motivational speaker. He talked about 'BHAGs!' (big hairy audacious goals). I loved it.

This course wins the prize for the most number of turns. It winds through many of Huntsville's neighborhoods, but the neighbors were nowhere to be founds. The beginning miles in the historic district is the highlight, the rest is commercial/rural roads. The course volunteers were everywhere so despite the turns, you wouldn't get lost. The weather was cool and foggy at the start. The food after the race was very meager.

This has to be the best organized marathon. The race officials really pay attention to details and truly care about the runners. You even get your first name printed on your race bib so people know who you are! Post race food was excellent as were the guest speakers. Course was OK-nothing special and only small crowd support.