Although this was my first marathon, I have run many 1/2 marathons and never expected the type of spectator support that I saw on Sunday.
I expected the race to be well organized and knew the beautiful course very well already. What I didn't anticipate was the many, many people along the way who inspired me so much!
Thanks to ALL who ran, watched and organized. It was truly a once in a lifetime 1st marathon experience! I hope to be back next year!

It was a beautiful course but truly horrible for those of us struggling. First of all, there wasn't any sport drink provided. Secondly, I understand shutting the course down but did they have to take away all the mile markers, aid stations, and blockades? I wish they could have at least let me run to the finish line in the chute without having to dodge traffic. I finished 24 minutes after the official shutdown time and felt totally forgotten. It was very sad and discouraging for those of us struggling in the back of the pack. A local running club stayed to hand out the medals; otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten them. Also, they even shut down the 'chip' time machine at the finish. It was truly disappointing.

Wonderful course and great crowd support and volunteer staff!!! The only disappointment for me was the fact that they ran out of Ultima during the course, and food after the course (Bagels, Clif Bars, bananas, gels or anything to drink besides water)- I heard this happened last year as well, and I guess I expected it not to happen 2 years in a row. (Otherwise all else ran very well and wonderfully). Thank you.

Yesterday, I ran TCM - it was my second marathon. Last year, I ran Chicago. Both races are well-organized. TCM has a wonderful set up for the start as we were inside the dome with excellent uncrowded rest room facilities and a warm area to hang out until start time. The start is much less crowded than Chicago. Sharp turns early in the Chicago course and extreme runner density were less than ideal. TCM had a much more scenic course. Crowds were great for both, but more consistent for TCM. The upward climb after mile 20 was tough and clearly more difficult than any stretch of the fast flat Chicago course. I will run the tree lined streets and take in the lakeviews of TCM again. Chicago was fun to have run once.

I ran TCM in 2000 as my first marathon and I loved it! The weather was cool, 32 degrees at the start and 44 when I finished, but that didn't keep the fans away. They were great! I decided to run 'just one more' in 2001 and found the experience even more exhilirating. The weather was still a little cool but it seemed perfect. The Summit hills didn't seem quite as painful. The other runners were inspiring. The support from spectators was fantastic! This is such a beautiful course and I would recommend it to anyone for their 1st or 50th marathon. As I recover on the day after, I'm already thinking, 'Hmmm... maybe one more time.' Thanks for a great experience -- AGAIN!

I completed '97 & '99 TCM and both were great experiences. The beautiful route and spectator support make what can be a difficult task to an inspirational voyage! I was a spectator this year(2001) and just watching makes me want to join in again next year!!

Yesterday was a perfect 10! I can't imagine a more beautiful, supportive, fun race. My time was what I had trained for and the course and people on the sidelines exceeded my expectations. Whata a great day! I am thankful for all the volunteers and people who organized and ran this event. If we could bottle the enthusiasm and support and love felt during the race we could truly change the world!!!

Did Twin Cities as my second marathon in 1999. Only the first two miles through downtown Minneapolis is run through a typical urban area, but it's so early that very few people are out. The Metrodome is used as the staging area, so rest room lines are no problem (they were setting up for a Vikings game that day). Mile 3 through mile 13 are the best part of the course as you go around the lakes and down Minnehaha Parkway. I found the River Road section from mile 15 to 19 to be the fastest (and least crowded section). The run up Summit Ave in St Paul from Mile 21 to 25 is difficult, so save something for the end. Weather was quite chilly in '99 (35 at the start - 45 at finish). Had to keep my gloves and long sleeve shirt throughout. Bring cool wether gear if you are traveling in.

Believe it or not, I ran both marathons last year within two weeks of each other. If you're torn between the two midwest runs, choose TCM. Chicago was a great experience but TCM is golden.

...the support along the entire course was fantastic! What a wonderful course -the views along the lakes and River Road was extremely inspiring. This was my first marathon and oh what an experience. I will definitely be back in 2001. Can we order a little bit warmer weather! Otherwise, perfect.