We picked the Sacramento Marathon because of the course description - overall decline and fast. However, the hills were 'rolling' and seemingly continous. Yes they finally faded away in the last 5-6 miles. Yes, I did my hills (trail running in the Rockies) and in fact took 21 minutes off of my PB. Regardless, I did not find this to be an 'easy' course and the first half can definitely wear your down. But then again, marathons just aren't easy are they?

The best thing for me was that I could "breathe." At basically 0-300 feet elevation and lower humidity, breathing was much easier (I have asthma) - and no, you don't get drunk on oxygen. :)

The overall organization of this race was EXCELLENT!
1. From the race expo, to the closed course, to the buses, etc. These directors run a tip-top organization.

2. Kudos to the pacers who did a great job. It was nice to meet and greet the pacers at the expo and ask questions. If you practice 10 and 1's, be prepared to tweak your system or be self sufficient as the pacers here run non-stop.

3. Split times are called at every mile - a very nice feature especially if you have a goal time in mind.

4. The volunteers! Oh my gosh, what can I say? Thank you - each and every one of you - you made the runners feel very welcome. You were brilliant.

5. The weather - perfect running weather. You couldn't ask for a better day - even at the start.

6. My only disappointment was in the after-race amenities. You had to walk through the crowds in order to find water. Maybe move the water to the finish line? Nor did we find any free coffee. That being said, the location for the race finish soon took away any disappointment.

From Eastern Washington. Great race! My first full. Great fans, great support, I loved having the mileage posted every mile! And the time callers were very helpful! Thanks! Had a great time.

The first three quarters are gently rolling with no grades so steep that they take you out of your rhythm and no declines so steep that they eat you up, unless you attack them too aggressively. There's more down than up but the variety in terrain provides some relief to the legs. Those going out easy will be rewarded the last six or seven miles, which are flat on wide tree-lined streets approaching the Capitol. Because of the cold most runners wore sleeved shirts, gloves and a hat at the beginning and then gradually peeled them off as the race progressed. The busses, start, water tables and finish were well organized and the crowd support was good with lots of friendly neighbors coming out to their front yards in the cold to cheer the runners. Some of the big intersections were packed with spectators. The actual course in my view deserves a 5, but since the score inludes scenery it must be compared to Big Sur or Avenue of the Giants which are spectacular. But hey, no race has everything. This is an excellent marathon and the organizers and locals deserve a lot of credit.

I enjoyed the course. The weather turned out beautiful. The restrooms were a bottleneck on the course; I lost 5 minutes in lines. I really enjoyed the event overall. I hope to do it again.

Enjoy the slope of this course.... The inclines were quickly over and the declines stretched forever. The prettiest part is the last 6 miles in downtown Sacramento; earlier it's mostly suburban sprawl but views of more downhill to come make it worth doing once. Organization was great and crowds offered encouragement, oranges, pretzels, and Oreos, which was useful because the sports drink was the most diluted I've ever been sustained on. Great time calling throughout the race.

I was a back-up in the relay and knew about it on Friday. I ran the first leg of the race 6 miles up and down hills. I was very nervous and had an exciting time. Never had run in a marathon before. It was a blast!!

This is a great marathon. A bit chilly at the start (around freezing this time of year) but warms up nicely and good temperature overall. Organization was very solid, enthusiastic aid station workers, nice expo, good crowds, esp. near the end. Also lots of music and fun. Food after is so-so though, good thing Clif was there and Starbucks with free samples. But otherwise, nice course, rolling hills for first 16 miles, then smooth downhill to finish. Roads are totally blocked off, plenty of space, good pace runners, etc. Really worth looking into. Kudos to organizers.

Pros: Smokin' fast course, spectators were great and excited for a small marathon, ideal weather, buses were coordinated. Terrain was fast with a net downhill and small hills in the beginning, maybe a little boring at times running by strip malls, but the finish at the Capitol was amazing!

Cons: The early water stops were very crowded and I had to grab own water from the table, and the host hotel put up a fight over a late checkout.

The course wasn't as fast as advertised; the rolling hills through the first 18 don't feel like they're downhill (at least they didn't to me). Pre-race organization is on the money, as were the on-course directions, aid stations and split times (just about every mile called split times). Post-race was mayhem.... Spectators mixed with finishers and no one seeming in charge. It took several attempts to find the water and post-race snacks. I ended up playing director for numerous folks showing where sweats pickup was, etc. Lots of non-racers mingling and getting in the way.

Very cold at the start (7 am) and then it warmed up about 8, and I regretted wearing tights and a second shirt. Might consider starting at 8 instead of 7.... Would make deciding what to wear much easier.

Lots of music and friendly folks on the course, and the aid station folks were wonderful.... Always yelling out 'sports drink here, water ahead...' or vice versa.

If you are looking for a fast marathon, this is up there (not as fast as Chicago, but close). Gentle rolling hills the first 16-18 miles and then flattens out. Recommend it for competitive marathoner or a first-time marathoner. Only reason to fly across the country is to run fast. Expo below average, spectators average, post-race food below average, and logistics above average (organized). Good Boston qualifier or Olympic trial qualifier.