The Cape Cod Marathon was my first marathon that I've done (2002). I chose this marathon for my first because of the 'one of the best marathons' ratings it has for the views. As far as the hills that people talk about, it was not more than others I would train on. When I did my training for this marathon I did alot of training on flat paths (Cape Cod Canal) but still did my hill work and this made this marathon just another long run. I did have problems with my knees during this marathon so my time was slower than I thought (4:30) but for a first marathon it was one to remember and one I will do again next year.

If you are looking for a reason to go to Cape Cod during the fall, and don't need a big-time race atmosphere to get pumped up for the 26.2 mile race, then definitely consider Cape Cod. The field is limited to 1200 plus about 250 relayers. This was attractive to me, but it's not for everyone. The course is very scenic, beautiful BUT a great challenge. From about mile 10 through 24, you will experience rolling hills that will take its toll on you if you're not prepared. There are three hills of aproximately .25 miles. Well-organized, with decent fan support at the 5 relay exchange points and the start/finish. My only issue was trying to find a local restaurant that had extra pasta dish specials for us runners to carbo-load!

Yes, this race has hills in the last ten miles, but some some reason I didn't find them to be nearly as hard as other people have described them. I have much more trouble maintaining my pace in the last 10 miles of Boston than I had here (maybe that's a function of my poor training through the winter for Boston).

I found the last couple (flat) miles to be the toughest part of this race, because until you get near the finish, there may not be many spectators. I felt like if I keeled over, no one would find me for weeks. But these last two miles are also beautiful, by the beach, so there are worse places to keel over.

When I signed up for this course I figured any marathon near the shore (I had never been on Cape Cod) wouldn't be very hilly. The second half of this course was nothing but one hill after another. Fortunately the scenery and the support from the volunteers made it a memorable event. The day was very cold but the volunteers, especially at the later water stops, were enthusiatic. The race organizers went out of their way to insure everyone had a memorable experience.

This was my first marathon and the course was beautiful but very hilly -much harder than billed by course description. They ran out of gatorade and water supplies were low. I was disappointed at the lack of spectators but it was very cold. I would probably not do this race again.

I really enjoyed the course. Although the last 10 or so miles were really hilly. The weather was great and the view was even better. It was worth the 14 hour drive to be there!!!

What a great 1st marathon experience! The organization of the race was excellent and the post race meal and shower facilities were top notch. Since the course is a loop, it was easy for fans to see the race from more than one spot. My family was able to see me at 4 different spots. The hills from mile 17 to 25 were very difficult. However, I would run this marathon again.

I've run this in 1999 and 2001, and have found this to be THE race to run in New England. The course is basically flat through mile 15, then the real fun begins! Rolling hill for the last 10 miles of the race make for an incredible challenge. Bragging rights count...when someone asks you if you ran a Marathon, you can tell them you didn't just run ANY marathon: you ran CCM!!!
The volunteers are the best, the course is in beautiful Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod, and hills make this more than just a 'race', it's an event!!
I've heard they run another marathon somewhere in the Boston area...sounds like fun, but it doesn't compare to the challenge of CCM. (Heartbreak Hill? Don't make me laugh!)

I ran the 2001 version. A well organized race, a challenging and beautiful course. In typical New England fashion the hills are saved for the last 10 miles - why make it easy??? Greatly enjoyed the day. Recommend it for those who are looking for an ?experience? - don?t count on shaving those last few minutes off to qualify for Boston.

One of the great reasons to run a fall marathon. I ran in 2000 with a friend who bagged his Boston qualifier. Just-right size field, and it is a scenic and memorable course that has enough hills to build character (You really CAN do a PR here!). Enthusiastic-but-sporadic fan support. A winner of a race. Run it!