This was my first marathon ever and will always be remembered as the best. The course was flat and easy to follow, aid stations were well stocked, and volunteers, police and everyone involved was very helpful. The cool start was great for someone from the frozen Midwest. The best part was running this with my son, an FSU School of Law alumn. Even though our time was poor (4:39), this race and every detail will stay with me forever. Thanks for the great experience.

This course starts and finishes on the Florida State campus with most of the race following a scenic paved rail trail out and back. The short transition from campus to trail is unremarkable, but the traffic control by both uniformed law enforcement and well-trained volunteers is among the best I have seen. Aid stations were well-positioned and those staffing them were well trained. This is a great small race.

I enjoyed this race very much. The organization was very good, the course was mostly bike path, and finishing on the FSU track was pretty cool. Plenty of real bathrooms at the start, in addition to port-a-potties and some real bathrooms out on the course.

After a short initial loop, this was a long out-and-back, so every runner got to see every other runner. After the half-marathon turned back, it got fairly sparse, but I didn't have any trouble knowing where the course was, and even late in the race the traffic control at the few major road crossings was very runner-friendly. The shirt was pretty cool but my "medium" was just a touch too small, so you might want to order the larger of two sizes next year if you're between sizes. The medal is nice - I think Florida State colors on the ribbon.

Very friendly runners and volunteers. I was offered GU at several aid stations, as well as a lot of encouragement from the workers. Definitely worth a drive down from Chicago.

The course is scenic and flat and fast. I knocked off over 15 minutes off of my PR. I loved the finish at the FSU track. It is a great place for families to wait and see their loved ones finish. The post-run complimentary massage was a bonus. It is an easy course for spectators to find their runners on. The Gulf Winds Track Club knows racing.

Great weather! Very flat and fast course. Organizers and volunteers were very friendly and helpful, and the aid stations were some of the best I've seen in the dozen-plus marathons I've run! They had crackers, fruit, PASTRIES and even cola and beer at one of the stations! The flat course did get a tad boring after passing many an antique/junk dealer but you never felt alone because of the out-and-back route. And it was quite peaceful running on the bike/walk path. The shirt is ok, but I really like the medal - FSU colors on the ribbon and a colorful/classy medal.

Although the parking was ample and close, I would suggest signs (that can be seen in the pitch dark before the race) at the start for the packet pickup for those not familiar with the FSU campus. Having the race logo on the number bibs would be a great idea if possible for next year. Lastly, the course was well marked, but the last mile or so was a little hit or miss without volunteers pointing the way - BUT the police support was great throughout the race.

I needed Florida for my 50-state quest, so Tallahassee was a great race to help with that goal! I definitely recommend this race!

It was also great to see a few other Marathon Maniacs at this race as well!

Even though this course may not be as challenging as mentioned before, I have to tell you: the event and people more than made up for it. The flat course goes through some "interesting" parts of town, but as you emerge from that to the FSU campus, even a Gator like myself realized it wasn't such a bad place.

I only wish the course would have wound around the stadium a bit more so that I could pass by the Bobby Bowden statue and give it the "one finger salute" it deserves. Just kidding - we actually have a lot of respect for the coach.

Support and water stops were well placed and manned by a very supportive staff willing to ignore the chilly temps in the morning.

Thanks again.

Tallahassee is a beautiful city. For about the first three miles, the scenery is not that great, but after that, it is mostly a flat, tree-lined course. I was here to run, not sight-see. Gatorade and water about every two miles and some snacks at the turnaround. GU was available at one of the stations.

Instead of trashy trophies, awards were handmade plates and mugs. Cash for the top runners.

If you do not stay at the host hotel (downtown), I would recommend the Days Inn next to the campus. It is only about three blocks from the track. It is not in a family atmosphere, but it was inexpensive, clean and quiet. I think they must have just refurbished my room. They also allowed me a late checkout.

I love running in Tally!!! The course was mostly on rails-to-trails path. The volunteers and organizers were extremely nice and helpful. This is a great, no-stress marathon. The hotels are convenient, the parking close to the start, and the packet pick-up was quick and easy. The temperature was ideal this year, and that, combined with the flat and shaded course, made it a good qualifying race for Boston. I would run again next year!!!

Having run the "Tallahassee" Marathon five previous times, during the hilly days, the move to the flat and ugly side of town put an end to that. Tallahassee has some beautiful places to run, but it's slightly hilly. The organizers sold their soul to get more out-of-towners. Too bad. As Woody Hayes said, "Anything easy ain't worth a damn."

I did the half; I had just done a marathon, so planned to do a shorter race. But the organization, great cool temp., community, setting, speed of this course, and post-race food and volunteers had me wishing I had done the full race anyway. I knocked 10 minutes off my best half. The age group awards were original (local artist ceramics). The volunteers on the course and police were super. The pasta dinner was great and the speaker really worth hearing. Post-race Jay did a wonderful job, but could have used more support handing out awards from the club members or locals (or did everyone in town run this one - can't blame them). Maybe next year some college students could help out with the post -race festivities - internship possibility for a sports-rec major? The host hotel was wonderful and very generous regarding our taking our time checking out - and very nice room and reasonable rate, too.

Tallahassee is a running town, and I only wish we were closer or I'd do this marathon next year. This race is a wonderful size - saw several people from the pasta dinner and we were able to congratulate each other the next day. Great thing about a smaller race! It's obvious this race is run by people who really care and I can see it getting better every year. Thanks, Jay.