The course is not spectacular but it has some pretty points near the water. The organization was also not that great - there were not a lot of details about the race on the website, especially for travelers from out of town. This is not a very easy place to get to if flying in - the nearest airport is at least 2 hours away in another state! Also, post-race stuff was a big let-down. No food or even drinks at the end! Also no photography along the course! However, the people who organize it are fairly friendly and helpful. The spectators are few and far between - mainly a few dozen at the end. It was nice to do a rather low-key race, but some aspects should be attended to better, to ensure a better race.

Having grown up in the area, I knew the Iowa lakes region well. It was exciting to come back and run around Lake Okoboji.

Positives:
* There were plenty of water stations with enthusiastic volunteers.
* Scenic course around the lake with no major hills.
* Six o'clock start and cool weather were perfect for running.
* Nice medal and shirt - and very enthusiastic fans at the finish.
* Staggered start for the marathon, triathlon, half-marathon and 10K was a unique and different experience.

Negatives:
* Running on Highway 86 was a bit scary - more for the bikers in the triathlon than the runners. It would be nice to have the road closed for an hour or so, but logistically it probably isn't feasible for a small race like this.

Bring your own GU or equivalent, as they don't hand these out along the course.

I definitely would run this marathon again.

This was my first full marathon. I did a large 1/2 (Lincoln) this year and can say that this small marathon is a wholly different - but wonderful - beast. I read the comments from previous years and was concerned, but my concerns were unfounded. They had PowerAde and water every 2 miles, the miles were all marked well, the organization was great, and there were support teams from local Red Cross, law enforcement, and fire/rescue teams if anyone needed assistance. People also had oranges and fruit along the way for us spontaneously, and the finish was good. The race is a bit hillier than the "rolling hills" I read about: in town there were a few more quick/short uphills, and outside of town there were rolling hills. Still, the course is not difficult.

The quasi-valid grief I read about from previous races is the lack of large shoulder on the highways for running. That was not a problem for the marathon, but more so for the triathlon: at this point in the race (mile 13-18 in and out) there are bikers and half marathoners and marathoners all occupying the same space. The highway isn't traveled much, but I can understand how people used to having whole streets blocked off for their enjoyment would be concerned that you actually have to pay attention to where you're going. Personally, I had no fears, nor did anyone I spoke to, but if you really want 20 feet of space on either side at all times, then I understand your issue.

All in all, a fantastic race, a great course, great (but small number of) supporters, and a fun, energetic atmosphere.

I grew up around the lakes area and really wanted to make Okoboji my Iowa marathon, and am glad I didn't get scared off from the complaints.

Course: I loved the rolling hills; they made it a bit tough but interesting. The water/PowerAde stops were more than adequate for me. The biggest hassle in running with the traffic along the highway was getting rocks in my shoes from the shoulder. But I didn't think it was particularly dangerous; you just needed to pay attention. I would not run this with music. The reason for giving it 4 stars (as opposed to 5) is that I didn't like running through the parking lot on the way to the finish. Maybe they could have better signs to let the drivers know we're coming through? Also, it's true about the shortage of bathrooms. There were porta-johns at the half, but only two, so there was a bit of a wait.

Organization: 4. I would make sure that the finish food and water are roped off for runners only. There were only 3 bottles of vita-water left when I finished and were several runners due in yet. Food was gone. They did upgrade the medal; there's now a great U of O emblem engraved on the back.

Spectators: 5. Not many, but the ones that were there were enthusiastic and supportive. (Remember, this is a small race, with 90 finishers.) The volunteers were also fantastic.

Fun day; my only regret is rushing off without stopping for a nutty bar. Yum!!

I ran this race in 1999 and 2009. The course has rolling hills in the first six miles and the last six miles. I think they did a good job. The traffic was not an issue for me. I never felt unsafe. I have two negative issues. For us out-of-towners, I had some trouble finding the start. Fortunately, I used free time on Friday to work out the logistics. I thought they needed many more Gatorade stops and fewer with just water. The number of stops was adequate, but most were just water. I also would move the packet pickup and start to Arnold's Park. It was easy to find and would be less of a hassle for those of us who live outside of the area.

I ran U. of O. to get Iowa crossed off the 50 States list. Two years and a cross-country move later, I had lost the finisher medal. The race organizers sent me one from '07 free when I called and asked to buy a replacement. I am most grateful. Thanks. This race is not fancy. So what? It is a solid event.

I thought the marathon was a nice experience and am grateful for this marathon being around in July. It is great in that there is a 6 a.m. start time, giving you time to get a shower in before checkout if you have to drive to the race. The finish area was also very nice and festive. The timing system is also excellent. I really didn't expect much going in based on previous years' comments, as it is truly a no-frills race.

However, there were many aspects of this race that were unnecessarily frustrating (especially for someone not familiar with the area) that could have be solved easily with a better website such as: how to get to the start (use Google maps; you'll never find it with MapQuest), and when and where each type of fluid replacement was located (which mile markers different fluids were at). Also, if they could put up signs race morning to confirm you're going the right way; that would be nice, as it's a bit strange to be driving into a neighborhood to a race start.

I had no idea where the Gatorade was located, so I brought my own packets. I was glad I did, as there really wasn't any logic in terms of the spacing of PowerAde.

The one thing that did surprise me was that the PowerAde that was being served came straight out of a bottle. I think the directors could save a lot of money (and waste) by using Gatorade powder and having volunteers make it up. Additionally, they could invest the money into other areas of the race.

There was still confusion around mile 11 as to where to go, with an arrow pointing in the wrong direction from a previous year's race.

There were adequate bananas and post-race vitamin water at the end, although there was no water available at the start of the marathon.

As mentioned, there were no port-o-johns on the course (fortunately, I didn't have to use one). However, considering it goes through neighborhoods and many open areas, I can see it being a major problem if you need to use one.

I like low-key, small marathons, so for the most part, I really liked this one.

However, this was my 41st marathon and by far the most dangerous as far as vehicles. The part that runs along the main road had very heavy traffic. Combine that with runners running WITH traffic instead of against it, narrow road shoulder, bikers in the triathlon traveling in the same direction and lane as the bikers, and it is extremely dangerous. The rain made it even more so. I know one biker went down on the main road, but I don't know the cause. Except for this issue, this is a great marathon. Maybe the directors could re-route this part of it?

NOT A SINGLE BATHROOM ON THE COURSE. What do you think marathoners do for the week (AND ESPECIALLY THE NIGHT) before the race? We eat. A LOT. And that causes bowel movements over the course of 3-4 hours of running.

Water breaks were enough, but some a half-mile apart, and some 3 miles apart. No food from start to finish (or past the finish, unless you buy something from the funnel cake stand at the finish line).

Nice course to look at, but it's hard to run. ALL hills, up and back down every quarter mile; still, nothing ungodly.

Very disappointed by the lack of organization; I won't run it again.

Spectators get 5 stars because twice I had to use someone's private property bathroom. I would NOT want to have to deal with a soaking wet (it was storming) hooligan wanting to use my bathroom at 7:30 in the morning when I'm about to leave for work. Thank you to the people who were kind enough to give hospitality.

I thoroughly enjoyed running this race. The cool temperatures and rain on race day made the race much more enjoyable than it would have been had it been 80 degrees out. The rolling hills on the course were enjoyable rather than difficult, and this made the race quite lovely. There are a few things I would change though.
1. Add porta-johns on the course. I only saw one porta-john on the entire route and was forced to take a bathroom break that consisted of more than liquid waste in the woods along the road.
2. Close off the highway. With runners and bicyclists from the tri, and all the cars on the road, it is not only distracting but dangerous.
3. Make the aid stations spread out more evenly.
4. Offer XXL shirts, for the larger marathoners amongst us.


Overall I would recommend this race if you like small-town races, with small crowds and small numbers of runners, and can handle doing without some of the amenities you would get at a larger marathon.