This was my 12th marathon and the best organized (from a runners perspective). Starting in the dark was fun, but the road was clearly marked every km, and the drinks every 3km worked well in terms of pacing. A small but friendly crew of runners made completion of the event more enjoyable. The after race lunch was also very good. Thanks Alice Springs !

I can't understand why ther aren't hundreds of runners. Combined with the famous Henley on Todd regatta on Saturday - it was a great weekend.

Starting in the dark in freezing conditions this is an out and back course to the west of Alice Springs that runs directly into the desert. The feeling of exhileration happens when the sun comes up on the bronze excarpments of the MacDonnell ranges. The course is reasonable flat and always interesting. there were only 25 competitors so for much of the time you are alone and this is broken up by the welcoming and enthusiastic nature of the volunteers at the aid stations. The medal, which comes in the form of a piece of red centre rock is presented at a luncheon afterwards and every finisher has their moment in the sun as they come forward to collect their prize. this marathon was a truly outstanding experience and ranks right up there as one of the best.

Beautiful scenery and excellent help along the way - personalized attention. I ran a PB there in 1989, which still stands as a course record.

The Alice Springs Marathon runs through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and, to top it off, it's a mostly flat course, has a small field of runners and is very well-organized. The 6 a.m. start in the dark means less time is spent in the blue-sky sunshine of the Outback. The temperature gets warm quickly. It's low-key but of my 22 marathons, one of the most exciting and scenic. The race doesn't get much attention from Alice Springs but, given the early start, that's understandable. Those who are awake do cheer. Thanks to Noel and his great crew of volunteers.

This is a small marathon (50 runners) in the heart of Australia. This is their winter, so the 6 a.m. start was chilly, but the temperature warmed by 7-7:30. I'm used to running alone and enjoyed the serenity and solitude of running the back roads of the bush. The organizers and volunteers did a wonderful job providing water and gel. One of the advantages of a small marathon is personalized attention. Runners could pre-station clothing/liquids/gels along the course and ensure they would be there when needed. In larger marathons this is usually reserved just for the elites. The post-marathon party was another highlight. Aside from the full menu of food from the "barby" (included in the race fee), each runner was personally presented with their finisher's plaque, race picture, and certificate. Again, you won't find this at larger marathons. I found Alice Springs a great place to visit and the marathon a personal Australian adventure.

I have completed both the marathon and half marathon in Alice Springs. After London and Gold Coast it is an amazing thing to be running along roads in the bush with so few other competitors. The small number of spectators are very vocal and enthusiastic. The presentation lunch and finishers trophies were outstanding. Great, fun run.