Flat course but there are a few hairpins and 4 bridge crossings which add about a 30 sec handicap in my opinion. Lack of crowd support and few runners to pace off might be a factor for some who are trying to BQ. In 2012 there was almost no wind, no sun, and temps in the high 40s so almost perfect conditions. About 200 runners in the full marathon I believe. Course is almost entirely paved. Volunteers are very helpful, making up for lack of crowds.

This is a first class marathon in every respect from the organization to the helpful volunteers and even the fans that come out on race day. The course is flat and fast and the views along the Columbia River are amazing. With a low entry fee and the start and finish right outside the hotel room, it can't be beat. Once again, well done to all involved.

Great fast race when weather lines up correctly. Which it did in 2012 with no wind and rain and cool temps. Very little fan support. Plenty of aid stations (every 2 miles or so). Will run this again.

Very underrated marathon. Good bang for your buck. Not a lot of spectaters buy good number of volunteers. If you like running along water with elevated view this is the marathon for you. Good finish line atmosphere, kinda homey and chatty.

This race is not only one of the best
marathons around for the money - it's
one of the best marathons period. Great
organization with plenty of water stops
and helpful volunteers. The course is flat and fast and the neighbors along the way come out and cheer the runners.
Thank you again for a superb race.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience running the Tri Cities. The course went along the scenic Columbia River pathways with virtually no vehicle traffic to worry about. The volunteers were great and the hospitality at the host hotel was excellent. After running a number of big city marathons it was a real treat to have the start and finish line right outside my hotel door.

Breezy conditions did nothing to detract from the beautiful setting and very fast course. Excellent organization along with very helpful volunteers. Thank you once again. We will be back.

Yesterday's race was just as the previous year's reviews said. The course was flat, except for the 4 bridge crossings we made over the Columbia River (significant), and when the wind picked up late in the race, it was a factor. But, you can't blame the weather on the event organizers.

I'd do the race again, if I lived closer. The Shilo Inn (host hotel) was SO convenient, since the race began and ended there. The early start offered helped too, and that again goes down to the good organizers.

If you live in the area or are looking for a nice run in a lovely part of the country, do this one.

Hotel room was 100 yards from start and finish. That is easily the best part. We were lucky with the weather this year as the there was zero wind to speak of and clear skies. It was, however, about 33 degrees at the start. Solid aid on the course for sure. Painful last 10 miles in a straight line up the Columbia River to the Shilo. It was mentally taxing to go 10 straight miles on paved trail from 17-26. Then again, that would have been taxing no matter what. Why does anyone run these things anyway? They're all really freaking hard and it always hurts a lot, but what the heck? We do it anyway.

The people, the course, and the view were the best. Thank you!

- Joey Potter