Organizers very communicative and check-in was organized. But that is about all that was organized. Course ran .25 miles too long. Course poorly marked. Water cups were very small at the drink stations. I finished at 3:52 and the only refreshments left were cookies. I would have preferred fruit. The only post-race drink was one container filled with water, which was empty. With the heat, a medical tent at post race is needed. I will not do this run again.

Did this one as part of 50 states quest. It is definitely small, but the race director puts his heart and soul into this thing and it shows. The volunteers were fabulous. Water stops and gu offerings very well placed. It was a challenging day to run and the water stops were plentiful. Only minor complaint was the size of the cups, but since I was not too concerned about time i just grabbed a few when needed. If you like the small town feel for a race you need to check it out. Will do again when I get the other states down,

As advertised this is a small, basic (and personable) event. Start and finish is at the local high school with raceday bib pickup. Course is three non-descript loops (no fanfare, no sights...bring an I-pod). Race starts early 6:00am but not much shade on the course so you notice it by your last loop. Organization added a couple water stops due to the heat & humidity this year. Course marshalling could improve (both for runners and cars). I'm a little dubious about several runners I saw in various portions of the course taking 'alternative' routes and turns. Basic frills (t-shirt, medal) but good volunteer support to all the runners till the very end (no matter how tough it was to keep those popsicles frozen!)

BEST POST RACE POPSICLE EVER!!
I am slowly working my way through the 50 states. This is a great one for Michigan. I prefer small races and this one was perfect. What surprised me was the level of ability of the marathon runners. Because it is such a flat course it must be ideal for both BQ and olympic qualifying. (That's not me :)
The race director answered everyone of my questions and even called to make sure I wasn't lost at packet pick up. I was very happy about the water stations and the availability of porta potties. I was one of the last finishers and still the volunteers were out and supportive. Don't run this race expecting a throng of crowds- but the volunteers were out in force and wonderful.

A small race with lots of heart. The organizers did a GREAT job making sure everything was in place which included shirts, medals and plenty of water stops. The 3-looped course is flat with no surprises. There is very little spectator support, but the folks at the water stops are eager to cheer you on. A great run and a great time!! Highly recommend for a small, summer marathon!!!

i have done the marathon here twice and just love it. Everyone is attentive and really helpful. Dr Douglas takes this race very personally and it shows. There are very few problems, of which they are handled immediately. I love all the personal touches, update e-mails leading up to the race,(they seem like they're from a friend) and just all the help from volunteers to the law enforcement.
Great race - I HIGHLY recommend it
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As a long-time resident of this area and a long-time spectator of this race I would like to give kuddos to those organizing this race. I am only surprised that it hasn't grown to be one of the bigger races on the circuit. I would only suggest a couple of changes: The first would be a course change to make a turn-around at the end of Westervelt, avoiding the busy part of Adams that includes the approach & exit to I-75 - the traffic didn't know what lane to be in - got confusing. I would also think about looping part of the race through a small part of Zilwaukee, off of Westervelt, letting the runners experience the feel of the neighborhood and get some much needed shade - it might also get more people involved, out onto their front porch to cheer the runners as they pass by. Lastly, I would think about advertising this race more within the two communities, Carrollton and Zilwaukee, to get it's residents active on race day - get them out on their front porches, cheering on the runners.

It was hot and extremely humid but the 3 loops made the event interesting. I would definitely do this again. The race director is a great communicator and very approachable. Nicely done.

Mile marker 1 was long by almost .25. It was hot and there were insufficient water stops, and teeny tiny plastic cups the size of shot glasses - easy to spill, hard to drink. For the half and the 'mini-marathon' there was nobody to direct runners into the driveway, no mile markers for miles 10 to 26.2, and cones blocked the finish.

This race was all about the organization. Craig does a great job, and there are sports teams and local teenagers running the water stops. A great community event. I was worried about a three-lap marathon but I ended up enjoying seeing my lap times and knowing what to expect on the next one.