I have waited so long to post because I didn't want it to be a "heat of the moment" ramble that I'd later regret posting. I ran the 10K and then went back to pick up a buddy who ran the marathon to help pace him in. The organization was a joke and a 12-year-old girl was working the finish line (not marked well at all as others have mentioned). My wife didn't get a shirt and the director said they'd mail her one - 6 months later, no shirt (that we paid for). That's ok, though, because the cotton shirts were the worst I've ever seen: Pink and red hearts with some runners that it looked like a 6th grader drew. The food at the end was pretty well gone by the time by buddy finished the race (with no mile markers or aid support worth noting). They had a can of tuna for sandwiches (just tuna!) and NO CAN OPENER. Really? I can't understand how this is a Boston qualifier. Rather than trying to run every distance from 1 mile to the marathon, why not just focus on making the marathon a much better race? I would NOT suggest doing this race and don't plan to ever go back myself. Other than these problems, it was a great event!

This race (much like all of these holiday marathons) is very small. The course is an out-and-back on open-to-traffic roads. It is very much like your normal long run. They are very close to where I live, so I like to do them. The race director is very nice and accommodating to the racers, and there is an early start.

Pretty flat course, and I have done 3 PR's on this course. I recommend it highly to those runners who don't need spectator help and want a no-frills endurance experience.

Why are the race results not posted even 1 month after the event? Perhaps the race director should make it clear for the runners next year if and when they can expect results to be posted online....

I came to this race knowing it would be small, but expected a bit more in terms of general organization. The course is fast but lacking in mile markers (except for a few turn-around points for 5K, 5-mile, 10K, 10-mile and half). Nice rural roads - some runners stayed to the left, others to the right. There were some large trucks on the bigger road near the end, which were a little scary given the small shoulder. Probably the biggest disappointment was the finish. As others said, it's very vague - no obvious big clock or banner. Basically you just ran up to a picnic table near the shelter. I had to dodge some folks just milling about the area, as there's no clear path or destination.

If you just want to go for a run that does not matter about time or support, this would be ok. I wanted to BQ, but found very few mile markers, so I could not watch my pace. I could have cheated at any moment by cutting the run short... it was not chip timed and there were no race officials. Like the other posted note, I stood at the finish line and did not know it! I had no clue where it was. The food was poor as well. When they had food, you had to make your own sandwiches and such. In my case, it was gone. Huge, frustrating race, if you care about pace and support.

If you live in the Seattle area, then this is a good, fun run. You get to see horses, ponies, and cows; get glimpses of St. Helen's; and see a lot of Marathon Maniacs.

If you are looking for a BQ or are a 50-stater looking to cross off WA, stay away or else you might be disappointed.

You'll have no on-course support except a few barking dogs. Parts are open to traffic where you'll find rude motorists speeding by and honking.

The good news: the course is accurate and you won't get lost. This is not chip-timed, and the results will take forever to be posted. There are no markers but there are indications of where you are. At the very least 23, 24, 25 are chalk-marked.

So do come, but do so with realistic expectations.

Dangerous course, with traffic going by fast on a rural highway. Finish line was not clear. I was standing by the finish line until a kid came to me to take a tag from my bib. My official clock was 10 minutes slower. No one gave me the medal, so I had to ask them to give me one. Gatorade was so diluted that it tasted like plain water with light flavor.

The Good News: Nice out-and-back run on rolling rural roads, friendly water stops, great food, smooth organization, and a cheap price.

The Bad News: Ten miles of the running is on a highway(although there was little traffic), and no bands, spectators or hoopla.

The negatives: This year's version was twice out and back, which means one crossed the same terrain four times. (This was for safety due to a lack of course marshals.)

Depending on your luck, you may encounter a lot of traffic because all of the roads are open. Several cars nearly blew me into the ditch. (This has nothing to do with the race organization; just be aware that the course is open.)

It's also not an extremely scenic course in my view. This course is for a hardcore marathoner who wants to add another to their list. I would say that a third to half of the marathon field were from the "Marathon Manic" group.

The positives are that there is huge bang for your buck. All marathon finishers were given medals, trophies, and plenty of food, including the traditional hot chili the winter versions of this course have become known for.

Although very little of the marathon takes place in the actual park, it's a beautiful area for your family to hang out in the forest amongst the old, very tall trees next to a serene lake.

Great day. Beautiful beginning and ending in Park. The course is gentle, but first 5 miles and last 5 are a little bit scary because of very small shoulder and 50 mph traffic. The volunteers are very helpful and organization and medals were terrific. Nice and cool which helps the times. Plenty of water stops and lots of time to think to yourself.