I ran Akron Half as a training run for my target marathon in Columbus, so I really did not expect much.

But I left after the race completely blown away with the quality and organization of the entire race - from the website; to registration; to the expo; to the give-aways (the Brooks long-sleeve tech shirt given to halfers is better than what most marathons give their full runners - and Akron's full runners got a really nice Brooks running jacket!); to race-day organization (with FedEx bag check, which was awesome/efficient); to the finish experience in Canal Park; etc.

Akron is a well run, rapidly-growing-in-popularity, mid-size race. You would expect that a rapidly-growing race may outgrow its quality, but they could not have done better.

The course is tough, and the change to the half course to run mile 12 on the towpath on a 5% uphill makes it probably one of the most challenging finishes around for a half. Besides that, it was a well designed course with a lot of variety (downtown, neighborhoods, Akron University, towpath).

The finish in Canal Park Stadium is second to none, and best finish I have experienced!

It was crowded in the stadium, but nice to see the energy of all of the runners, relays, and families enjoying the day!

Would strongly recommend.

Akron has it all. The expo, race day organization and volunteers were fantastic. I will definitely fit Akron into my schedule next fall.

I can't think of anything negative to say about the Akron Marathon. The organization was perfect, fan support was strong, water and PowerAde stops were plentiful, the finish at the stadium was amazing, and the medal was substantial. The Race Director has done a great job of making this race about runners. Well done!

Everything about this marathon is great. I have run two marathons (this one and NJ) and multiple half-marathons. The course is very hilly. There is a hill up or down nearly every mile. The biggest hill is 16.7-18. My first marathon was 4:14. I was going for Boston (3:10:59 for my age), and I completed this course in 3:16. Overall, a great race!

This was my third marathon and is easily the best of the three (the other two were Portland and Chicago). This one was well organized and supported, with a challenging course, and a superb stadium finish - just a really great running experience. OK, so I'm a little biased being an Akron native, but it's very clear that Akron is putting its all into the marathon, and should you decide to run it, I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

This was my first full marathon. Compared to other races that I have run, this one is the best organized: Flawless expo, convenient parking, more than enough bathrooms at the start area, well stocked aid stations staffed with enthusiastic volunteers, and visible mile markers with clocks at every mile. The course is tough, but Akron is not flat, and you get a look at different neighborhoods, parks, and urban areas. The only drawback was the weather, which the organizers cannot control. I was on a sub-4 pace until the 93% humidity got to me and I had to slow down. The only possible solution may be to choose a date later in the year?

At any rate, you will find this marathon is a fantastic event run by top notch staff and volunteers. I would definitely do it again.

Fantastic spectators, helpful volunteers, and the numerous WELL run water and GU stations made this race A LOT of fun. While the course is not flat, especially through miles 18-22, it was enjoyable and scenic and I even managed a seven-minute PR and a Boston qualifier on it. I definitely recommend it.

As advertised on the website, you better be ready to run up some hills late in the race. I thought I was, but they took their toll on my legs by mile 17. Definitely the most challenging of the five marathon courses I've run, but I'm hoping to learn from it as I train for Boston 2010. Overall, very well organized, with good support and great swag. Highly recommended.

You won't find more variety on a course; who would have thunk that little ol' Akron would have so much to offer? Terrain includes: urban, university, diverse neighborhoods, limestone trails, heavily wooded parkland, even the grounds of a huge estate. Fluid stations were plentiful and well staffed. Expo: top rate; giveaways: top rate. The race is run on a Saturday, which I like because it gives you more time to recover before returning to work.

Nothing is perfect, so the only thing I wish were different: it can still be very warm in Akron in late September. We were lucky this year in that it was a cloudy and raw fall day, but had it been, say, 75, that would have been a struggle for me. I'm sure the marathon calendar is very crowded but I wouldn't mind seeing the race run later in the fall. Oh yeah, I also don't like busting my hump on mile 20 of a marathon when relay racers on their first mile are whizzing past me. I wish the relayers could somehow be segregated, but I do understand the money they bring in is vital to the vitality of the race.

This is just my 4th marathon and I came all the way from Idaho to do it. It was well worth the trip! Everything was well organized and convenient for the runners, from parking near the start line to the stadium finish, also near all of the downtown parking. All aid stations were well staffed and friendly. The course had a great deal of variety in terrain and scenery and the fans in the neighborhoods were enthusiastic and supportive. I would recommend this race to anyone and was not disappointed in the least in any way. Thank you to the race director who shook our hands at the finish and to all of the volunteers who made this a great event!