I ran the 2007 marathon. It was my first marathon. I was happy with it. The course was simple. There were just enough people to make it feel like you were running a race. Wasn't crowded like others I have since run. It was flat - and even with the hail, fun to run!

The 2009 half-marathon on 4/18/09 was well organized, the volunteers were very friendly, the weather could not have been better, and the after-party was welcome (free beer, sodas, pizza, etc.). All in all, a great experience.

Extreme Dream Event organizers were dreaming that they could put together a decent race. Hopefully these farm boys woke up and went back to slopping the hogs and cleaning the chicken houses. No one will miss the poor organization, lackluster course, rinky dink medals or cheap t-shirts. Thank God it's not back for 2008.

Looks like they took our negative comments and packed it in. Like I said before, the course is fast and flat and you can't help Mother Nature, but the organizational side of it was horrible.

No dates on medals (if you can even call them that - middle school track meets have nicer ones) or on shirts.

Hard to find the expo with vague directions.

No help at the finish line. I took my own chip off after running 26.2 miles through the snowstorm. I couldn't find the post-race tent either.

I was told at the expo that I had to use the porta-potty outside in the dark as opposed to the one inside. Even after my wife used it. Organizers didn't seem to care much about the runners.

If you like the small marathons, try Wilmington's. Top-notch organization. I was leery about the 4 loops, but the volunteers are great!!

This was my first marathon and I'm hoping they have another in 2008. I would love to run it under better conditions with more spectators, music, entertainment, etc. This was all missing because of the cold conditions, which was no fault of the organizers. Five stars for the course; flat and fast. Four stars for organization; I was lucky to see the split at the half-way point where 1/2 marathon runners went to the right and full marathoners went to the left. I know many runners were confused. The volunteer at that spot has to be loud and let runners know where to go. Four stars for spectators despite the weather; in good conditions I'm sure it would be five stars.

All in all, a fun race despite the weather. Would suggest that you spend more that $.50 and get a better finisher's medal. Ditto for the shirt. After all, they are the only prizes that most of us will get. My daughter got a better-looking medal for playing tee ball when she was in first grade. I realize that it was for charity, but charge me another $10 if you need to!

Although the flukey weather conditions were tough, I missed a PR (set 4 years ago) by 61 seconds - I'll blame the wind for that slight delay. My time was 12 minutes faster than my time at another marathon I had run the previous month under more "ideal" weather conditions. Thus, the course is clearly fast, even when the weather is brutal. Great event!

What a race! It was actually fun braving the elements (all the snow and wind), except that crossing the bridge, I felt the wind might blow me right over. My gloves ended up being a wet mess that made my hands feel even more frozen.

Since there weren't any spectators or fans, I put down 5 stars for the volunteers, who were absolutely wonderful! In spite of the terrible weather, they waited for the very last runner (me!) before they left their stations. And one dear, dear lady (my marathon angel) was following me in her SUV and loaned me her gloves at one point and offered me Advil. When I finally crossed the finish line, the volunteers cheered for me enthusiastically. Everyone was so supportive. I had a great time in spite of the weather.

Pros:
1. The shuttle buses.

Cons:
1. The race web site clearly stated having water and Gatorade at every fluid station (about every 2 miles); however, they just had water and no Gatorade until mile 16.
2. I found myself at the half marathon finish line where I realized that the course marshals were not directing the runners properly and there was not even a sign directing the runners for full versus half marathon. So, I had to backtrack to get back on the course.
3. They did not have enough food at the finish tent and what was left could have been a bit better.

Suggestions:
1. I ran the full marathon. The weather was brutal but it was no ones fault. Changing the date of this race to late April may help.
2. The race officials should either hire a good race organizing company or train the marshals better.
3. Be consistent with what is stated at the race web site, such as having sports drink at every fluid station.
4. Supply more food at the finish tent.

Thanks for putting on a great race! Yes the weather stunk big time and the crowd support was thin, but that was one fun race. The race organizers did a great job with the conditions Mother Nature threw at them. This was my husband's first marathon, and every race volunteer supported him and offered help. The water stations were well stocked with fluids and snacks. Your volunteers were the best of any race I have run nationwide. I ran the half, and I had a great experience. The tailwind helped me to a PR! Hot soup, pizza, and decaf coffee in the tent were right on. Thank you, Outback Steakhouse - I have never been so happy to see hot soup in my life! We will probably put this on our race schedule for next year. I highly recommend this race for first-time runners because it is a fast, flat course without a mob of people. Plus, the volunteers were just as energetic for slow runners and walkers as they were for the speed demons. Don't let the weather scare you away.