A Marathon is an epic in any runner's career. Many events don't seem to realize this, but Wenatchee has it in spades. This gorgeous trail is a 10 mile loop crossing two bridges on the Columbia River, so you do it twice and believe me it's worth getting two looks, it's also nice because you can gauge where you need to focus for the last time around the course.

The scenery is breathtaking, one side is manicured with statues and the other side is left undisturbed and natural, the best of both worlds. The weather was nice and cool for the start and then a nice breeze came along later. The volunteers were superb and even had Nutri-grain bars to supplement GU-gel. It wasn't a big event and it wasn't too small, but to me it was EPIC!

Race went great. Love the river trail. Signed up early to get my shirt. Finished the race and they didn't have one in my size. They said they would send me one. After several emails they said they could not get one. Gave me wine glasses instead. Said I could have free entry in next marathon. Several emails more I got the wine glasses. Nothing about free entry in next marathon after a year later. Just beware run fast or you might not get a shirt no matter how early you put your entry form in.

This was my first Wenatchee marathon & it won't be the last. This was a beautiful run, with snow capped peaks, blue skies & the ever present Lake Wenatchee.

I did have problems finding parking close to the start line & ended up quite a few blocks away. IMO there should have been better directions for event parking, but it's not a huge issue & I'm sure that a little exploration & preparation would turn up some more suitable parking spots.

The race Starting Area is small & the small pack of runners mixed between 10K & Full Marathon, which seemed an odd combination but was no big deal. This is a Chip Timed event so you get an accurate finish time & while the chip is large it is really no more substantial than a piece of plasticised paper. This is very light & comfortable to wear, much more comfortable than some races where it's a strap around your ankle & there's a risk of chafing & even blisters.

The Aid Stations were a bit spotty, I got the feeling they were a little too far apart & there was one section where they definitely were too far apart. However the sport drink was the reasonably palatable Powerade Ice, not my favourite Lemon-Lime but thankfully NOT 'Cherry' which has to be the most disgusting, gut churning flavour I've ever tasted & should be avoided at all costs. One up for Wenatchee to think of that. Occasionally Gu or Gel packs were handed out too.

There's no supporters or crowds & some route junctions were not manned with people to tell you where to go. Luckily brightly coloured, adhesive markers were placed along the route & it was fairly easy to follow.

What wasn't followed by some, especially walkers, was etiquette. In several places the trail narrows & early on, on one bridge in particular you had runners coming back towards you. Several times I had walkers who were making it impossible for others to get through as they took up as much space as possible, this was even despite calling out 'Left!' or 'Right!' several times. Marshalls really need to educate slower participants about making sure they don't block the trail for those trying to pass.

The course loops around at the 4 mile point & you have to be aware of this for the Full Marathon or otherwise you're taking part in the 10K! Then you do 2 circuits of the lake, something that can play with some people's minds. There's no steep or long hills, the worst climb is where the trail climbs up to the bridge on the east of the lake. Apart from that it is gently rolling, nothing too steep or too long to run up & easy enough on your legs to be able to coast down the other side. It's not a fantastically fast course though as you're pretty much always going up or down.

The Finish Line is surprisingly low key & something of a surprise as you have to turn off the trail at the last minute & cross a bridge. The result is you don't see it until the last 100 yards. WHAM! It's suddenly all over.

You get a good looking medal & a great T shirt (are you LISTENING Capitol City Marathon????) then there's plenty of snacks & drinks to feast on.

This wasn't my quickest run as an injury flared up again & I did struggle with the heat that built up later in the day, a situation exacerbated by spotty water stops. However others may find this course suits them more. Either way it was a delight to participate in this race & it's on my calendar for next year.

This was a very scenic, virtually traffic-free race. The course is along the water the entire time. The weather was beautiful and the snow-capped mountains were stunning. Medical support was present, along with hydration and GU at mile 6.5. Lots of "real" restrooms - this was a nice change from porta-potties. The communication about the run and events were great. The finish was climactic and rewarding. The zip-up hoody was a very nice treat instead of another T or tech shirt. I will be back for this run. Nice work to the organizers of this race!!!

This was my first Wenatchee Marathon and I will definitely go back! I really have absolutely nothing negative to say about this race. The course was amazing beautiful - the lake, the snow capped mountains, the trees - breathtaking. Good mix of rolling hills and flats. Aid stations were well stocked with both water and powerade. Gu gels given out twice! Awesome finish line where you cross the bridge and can see the time pulling you home. I loved that! Spectators were minimal, but the ones that were out were great. Don't do this marathon if you need to be 'entertained' the whole way. Packet pick-up and race day logistics were a breeze! Easy parking for everything and easy in & out on race day. We sat in our car until 15 minutes prior to the race start and then went INSIDE to use REAL bathrooms before meandering to the start line. Seriously doesn't get any better than that! Was a perfect weather day for running - blue skies & temps at 46 - 65 degrees throughout. Do this marathon!

It was the most rewarding experience of my young life.

I ran the half marathon, and it was my first race. I really liked the scenery but would have liked to run with a larger group.

I loved this marathon. It takes place on a ten-mile loop around the Wenatchee Marathon (you run it twice, plus a three mile out-and-back repeat to start), but it was a lovely loop. The start side is fairly flat, but the other bank is hilly - like ripples almost. Still, great support, great organization. My time was posted probably fewer than five minutes after I crossed the finish line. It could use more signs, though - I almost missed the turn onto the first bridge. Other than that, it was great!

This is a small but well run marathon. Very little awareness in town that the race was taking place.

The course is rolling, with no major hills. It also is not flat. A little hill training will help. The race is mostly run on paved bike paths, so there is no competition with traffic for use of the road. There are not a lot of participants so you may be running by yourself towards the end. If you are looking to run with a crowd choose a large marathon like Portland.

The volunteers did a great job staffing the water stations - good enthusiasm, and they were always ready (...they performed their duties while it was snowing for about the first hour... not common weather for late April). Water stations were well spaced. The only real negative is that the sports drink was mixed a little thin. Plenty of port-a-potties at the start and available through the race. Overall, a job well done!

I have run this several times. I enjoy the run because it is a small community event. The run is mostly flat and scenic. A good way to start the season.