Most of the race was as I expected. The hills were less severe than I expected, and even easy on the second lap. The many trails in the park along the river make it difficult to mark the course properly there. So, it is possible to get lost in that park.

Nice, fancy, hooded sweatshirt though.

I just ran the 2008 Leavenworth Marathon. It was as hilly as they said it would be. The city is worth going to with or without the marathon. I will say that the packet pick-up at the hatchery was way more confusing than it needed to be. I did like the course the first time around but am not of a fan of two laps around-style courses. The two mile-long assent is really two miles straight up at miles 4-5 (approximately), and then you have to do it again (17-18). There are other smaller hills throughout the course. The one thing I did not like was that the half marathoners received the same shirt and medal, I agree with the comment below; the events should be acknowledged separately. I will probably do the half next time, unless they change the course and you don't have to do the exact route twice. But I will for sure be back... the town is a blast!!!!!!!

The first annual Leavenworth Octoberfest was a well organized event.

The packet pick-up was a very low-key affair, located at the host hotel. First point of consternation: The host hotel (rooms priced at nearly $200 a night and no discounts whatsoever due to the accompanying Octoberfest and the 'weekend rate'...).

The second disappointment was that a pre-race pasta dinner does not exist; one person handing out packets implied that was so that runners would get their meals in town (see closing comments).

The white T-shirts, made of a very comfortable non-cotton material, but consisted of a small black race logo on the front right no more than 2" in diameter, and numerous oversized large advertisements in black ink on the back.

The setting for the race start was very quaint in a wooded park near a stream, and a traditional German accordian player entertained us near the start, combined with the fall foliage I was indeed transported to 'Bavaria' Deutschland (Germany) (where I once lived, four years).

The race committe did a good job of staying consistent with the German theme.

The course was correctly described in previous entries, however I would add that from my perspective the course was extremely well marked. Every mile marker and every turn was prominently marked.

There were points on the course where the marathon and half marathon separation were a bit confusing, and I was disappointed to learn the half marathon finisher received the exact same medal.... It would have been appropriate to recognize the accomplishments separately.

(The medal consisted of a white and olive green sticker/paper with the marathon logo draped by a yellow ribbon that said 'marathon & half marathon'.... It would have been nearly as easy to have two batches of ribbons - one for 'marathon' and one 'half marathon.'

The post-race fare consisted of apples, bagels, bananas and water.

For an innaugural marathon I thought the race committee did a very good job. As a runner, I would warn out-of-town athletes to bring plenty of cash if you plan on shopping in the local stores, which are at their tourist-trap height this time of year, hotels are expensive, and there are no $5-$10 low-key pasta parties.

Did the first annual Leavenworth Marathon....

Beautiful course along the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers...gorgeous mountain scenery... and an elevation of only 1,200 feet.

Drawbacks: it was on a main road most of the race without any traffic stoppage... got very, very busy in the last 10 miles... did a few miles on the main highway!!!

The marathon is simply the half marathon route run twice... lots of confusion and spectator traffic at the finish line for the half as you had to weave through many many people to continue the marathon down a small path.

Challenging hills much of the race...killer hill at miles 6-8 and once again (since you repeated it) at miles 21-23 (deadly at this point... many, many people walking). But it is fun to be challenged!!!!

Great organization... wonderfully staffed aid stations... water and PowerAde every two miles... power gel twice....

Friendly volunteers, excellent start, beautiful setting, and Octoberfest in Leavenworth to boot. Lots of great brats and beverages all weekend... great music, dancing, and fun!!!!

NO spectators at all... none... did see some joggers shouting out some encouragement, but I don't really care much if there are spectators.

Lots of fun and a great weekend!!!

Course was tough; 26.8 miles is tough!