I'll be the first to comment on the 2009 race. This was my first marathon. Though I live in NY, I have been a bit intimidated by the NYC Marathon and wanted to try something low-key. And the GRM is low-key! The comments from prior years drew me here, what with the flat course, helpful volunteers, and pretty vistas [along the river, finishing along the beach, excluding the industrial parks!). Thanks to Steve and the volunteers, it was a wonderful experience.

This is a low-key, friendly race that is a heck of a lot of fun. It a flat, fast course; everyone is a volunteer; and both the runners and organizers support it simply because they obviously just enjoy running on a Saturday morning with friends. The course can be a little confusing and could use a few more directional markers, but overall, a great day of running.

This was a free marathon put on entirely by volunteers. Great job! The course is generally along the Green and Duwamish Rivers, before the rivers empty into Elliott Bay/Puget Sound, with the last couple of miles run along the shoreline. The Green River Marathon and the United Way Run (UWR) use the exact same course, the latter race being held in the Autumn. We were told to follow the UWR pavement markings, and it worked remarkable well. After reviewing the satellite map, I was certain that I would get lost. At a couple of places where routing was questionable or poorly marked a race official was posted to help guide the runners. The course could stand to be re-marked before next year, as some of the existing markings are well worn and faded, and a couple of transitions could be marked better.

The race started in the southern part of Kent (where the parking lot was small for the anticipated 175 runners) and basically followed the river, ending up in West Seattle. There were a couple of neighborhoods to go through and along an industrial dock area north of the West Seattle Freeway. There were aid stations at adequate intervals, all staffed by friendly and enthusiastic volunteers - younger and older - willing to be of service to the runners. And they did a great job! GU was available at two different water stops, spaced into the middle of the course. Bathrooms were available about every 5 miles. There were two short hills later in the course, one of which was kind of steep. Otherwise, it was quite flat.

Once past the industrial area, running along Harbor Avenue, it was quite spectacular looking across Elliott Bay at Ballard, downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, the sailboats, cargo ships, ferries, and cruise ships; also, people and pets enjoying the waterfront. After a span along the waterfront, the finish line was a welcome sight, and food and drink available from area vendors.

The weather cooperated too. It was overcast and in the upper 50's. There were several minutes of misty Seattle-type rain later in the course, but it did not last very long. It was a very pleasant event. I was concerned that mileage markers were not used, but it was not as bad as I though it would be without them.

Though I have not run the same marathon twice (yet), I would consider running this race again next year. It was a great event, and very worthwhile. Thanks to Race Director Steve Barrick and the host of volunteers who stepped up to help out.

This was a beautiful course for the most part. You guys did a fine job putting it together. The temperature was a little warm and I was a little tired, but I look forward to running this with a fresh set of legs next time.

Steve Barrick and company did a wonderful job putting this event together. The course was friendly even though the temperature was not so friendly as the day progressed; however, the breeze off the beach made it pleasant to the finish line. The aid stations were well-stocked and well-staffed and came at the right time. The spectators didn't even know they were witnessing a marathon - they just showed up naturally and did their own thing. The post-race informal festivities were memorable. Where else could I have had lunch with three race directors - Bob and Lenore Dolphin, and Steve Barrick? To top it off, this marathon qualified me to join the Marathon Maniacs! Mahalo Steve. Mahalo Ma and Pa Dolphin for the lunch. Mahalo Regina, for volunteering. Mahalo to all you happy volunteers. Mahalo to the photographers. What a weekend!

Right from the start in a quite little roadside park I knew that this was going to be fun! Everyone was friendly and excited about the run on an almost perfect day... I ran with M. F. from Texas in the lead pack on the early start. We had a lot of fun!

Winding along side of Green River, over pedestrian bridges, around baseball fields, through industrial areas, then to the ocean (or bay, or sound, or whatever!) :) We ran along the water with the Seattle skyline in the backdrop. The run finishes right across from Spuds Fish and Chips where the runners gathered afterward for some food and drink. Next time, I'll stick around and eat at Spuds! M.F. and I had to boogey to the next race, so we missed the post-race frivolity!

Thank you, RD Steve, and all the volunteers (and my running partners!). You all made the run great!

My second time to run this race. Enjoyed it even more than last year! The aid stations are great - they had GU at 2 of them this year. The organizers clearly get joy from what they do. You can feel it! Wonderful assortment of runners. I look forward to next year!

This was a nice course mostly along a river or the ocean. You do have to transition from the river to the ocean, so you have to leave the flat river, and cross over a hill and industrial area to get over to the flat ocean shore. But for the money, you can't beat this course!

A group was allowed an offical early start... that makes a small race even smaller, but the race started so late that I needed the early start to get to my next event. Unfortunately the early start meant that you were out before the rest stops and before the people that knew the course. I carried a bottle of water... a real lifesaver there! Our group had a great time - we were the lead group of the early start so we had no one to follow. We'd stop and all consult on where to go. It was just so much fun... we had some relay runners with us so we changed our relay runners out ever couple of miles. When we did hit rest stops, they were well stocked. I loved the watermelon!

A shirt was offered for purchase. What a great deal! It was a very nice shirt with a great colorful design... and it was a whopping $12! What a great deal!

I'd say that this was a fun event, decent course... only a couple of rough spots and token hill or two to keep this from being totally flat. Now being "lost" with the early start group made this race an adventure. It would be much easier to run if you could follow someone that was from the area, but I am living proof that you can find your way with aid of the course running directions.

My 2nd time to run this marathon. I love it even more! The organizers continue to do a great job and clearly love what they do - it shows. The aid stations were even better. They had GU at 2 of them! Wonderful assortment of runners from all walks of life(excuse the pun). Look forward to next year.

This is a low-key, well organized event. No race numbers, and no entry fees, but great aid stations and lots of fun. I was amazed that every aid station featured water and sports drink (remember, the entry fee is $0). There was even one station with Gu. I had to stop and check my directions four times, but did not get lost. The weather was warm for Seattle (70s) and the course may have been a bit long (or I just had a slow day). I would definitely do it again.