I only did the half marathon, having switched over from the full after getting into the Nike women's marathon (which is held only three weeks earlier). What a fantastic, well-planned event. The race start/finish venue is at beautiful Woodward Park. Porta-potties were plentiful and had no lines, and the trucks for the sweats bags were conveniently located adjacent to the corral area.

The half marathon course is mostly flat, with one good hill between miles 9-10. The course was more scenic than I had expected, with views of palm trees against a backdrop of mountains in the distance.

The post-race festivities were great - after receiving their medals, finishers received a hooded, zippered sweatshirt (perfect for the post-race chilly conditions), a hot breakfast (eggs, sausage, and hash browns), an ice cream sundae, a free massage, and two free beers. Although many of the tables/chairs that were set up for eating breakfast were already taken when I finished, there was ample room on the dry lawn for enjoying the meal. The beer was available at the amphitheater, where a live band played.

I would highly recommend this race to anyone - it was that good. The only problem is that the experience could spoil you for future races.

Of the 139 marathons I have completed (all 50 states plus a couple other countries), this is probably the best organized and supported event yet. Kudos to all concerned - from providing a multitude of porta-potties (ZERO waiting lines, if you can believe it); great shuttle transport to/from expo, pasta feed, and race site; terrific shirt, cap, and finisher jacket; the best post-race food ever; free massage; to the fast course, I honestly can think of nothing they could have done better. Spectators along the way were a bit sparse, but the ones who were there were very encouraging, and the water stations were frequent and well supported. Great job, folks!

Last year I ran the marathon in honor of my cousin, Frank, who is a Madera native and is also a Vietnam veteran and a Purple Heart recipient who had just gone through organ transplant surgery. The date of the event is so close to Veterans' Day that it kept reminding me throughout the race how fortunate we are to live in this country and how grateful I am for our brave men and women in uniform.

Thank you for this very fine event. It has the potential to become a major player in the marathon circuit. As runners we are treated in first-class fashion by the friendly people of the Central Valley. I can see how this event will grow more than you can imagine.

- Art Hernandez

If you're like me, part of the marathon experience is walking away with all of the swag, and at this event you better have someone with you to help you carry it all. Early entry gets you a nice hat. At the expo, everyone gets a goody bag and long-sleeve technical shirt. Then finishers walk away with a hooded zip-up sweater (very nice quality) and maple leaf medal. At the finish line, they feed you like a king. Hot breakfast, fresh fruit, and ice cream sundaes. Well worth the super low $70 entry fee.

I ran the half marathon. Perfect layout and so well organized. I was amazed at how well I did with recovering from ITBS and still have sciatica pain. Everything was available on the course, including running bananas! What a hoot! One of my most enjoyable races; I plan to run again next year. Count me in.

This is a marathon you will want to run again and again. The course was mostly flat with a few rollers; the organization was excellent; and the post-race food was out of this world. I had never washed down an ice cream sundae with beer before this race!! Check it out if you have a chance; you will not be disappointed!!

It was a great day! Nice course, well marked. Well organized. The breakfast and coffee were great. Love the hat, shirt and sweatshirts. Thanks to the organizers and sponsors.

Best organized marathon. Post-race food and activities again were well organized. Food was great.

Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, spectators and supporters... and to my fellow runners (especially my daughter, who roped me into this), for a truly great adventure. Maybe next year, I'll be ready for the full marathon!

I am happy to see Fresno finally has a marathon that goes through the greatest part of Fresno's history. The run through the fruit orchards and Clovis is great. The temps were great this year. The convention center was a bit light, but my guess is because this was the first year.