I really think the race organizers sought out the only hills in Lancaster County to run this race over, because it was brutally hilly, and most of the county is pretty flat. This was my 7th full marathon, and I don't think I'll be back as it was too much (especially the nasty hill coming back at about mile 21-23). Also, once you pass the half marathon turn around, the roads are open to traffic and it can get a bit dicey. I had heard it was tough, but I didn't expect as hard as it was. I picked it out because I was looking for a local spring marathon, and pickings are pretty slim around Philly except for this and Delaware (which for some reason put their race on Mother's Day this year).

On the positive: Organizers were great, and the community really comes out and supports you. Great pre-race and post race food. Probably one of the best I've been to. Awards go pretty deep, and the race is small, so if you post a pretty good time you've got a decent shot at bringing home a little hardware. The scenery is great, and it really is a pretty peaceful run (since most of it you will be by yourself).

If you are looking for a BQ race, this isn't it. If you are looking for Spring race, and just want to get a marathon in, enjoy country scenery, don't need large crowds to cheer you on, and don't mind hills, give it a try. I think I'm done with Garden Spot though.

I have run the half marathon of this race 3 times and each time I have really been glad I did. The race is run by the Garden Spot retirement home and the residents make up most of the volunteers and they are just tremendous. Everyone is friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable.

When you arrive volunteers direct you to parking which is nearby the race area. If its cold you (it was this year) you can stay warm in your car right up until a few minutes before the gun. They have a race day packet pick-up and plenty of pre-race port-a-potties.

As others have said it is a tough, hilly course. I have run this race not to set a PR but to give myself a tough workout. Even with the hills I love that the last 3 miles are flat or downhill so at least a runner can end strong!

The course runs through Amish farm country on quiet roads. The roads are closed early on but eventually open up to traffic but this isn't an issue (at least for the half).

The race has gotten larger over the years but it still maintains a small race charm and more importantly is still a stress-free experience.

You get a medal, a nice tech shirt and a decent post-race spread.

Spectacular scenery and a glimpse at a different culture make this a truly unique marathon. The cleared land and rolling hills make it possible, at times, to see a string of runners over a mile long around the next 2 turns. These same rolling hills kinda rolled over me, so take your time. It's all too easy to underestimate the effects of all those small ups and downs.

The organization and logistics made the race easy to handle. The area is used to visitors and the food at the aid stations and end of the race was way better than average. I gave the spectators 5 stars because there weren't all that many of them and too many people telling me how well I'm doing gets really annoying after a while.

Get your PR another day and run this race and carry a camera.

This was a small town, country marathon, but was very well organized. The course was challenging, with almost constant hills. This is not a marathon to expect times anywhere near a PR. It was hard on the legs. The course ran through pleasant farmland, and one had to stay alert for the Amish horse buggys and the manure on the road. The weather was perfect, cool and sunny. This was a small race, so one does end up running some of the race alone after the half marathon turn around. Because it was so rural, the crowds were sparse, but those who were there were pleasant. The volunteers were great and the water stops were well stocked and easy to navigate. The packet pick up on race morning was simple and the start and finish area was by far the most comfortable of any of the marathons or half marathons I have run. The parking was easy and close. The food and refreshments were really fine. I much appreciated that the race was on Saturday morning rather than Sunday morning, with a race day packet pick-up. I had traveled from New York for the race and was able to come late Friday night and spent the rest of the weekend sightseeing at Gettysburg National Military Park, an hours drive west. It was a great weekend. So if you want a challenging spring marathon, and aren't looking for a PR this time out, you might enjoy this race through the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch country.

The course is beautiful. It is hilly, but not outrageously so. The organization is flawless. Everything from packet pick-up to post-race festivities was handled perfectly. Pre-race pasta dinner was especially good. Aid stations were well run and spaced appropriately. Spectators were not numerous, but those who were out seemed appreciative of the runners. Everything about this event was outstanding. This was my first year at GSV and I will definitely be back. I highly recommend this marathon.

The organization of the marathon is very good. The volunteers are enthusiastic and helpful. The expo is not chock full of exhibitors but there was some nice local crafts available. The shirts ran like two sizes too small, but there was an exchange available race day. There is race day registration and an expo so I like that especially if you forgot something like gu or gloves. This year it was about 35F at the start. It warmed up to about 50F. The course is hilly - no joke and the farther you run - turnaround for the 1/2 marathoners and the course beyond that for the marathoners is hilly - long lead ins and deep declines. The scenery is nice - you have the cars and the buggys on the road with you. The water stations were nicely spaced. I am a walker and I felt no pressure to hurry and finish.

Hills, headwinds, horse manure, and hospitality, and lots of all 4 of those. The course is tough and most of what looks flat on the course profile actually rolls steadily. This year there were also strong winds. But the course is beautiful, the spectators appreciative (even if relatively few in number) and the organization and hospitality are simply the best. The race director is fantastic as are all the volunteers.

This is not a good PR course, but you can still run a solid time and are sure to enjoy the event. Despite the way my quads feel today, I will go back to this one sometime in the future. I am tired of the corporate mega races, and this is the ideal antidote.

I have now completed 64 marathons in many cities / towns so I have a fairly good opinion of races.
To begin with, this race is usually held on the first Saturday of every April , if possible. There are not a lot of good races around this time and the weather tends to be fairly good. The start of this year's race was a bit of drizzle but it was not too bad during the race.

The race is small and there was not much of an expo. I like an expo since it helps me to pass some time before the race and also meet some fellow runners. I am pretty sure that the director can correct this with giving the Amish the opportunity to sell their homemade handcrafts etc. Or anyone else for that matter.

The pasta was very good and enjoyable.

I loved the course and enjoyed seeing the buggies and Amish and this is like stepping back in the past. A small part of it was hilly but this did not bother me. The Amish would watch the race but do not expect them to cheer which is ok. A fair amount of the marathon course is out and back and I know that there are some other roads that could be used to reduce the out and back part Hopefully the director will give some consideration to reducing this out and back part next year.

I do believe that most of the volunteers are residents of the village and they are top of the line for being helpful. All volunteers are excellent but these are special.
The finish line food as some runners have mentioned was extremely good and you had most of anything you could think of. It was certainly one of the best that I have experienced.

This marathon caters for walkers and allows them to finish with almost no time limit. If you are a marathon walker then this is the race for you.
I brought my bicycle and rode around the area day or so before the race and enjoyed the scenery with the Amish. Intercourse is a good town to visit.
The race is a bit far for me but I will certainly return .

Mile 14 is the lowest elevation and then the gradual uphill, to the finish, begins.(with a notably steep, but short hill at 21). It was my 24th marathon and one of the toughest due to the constant hills. I'd recommend it for anyone who wishes to challenge themselves. It was very well organized, the volunteers were helpful and plentiful, and the food and aid tent at the finish is about the best I have yet experienced. The course is very scenic and the spectators, though scattered, were very enthusiastic. This is a great, small town marathon.

Best news first: of all marathons I've completed, Garden Spot has the best free post-race selection of food for runners. Water, gatorade, chocolate milk, juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda, yogurt, amazing yogurt smoothies with whey protein powder, ice cream, fruit wedges, trail mix, chips, pretzels, Rice Krispie treats, and homemade oatmeal (with raisins and brown sugar). Did I mention Mylar wraps and free massages? How about access to a pool, a hot tub, and clean showers?

Additionally, volunteers and organizers genuinely thanked participants, personally invited runners to return, and inquired throughout on improving the race. Folks were listening and writing down suggestions at water/aid stations and at the finish  all toward making future contests even better. And two days after the run I received an e-survey with the same intention.

My primary suggestion had to do with having some sort of spreadable balm (like Ben-Gay) available at aid stations given the rollers throughout the course. I probably should have carried, having done other hilly races such as Big Sur and Mount Desert Island, but I didn't have anything and when the left quad went out at 19 miles it was a slow and painful limp to the finish. I rejected Advil/Aleve offered at the mile 20 station but ended up taking some at mile 23 that did provide a bit of relief. Even with the last six miles being all about pain/discomfort management, I was only a few minutes short of a PR so I really have no complaints.

The course is full of rolling hills, with the largest of the bunch at mile 4 (that one attacks in reverse at mile 21). Scenery is classic Lancaster County, with Amish and Mennonite families watching the runners go by. Half- and full-marathoners are together for the first seven miles, then the 13.1 group turns back while the longer distance runners carry on. That split also marks the end of road closures, and one is left to navigate cars and buggies until returning to this point. Those are secondary obstacles (though the buggies are pulled along a lot faster than one thinks); the first is the organic 'Lancaster road sod' courtesy of the horses. It's everywhere.

I've lived in central Pennsylvania so I wasn't as struck by the landscape as some. But for those doing their first 'Amish trip,' or others making a weekend visiting the Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse area, this run is a nice complement to quilt shops, furniture places, buffets, and train museums. But do expect to be alone for a good portion of the race, and don't expect the Amish or Mennonite families to cheer. (They will often wave, though some cowbell action would be nice.)

Two more pluses: the water/aid stations are stocked. Gels, bars, pretzels, cookies, etc. And the GSV volunteers stay out forever to let everyone finish  I don't believe there is a cutoff time since I saw people who appeared to be walking the entire course.

One downside: any pre-race food or drink costs money. Nothing extravagant ($1 to $3), but it would be nice to grab a last-second cup of coffee without fishing through a backpack for dollars. And the technical shirts were see-through white; not ideal.

I am happy to have run this race, I am amazed that the weather held out (as we never did get the expected rain showers), and I remain awestruck at the kindness of GSV volunteers.