This was my first indoor marathon and I enjoyed it. The top-end, new running surface on the four lane, 208 meter track was very easy on the feet. The race was very well organized by experienced runners. The field size of only 30 runners was just right...more and the traffic would have been difficult with all the passing going on. The lap counting was superbly done...no way any sane human could keep track of his/her own laps.

The direction reversal every 30 minutes was vital.

A good run if you want to run inside in shorts during the midwest winter. But register early, this race does fill up.

I am no stranger to indoor marathons having 4 under my belt prior to the 'double' at Maple Leaf. This is a well run race, organized and staffed by people who run and who know how to do it right. Things to expect: no hassle registration pickup on the mornings of each race; favorable 'weather' conditions; a good running surface (I understand that it might even get better with some expected upgrades later this year); a great variety/mix of music with something for everyone; tables at all four corners for your placement of drinks, snacks, etc.; supplemental gatorade/water and volunteers to refill your personal bottles; complimentary photographs; chip timing with laps projected on a large screen (and if you can't read the screen, volunteers can help with that too); reversal of direction every 30 minutes; a supportive group of fellow runners; a supportive (but small) group of spectators and a race director who responds to emails and enjoys the races as much as the rest of the field.

I only include the following for 'full disclosure' for those who find it important. (1) bathrooms are downstairs and around a corner; (2) shirts are nice/technical but unisex and oversized.

Another indoor marathon has all runners wear a bib with their name on their back so you can cheer others on by name. Maple Leaf didn't do that and it might be good to do in the future, nevertheless, everyone was very supportive.

If you like to combine sightseeing with your races there are several things to do to make a few extra days worthwhile - Recreational Vehicle/Motor Home Hall of Fame (really, it was fun); in South Bend the College Football Hall of Fame and Notre Dame University. There are other sights also but it was cold so we chose indoor activities.

Oh did I mention it was 204 laps?

If you have one indoor marathon to run in your life, this is the best choice. Everything was perfect: the chip timing, the college track, the ambiance, the T-shirt, the medal... in fact, almost everything! My time was not as fast as expected, but that is another story!