I have run this one twice, albeit as a 'Back of the Pack' marathoner, but the cause is so worthwhile and the support is awesome. It is a tough course but so is the job the Mounties do for us. I loved it and will run it as long as I am able. Congratulations to the race organizers and volunteers.

This was my third year and I had a goal to conquer those crazy hills and be under 4hrs, as I was not able to do in the past! But this time I did! with a 3:56:15! so now onto a new race!
Too bad there was bad communication for the bus ride as I was with the group waiting and a big thanks to the Alliance fellows letting us use personal vehicles! Thanks for waiting for us.

Started half hour late.Could not get 20 people to start on time so they delayed start time again,same thing as 2 years ago.Definetly was not a full 42.2 more like 40 k.But considering the hill a wonderfull training run so I may do it again for that reason.Maybe.

This small-town marathon ranks way up there for community spirit and is our new "hidden gem." Thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers, as well as the supportive relay runners in their cars, who more than made up for the lack of spectators.

Specifically,
:) wide shoulder on the highway
:) traffic directed to the far lane
:) point-to-point with optional bus ride to the start
:) ample porta- potties
:) KM markers every KM
:) 5-star organization
:) relay in progress at the same time
:) 5-star BBQ and post-race food!!!!!
:) beautiful medal and nice tech shirts
:) fuel belt draw prizes

One suggestion I have is to direct the marathoners/finishers back to the Miller Center for the BBQ - we thought the finish line snacks (not much left after the relay runners came in - and no more coffee) were all that were being offered until we showed up for the awards.

Our daughter did the 5K on Saturday, and from what we could tell, the same attention to making it a great experience for the fun run and 5Kers was applied.

In response to a previous comment, I did not find there to be too long of a wait until the awards as we milled around on the grass watching others finish, had a leisurely walk back to the center, enjoyed the food, showered and chatted a bit with others. I'm sure the marathon runners appreciated the timing of the awards; there's nothing worse than finishing a long run with no one left around. Thank you for catering to the marathoners as well as the relay teams.

I ran leg 2 of this race as part of a 4-person team. The package pick-up was well organized and the race package had lots of goodies! The captains' meeting was short and succinct and helpful. The atmosphere at the start line on Sunday morning was like any other race: exciting! The best advice I heard before this race was: as soon as one of your runners has started their leg, immediately drive to the next leg. This was good advice because traffic was only allowed one lane on the highway and was very slow. Parking for the first exchange took a bit longer than other exchanges, and a few runners were in a panic to get out of the line for the port-a-potties in time! Leg 3 is tough; the leg 3 runner on my team is a very experienced 3-hour marathoner, and found leg 3 to be very challenging.

The weather was perfect for this race (minus running into a headwind the whole time). Unlike other races, I was usually running alone and it was very quiet. I have to commend the solo marathoners for having the mental tenacity to run a full 42.2 kilometers on the side of the highway alone and with no music.

The volunteers were amazing, and having use of the Allan and Jean Miller Center to shower afterward was great. My one and only complaint was that the awards ceremony could have started much earlier; my team had a 3-hour wait!

This was a great event that I believe will continue to grow.

This memorial race is to commemorate the death of four members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They were shot and killed near the small community of Mayerthorpe, where the race starts. It is 42 KM to Whitecourt along Highway 43, and that is the course. There were many law enforcement people in the race and despite the drowning rain, it was a very moving day.

The course is hilly, and "Six Mile Hill" is six miles-long. You won't set a PR on this one, but it sure makes you feel part of something much more than just a race.

I'll be back.