Put up a PB, track is mostly flat and seems to pass through every north suburb in Phoenix. Cops were great with traffic control on the live streets. Save some energy for the overpass at the end!

The expo was small, and more health fair oriented than runner oriented. I did not see anyone selling gu, glide or other race necessities. This is the only negative comment I have regarding this race. The marathon itself was a small (300+ people), point to point race, and we were bused from the finish to the start.

Parking was ample and the buses ran like clockwork. The local real estate office opened its doors at the start to allow runners inside to keep warm which was nice. The weather was as good as it gets. Low 50s to start, slight wind at our backs, and off and on clouds. It did get noticeably warmer by race end with temps in the low 70s. The course was really nice, with a slight downhill for the first part of the race, and the only real hill (interstate overpass) coming at mile 25. Finish area was right in the middle of Westgate City Center and it was a 50 yard walk from the finish line to the Irish Pub for a pint of Guinness and Fries. Aid stations were great as were the volunteers manning them and there were many porta-johns along the course. There were not many spectators, but those that were out, were very friendly and vocal.

I would without a doubt run this race again, and would definitely recommend it to others.

Any race where I can be running my race pace at the end of the first mile is a good one. The course is flat throughout except for the daunting overpass in the last mile. The course was well-marked (I'm glad it wasn't my job to pick up the 200,000 orange cones used to mark it) and well-staffed with volunteers who were exactly where they were supposed to be. I thought it would have been nice to put the expo in a hotel closer to the Westgate finish linecentralizing activities for the out of town runners. The finish area had plenty of refreshments and was an easy walk to the parking lot next to the cinema.

After running New York City and Houston for my last two marathons, this one was a welcome return to the wide open spaces. My compliments to the organizers and the volunteers, and to whoever arranged for a delightful cool morning to run under partly cloudy Arizona blue skies. Just about as good as it gets in marathon running. This one is sure to grow as word gets around.

I'd like to add one little piece of advice to my previous comments:
Stay near the finish line. We stayed at the Hampton in Glendale. Walked to the bus to the start, walked from the finish back to the hotel. Perfect. You have to drive to the expo no matter where you stay, so might as well minimize the driving required.

Ran the half again this year. New course, very flat, although one-lane running in places (reminded me of a Rangar race). What I appreciate most about this race is that the director seems to listen to feedback and improvements are made every year. This year there was a proper expo with a decent goodie bag (directions were incorrect on Google Maps but the race direct sent out correct travel directions before the race).

Transportation still needs to be tweaked, got to the bus bright and early, waited on board a while before the driver left, only to find that there were buses leaving much later than the website posted. There seemed to be plenty of parking at the start, though registrants were told not to use it. I heard a couple runners mention at the finish that the course was long according to their Garmins, but I ran my expected time, so the mileage couldn't have been off by much. Great finish at Westgate, as usual.

I registered on Black Friday and it cost all of $30, you can't beat that! Very grateful to all the enthusiastic spectators, the best crowd so far. Your name is printed on your bib, so even if you don't have friends and family in the crowd, you hear encouragement. The police did a great job of controlling traffic at the intersections (even though drivers around mile 10 at Northern got squirrelly). Fun experience overall!

We both ran the full marathon and were very happy with the expo, the course, the pre-race transportation, the scenery and the weather. Seemed to us that the organizers did a wonderful job.

Course was well marked, downhill to flat, on asphalt highway with some desert scenery and some beautifully landscaped housing developments. Not many spectators but those that were out there were very enthusiastic.

Finish area was very nice for both runners and spectators with plenty of free parking.

The course is long and, at times, lonely, because of where it is. Where there are spectators, they are great and encouraging. The course is well marked by traffic cones the entire distance. Most (but not all) intersections are covered by local law enforcement or volunteers. Lots of water stops and porta-potties (thanks!).

I completed this race and the weather was heavenly. You cant complain when the conditions are perfect. The first 18 miles are very lovely through upscale, well maintained neighborhoods. The last 8 are a little boring running inside the cones on a busy road, but no problems. There is a bridge at the 25 mile mark that is short and steep hill but no real concern. Police protection is great.

My only complaint is, and this is a person preference, is the race is spread out. The Expo is hard to find and at one location, the hotels, are all over and I was ½ of the way between the start and finish. I like races that I can walk from my hotel to the Expo, walk to the start, or bus pickup, and walk from the finish to the hotel. This is a great small race and the weather is usually excellent in Arizona in mid-winter.

Having to choose which Marathon to run on the same day came down to the Lost Dutchman,which I have run 3 times or the IMS, small race but fast course. What a nice surprise the IMS turned out to be! The Expo was a bit far to get to and not much there, but the staff was very nice. Weather was challenging for us home grown AZ runners with the small rain squall, high winds and cold temps. The spectators, though sparse, were out there in the same weather to cheer us on. Had a great run. Course was flat and fast. Did a PR despite the weather. Could have used more potties along the route.

Arizona 01.16.11 - Well-organized race as expected of a Rock-n-Roll series. Organizers did a great job of having the half-marathoners start at least an hour after the marathoners. Flat, unflattering scenery was perfect for running. The weather was optimal. The two hills between miles 22 and 24 were not 'nice' but bearable. All host hotels had shuttles to and from the start and the finish. Great job!