Don't run this race if you need crowds and large amounts of spectator support, because there won't be either. Instead, you get an incredibly well organized point-to-point race on a beautiful single lane road in the middle of nowhere Nebraska with only 100 other people. The few spectators that are there are will be very encouraging, there just won't be many of them! Porta potties are brought to you on a trailer when you want them, and roaming cyclists will give you water or gatorade any time that you want! Pre and post race activities are great, and everyone gets to know one another. For a very unique marathon experience I highly suggest that you run this one!

This is a marathon for marathoners. It is a beautiful location and course. Andy and Scott do a great job. Most of the spectators had four legs. I highly recommend this marathon.

This was my first Sandhills Marathon. It is in the middle of nowhere and it couldn't be any better. Small race with about 60 marathoners and 40 running the half. Great organization. Very good pasta meal the night before (free). Excellent on course support with roaming port-a-potties being pulled on a trailer behind a truck. Just raise your arm and the toilet stops for you (awesome). Course was mildly challenging but very enjoyable. Spectators are minimal except for 2 or 3 people at each aid station. Will do again and would encourage everyone to consider running this. It is worth the trip.

If you want spectators, don't come to this race. But if you want a local, fun, friendly, small race with lots for you and your family to do, this is the race. This is a point to point race from the middle of nowhere to the middle of nowhere through a tiny town of 20 or so residents. The port-a-johns come to you instead of you going to them (what a hoot). Water stops were where they were supposed to be, lots of thank-yous from the volunteers for coming to Valentine and two race directors and their families who were just wonderful. This might be a repeat once I finish the 50 states, but this time with more time in town and with my husband. Also, need to note that the pre-race meal (free), the free beer, and the post-race dinner (a reasonable price) gave the small group of runners a lot of time to make new friends.

This is a great course if you want to see the unique sandhills of Nebraska. There were less than 70 full marathon runners and 60 half runners. Special thanks to Andy and Scott, the marathon directors, who organize and put on the marathon so other runners can appreciate this part of Nebraska.

I highly encourage any 50-stater to run this race. It will be unlike any other. It is for pure runners. Great amenities with even better people.

This is a fabulous race, and a nice break from the mega marathons with long lines and crowded courses. Run in the beautiful Sandhills of Nebraska, this marathon is really special. Some of what makes it so special: small size (fewer than 100 runners), authentic shotgun start, incredible scenery, downhill elevation, engraved "cowboy spur" finisher awards, post-race tailgating, and a steak-and-potato post-race dinner.

Because of the remote location, the spectators are scarce, but the ones that are out there are extremely supportive. (You WILL have quite a few supportive cows, bulls and horses cheering you on.) The race directors and volunteers provide amazing organization and support! They go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need while out on the course. Besides the stationary water stops, there are bikers riding back and forth with water, Gatorade, GU, sunscreen, bandaids, Body Glide, a granola bar... you name it. There are porta-johns along the course, and since they are on trailers, they will even come to you if need be. :)

I ran it for the first time this year with some friends and we had a great experience. Whether you are a 50-stater looking to check Nebraska off of your list, a speed racer looking to set a PR, or a fun runner who just wants to enjoy a long run in a beautiful part of the country and make some new friends at the same time... this race is for you!