Ran it in 2012, hit all the goals I had hoped for, and a good experience overall. Weather was bad, but cleared up for the marathon, so perfect there. Pretty course. The problem I had with it was the last few miles. The organizers made the 1/2 marathon and full end at the same spot. This might have been OK, but the timing of the walkers clogging everything up wasn't. After 23 miles, running 6:25's-6:30's, my tired old body just didn't need to dodge and try to sprint in and out of all the walkers, who were walking 5 or 6 wide, chatting, oblivious to the top group of marathoners coming in. Getting energy drinks at the stations was a problem too due to the throngs of walkers. I was spent, and this was very annoying. I have run other marathons much better thought out and planned in this regard, and it makes all the difference if you are serious about trying to finish strong in a marathon.

This is the BEST supported and runner-friendly race that I have ever done! The race organizers tailored everything to the runner (and when you're out there for 26.2 miles, that's important). They had aid stations with port-a-johns at every mile.

Each aid station had water, an electrolyte drink, gu and snacks! The people were amazing, the middle school bands stuck it out all day in the cold just to cheer on the runners. A few cyclists patrolled the course with snacks, encouragement and aid. Honestly this was an AMAZING race and I thank all of the organizers and volunteers for being so wonderful! (it's a very small and not crowded course that's a FLAT Boston qualifier)

My 99th marathon/ultra and I'm still finding gems! With awful, gloomy weather forecasts I must admit I wasn't looking forward to running this event. But the weather elves must have felt that the Modesto Marathon suffered enough with the monsoon of 2011, so the elves brought an amazing day!

Pre-race communication was top notch, expo space was a bit cramped but the variety and number of vendors was good, insulated goody bag, nice shirt, well situated start and finish area, sufficient aid stations and port a potties on the course, lovely course with one 'hill' which you get twice as the course is out and back, amazing volunteers, well thought out logistics for spectator access along the course, a good number of pace groups, and a lovely assortment of local bands (I think they said 11) along the route. I especially loved the middle school band who played their hearts out. I also loved being greeted by the cows at approximately mile 9.

Oh, there's one more thing to mention to show you the care put into this race....I drove the course on Saturday (it had been raining several days and was raining Saturday with the prediction that we'd have rain on Sunday as well) and found several intersections to be covered, inches deep, in water and mud. It troubled me so I wrote to the RD on Saturday night and asked if they were going to try to remedy the situation. I received a response almost immediately indicating they had crews pumping the water off the road but they couldn't make any promises for race morning. Well those crews must have worked all night long because the roads were completely dry on race day! Absolutely amazing.

My only recommendation is that in the future the finisher medal display the actual date/year of the event, or as a cost saving measure, at least have the ribbon contain that information.

Well done Modesto. If I can, I will be back. You certainly do it right!!

This race is well organized and runner FRIENDLY!! The out & back course is stocked full of support from the mile 8 home brewers camped out in their drive way to the blowfish helmet biker who was constantly offering assistance! There were aid stations every TWO miles and porta-johns at least every 2 mi. HS/Middle School bands stayed out there the WHOLE time. 7hr course limit, mile markers every mile, gummy bears and pretzels at the turn around! Absolutely FABULOUS job by all of the race volunteers and organizers!! If you're looking for a 'home town' race, THIS IS IT!!! And, Teens Run Modesto...Hat's off to you! Amazing!

This was my first half marathon and what an experience! Yes, the weather was lousy, but nothing else could've been better. The volunteers were amazing. The course was flat, which is what I wanted for my first time out. Meeting Dr. Wu and Dr. Lee was the icing on the cake. This year there were three of us from Southern Cal. Next year there will be many more... THAT'S how much we enjoyed this race. Thank you to all who made it possible!

My first half marathon ever and I had an absolute blast!!! Even with the bad weather, it was still awesome!!! Great organization and people!! Will do it again next year for sure! :)

A nice change for a Midwesterner - 3 miles through the neighborhoods, 3 miles along the highway, and the rest of the course through the almond orchards and dairy farms. The weather really sucked but it didn't dampen the spirits of the volunteers or organizers. Lots of water and GU on the course, and several bands as well. Course is so flat that it's a perfect place for a PR!

If you are looking for a FLAT marathon, this is it. It is also a small showing (under 500 marathoners), but VERY well supported. Lots of water, GU, etc. And very nice people.

The hotel was right at the start/finish line, which made logistics fantastic. Nice dinner the night before with a good guest speaker.

The half-marathon had about 2,500 people.

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, but you certainly can't blame the organizers for that!