Overall, it went fairly well, but still has a few kinks to sort out. It didn't have any pre-race or post-race festivities so the day consisted of driving out there, parking, running, and driving home. I personally don't do well in heat (it was about 80 and sunny) and was miserable the entire time, but it was a nice day and a scenic run. Would consider doing it again if it was cooler.

PROS:
- mostly a rural run, lots of scenic wooded roads
- personalized dog tags instead of a finisher medal
- nice shirt
- lots of parking at the start/finish line
- plenty of course support
- great bathroom/changing facilities at the start/finish

CONS:
- weather was fairly warm and not enough electrolytes offered at water stations
- rural route means fewer spectators (though the ones there were awesome - one woman kept picking up bulk gatorade to pass out at multiple points along the course!)
- no post-race stuff going on (good thing I pack a lot of snacks)

After reading the comments from past races, I fully expected a hot and hilly race. I got it. I had slight hopes of cooler temps, but the day of the race dawned bright and warm...sigh...

The course was absolutely beautiful! It follows a river and finishes near a lake. There was more than one moment during the run when I wanted to jump into what I imagined to be nice cool water!

My quads took a pounding on the long downhills, so I was actually grateful when we hit the rollers, just to give my legs a break. The last few miles were a challenge, but nothing like I'd anticipated. There were 3 or 4 really good hills, and the one at mile 25 was a nice little bonus. As a runner from Atlanta, heat and hills are just a part of running, so this race was nothing horribly out of the ordinary. Is it the toughest course on the East Coast? I don't know. By road race standards, it's up there, but the Georgia Marathon is pretty tough as well. The reviews said to to expect to run 15-30 minutes slower than your regular time. Based on that, I actually finished 45 minutes faster than I planned to run!

I loved the peacefulness of the race. A few more spectators would be nice, but I saw a couple of fans multiple times on the course and that was fun!

Finally, the medal: it's unique and I love it! I've never run another race where I received a personalized medal! very cool! The dog tag theme is a perfect way to capture the spirit of Memorial Day!

About the only negative I experienced was the lack of Gatorade at some of the later stops. Some oranges or Gu at mile 18-20 would be awesome!

I would definitely consider running this race again and will recommend it to my friends!

I ran the marathon in its inaugural year (2010). Came back this year (2012) for the trail run. They did a fantastic job for an inagural trail run - multiple water stops, and they were needed - it was humid. But each stop had a water, gatorade, and ice all in abundance. On-course support was very visible (both on bike and on foot), and trail was very clearly marked (this middle-aged suburban mom did not get lost once). Not an easy trail run - the quads are still groaning - rather hilly, slippery rocks, the usual trail challenges - but an absolute blast of a race! Great for both beginning trail runners and veterans. Will most certainly run again.

The extra challenge of trail + road is just that - a challenge - was a wus and only did the 10K - it was enough. Many kudos to the race directors who work each year to make this collection of races better. Tanglewood is a great venue, parking is easy,pick-up is very organized, lots of good amenities, and the crowd and community support is growing. The Memorial Day Marathon collection of races truly offers something for everyone, and would highly recommend for runners of all ages and abilities.

Small, scenic, rural race in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. The course is hilly with much of the uphill in the later miles. That combined with warm and humid weather is not a recipe for a PR, but you know that going in. Spectators are sparse but enthusiastic, and the field is so small so that you're often running alone and get personal cheers from those who are out there. Only negative for me was the lack of sports drink until around mile 18 (only water until that point), so plan accordingly.

Quite a setting, but that said the last 5 miles were brutal. I chose this race for my first marathon and need to have my head examined!

This is a very good race, but it is extremely demanding, so it's probably not for everyone. It definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the toughest on the east coast (nothing I've done compares...and I thought the finish at Lake Placid was hard...). This was my 17th marathon, and by far (about 30 minutes) my personal worst time. The course is beautiful, however, which was the silver lining to that... The organization was good, and you could tell the organizers cared about putting together a strong event. The medal (dog-tag, with accompanying race medallion) is very cool and original, considering this race (and related events) raise money, and is done out of respect for Veterans. Overall, if you are looking for a challenge, definitely consider this race. It doesn't hurt that its in the Beautiful Berkshires and there's a ton of related stuff to do race weekend (dinner at the Red Lion, Norman Rockwell Museum, or the wonderful Clark Museum in Williamstown to see works by Degas, Monet...).

They did a great job of marking the miles but they were inaccurate and the last mile 25-26 was at least 1.3.
This course has a tough uphill for the last 8 miles and that last mile is even harder so it is not great to have it longer. I thought certified courses had specific mile points set when the course is measured.
The course is scenic and well marked. Water stops every 2-3 miles sometimes with Gatorade and ice.
The tech tee is the silky material which I don't like, but it is attractive and in a women's cut.
The finish area is nice but lacks a celebration feel, there was no shaded place for runners to relax.
It is a good race but it could be great.

If you have a bit of marathon masochism, then Memorial Day Marathon is for you. You can count on hot and humid weather.
If you're interested in testing your marathon mettle, then Memorial Day Marathon is for you. You can count on hills throughout and a long climb in the last few miles.
If you're interested in New England scenery, then Memorial Day Marathon is for you. You can count on spring's finest in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.
If you're interested in supporting a good cause, then Memorial Day Marathon is for you. You can count on funds being raised for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
If you're interested in a low-key but high quality event, then Memorial Day Marathon is for you. You can count on the organizers and volunteers caring about the runners.
If you're interested in the 'toughest race in the east,' then Memorial Day Marathon is for you. You can count on it.

For a marathon runner you are given the same support as a 10K, the race lacks the celebration of fun marathons. The start/finish is not set up in a runner friendly way, there is no place to sit under a tent and there were only bagels and bananas at the end. It was a bit of a let down after a hard marathon.

There needs to be more Gatorade on the course and aid stations every mile for the last 6 miles.

The course is pretty and well marked. Downhill for 6 miles, flat for 14 and uphill for 6.2. I would run it again, because it is close to home, but I wish it was a little more festive.

I have run the Half Marathon of this race day for the past two years. It is a challenging but extremely beautiful course. If you enjoy a country race with magnificent scenery but challenging hills this is the race for you. The day offers a distance for everyone from a 10k to a full marathon. That being said this is not a race for PRs at all. You will however have a terrific time. You receive personalized dog tags as a medal and strong post race support. I have completed 23 full marathons and over 100 half's. This race is one of my favorite running experiences. I highly recommend this for a wonderful weekend away in a stunning setting.