Very good organization from packet pickup to picking up the shuttle buses. The course had a bit of everything in it. It was flat enough to get a good time and hilly enough to be interesting. Although there were few spectators the ones there were enthusiastic. Volunteers were terrific. PLENTY of toilets along the course (always a plus). One quibble: there could have been more varied food available at the end, maybe with more fruit.

I was rather surprised by the community involvement & energy of Marquette. Stayed at the Hampton Inn, on the waterfront, right on the course, walking distance to plenty of restaurants (and a post race Blues Festival!) Good overall race support; water/aid, traffic control, course markings etc. Nice weather with typical breeze off the lake. I am not a fan of loop courses but considering the terrain of the region, you have to respect that they kept the course as 'flat' as they could. Course is mostly on bike trail and is not closed for the race. If the race gets any bigger congestion could be a problem. Tech shirt and finish medal were 'OK' but I expect they could have put some more regional creativity into the frills. Post-race grill and soaking legs in the lake was nice.

This was my 24th marathon and my MI completions for the 50 States Club. I am normally very positive no matter what the circumstances, but this WAS NOT A GOOD RACE. Although well organized, the course was a bit of a nightmare. We were constantly turning corners, changing terrain, and sharing a well used bike and running path with pedestrians, half marathoners, and marathon relayers in BOTH DIRECTIONS. (And to the pink shirted half marathoner at mile 11 - as an obvious newbie to the sport - running etiquette is that slower runners stay to the right and faster runners pass on the LEFT!) I have loved 22 of my 24 marathons, unfortunately this was one of the 2 I didn't. If you need MI, I would suggest looking elsewhere.

It was my first time to Marquette and running their marathon. They are known for their mining. Well, they have a gem of a marathon. Very well organized. A challenging fast course, with a big hill at the 12 mile and 25 mile points. The fans couldn't have been more supportive, and I enjoyed every minute of the race.

I ran this marathon yesterday morning, and I am so pleased with it that I want to be sure to make comments ASAP because this race is deserving of really positive reviews. I was skeptical of the race going into it both because I have had less than good experiences with small marathons and also because the course was 2 13 mile loops. My skepticism was proven misplaced on both counts. The course itself is fun, with lots of different terrain (bike trail along the lake, crushed gravel trails among houses, sidewalks, roadway through forest). It changed up so much that doing it twice was a pleasure.

Also, the race was *extremely* well organized, with plenty of volunteers at every turn cheering and directing runners. The signage was clear and consistent. I especially appreciated that at every place a person could possibly go off course (something that happened to me in another marathon very frustrating!) there was a 'Turn Back' sign immediately. There was plenty of water and gatorade throughout the course, GUs were distributed twice, and portajohns were place frequently on the course as well. The race directors and volunteers were incredibly friendly and congenial, as were all the people in the town. I wore my medal around town after while getting some lunch and multiple locals came to congratulation me!

The Marquette Marathon directors have capitalized on some really great aspects of Marquette: it's natural beauty and the friendly and warm citizens, to make for a really exceptional 'marathon experience.' (The only possible negative is that there aren't many fans along the trail, besides the volunteers. Of course, this is the price of a small town marathon, and the MM organizers did their best to make up for it in every other way.)

I've always loved the larger marathons and have had my doubts of smaller marathons. So when I was looking for a last minute Boston Qualifier and Marquette looked to be my only choice with a 2 loop course on a bike path 7 hours away and 200 people I was having serious doubts. Then I ran it. Wow. Wow. Wow. Where have I been all this time. Stupendous job. From the race director sending personable emails with updates or tidbits; I felt alike I was part of the family. Marquette is a great town along the lake; great restaurants and places to walk around. I wasn't looking forward to the two loop course but it was so fun with a little bit of dirt path, heavily shaded bike path, the fast downhill chute into downtown, short up and downs in downtown, fast flats, the winding tree section at the shore (favorite section for me), the pain searing steep but very very short formidable uphill at twelve, I couldn't wait to run one more loop and then to finish in the park right next to the picturesque lakeshore park area was the whip cream on the top and a beautiful finishers medal as the cherry on top. Spectators were out and very vocally noticeable but there we also sections of with no spectators and that was ok as well because the course was almost meditative in its beauty. The kids races the night before was great to get the family involved. I am so extremely thankful for getting the opportunity to run this friendly, down to earth, small knit marathon. It's UPs hidden running gem.

I can add a positive spin to the HEED issue...because I've tried HEED in a few other events and know what it tastes like (for me anyway), I really, really appreciated the advance information. I carried my Gatorade on my hip belt, and all was well. This was a great marathon, from organization, the e-mails, volunteers, and an absolutely beautiful course. I personally liked the double loop. I think it helps with course familiarity which helps the run. And the city of Marquette was wonderful. I even contributed to the city treasury because of a parking ticket (which was all my fault). The only problem I have at all is I don't have a Donkers closer than 500 miles!

This is a very well organized marathon and the people who put it together are fantastic. I heard from a number of other runners who also praised the organizers. The scenery was very nice and the volunteers are great. I had no problems with traffic or getting as much water as I wanted.
The majority of the race is on a bike path and you would be wise not to go out to fast (which I think the majority of us did that day). There are a couple of good sized hills at the beginning and end of the loops. The hill at mile 3 and 16 is gradual but it takes you up a 175 foot elevation. It was'nt bad the first time around but it was difficult for me the second time. The hill at mile 25 was too much for me. It is only about a 100 foot elevation but it is steep and I was running on fumes at this point. Overall it was a good experience and I would recommend it if you like small marathons. A special thanks to Nancy Bailey who did a great job putting this marathon together.

I have run a number of very large races where you are truly just a number. In this race, the organization and extras provided are better than bigger races and have the attention to detail and the perosnal interaction associated with a small race.

Unlike the stress of a big race with needing to there hours early, lines for 'necessities' and unfriendly over-competitive people. This race offers comraderie, plenty of facilities, lots of extras with cookout and awards banquet, and lots of voluteers to help.

I really enjoyed Marquette, the race, the course, but most importantly the race director and the organization and attention to detail. Also got to meet a Masters Champ while there! (so there is comepetition if you want it).

The loop course is nice, but there is a killer hill at mile 12/25. You might get a PR, but I would not qualify this is fast and flat. That is the only minor drawback.

I'm glad I made the trip up to Marquette. It was a beautiful course, perfect weather, well organized. Thanks to all the volunteers!!