2011 race was highlighted by a brutal headwind for the first 12 miles, and by the small turnout. Reduced number of runners was possibly due to: 1) Cost, which was less, but not significantly so, than the price of 'destination' marathons; 2) Registration cutoff 2 weeks before the race; and 2) Scheduling, as the race is sandwiched between many destination races in Texas (including San Antonio).

Course is flat to slightly rolling, mainly rural. Most is on the shoulder of two-lane highways or on roads that are open to traffic, though traffic was extremely light (mainly family of runners stopping to wait and take pictures). Late in the race there's about a mile on a caliche road, which throws up a lot of dust in the wind or with the few passing vehicles.

Race is well organized, and course is well marked. Plenty of enthusiastic volunteers and water stations. No spectators to speak of. Lots of running alone, but I enjoy that.

This was a nice, small race in rural West Texas that benefits a good cause. I prefer smaller races, and likely will run this marathon again.

Overall, it was a pretty nice race. I was somewhat misinformed about the course. I thought that we would be running in Abilene; nevertheless, the scenery was beautiful. This was my 82nd Texas Marathon/Ultra.

I don't understand the point in having a relay with a marathon. Why not run a 10K race after the distance runners start? Drivers shuttling relay runners create more traffic on the course and that makes it dangerous for runners. The course would have been great it it hadn't been for thoughtless people driving down the gravel roads. Marathon runners need to do two things consistently for several hours - run and breathe. I was sick for a week from breathing dust blown up as a careless driver sped down a dusty gravel road during the Tyler Marathon 3 weeks ago. By the end of the Tyler race I nearly coughed up a lung.

There was absolutely no reason for that gravel road behind the airport to have been open to traffic. There were other routes to the exchange points.

Another problem was the marathon and half split sign. There was one small sign and at least 50 people standing around doing nothing except blocking the sign. I know at least one marathon runner who went the wrong way. That should not have happened.

Given the number of relays and half runners, I expected no food to be left after the race for the marathon runners, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was plenty of pizza, fruit and junk snacks left for marathoners.

The carbo-loading dinner was very good and the venue for the race was really nice. Packet pickup was a breeze. There was no trouble getting into parking on race morning.

Volunteers were enthusiastic and encouraging. Aid stations were well placed, well stocked and had full strength PowerAde.

This was my sixth marathon, and first in Texas. The organization and volunteers at this marathon were second to none. Also, all proceeds went to the charity, so that was a big bonus. The course was flat (which made the wind a factor), and there was some running on gravel roads, but ultimately, I think a good time was had by all.

While this was the inaugral for this marathon it was very well put together. There are veteran runs that could take lessons from this one. The course was ok. The water stations were set up well and at decent intervals. The food at the end was great. My only recommendation for the future is port-o-pots at the starting location.