I ran the 2012 Red, White and Blue 26.2 Marathon. The race has a Norman Rockwell 'down home' flavor to it. The organization was very good with no problems noted. I appreciated being able to pick up my race packet on the morning of the race. Most of the race is held in rural farm areas with 1/2 marathoners doing one loop and marathoners doing two loops. The course, especially the second loop, was very quiet and I was by myself most of the time. That was actually very enjoyable. Traffic was never a problem. Aid stations were well stocked with beverages and gels. Volunteers were plentiful. Some people will likely consider the course to be boring as racers pass through mile after mile of corn and soybean fields. I, however, enjoyed the country views and did not get bored. The bottom line is that this race lacks the bands and bling of many big city races, but it provides all the basics in heaping quantities at a reasonable price. If I am fortunate enough to find myself in northern Ohio next October, I'll do this race again.

It was very windy, but thats expected for northwest ohio. The volunteers did a fantastic job. If your looking for a marathon PR, this is definitely the race to do it. The expo the day before is very simple and very fast if you want to get in and get your packet same for race day as well. The volunteers are what make this race very very good. The course is very and I mean very flat. Overall a great time, highly recommend it for someone wanting to PR a half or full marathon and to experience Findlay which is actually a very nice town.

I went to packet pick up race morning. It was quick and easy. Parking filled up fast and many parked anywhere on the grass areas that were many. The course was very flat and the aid stations were fine for the first loop. The second loop could use one or two more - they were well staffed and had plenty of supplies. Perhaps an aid station at the beginning of the out and back section so it could be used twice would have been nice. The course is very much in the countryside so spectators were rare. The wind blew 30MPH and felt like hills. The road surfaces were good, the finishers medal was better than average. The post race party had plenty of everything inside a nice large heated in door lodge that was also used for pre race pickup. It would have been nice if the indoor restrooms would have been made available to the runners. Instead of just the pit toilets and portapoties outside. It would have been a good safety idea to keep the first road closed to traffic long enough for the runners to clear the road instead we greeted by many cars and the relay buses trying to get through the crowded road- perhaps they could leave before the start or take an alternate route? Cheers to all the YMCA volunteers!!