Ran this race as a 'back of the packer' this time around as I helped a friend complete her first full marathon. That was a great feeling.

I can attest that the volunteers and the limited number of fans were as enthusiastic and engaged for those at the end as they were when I ran this race an hour and a half faster a couple years ago.
This is a well-run race where the folks hosting make you feel like they're really glad you're there. They get it that Midwest runners have a lot of choices as to where to do their Fall marathon.

Course: This is kind of an odd course as you go a couple of different directions and run over the same area a couple of times. It's not a traditional loop or out-and-back course. However, there is some really pretty turf, especially in the park, and a couple of decent sized hills. Nothing too brutal, though. The best way I can describe it is that it would be a really nice training course but it's not the kind of course where you can't wait to come back and do it again.

However, I would come back again because it's a low-key race with plenty of elbow room after the first mile or two and simple race day logistics-easy access and parking, plenty of port-a-johns and water stations.

This is definitely a great race for anyone who enjoys the smaller marathon races. This was my second marathon, my first being a large race, and I did not enjoy the small race feel. The race is very well organized and has beautiful views. There was a lack of spectators throughout the course and at times I felt like I was running alone. This race definitely has a larger half marathon, so when the marathon splits off the field of runners drastically drops.

Very disappointed in the course. SO MANY DOWNHILLS! I was hurting bad by mile 4. The course has many areas where you run where you have already ran, which can get boring. There are plenty of toilets and aid stations, which was great. There was a lack of food beyond the standard banana at mile 21 for runners. This shirt was great and so was the post race celebration.

Don't get me wrong, this is a great race for those of you that enjoy the 'smaller race feel', it just wasn't for me, and if I ran it again I would only do the half.

I would recommend this race to everyone. Beautiful fall colors, the fans and volunteers were perfect, very well organized, plenty of free parking, and plenty of toilets.

I've done a few courses, and this is still my favorite. There's hills, there's flats, there's curves, and there's straightaways. The leaves are changing, and there's a lot of wonderful houses to run by.

(Note to people who haven't run this: Don't try to run this with consistent times/mile on the first half. The hills just don't make this possible. And that's not a bad thing - just know about it ahead of time. My times ranged everywhere from 6:40 to 8:00 with consistent effort.)

Of course, the burgers and brats at the end were fantastic. Something hot at the end is always welcome.

For a smaller marathon (less than 1,000 runners), this race is hard to beat: great organization, enthusiastic volunteers, awesome post race food, super value and the most beautiful autumn course. There are a couple hills early on, but are not too rough. This year, the wind was a big factor in slowing everyone down, but the positive aspects of the race far outweighed this. This was my 2nd year racing the full (well worth a 6 hour drive) and truly enjoyed it - very family friendly event.

You want some scenery run this marathon, the leaves changing are very pretty. Your fellow runners are a lot of fun too. Entry fee was very reasonable, the post race hospitality was great. Its everything you could want in a marathon in October.

The race organizers for this marathon really know what they are doing! Course is relatively flat and very scenic as you run through a national park for a good portion of the race. Water stops and potties are well placed and staffed with plenty of friendly volunteers who cheer you on. Post race cookout was also a welcome addition as they even had veggie burgers for us vegans!! Highly recommend this event, especially if you are new to marathon running.

Its a great course to run, really beautiful, a fantastic fall marathon. The organizers do a fantastic job, the shirt is awesome. I cant say enough about this marathon, its just an awesome place to run. The aid stations were well stocked, and it was just lots of fun.

I really enjoyed my first marathon of my double. (I ran Columbus the next day.) It was not a city marathon, but rather a suburban marathon, which suited me fine. Great weather and great course. Beautiful weather and beautiful trees. I took in the sights and saved a little for the next day;
I recommend this marathon!

This was my first marathon, so I cannot compare, but I enjoyed the whole event.

Expo: quick, small, well organized.
Start area: plenty of potties and space for relaxing. Corrals were well organized.
Course: BEAUTIFUL! The perfect fall run on a beautiful fall day. We did run the same area multiple times but you run it in different directions so it did not bother me. There are two hills that could be a problem depending on your training.

I am an average runner and was able to finish in 4:27, so I would call it a fast course. I also had an excellent pace group! I would recommend this race for first-timers who don't want to be overwhelmed by a large race in a big city.