If I could describe this race in one word: pleasant.

If you're looking for a relatively flat course with minimal spectators, this is the one. Organization was decent. I appreciated the separate marathon start (8am) from the other races, even with less than 50 participants...no problem finding your pace to start! Aid stations were surprisingly numerous (water/gatorade and other goodies); the volunteers were great and appreciated. The course was mostly flat with a few slightly rolling hills at the start/end on the out and back course. You can run fast here. It is NOT closed to traffic, but the organizers did hire a flagging company for the narrower section of roadway over the dam. T-shirt and medal were nothing fancy. Post race food was good, but a little slow in coming.

Overall, there's very little to distinguish the race as truly 'memorable', but still a nice event.

I only had one month to train for this marathon. Therefore, I went into it knowing that I would have to run it slowly and my only goal was to finish it non-stop and enjoy the experience. From that perspective, I would offer the following comments:

Course:
Rolling hills during the initial miles. None of these are particularly long or steep. Mile 3 offers a beautiful view of the valley and miles 4-8 are relatively flat with views of Lake Lowell. Miles 9-19 are absolutely flat and pass through peaceful farmland and countryside. Rolling hills and residential areas make up miles 20-25. The steepest hill of the course (mile 20) does not last long. You finish in a small park next to the lake.

Volunteers/Spectators:
The course is not closed. This means the road is open and family can find safe areas to wait and cheer. This was the first time my wife and I could share the experience during an actual marathon itself, as opposed to only at the finish. We will always have a great memory together. The volunteers were without exception enthusiastic, helpful, supportive and deserve a big thank you. There could be no marathon without them.

Organization:
The number of participants doubled between 2011 and 2012 and yet this marathon was well organized and executed.

Suggestions (NOT criticisms):
1) More port-a-potties needed at the staging (start) area. The one public bathroom at the park was not enough.

2) As the race continues to grow, more coned-off areas on the west side of the lake and especially during the final miles will be needed.

3) Finisher medal. I appreciated both the gold finish and the complete lack of advertising on it. Thank you very much.

4) T-shirt. The finishing and distribution of the t-shirt posed challenges this year. I know the race organizers will learn from the experiences of this year's race.

5) Keep the same start time of 8:00 a.m. I was grateful for the extra rest, to be able to park our car so close to the start and to not need to catch a bus on race morning.

Summary:
A great experience, enjoyed the course, well organized and a big thank you to all. I definitely plan to return.

I ran the inaugural Lake Lowell Marathon and had a wonderful time. The first half of the course is hilly and challenging and the second half is more flat following farmland and lakeshore. The aid stations were well run and had everything that was advertised. The spectators were great, as the marathon grows so will the level of spectator support. I will definitely be running it next year after some proper rest this time.