The weather was good and the buses to the starting line were appriciated. These are the few good thing I felt about the ABQ Day of Tread marathon. I was disappointed by much of the rest of the marathon and it's organization.
While the aid stations were well spaced and run for the low numbers of full marathoners, I found the lack of spectator support disheartening. Also, the repeated loops and hills became monotonous. The long climb at 11 took a lot of the wind out of my sail as well as the hills at 19 and 21. Also, with so few runners and spectators there were times late in the race I wasn't sure I was still on track due to poor marking of the path. I often ran more than a mile without seeing another soul or trail marking. But most disappointing was the lack of support at the end of the race. When the race finished you were handed your medal and a bottle of water and that was it. If you wanted food you could purchase a buffet for $10 but who carries money while they are running?
I love marathons and the energy they bring to a town and their people but I was sorely disappointed by this one.