This was my first time running this marathon. The course is contained in a State Park and run on roads, paths, and some crushed stone. There are some really nice views of the beaches and the ocean. With the onset of World War II, the U.S. Army established a military base at Cape Henlopen in 1941. Old bunkers and gun emplacements were camouflaged among the dunes, and concrete observation towers were built along the coast to spot enemy ships. Many of these still stand today and will be seen along the run.

Regarding my experience, I had a really bad time with blisters when I was on mile 9. It hurt so bad I was unable to continue running. I ended up walking most of the remaining 17 miles. That sounds terrible, but I traveled a few hours to get to this location, and I didn't want to stop short and not finish. It took me 7 and 1/2 hours to complete. When I was finished, just about everybody was gone, but there were still 3 of the organizers there who were waiting for me to finish. All 3 of them wished me well and congrats. I was informed by one of the organizers that they had run out of medals, and that I would be mailed my finisher's medal. Sure enough, I got it a week later in the mail. They had taken down the timing mats before I finished and actually apologized for doing so (I found this very polite and very funny. By no means did I expect anybody to stick around for me to finish, so it certainly didn't bother me that the timing folks had already packed up.) I thank the organizers so much for knowing I was still on the course and letting me finish. I will be eternally grateful.

Here are the pros of the course.
1.) They did not post a time limit, so if you are a slower runner (or get injured, but can still walk), you can still finish
2.) It is as flat a course as I have ever run
3.) Scenary is beautiful.
4.) Small field, so it spreads out pretty quickly
5.) Start/Finish was not congested. Registration and packet pick up was easy. Plenty of food at the finish.
6.) Since it is all run in a state park, it felt very safe. I didn't feel worried about traffic or anything (even though some of the race is run on the road).
7.) The finisher's medal is unique. It could also be used as an ornament. Some people collet medals to display. Others throw them in a box somewhere. If you don't dispaly medals, then add this one to your Christmas ornaments for your tree.
8.) Volunteers were great.
9.) Very reasonably priced

I do not consider these 'cons', but others might. Just an FYI so you know what to expect
1.) It is a 4 loop course. Know that going in. You will see the same sights four times.
2.) Hydrapouch. All runners are given a Hydrapouch (which I personally think is a great idea). The only issue runners might have with this is you have to stop and fill it up. It only takes a few seconds, but it is different then being handed cups of water, where you do not have to stop.
3.) Not a lot of spectators. Now the good news about this is that it is very easy for friends and family to see you at the finish line. Parking for them is easy and it is just a short walk to the finish to meet you as you cross (Unlike big city ones where it is very difficult to do so)

My advice: Bring a camera

The other 3 marathons I did were medium to large (Philly, DC, and Wilmington). This was a much smaller, more intimate marathon. I would recommend to everyone. I will certainly do it again.

Thanks again to the organizers and volunteers. I will never forget it.

At first I was worried about being bored while running four 6+ mile loops. I could not have been more wrong. The run through the Cape Henlopen state park was engaging the whole way. There were paved trails, crushed shell paths through marsh estuaries and single-track through the pine barrens. Good stuff all. There was little crowd support, but they were vocal. The post-race festivities included pizza and some of the best homemade soup ever. And there were shower facilities!
If you are looking for a small town small race I'd recommend the Fortitude.

This was a great small race. It started right on time. It was run on roads, bike paths, crushed shell pathes and single track trails in the woods. The terrain is mostly flat but does have a few small hill which can suprise you with the incline on the 3rd and 4th lap.

Few spectators but its a small race so you expect that. The field spread out nicely on the first lap and was never crowded. The weather was perfect started in the upper 30s and topped out in mid 50s. I highly recommed this race and it has a great price as well.

The only downside is it is a green race but they did give everybody a HydraPouch but you had to stop and fill it yourself or you just carry your own hydration system and keep running.

This was a great small race. It started right on time. It was run on roads, bike paths, crushed shell pathes and single track trails in the woods. The terrain is mostly flat but does have a few small hill which can suprise you with the incline on the 3rd and 4th lap.
Few spectators but its a small race so you expect that. The field spread out nicely on the first lap and was never crowded. The weather was perfect started in the upper 30s and topped out in mid 50s. I highly recommed this race and it has a great price as well.
the only downside is it is a green race but they did give everybody a HydraPouch but you had to stop and fill it yourself or you just carry your own hydration system and keep running.

I found this marathon to be very enjoyable and would definitely run it again. It is small, which I prefer. The course was beautiful, and had ocean views and pretty trails that were not technically difficult. I loved the smell of pine in the woods! The course is a loop that is repeated 4 times, and I did not get bored due to the beautiful scenery. There were not many spectators, but the ones that were there were enthusiastic. Lots of food at the end, including pizza and soup. This race was cup free and each runner was given a hydro pouch. This was not a big deal to me, but some may be bothered by having to stop to fill the pouch . My only disappointment was the lack of medals t the end, but I was promised one would be mailed to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this race and would consider doing it every year since I am local.