A great race for a first time marathon experience. The course is an 'out and back' flat race with a large part of it along the river which made for a scenic, nice experience. The water stations were well positioned and they were all stocked with infinit, water and other race 'essentials'. Probably because it is a small race, with under 300 full marathoners, the racers are very encouraging with each other. There was a fair quantity of spectator support, but everybody, even the traffic officers, were all so supportive. The flat course helps make it easier to know that you are going to finish and the supportive environment makes it a great overall experience.

In 2011 I ran the 5km, and in 2012 I ran the half. The half course is a beautiful run through the town of Amherstburg, Ont, along the waterfront, and through town. Spectators are through out the whole course cheering you on. This is by far my favorite race. Organization is great, and the medals keep getting better every year....For all you bling chasers! :)

It's really somewhat of a small town course. You start off in the cool september air, then as your legs warm up you are hitting the waterfront of the detroit river passage heading through the historic park of fort malden set during the war of 1812. Most impressed that 'chris' the organizer was greeting runners as they passed the finish line. Flat, fast, rural type crowds cheering you on. Simplicity was what it is all about. I am not a fast runner, but saved 4 minutes off my pb running the half.

I'm not sure what I loved most: the beautiful and easy course, or the greatly supportive small town crowd... Both were amazing and they made this race my best so far (BQ-20, 8th marathon). I want to thank the race director and all the volunteers for their incredible work. You guys rock! And thank you so much to the people of Amherstburg for your warm welcome and all your cheers. You were the best and your town is wonderful (Fort Malden is a must see). Great shirt, cool medal, aid stations well placed and well stocked. I couldn't have asked for better. I'll be back next year!

What a fabulous race event!! Extremely well organized, super flat course, and fantastic fan support!

My husband and I had signed up for another marathon the same weekend but had to switch to a local race last minute. What a wonderful surprise! The course was as flat as advertised. The spectator support was phenomenal - there were people throughout the course, including smaller groups of 2-3 people out there cheering you on, and lots of young people supporting the race. Water and sports drink stations every 2 km (apx every single mile) and distance (kilometer) markers that were precise with my GPS.

I loved running through Fort Malden and downtown Amherstburg. Thank you to the military!

It felt as though the entire community was supporting the race in one way or another. Everyone was super friendly - even the first place runners heading back on the out and back course gave encouragement to runners at the back of the pack.

The start and finish were at the local rec center, which provided ample clean bathrooms and a warm place to wait until the race. Cool shirts and a great medal too.

It didn't hurt that the weather was perfect and my husband and I both had PRs.

The only minor improvement would be to have timing mats at the half marathon mark to record splits.

Overall, great small town alternative for a marathon at a great value!

I've run this race two years now and have enjoyed it immensely. It's new and getting organized. The medal this year, 2012, was the best medal I have received yet. This is a Boston qualifier and the course is flat flat flat. So, if you want to qualify you should consider this race.