I competed in 2012 at the Lincoln (half) marathon. It is so important to understand that some competitors compete to FINISH...not win. I did not finish that 1/2 marathon. I made it to mile 8 and was so discouraged by the obvious pain in the rears us 'last placers' had become (the aid stations were out of fruit, the water was hot, the timer pads were pulled and the tables were being torn down). My body was giving up and so then, I felt, that I had no reason to continue so I chose not to fight through.

Now...the marathon in Gering was different. The 1/2 marathon started almost 13 miles ahead of the full runners. While I walked, I was never discouraged. There were more aid stations, more smiling faces and I knew that, even though I was in last place for the 1/2...there was a whole line of REAL runners coming up behind me. I will never forget when that full marathon runner passed me (I will remember that exact spot on the course forever) and I was filled with encouragement.

With ALL that combined; the incredible amount of spectators and volunteers (who were SOOO happy to be standing there in the cold, wind and rain!) and the little things that were available like oranges and water and signs everywhere along that track...it made it easy to fight through. And FINISH!

I've run Urban, forest-covered and trail marathons. This was one of my favorites. I really enjoyed the view from the road. We ran past bluffs, fields, and water-filled canals.
We also ran along the Oregon, California and Native American trails, same place where the Pony Express rode.
But the people who ran, volunteered and cheered made the difference. I rode the bus with people who had run on every continent. One guy had run hundreds of marathons. They said this was one of the best-run marathons they'd participated in. One of the organizers washed my jacket before returning it to me after I dropped it in one of the volunteer's vans. I'll run again. If only to high-five the kids in blankets lining the streets.

This is the first small marathon I have done. This was also the inaugural year for this marathon. Even though they were extremely unlucky with the weather (the weather was bad for running only during the 8 hours or so of the race), I had a great time. Everything was super organized, the course was scenic and all the people friendly. I would highly recommend to anyone.

I was born and raised in this area and when ever I came back thought of this as a perfect place for a marathon. This year my wish finally came true and I am proud to say it was one of the best marathons I have run in a long time (#259 marathon.ultras). Although a small field for this year's marathon, I am certain as the word gets around this event will double in size by next year. The event was well supported by the local newspaper, area businesses and townspeople. Volunteers were plentiful and did a fantastic job as well as the race director, staff and local police.

This is one of the most scenic marathons you may ever run - lots of history in the area. Even though I lived here for 21+years, there were places on the course I had never seen before because it was run on private property with close access. I cannot say enough good things about this first-time event except be sure to sign up for it!!!

Even as inagural race, this one was one of the very best I've ever run. The organization was flawless, voluntter staff was so darn friendly you thought you were in 'Mayberry' or some place like that. The course was beautiful. The weather didn't cooperate (some periods of rain / cold wind showers - unusual since the area is in a drought) but that didn't take the warmth out of the volunteers and the surprising number of spectators (for a small race in a small rural town). For me, it was tops. Finish was great - nice custom medal . . . organizers right there at the finish line smiling, shaking your hand and congratulating you plus the food was great - besides lots of sorts of packaged snacks they served unlimited pizza - I had three different kinds.
I would have to say some might complain about: a small (first year / small town) expo (OK, I don't get much of anything out of expos and actually find them irritating when the clever marathon organizersn forces you to wade through them to get your packets, get to finishing food, etc.)
Here's something that astounded me: Out of 400+ 1/2 and full runners (reported number who signed up) I saw exactly 3 water cups on the ground. This was a different set of runners . . . they drank their water/gatorade and then threw the cup in one of 2-3 garbage cans set at intervals down the course. (Sort of made me embarassed at my fellow runner slobs (OK, I'm guessing I've been guilty too) in other races who might throw cups and goo shot wrappers on the ground within a couple feet to a perfectly good trash can.)

This race is a ways from large pop. centers . . . but, it's a good one to try to catch.

Okay, to be honest, I haven't run the other Nebraska marathons. But they are all in the east part of the state which is primary flat and boring. This one in Scottsbluff takes you around Scottsbluff National Monument and through something I heard the locals call 'The Badlands'. If you have never been to Badlands National Park this is exactly how it looks, but on a much smaller scale. There is about a 5-6 mile stretch which is unpaved. This year it rained during the race and the dirt roads became very muddy - so beware! Other than that I can say that this was a fantastic small race which both the race organization and the community pulled out all the stops to make this great race.