I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about running an inaugural event, but given that it was being managed by Reston Runners, and the fact that was a short 20 minute drive to the start for me, I decided it would be a perfect small race for me to get back into my marathon form (after 12 years of off).

I was right to choose this race. I cannot think of one single negative about the experience. The course was very well marked (hillier than I expected, but nothing severe), and though the spectators were few in number, they were enthusiastic, and at least for me, spaced so that they were there when I most needed them! My family was also able to navigate the streets of Reston and find perfect spots to cheer me on and take pictures at least 5 or 6 times during the race. Aid stops were well stocked with anything and everything a runner would want. I LOVE finishing on a track.

Just something about running into a 'stadium' and setting foot on that synthetic material for your last few hundred yards that put a little spring in your step, even after 26 miles. Thanks to all of those involved volunteers and runners, for making this a great event. I will be back next year. I hope it doesn't get too big, but I wouldn't mind seeing a few more participants next time round, come on out and be part of what is sure to be a great race in 2014!

From all the runners, all I heard was how well the race was run. Credit goes to the RMR Race Committee. Zone 2 was particularily well managed.

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this race. The organizers thought of everything and I was impressed with their attention to detail. I felt like I was part of the family! The course had just the right combination of roads and scenic paths that challenged but didn't overwwhelm me. The course was well-marked and there were lots of cheerful volunteers. Thank you, Reston Runners, for putting on such a awesome race! I'm definitely coming back next year.

The attention to detail is apparent from the time you pick up your packet and the adjacent pasta dinner to when you gorge yourself on the variety of tasty post-race food. This is by far the most enjoyable marathon experience I've had. Once word of mouth gets around about this race, it will be a small marathon destination of choice. Much better race experience than the profit dominated Rock and Roll marathon in DC the week before. Put this race on your calendar for next year! I know I will!

I ran the half marathon but the many people I spoke to who ran the full marathon had the the same reaction as I did. Everything went extremely smoothly - no muss, no fuss before, during and after the race. A beautiful, incredibly well-marked and well-paved course, much of it winding through woodlands (hilly but not too hilly). Wonderfully-helpful and encouraging volunteers (one for every two runners!). Very knowledgeable and responsive organizers. Easy to get to by car with convenient parking a short walk from the start (and expected to be accessible by Metrorail (subway) by next year). Ample indoor bathrooms at start and finish in addition to plenty of portapotties along the route. Lots of refreshments to choose from along the course (with ample hot, not just cold, food at the finish, served in a high school cafeteria.) I can't think of a way to make this race even better - but I bet the people running it will find a way to do so next time.

It's called the Runners Marathon and it earns the name. It is all about the runners. I've run 58 marathons and this is one of the best. Everything about the organization and management was terrific. Every element of this race was done to perfection so I don't know where to start. Great course, lots of variety, hilly but no big hills. The paved bike paths were beautiful. Between the traffic cones, volunteers and police on the streets and the temporary stripe along the bike paths somebody went out their mind making our ease and safety a major concern. Post race food was plentiful, hot and delicious. The aid stations were consistently the best you could expect anywhere.

Paper cups, always Gatorade first, water second. Hammer Gel given out. Really, I'm telling you, if you made a list of what you thought was important in a race and how a race should be done right, this one has it, and they did it right. The finish was on the historic home track of Alan Webb a one time 3:53 HS miler.

Plenty of parking near the start,
The High School was open for the runners to keep warm pre race
Small field of marathon runners, half marathoners got their own start later, no congestion anywhere.
No waiting for porta potties (when does that happen?), Bag checking
Two loops so you knew the second time when to back off on the hills and where you'd make that time up.
Mile markers were large, color coded, and located in sight and were accurately placed.


Occasional clocks on the course for time checks
Smiles and enthusiasm from every spectator that came out and watched or volunteered.
Beautiful matted age group award photographs
Clean, simple finishers medal and a tasteful, long sleeve tech shirt.

And more, I just can't remember, oh yeah I pooped in the woods and a bike marshal gave me toilet paper, and truly, I have nothing negative to say.
Thank you Reston Runners you guys are the best. Your thoughtfulness to detail really showed.

This was my 106th marathon and it was one the BEST organized small marathons you will find - Outstandingly well organized for an inaugural race! Definitely run this one soon - before long it will be difficult to gain entry (my prediction). Great course over rolling hills with much of the race run on the extensive paved trail system of Reston. You will NOT find a better marked course. IMPOSSIBLE to get lost - Just follow the white line of lime thru the entire trail portion of the course. Post race food was among the best I've experienced as well - Pizza, Chili (regular & veg) Wings, Cornbread, Chips, Fruit, +++. Don't expect a PR on this course but expect to have a good time and a fun day!

All aspects of the 2013 inaugural get kudos from me.

Pre-race: Personalized name on the bib, the back of the long sleeve Tech-Tee is blank (yea!), dinner included in the registration fee. (double-yea!)

Course: As described. The asphalt paved trail sections are through the woods and very curvy. They were well marked with a solid white stripe and mile markers. Volunteer or cones at most places where a wrong turn could be made. You finish by running a lap on the H.S. track. Though not severe, there are enough uphill and downhill grades to make this an interesting and moderately challenging course to flat course runners.

Post-race: The food variety and quantity was excellent and included: Pizza Hut pizza, Cinci-style hot chili, chicken wings (wow!) and Subway subs. The age-group award was a framed photo of a wooded trail scene. (Nice!)

Organization: very well planned and executed from start to finish. Support on the course was excellent and approx. every 2-miles. Gel was available at one station, so twice overall.

2013 weather: cloudy and cold with temperature range of 35-42. For me, it couldn't be better. Wind not a factor on the road sections and none on the trails.

Opinion: A marathon for runners put on by runners which is in stark contrast to the R & R Washington DC marathon held the prior weekend 'down the road.' I can see this one growing quickly as the word gets out.

This was the first year for this marathon. It was a 2 loop course through paved trails and roads, some hills and the trail was very curvy and twisty but scenic. There wasn't a lot of spectators but certainly more than I expected for such a small, first marathon. The organization was awesome, plenty of water/Gatorade and all sorts of snacks at aid stations. The course was well marked and a nice spread afterward. I would totally recommend and do it again...just train appropriately.

Double-looped half course with plenty of interesting and challenging hills and turns. Aid stations plentiful and volunteers understood runners' needs. A litttle light on spectators though. Great downhill finish for last 2 miles, then 400 meters around high school track. Well done!