Having run close to 30 marathons, this race is definitely in the top three. If you want a race where you can run fast, enjoy the scenery, and not break the bank, then this is it. If you need a large crowd, with a mega expo, and expensive hotels/restaurants, then go elsewhere. Read what Grandma's says about itself (which is an exaggeration) and you would think they are talking about Bayshore.

Expo is small, but so is the race. They had everything I needed with very little hassle. The pasta dinner in the school cafeteria was OK, but it had the best homemade desserts I have ever eaten, and for the price it cannot be beat.

The course truly has lake views and a few rolling hills, but just enough to stretch the legs. A PR is very possible.

After-race food and drink were far above the standard. (I ran NYC in November and was handed a dry bagel and soft apple.)

There's a lot of family entertainment in the area so bring them along as they will not be bored.

Fifty-Staters and Maniacs, put this race on your list and you will not be disappointed. Race officials keep, the size limited and the hotels in check with the pricing, and you will be around for a long time. I will be coming back to do the half to take a crack at my personal record.

This was my 25th marathon and the 4th time that I have run Bayshore. I will be back. My wife and I have a great time, the course is beautiful, the race is well run and the size is right. Please do not change the course, nor increase the entrants, as both would take away from this marvelous marathon.

This was my second Bayshore and I plan on doing it again! What's not to like?

The course is beautiful; you run along Lake Michigan for most of it. We stayed at a hotel downtown and walked to the race 30 minutes before the start. Very stress-free. Did a PR and BQ, but had a heat-related issue at the finish line. The medical staff were right there and did a great job of taking care of everyone. There was Stone Cold ice cream at the finish.

Got to love that.

I ran this marathon with my 2 daughters and niece, all first-timers. We'll be back next year - plus daughter #3!

I agree with all of the positive comments. So, I will leave my negative comments to give a bit more information.

1.) The race is for FAST runners. I finished in 6 hours and 14 seconds (the cut-off time is 6 hours). All of the finisher food was gone, and almost all of the people. Everyone was very nice and all of the aid stations were still open, but I felt very alone out on the course. If you are a slow runner, I would suggest a different race (perhaps Grand Rapids).

2.) The course had more hills than I expected, and the turns on the road were banked, making it hard on the knees. I wouldn't recommend this race to anyone with bad knees.

3.) The women's t-shirt only comes down to my belly button. I would prefer a longer shirt.

4.) Overall, a GREAT RACE!!! The volunteers were great, the spectators (the few there were) were awesome. The medals are AMAZING! This is the perfect race for a fast runner with good knees who enjoys short t-shirts.

The course was fantastic. The post-race survey asks if the out-and-back is good or if the organizers should explore a loop course. KEEP IT AS IT IS! The multitude of water stops, the excitement of seeing the elites, the scenery so wonderful you enjoy it both times... all great. The medal was one of the nicest I've earned and the shirt isn't that bad. I like the fact that it is relatively void of advertising too. The reason the course and organization do not get a "5" is because cars were allowed on the closed portions of the course every so often. Having runners on each shoulder while a car is driving down the middle was discomforting. Also, the packet pick up site (local high school gym) was great once you got in, but the traffic in that school parking lot was mayhem.

This is a great, scenic race course. I ran with Team in Training. It was really cool to see and encourage my other team members on the out-and-back course. The start and the finish are congested. It seems like the finish line volunteers were too close when finishing. I like how other marathons have wet towels or sponges at the finish and room to walk a little before the medals are handed out. I love the fact that spectators can easily move along the course to support the runners.

This is a great course that almost makes you wish you could keep going. Easy access to start and finish areas keep the feeling more relaxed than a big-city race. The course, date, and runner limit should be maintained as they are. This small town supports the race very well. I'll be back!

Very well-organized, with good after-run foods. Fans were very supportive. Course was relatively flat. Unlike others, I like the technical T-shirt. It is not covered with logos on the back.

The 10K race seemed like an afterthought. My wife was a little displeased: no medal, only cotton T-shirt, and the food was sparse.

It was a great race and a great weekend. The organization of the race was flawless. Food was great. I didn't mind the shirt. The course was amazing. I took my family to drive it after the race so they could see it, it was so beautiful.

Their weren't a ton of spectators, but that would be expected due to the location.

If only it hadn't been so blazing hot!!