The cool temps were perfect (I'm a cold weather-runner), and fan support was great - I can't remember how many times we were thanked for supporting St. Jude's by spectators! The post-race food was great; they had the marathon and half-marathon food separated, so there was plenty left. Fan support was a bit sparse after the half-marathoners broke off and the industrial area was a bit boring; however, there was music periodically and the fans that were there were very supportive. The expo was great and well organized. Downtown Memphis was a breeze to get around in. We parked the car Friday and walked everywhere; we didn't get back in the car until it was time for the trip home. This was my third marathon and we are considering coming back again this year because we had so much fun! I'd highly recommend this race!

I ran the half in prep for a full a few weeks later. Packet pick up and expo were well organized. Race start with pace groups were well displayed. It was around 32 degrees at start - perfect for me after we got started. The half-marathon course was fun. Beale Street was very cool - 4 or 5 rows deep with spectators. This was a fun course. It consisted of a nice mixture of hills and flats. Plenty of aid stations. Lot of entertainment on the course. The finish was at the minor league baseball park. Cool medal. Great food at the finish. Best cause of any marathon. Must do.

I really enjoyed this marathon. It is my third marathon and it is favorite course. I was disappointed in the refreshment area at the end. The marathon and half-marathon run together for the first 12 miles and finish at the same location. There are way more half-marathon runners and most of the goodies were gone by the time that I finished. And I finished in 3:55. I had a few friends who ran the half and raved about the delicious soup that I should try. But there was no soup left by the time I crossed the finish line, and the pizza that remained was cold and gross-looking from sitting out. Also, the fan support fizzles out after the half-marathoners break off.

This was my first marathon so I waited to comment on it until I ran 4 more in order to be more objective. My first impressions has only been confirmed. This is a great race. Yes, it was COLD and windy. What do you expect in middle America in December? Dress in layers. The first half of the race is amazing! Beautiful! The second half is more industrial but still more interesting than an "out and back" marathon. The best part about this marathon is the fan support. They are out there despite the cold calling you a "Hero." Lots of bands and even an Elvis impersonator or two. Fun. Well-run from start to finish. The "hills" are small and limited to the areas around the Mississippi River. Nothing too difficult, even if you train in flat parts of the country like me. I also like running with the "halfers" for the first half of the race. Kept my pace and spirits high. The finish in redbird stadium is dramatic and well supported. Easy to become emotional!! Keep up the good work, Memphis!!

This was my first 1/2 marathon. The spectator support was phenomenal, and organization was excellent. I did not try to eat downtown, but I have to say the word needs to get out to the restaurants that even if they don't offer spaghetti on there menu they need to make the exception and serve it that one night before the race each year. i just ran the race in Little Rock and i could not believe that each restaurant downtown didn't have spaghetti on their special board.

The Memphis Marathon is a must-do marathon for anyone with the goal of 50 marathons in 50 states. The weather was a bit on the cool side, but better too cold than too hot. The course scenery was interesting and historic. The spectators were wonderful and the post-race refreshments were fantastic.

This race was fantastic! The crowd support was amazing and the race was for a great cause. The course was not too hilly. I am from the Midwest and it was very doable. The only downsides were that the camber of the roads made me a little sore (totally out of organizers control) and the last 10 miles or so were kind of dull. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone. Memphis is an amazing town and the course did a good job of showing off the town.

I expected a good event, but got a fantastic event. Probably the best organized marathon I have run. Absolutely the best post-race food. Big variety and lots of it. The warm soup tasted and felt great on a cold day. The weather was perfect. Downtown Memphis was a great place to stay and it was easy to get to the start and away from the finish. I will go back.

I decided to run this race as a "long run" of 13 miles in a marathon training plan for my first marathon race in February. I wish this would have been the marathon. The weather was perfect, the crowds amazing, and the finish picture perfect. I loved everything about this race - the city, the course, the organization, the expo, the people, the crowd, the amazing mile participants, and the finish. I wish this would have been my first marathon, instead of a half-marathon training run. It was amazing. This race has so much heart, and the kids give so much inspiration.

I got a PR/Boston qualifier, so I can't complain too much! The first half of the course was much more scenic than the second, and it was fun to run with the half-marathoners for 12+ miles. Spectators were sparse for the second half of the race, but the ones who were there were enthusiastic. I got a kick out of the signs and costumes - especially the Santas and the guy in the banana suit who I swear I saw 3 or 4 times. I train in a hilly area, so I found the description of the course as "gently rolling hills" to be accurate: it's not what I would call "hilly," but it's not flat. Expo was the most streamlined and best organized I've seen to date, and the wave start was excellent - my training partner and I were able to maintain goal pace even in the first few miles because it was never too crowded. It seemed to us, as another poster mentioned, that the 20 and 21 mile markers were a little off - that 20th mile seemed to go on forever! We almost got hit by a car at one point in the second half - so keep your wits about you like you would on a training run. Extremely well-organized aid stations at every mile a huge plus - never had to wait for a porta potty or lose time fighting for water. Last few miles were pretty bleak and industrial, but not sure I would have found the running any easier if they had been scenic. Stadium was a great place to finish because it was easy to meet up with family and cheer for other finishers while stuffing our faces and drinking beer in the bleachers. Climbing the stairs was a small price to pay for the good food and a place to sit and rest. December weather in Memphis is generally perfect for running. Enjoyed the Saturday race for a change, because my running group could actually enjoy the nightlife that evening. Good hotels within walking distance of start/finish. Thank you to the downtown restaurants for the pre-race dinner discount! Great race and great weekend trip!