I'm writing for two reasons. One, to echo the positive comments about the race: a beautiful start/finish in the park, leisurely run through the farmlands with the occasional farm dog for company, uniformly pleasant volunteers, nice view of Mt. Rainier, etc. And two, to point out that in any race this small, a lot of it is run on the honor system. And, when I finally staggered across the finish (Achilles problem - I won't bore anyone with the details), I forgot to tell the staff that I had taken advantage of the early start. To my dismay, I see that the posted results show me with a time one hour faster than I really ran. Although most of my marathons have been faster than that posted time, this one sure wasn't, and I don't want credit for something I didn't do. So, there are about 20 people who get to move up one place in the standings. Again, thanks to the organization and volunteers for a good experience.

This was my second time running the "Christmas Half-Marathon" and I truly enjoyed the country course, but even more so, its cheerful participants. Tis' the season for a gratifying run through the countryside to take the edge off a season filled with consumerism. Thanks for your efforts for a homespun and wholesome event!

The Christmas Marathon is a really nice, out-and-back course with gentle, rolling hills. The only spectators are the ones you bring; if that's important for you, look for another marathon. The runners were the friendliest I've ever encountered.

We were allowed an early start, if we preferred, which was nice because 10:30 a.m. is a pretty late start time. I did opt for the early start and was glad to have done so. However, those of us who began early and who had a fast pace saw no aid stations at all until mile 13! Thankfully, the spectators who I brought along with me (my family) also ended up being my sole source of hydration until the tables were set up. Thus, another word of advice: If hydration is important to you, bring your own, have someone water you, or choose a different marathon. That said, I do think that the later runners were probably fine.

The chili afterward was heaven-sent, with crisp tortilla chips and oozing cheddar. A delicacy.

It was fun and I was glad to have done it!

I would say the third time's a charm, but I have enjoyed this race all three times I have run it. It was really a bonus this year to have the course certified. If you are a strong solo runner, don't count this one out as a place to attempt a Boston qualifier. The support is fantastic with GU, Gatorade, and water, though the Styrofoam cups make it hard to run and drink. Post-race food is excellent and abundant. I started at 10:30 and even after the earlies and shorter distance runners had long since finished, there was plenty left for me. Weather can be a factor, but not this year. I'll be back for sure.

A small, well-organized marathon, with nice people, and a good course along paved, country, back roads. Very friendly group of runners; good to meet some of the Marathon Maniacs.

I enjoyed this marathon. It seemed to me to be "just" a marathon. No frills or fluff. If you don't like to run 26.2 miles for the fun of it, then maybe this one is not for you. No spectators or cheering. I loved the solitude. The course went through all country roads, which passed neighborhoods. Very few participants, and I was slow, so I was alone for 90% of the race. I also like the freedom to start one hour early. The food was sufficient and the racers very friendly and nice. Lots of hardcore marathon maniacs there. I had a good run.

If you like a race where it's just you and the open road, this race is for you. The scenery is lovely - passing farms and acreages - and most people slow down for you on the road. The volunteers are friendly and helpful and the race is well-organized. Caution: if you need spectators to cheer you on, this race is NOT for you.

This was a great course for me. It was out in the country, great views, no crowd and cool weather.

The start was 18 degrees and I had never run a long race at this temperature. The course just follows country roads on an out-and-back course. Some places it gets a little dicey with the cars roaring by at 50+ mph and not much of a shoulder, but most the time they would give you room. This race had almost zero spectators. I counted 5 "Way to Go's" for the entire race and 3 of them were from two women who moved along the course. I prefer it that way. Just you and the road. The volunteers were great, always ready with the water or Gatorade. Next year don't use the Styrofoam cups though - you can't bend them to drink.... Trust me!

The couse has some rolling hills the first and last 5 miles or so, then is pretty flat except for one freeway overpass. Fewer than 100 runners but they had a 5K, 10K, 10-miler and 1/2 marathon start 10 minutes after us so lots of choices.

Good eats at the finish but us slow (4 hour +) runners had no hot chili or coffee left. Also my friends after me didn't get a medal or trophy. (I got both.) But the best part of this race was it got me into the Maniacs!

If you like small runs with a great view, this one is for you.

The Christmas Marathon was my first 'small-time' marathon. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Yes the start and overall organization were disorganized, but if you can roll with the punches you won't really mind. Great support from the volunteers, beautiful scenes of snow-capped Mt. Rainer, and plenty of friendly people. There is no crowd support to speak of but is that really why you run marathons? Dress warm!!

This was my first marathon, and though it was not huge like Seattle or Portland, the down-home feel of it made it very special. There were only about a 100 participants, so I did not get trampled out on the roads and had room to run my own race. The scenery was a bit bland, but there was a glimpse or two of snow-covered mountains which certainly perk you up.

There were well-manned and well-stocked aid stations every mile and a half. The volunteers were helpful, and considering how cold it was, remained very dedicated. If you need or want the encouragement of spectators, don't do this race because there were none.

Though the course had a few slight hills, the race was fast. The day dawned sunny but very cold, so if you decide to do this one, be sure you know what you are in for. There were ample refreshments after the race, the best being sipping warm coffee in front of the space heaters.

Overall, don't go expecting glitz and glam, but we do it for the running, don't we?