This course is flat and fast and has the potential to be a PB for most runners... if the weather cooperates. This course is on average in a Northwesterly direction which is opposite to prevailing winds. The 30+km per hour WNW headwinds were definitely a factor in the 2012 and likely the reason the top 10 percent of the field ran second half splits on average more than 10 minutes longer than their first halves.
Water stations were great, volunteers enthusiastic and supportive but the local population doesn't seem to notice that the event is going on (thin spectator participation).
Buses leaving at 7 a.m. for a 10 a.m. was inconvenient. While an international marathon is exotic, it doesn't feel exotic when sitting on a floor for 2 hours at the starting line. A start near Point Abino would avoid the border, make the course on average more northerly (less prone to headwinds) and would probably allow for a start a full hour earlier (or a bus ride a full hour or more later).
The small field allowed us plenty of room to run which was great and a good reason to choose this marathon.

I saw a number of comments from 2011 that indicated that the water stops were too few and far between, so want to give the race organizers kudos for fixing that. After mile 3 there were water and cytomax stops every mile I think, and the volunteers were terrific and friendly.

The organization was great, very easy from beginning to end and Canadians are delightful and friendly.

My only complaint was that most of the route had hardly any spectators. The long (and gorgeous) Niagara Parkway was very, very lonely so if you like or need crowds this isn't a great race for you.

Finally, the wind was brutal - strong and steady and in my face for the last 14 miles (no kidding), but one can hardly blame the organizers for that.

Pros:

* great organization, particularly considering the logistics of a cross-border race;
* beautiful course / scenery;
* Knox-Albright art gallery in Buffalo was an excellent pre-staging / start area;
* fast course (almost entirely flat, a little bit bendy - winds were not too bad on race day, but they can be at that time of year in Niagara).

Cons:
* there was only one aid station that served sport drink in the first 8 miles (one other served water only);
* almost no spectators so the run feels at times like an ordinary weekly long run;
* Niagara Falls, Ontario is an attractive destination only for the kitsch-inclined (but the surrounding areas can be quite nice - see Niagara-on-the-Lake, for example);
* the finish line is over a mile from most hotels with no shuttle service

Depends on your view:

* small field of runners means that you may be running the last 15-20 miles entirely alone (I was - finished at 3:09);

* aid stations were manned by local high school students - some groups were great and brough much-needed enthusiasm and energy; at one station I had to take my own drinks off the table;

On a clear day, this is a spectacular course. It is mostly flat and very scenic throughout, especially with the finish at the Falls. 2011 was my 3rd time running this marathon (I PRd here in 2002). The organization has only improved over the years. Although spectator turnout is nothing like what you will see in the big cities, those that do come out compensate in terms of encouragement and enthusiasm. I highly recommend this race, especially if you get to run it in good weather.

Great weather, great scenery, fantastic volunteers. Even the border guards were friendly. Canada Rocks.

Niagara Falls is definitely not a fitness and wellness town. The time I spent there I could immediately tell who was running the marathon just by looking at them. Otherwise, it's very much a casino town where everyone smokes and is heavy, or it's a bunch of 'Jersey Shore' looking kids who are thin not from working out (fill in the blank). You are on your own with this run, and if you like that, it's fine. For 2011 we had a perfect, sunny, peaceful day to run the event. Small field of entrants, no pushing or shoving; I loved that. The medal and Brooks apparel were great. If you're single, don't have kids and are coming to Niagara Falls alone, it's a lonely, depressing place. Find someone to tag along or something. Other than the race, there'll be nothing to do. 

This race is probably great for faster runners (under 4hrs) - flat & not crowded. However, there were very few water stops for those of us in the back. The race advertised stops at 2, 4, 6 then every mile. This wasn't even close! Mile after mile with nothing! Not even a table with someone apologizing for running out. The organizers must have known they couldn't staff all the stops and should have told us at the expo - then I would have carried my own water! It was very disheartening to push myself to the next mile marker just to find it empty.

I have run over 30 marathons all over the world. This course rates as one of the most scenic and varied I have ever run. Mason City part is pretty typical small town sights, but the course swings out into broad Iowa farmland and come in and out of very pretty parks that surround Mason City. The parts along the various rivers and streams are charming. If you want to get a taste of life in the heartland of America, this is surely the race to see it. As a bonus, the course is well organized and the volunteers are very friendly and accomadating, e.g. they kept the Sat registration open for me when I arrived after closing time. Another bonus is hot showers, towels, shampoo in the HS where the race finishes. Course is generally very well market, with mile markers at every mile but no clocks or people with the time of race  so you are on your own for time keeping. Abundant water, gator aide and bananas along the course. Bottom line: this is an unbeatable small town marathon.

Why run this course?

1. Only marathon to start in one country and finish in another
2. Gorgeous route and finish line

Why you should skip it?

1. Inconsistent water stops that you can't depend on for either location or supplies

2. Having to move the aid volunteers to the side to get your own water

3. Picking up aid stations and mile markers well before the race was finished leaving some runners in the lurch

This was my first marathon and thus special. However, I won't likely do it again and I might encourage you to think twice about it.

Side note - heard reports that the relay teams were met at the 13.1 mark with no food and no water - fail.

I ran the 2010 Niagara Falls Full, and this year I'm actually considering it as my fall race once again!

Here's why:

- It's incredibly flat, I ran a PB here last year.

- the number of runners is small, it feels small-town in a larger center.

- I may be the only runner to have loved the jacket they gave out - very appropriate to a race in a town notorious for rain and - of course - a little wink and a nod to the famous yellow slickers you have to wear to visit the falls themselves up close. FYI, runners who thought it was 'useless' - that jacket does NOT breathe, as such, it got me through this spring's training on chilly almost-winter mornings as an insular layer. I've worn it so much, it's starting to wear out on me. I've never worn my other technical shirts from marathons previous, they're more like souvenirs.

- love the resources for runners at the start line and also the ease with which they got us across the border. great logistics in a post-9/11 world, you have to hand it to them.

- After you cross the line, you can go play some blackjack at the tables at the casino and have a cheap beverage.

The only criticism I have is that the growing pains of a small marathon becoming larger are evident - a little more organization at the finish line for finishers - maybe a shuttle up the hill even? a little more notification for the local community itself - maybe it needs a better marketing strategy. It's true, no one actually IN Niagara Falls even knew there was a marathon on - and it's helpful when they do, because they understand your need for a late check out or for expedient pasta service ;) More pacers would be great as well.

Also, thanks guys, the medal is very fun - a great addition to the medal hook.