Lake Geneva Marathon - Race Reviews

The 2012 Lake Geneva Marathon was my 22nd marathon on my way around the 50 states. I chose this one as my Wisconsin marathon because my dad was born and raised in Lake Geneva, but moved away long before I was born, so I wanted to see the town. The comments from other runners below are all on the money. The portion along Route 50 around Mile 22 was terrible. We're running on the wrong side of the road with cars whizzing by at 60 mph for at least a mile. Yeah, blocking a lane off with some cones would have made me feel much safer. But other than this, the course was beautiful. I thought the portion thru farm country was very pleasant. And yes, the hills (especially that one at Mile 16) were quite tough. As others have said, don't expect a PR here. I too noticed that the mile markers were all about 1/2 mile off. I spent much of the second half of the race wondering if the course would be short. But there was a good 1.7 miles from Mile 25 to the finish, so like the others have said, the total distance was right on the money. The nicest surprise for me was that I came in 3rd place in my Age Group and actually won an award! And this was despite the fact that I was a good 15 minutes slower than my average marathon time. I'd never won an award in anything longer than 5k, so I was thrilled. It certainly helped that there were only 5 people in my AG. I was surprised that such a small race had AGs in 5-year increments instead of 10. So if you're a middle-of-the-pack runner who has only dreamed of an Age Group award, this might be a place where you could get one. Overall, I give the race a thumbs-up. It wasn't perfect, but it was still very enjoyable. And if the mile markers and safety issue on Route 50 get corrected, then I would enthusiastically recommend this race to anyone that doesn't mind hills and small crowds.

Overall, a good race. The spectators were awesome, although there isn't a ton of them as mentioned before because this is such a small race. I think about 110 people in total ran the marathon. I personally really enjoyed the smallness, even the spots when you are literally running alone. Warning about the hills - you've heard it in the other reviews. At mile 16 is when they start (I had no problems on the rolling hills before this and thought I had the hills in the bag). I've never seen a hill in a race as steep as mile 16. It is like running up one of the steep hills on the streets of San Francisco. There are a couple more afterwards, but you are so totally wiped from that first nasty one that walking up the hills seems like the only option. My calves cramped like nobody's business at every slight incline the rest of the way. The mile marker signs were off from about mile 9 - end, which there is no excuse for. To make it worse, they were ahead, so you see a sign saying you just ran 15 miles, but you actually only ran about 14.5. My GPS watch had 26.4 at the end, another person's had 26.9. I know it isn't that far, but at the end of a marathon it makes a difference. The run on the 4 lane highway at mile 22 is simply unacceptable. The cars fly by, don't get into the other lane and it is extremely dangerous. I can't believe there are laws that don't require one lane to be blocked off. I can't believe no one has been hurt on this portion in the past. I thought the signage marking the trail was pretty good most of the way. However, the last 1-1.5 miles was awful - It was on a small trail behind a residental neighborhood. The trail would go off in different directions, but no further instructions on the sign. I honestly had no clue whether I was going in the right direction or not and the way the course curves, you don't see the finish until just as you are coming up on it. Overall, I enjoyed this race. I'd consider running it again...but then I have nightmares about the hill at mile 16 and think better of it. But you never know.

Most of the comments I've seen hit the nail on the head. This is a hilly, rural race where you will have lots of time to yourself and not many people to cheer you on. If you are looking for a city-type marathon with lots of cheering crowds and other runners, look elsewhere. I thought the water stops were fine. Weather was perfect - low 50s, overcast. The finish was amazingly anticlimactic - there were a dozen people sort of half-heartedly cheering, and a few others milling about, and some fruit and water. It was kind of hilarious, or at least I would have laughed if I wasn't so exhausted. Only other downside was the route gets pretty narrow in some parts or you are competing for space with weekend tourists.

GOOD: Nice support staff; small, almost 'intimate' race crowd; plenty of serious runners and a good chance for good running weather. BAD: Signage still needs work (additional signs telling us we are on the course would be nice); the Hwy 50 section around mile 22 is really dangerous, running WITH traffic and without any cones telling drivers there is a race taking place; the last mile along the lake running through yards is ridiculous, especially since residents didn't seem to know there was a race going on! Finally, according to my Garmin, the mile markers from 13-25 were ALL off by 0.5 mile, if you can believe that; finish line was right in line with my GPS (about 26.3, as expected). UGLY: This course is HILLY and will beat the hell out of you, especially if you are used to flat road courses. This was my first time at Lake Geneva and 6th marathon. All others were flat courses- this one is a real bugger if you aren't ready for some serious hills. I was fortunate enough to run next to a LG veteran, who helped set expectations there is no shame in walking hills out here, and there are plenty of them, especially in the 2nd half. It was surprising how even the gentle up/down in the first 13 miles took it out of you for the ugly hills in the second half. If you come, don't expect PRs. All in all, I'd recommend the experience. We had a beautiful day (50s, cloudy, light breeze), the other runners were great, and I had intended this as a 'get in shape after the winter' race target. I'm glad for the experience and feel as though the tough course was a good learning experience for me. I can say with a smile that this is the only marathon I've run that I had to dodge teen girls, wait for a dog/owner to finish crossing a pedestrian bridge, and had to stop for a boat launch! Suggestion to race director- make sure that you've got some sort of signage every 1/4- 1/2 mile or so, even if we're on the same road; buy and place some cones to set up on Hwy 50 and going toward Fontana; I'd be fine if we don't have to run through yards to finish; check the placement of the mile markers for 2013!!

This event was very well organized & runners & volunteers were so friendly! The course was gorgeous...ran around the lake, through local farms, some neighborhoods...very pretty & scenic & some great architecture along the way. Fellow runners & volunteers were great! Super friendly! The course itself was the hilliest road marathon I've ran & I've ran close to 40. Made for a very rewarding finish, but I wouldn't call this marathon one to race. My time was at least 15 minutes slower than normal, but I'm also not a hill runner. Regardless, it was well worth it & I'd do it again for the sheer beauty & organization! The only 'negative' I have was that the water stations were too far apart for my liking...some were 3 miles apart. I did see this on the website & should have carried water, so totally my fault for not. That small complaint was minor compared to the fun I had. The hotel staff at the host hotel was also amazing, very welcoming & supportive of the event. All-in-all, kudos to the race staff...you did a great job!

Pros: 1. The weather was perfect. Low 50's and overcast. 2. Volunteers were great a usual. 3. Other runners very friendly. Cons: 1. Aid stations had Heed instead of gatorade...yuck. 2. The Highway stretch depresses me. 3. NO FINISHERS MEDAL AT THE FINISH. Really?!?!. There was little sympathy towards me for this error. This is a great race, but it needs to be managed better. After I found out that they were going to send me my marathon medal in the mail, I vowed never to run this race again. I was genuinely upset after this race, when I was supposed to feel joy. My dad waited for me at the finish to take a picture of me and my medal. I had nothing around my neck for the picture. Very embarrassing. I know this comment will be followed by the race director or a friend of the race director to tell me I'm wrong and that I should be grateful. This USED to be a good race. I cannot re-comment this to anyone anymore. From the <100 turnout this year, I see that people are learning. Please change and save this race. This is as honest as I get.

A very tough course through some quaint resort towns and the Wisconsin countryside. Not a place to BQ, the hills hit you hard at mile 16 and again at 21. I found the water stops sufficient but I didn't like the watered down HEED much. Thankfully, some had Gatorade. Ran alone a lot and while I didn't like the route along the highway, at least the shoulder is wide. They could use some more signage when the route gets to the lake trail. It is kind of confusing for those of us who are on our last legs. Finally, if you want the pizza luncheon, don't shower first. Get over to the hotel and eat first or else you won't get anything. Finally, 2011 saw some confusion at the end, apparently either a box of medals was misnamed or they were giving out full marathon medals to the half and European 22 mile runners, so that many of the Marathoners arrived and the medals were gone. I guess they'll be sent in the mail. The only other gripe is that at the finish, they hand you a bottle of water and then you can stumble about another half mile or so until you get to the hotel for the food. It would have been nice to have some goodies at the end and some signage to show us the way back to the hotel. All in all, I enjoyed the run and hope to be back.

Most of the complaints I read about this one are disingenuous and based largely on misplaced expectations. This is a $50, late-spring run in a 5,000-person resort town, pre-season. It's just a different race. You want 26 water stops, spectators, signs, and every possible advantage? Wrong race. You want gorgeous scenery, a challenging course, and a deeply personal experience? Do the LGM. Carry one bottle and water stops become plentiful. The lake path portion had to be shortened - owners made it more difficult (and more path means fewer water stops). If you need an iPod, can't run alone, can't carry a bottle, and have to have a PR, then just stay away. I loved every bit of this race. The partially open course meant my wife could support me throughout. The dearth of spectators made for a thoroughly introspective and personally satisfying journey, like a trail run on the road. I got everything I came here for. I've run the half a few times before and the same great volunteers are here year after year. Stay the weekend and have the ultimate small-town adventure.

Interesting course choice. I saw people who stated that they did the marathon but actually ran the adventure course - and a couple of others who took the half marathon route, both cutting miles off of the 26.2 mileage. I agree about the safety of running uphill along the highway. When the course left the roadway and went to a trail along the lake... so did the directions. I felt lost and actually found a woman runner who was also confused about which way to go. I chose to shower before going back to eat. Bad idea. Pizza scraps and no soda. This is one I will have trouble recommending to anyone.

I have been running this marathon since 2005, only missing 2009. This is one of the most scenic marathons I have ever run. Yes, it is hilly, but that adds to the experience of this race. Downsides: The change in the marathon route between miles 22 and 23 was not a good change. This is the most miserable stretch of the race. You go from scenic pastoral running to a dangerous four-lane highway. Three years ago the route took you down to the lake, running on the paths. This needs to be changed back! I didn't run last year because of the change. It still bothers me. I probably won't run this race again until it gets changed back. I didn't get my shirt at packet pickup. Apparently they "ran out" even though there was a box of shirts in sight. This is the second time this has happened in the past two years. The race director needs to be more organized. Nothing should have been changed. It was a great race.

The course is extremely hilly, but it has some beautiful scenery. Not a place for a PR, but if you're looking for a challenge, this will do it. Poorly marked course with the route running along a lakefront path and through backyards at the end - with minimal signage and no other guidance. Very little crowd support as well. Watered down HEED and minimal porta-a-potties also left room for improvement. Once was OK, but it's probably not one that I'll repeat.

The course is very, very challenging; you won't want to run or see another hill for some time. This was great for those who needed a change from the flat marathons. I really enjoyed the challenge. The weather was a perfect 43 degrees. I would recommend this to those who think they have run all possible marathons. This course will change that thought in a heartbeat. They do need more then one porta-potty per stop. I waited 5 minutes in line. The water stations could have been 2 miles apart instead of 3 miles. Next time use Gatorade - not HEED. Try the hills for the change of pace.

This was my 25th marathon and one of the most different ones I have run. It was not all bad, but not all good. First, for the course, it was like they went out and marked a 26-mile training run using arrow signs to direct you. The only place there were people directing you where to go was at the half and marathon split. Once we - the marathoners - split off, we basically had to follow the signs. There was one intersection were the police stopped traffic, but other than that, you were pretty much on your own. It was pretty unnerving running miles 18 through 20 along a major 4-lane highway with our backs to traffic and cars going by a foot away at 60 mph. I felt like I was one teenager text message away from death. Then there were the water stops - anything from one guy sitting in his front yard reading the paper to 10 people cheering you on. A big thanks to all of those who came out in 39-degree weather with 30 mph cold winds and mist. It was very hilly course and a great workout. Packet pickup was great and it was nice to stay indoors at the hotel in the cold weather until 5 minutes before race time. The final 6 miles were cruel. It seemed like 90% of miles 20 through 25 were uphill, and then the last mile along the lake path was spent saying hi to all of the people working on their yards, docks etc. The best part were all of the people associated with the marathon - from packet pickup to the water stops to the finish line. Everybody was great. Even people just waiting for other runners at the finish were really supportive Like I said, just a really different marathon.

I know this race has the reputation of being loosely organized, but I found it to be really well done by a small army of generous, enthusiastic, supportive volunteers. The hills punish you twice - going up on your cardiovascular system and going down on your joints. The small number of participants makes the mental challenge significantly greater. The spectators were terrific and brave, too, considering the cold!

Last year was my first marathon. I live in Lake Geneva, so my first thought was of course to run the marathon on my doorstep. This was never going to be a course on which to run a quick time, which didn't bother me, as all I wanted to do was finish! It's true the support is pretty minimal, but there are supporters out there. I had my own support, which was great to keep me going. I understand people not liking the section on the highway - it is a highway. I don't know how much people appreciate that there is an event going on. There is room to move over and keep away from the cars. It's a judgment you would have to make. For me it was an awesome day; I will do it every year, if I can. I will be running this year too (2010)

While I have done two marathons, this was my first half. I decided to do this one because I live in Chicago and wanted something close and familiar. I know the area very well, so it was perfect. It is hilly, so make sure you train for those hills and inclines. I made my time goal on this course, so that was exciting for me. I am one who trains alone, so this was another reason I like the course. Not a lot of people racing the course, so for me, it was nice to "zone" out; however, when you were running with the group, there was great energy and it was very friendly. There could have been more water stations in the country road area, and yes, there was not much fan support. But overall, I will be doing this race again and again.

I ran the "Euro XC Marathon," which is actually like 22 miles. This takes place on a footpath that goes around Lake Geneva, basically along the shore of the lake through the front edge of people's lawns. Every property you cross has a different idea of how to define the path, from a slightly worn grassy trail to bricks to gravel to patio-type cement circles and more. If you want a fast run, this is not the place. If you want scenic views of the lake, a chance to look at some great landscaping and expensive houses, and a really varied running surface, you'll enjoy this. Support is minimal, so a Fuel Belt or the like is a good idea, as is any food you want to consume along the way. There are not a lot of runners, but I happened to match paces with a guy also running alone, and we kept each other company through much of the run. There are no mile markers, so if it is really important for you to know where you are, you will want your Garmin for sure. As I said, not the place for a PR, but I plan to run it again this spring just because it was such a change from my normal routine of road running. Come prepared and stay relaxed, and you'll have a good time!

Overall, this is a very picturesque race with lots of fields and barns and beautiful greenery. Wisconsin is really pretty! There were very sparse spectators and rare water stations. Some of the mile markers had blown away in the 5-10 mile range and I found myself feeling all alone for many miles. The hills were very challenging. Despite these issues, I really did love this race. The last mile was great as we ran on a small lane that encircled the lake. This took us along beautiful backyards below shady trees - an amazing way to end such a tough run. If you want a gorgeous, rural race without many bells and whistles but one that will make you work, this one is for you.

This is a very nice, small-town marathon event on a budget. If you seek a more traditional old-time marathon experience, without the bells and whistles of modern big-city events, this would be a good choice. This marathon is most definitely not for new PR's or BQ's. The course is challenging, especially in the second half, with some monster hills. The first half is very nice and I will definitely go back to do the half marathon every year from now on. For those looking to do a marathon in each of the 50 states, this one would be a very good one for Wisconsin. You will get a nice sampling of everything Wisconsin on the course. I had so much fun with this one.

Parts of this marathon are so scenic and beautiful (ironically, nowhere near the lake; the best stretches take place in the rolling hills of farmland - very little of the course actually borders the lake), it almost makes up for having to run miles 21-23 on the shoulder of a highway (without cones or any sort of marker signaling a race going on) and the utter lack of aid stations. Of the few stations that you encounter, fewer than half offer anything other than water. Around mile 23, there was a wonderful couple in front of their house with orange slices and Gatorade; if not for them, I doubt I would have made it through. Having trained all winter in brutal Chicago weather, I thought I would be in decent shape for a May marathon. I didn't count on the hills around Lake Geneva being as tough as they were, or the fact that I might be running alone for miles at a stretch, with very little in the way of course markers! This was not a good choice for a first marathon, but I could see how someone seeking a technically rigorous course might appreciate it.

It is a challenging, beautiful, and hilly course, but the race organizers try to do too many events with not enough staff. They should cut back the number of races and focus on quality for the others. VERY small for all three "marathon" events.

I have never run the full marathon in Lake Geneva, but I have run the other races (5K, 10K and half). Here is what to expect: few race volunteers, packet pick up will be a little disorganized, there will be almost no crowd support, weather is usually perfect, the area is very scenic and the entry fee is cheap (compared to Chicago races). If you know this going into the race, you will enjoy the race. If you expect a Chicago Marathon-type race experience, you will be very disappointed.

This was, in my opinion, one tough course. Concerning hills, I've done one dozen marathons and this one has the most. I didn't run it for the cheering section - I ran it for the challenge. If you want a cheering section, run Chicago.

This was my first time here and my second marathon, and I enjoyed this race very much. The first seven were run with the half marathoners so there were a lot of people to run and pace with but not so many that it was overcrowded. Once the marathon split, it thinned out considerably until we joined with them again for the last three miles of their race. There was one really killer hill right before the 17-mile mark, but the rest were not that bad. I thought the majority of the hills were long and not very steep, except for a few others near Fontanna. The only problem I had was that they did not shut down the roads, so there were some cars. It got especially bad running down the shoulder of a four-lane highway. Also, the spectators were not very willing to cheer people on. Aside from at each of the finishes and the aid station, the majority of the people I saw didn't cheer for me they were to busy looking for their friends. Again, overall this was a very good small-town race. The course markers, although small, were easy to find and follow, and their was an abundance of aid stations. I would recommend this race to anyone who is looking for a fun and challenging marathon, especially if they're just starting out.

Lake Geneva Marathon is not a bad small-town marathon. It's best advantage is a location. You run around the lake, but places where you actually see the water are very rare. Usually the course is on the country roads or residential areas. The event is small - about 140 marathon runners and 200 half. There is little support along the course, and whatever support there is, is minimal. Expect to get only water and Gatorade along the way. No food - maybe that's why you get a Clif Bar, and a gel in your registration pack. My biggest complaint: safety! Late in the run, around mile 20, you run on a very busy road. Two-lane road, where trucks and school buses are doing 60 MPH right next to you, three feet away from you! There are no cones separating you from the traffic, let alone the police presence! That is very unsafe, waiting for a poor runner to catch a cramp (likely at this stage in the run) and swerve into the traffic. Additionally, the course directions are very poor. Little arrows leading the way are hard to see, small, placed inconsistently and occasionally just missing. Just hope to be in the middle of the crowd, so you won't get lost. If you lead the pack, keep your eyes wide open. I will not run this marathon again due to my own safety and will discourage my friends also. I've run over 15 marathons and I know what I'm talking about. This is the worst marathon in regards to organization and safety. Still, the registration center and the number packet were nice, and pretty well organized.

This is the second year in a row that I have run this race and I must say that despite its faults, it is a great race! First the positives: 1. The course is wonderful. Not flat, but not extraordinarily hilly either. There are some big hills at certain spots but nothing that is not manageable. 2. The weather: It seems it is always about 50 degrees with just a little bit of sun- perfect running weather! 3. The people: I really felt welcomed and well supported by the fans and race officials that I did see. (There are not a lot, but the few I saw were awesome). Now the negatives: 1. As I commented last year, the course could be marked in a more obvious fashion. It was better this year, but at mile 20, it was still confusing as to which way the marathon goes and which way the euro cross race goes. I saw one marathoner go the wrong way and another marathoner had to yell out to him to get him back on the course. 2. Water stations: While I believe there were more of them this year, I would still like more. However, it is doable with what they have. 3. This is just a personal preference, but I actually liked the sweatshirt from 2007 better than the sweat wicking t-shirt from 2008. Overall I recommend this marathon as long as you are not someone who feels they need to be pampered while running a race. If you are looking for a race that is not too expensive, a fun run, and you can live without some of the perks of big races this is your race.

This was my first marathon ever and I thought it was fantastic. I would caution everyone to read as many comments as possible here because past LGMs have apparently had their share of problems, but I loved the 2008 version. Water stops were plentiful. The course was scenic and very hilly, but don't let that intimidate you. If you are mentally prepared for a marathon, you can be ready for these hills (I was and did not train for hills!). I have a few small constructive suggestions: the map could have been formatted better, the course could have been marked a bit better and the people handing out timing chips and numbers could have been a bit more instructive. I heard some people talking about getting lost but they did not even seem so bothered by it. Adventure is the spice of life, right? Just don't count on this race for a qualifier or personal best of any kind, keep an open mind, don't be a race snob and you will love it too.

Based on prior years' comments, I was very apprehensive going into this race. However, I thought it was great. Water stops were nicely spaced along the route, well marked with mile marker signs/arrows and spray paint on the road. Can't help the spectator issue... it is a small race. The hills are a good challenge for the experienced runner! (And a killer for the novice!)

This was my first marathon, and I am glad I got to experience such a challenging course the first time out! My only complaint would be mile markings not displayed prominently. However, running out in the country with a small collection of great spectators was terrific. The hills were tough - but the organizers don't hide that fact. All the runners were giving each other support as if we all knew what we were going through. Extremely rewarding to finish such a tough course.

I was very surprised with the lack of organization for these events. It is billed as Marathon Weekend and there was no indication that anything was happening in this town. No one knew where the start line was. No banners, no signs, no microphones - unreal. It was like a crappy 5K. No mile markers. No spectators. Rather sad event. It was clear that they don't get repeat runners. No one knew what was going on.

This was the first time my husband and I ran this half marathon. The packet pick-up was disorganized and shoved in a small space. On race day there was not one indication of where the start line was! There was NO spectators. I felt like I was running a neighborhood 5k. The course was nice for the first 5 miles, but out in the middle of nowhere for the rest of the race. NO miles markers anywhere!!! The hills were killer. Over all very disappointed and won't run in again.

I liked this marathon. Yes, you run out in the country for a large part of it and, yes, the hills from mile 16 to 23ish are horrendous; but I really enjoyed the rest of the course. The part I didn't like was the organization. The race needs to be marked more clearly. I almost got lost at mile 20, luckily the nice lady running near me steered me in the right direction, thanks again whoever you were:). Also, in the hardest part of the course mile 16 to the end there was 2 water stations, just not enough. More water stations and better marking and this would be a great race. I hope to do it again next year.

Going into this marathon I had read the posts on Marathonguide.com. I heard about the lack of organization and crowd support and etc. Still I registered for this marathon and I had a great time. Why? Because I knew what I was buying and it was a fair price. A marathon for $ 50. What a deal. Yes, there was little organization and there could be some improvements but let's not try to compare every marathon out there to the mega marathon that ask $ 100 + for registration and have 40,000 people register. It is a world of difference. Our expectations should adjust accordingly. I had a great time. It was technically one of the most challenging marathons I have run (last 10 miles)and the some of the odd course layouts (yards) just made the adventure more wild. Good times diving in Lake Geneva at the end. Cold yes, but so refreshing.

I arrived at 6:30 am and parked for free on a side street one block from the hotel where registration was located. No lines at all at packet pickup, very smooth. There was a very helpful lady at the course map answering questions. Race started right on time with a blast of a boat horn. Nice touch. It was a beautiful day for a marathon. The first 2 miles are nice along the east shore of Lake Geneva. Miles 3 thru 13 are out in the farm country. The real race begins around mile 14 when you get into Fontana. There is a huge hill coming out of Fontana, then numerous smaller ones all the way to the finish with the exception of a small stretch on the lakefront. The 22-mile euro-marathon looked interesting because it sticks to the lakefront, unlike the full marathon. The course makes a lot of turns so you need to watch for the small arrow signs and paint on the pavement. Often I was running with no other runners in sight, but had no trouble sticking to the route. Mile markers were mostly all there, a few were missing in the 20-25 mile range it seemed. This is a small fun marathon with hills on the second half. I had no trouble with the organization of this race which seems to be a common complaint in past years. The medal was small and in a design of the state of Wisconsin. Nothing special. No food at the finish line, only water. Adequate water stations throughout the course. Only one station had any food that I saw (bananas). Carry your own gels! No fans to speak of, but if you want fans, run Chicago. I thought this race would follow the lakefront more. It really only did for about 4 miles out of 26.2. The rest of the race the lake is not in view. I may run the euro next year to stay by the lake.

Race was poorly organized. Not enough water stops and people at the water stops were NOT helpful at all - some did not even know what mile marker they were at. Neither I nor my running group will never participate in this race again - COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME AND EFFORT!!!!!

I was supposed to run the euro 22 miler. The map I was given at the registration desk was in black and white and nearly indecipherable. It supposedly outlined the 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, and full marathon only, the euro 22 miler was missing. I couldn't make sense of any of it. Mile markers were unclear and water stops weren't where they were supposed to be. After about 5 miles there was a sign pointing the euro runners toward a path that dead-ended at at the lake and a fence blocked the way we suspected we were supposed to go. We climbed rocks to get to the street and before we knew it, we were out in the country and a long way from the euro route. Our only option was to run the 1/2 marathon or the full, I chose the full. The course was non stop up-hill and it kicked my butt. I hated it and loved it at the same time. This isn't a spectator course and it isn't glorious, it's for serious runners out to accomplish a serious run. I started along the lake and went out to farm country where cars whizzed by at 60 mph. I ran back to town where the hills were so tough I didn't see one person that was able to run up them. Eventually we ended up back at the lake where we ran through millionaires' front lawns. You can tell they aren't happy about the race because maybe 50 or so left their soon-to-be-installed piers blocking the path. I heard countless curses shouted by other runners as they tried to maneuver around them or trampled through mud or up and down stairs. The course (though at parts is beautiful) is almost unbelievable. After 23 years of this race being run, it's almost hard to believe how poorly organized it is run. As long as you can go into it expecting the worst (as I did after reading reviews on this site) it's still a good time and I am a better runner today after having run it yesterday. I would recommend it for anyone who is serious about running and is looking for a real adventure. Don't do this one for your first marathon. On runner told me that this was his first marathon and that he was so discouraged by the course that it would be his last.

In some ways I do appreciate this marathon. I loved the diversity of the landscapes (farm fields, lakes, neighborhoods, trails, horse gables, etc.) however I have little else positive to say. There were small mile markers, which would not pose a problem if there were course marshals on the course directing traffic. I did not see a course marshal or first-aid center the entire course. Many of times I was on a road with no one in front of me, behind me and no visible markers. The walkers began at 5 a.m. (which was my case) and we didn't have a rest stop until mile 12! When I got to mile 12 and asked if I could get water or Gatorade, the organizer of that station said, "We were told not to set up until 8 a.m. (3 hours after the walkers began, mind you) and this is really intended for the runners!" That was very disheartening. I will never do the Lake Geneva Marathon and although I liked the beautiful, serene scenery, I will not participate in the future.