Albany Marathon (formerly the Snickers Marathon Energy Bar Mara

I made the long drive from Milwaukee to complete another marathon. This was marathon #20 and state #19 for me. The expo was very small and underwhelming. They had no official merchandise on sale except old race shirts/jackets with previous dates embroidered on them. We did receive a nice cinch bag and a cotton t-shirt which I always appreciate. The host hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) is VERY convenient as it is steps from the start/finish line. Race morning was perfect weather with high 50's and a cool breeze. No corrals as most of us looked to be seasoned runners. The race started and off we went. I had close to 50 runners in front of me and i followed the pack. A quarter mile into our run, I saw runners turning around and doubling back. I then saw an ATV racing after us screaming to 'turn around'. While looking to my left confused, I barreled into another runner. Uninjured, I began to run the correct way. By the time I got back to the race start, I had logged almost a half mile. We then had to weave in and out of the back of the pack half marathon walkers. Everyone (including myself) was frustrated. Once I got into a rhythm and was mentally settled, the race was enjoyable! The course was perfectly marked with little rolling hills the entire way. Aid station support was perfect! Almost no spectators and little entertainment on the course but I could care less about that. Most of the course is run through residential upscale neighborhoods. It did get a little humid towards the end which led to some leg cramping. Finish line was solid as they announced your name as you crossed the line. Medal was decent and post-race food was okay. Weird to see that there were no Combos snacks at the end of the Combos Marathon. Unlimited beer at the end was nice to see as well! All in all, a solid marathon that I would recommend. The race director sent out an apology email about the race start which I thought was nice. Other than that debacle, it was a good event.

This race is billed as a fast course, and it can be if conditions are right. The course is mostly flat, but does have some small hills, nothing major. The race begins early since this is southern Georgia. We had lovely cool temps in the high 50s at the start; 2.5 hours in, the sun was brutal and the temps/humidity were high. The back half was a trudge. That said, great support, well-marked course (understand some of the elites were directed the wrong way at the start; this did not affect those of us in back, but I was sorry that happened for those who were looking for a record). Spectators and volunteers were wild about the race and excited for all runners. The visit to Albany was really neat; it's a great city. The headline sponsor is now Combos, and you better be a big fan. The branding is EVERYWHERE, including the medal. Overall, a really nice marathon in a friendly and interesting city!

Small field with a 1/2 and full marathon starting at the same time. Small 'expo' for packet pick-up. Easy to get to, super easy parking. I drove up about 40 minutes before start. Lot's of pacers/almost in 5-minute increments. The course is almost pancake flat. Hydration about every 2 miles. Well-marked mile markers. Not many spectators-course winds in/out of neighborhoods, not many people are out. BUT-the ones that are, make up for it in enthusiasm! Yelling, cowbells, jingle bells, it was excellent. Albany makes you feel welcome-lots of 'welcome runners' signs all over town. Yes-I BQ'd with a 10-minute improvement over Chicago 2019 and now have a 15-minute cushion. I'd do it again if I need to BQ!