I ran the marathon in 2014 as a supported training run and the half marathon in 2015. The marathon has a large number of runners who qualify for Boston.....course is flat and not crowded. Entire race route is an out and back on the C&O Towpath starting in Carderock, MD. Marathon runners run the out & back route twice and HMers run the route once. MM#10824

I was a back of the pack runners for the marathon and appreciate that I was able to do an "early" start since there is a 6 hour time limit for the normal race start. The extra hour gave me to breathe easy and do a relaxed training run.

Expo: there isn't one. You can pick up your bibs in advance but I think the majority pick up bibs race morning.

Aid stations: every couple miles with water and gatorade. You need to bring your own fuel if you want something else.

T-shirt/swag: nothing super special but race proceeds go to charity. This is a low key race and most fellow runners do not run this race for the swag. There were many marathon maniacs, 50 state club runners and half fanatics checking off another race.

Course: fall scenery along the canal is pretty.

What I like most about this race is the runner and race community. Terrific to see the fast runners trying to qualify for Boston and fellow middle/back of the pack runners who are cheered on at the same time.