I have been a part of the Erie Marathon weekend of events in each of the past four years running the half marathon (which they discontinued in 2015) once, riding bike support once while injured, and twice running the marathon. Each of the past four years it has been a special experience and it will be really hard to not hop in my car and make the three hour drive to the peninsula this September if I end up not doing it because of other race plans.

THE COURSE
The course is a natural loop around the peninsula for 13.1 miles and then you do it again. There are only two slight uphills and it is definitely a fast course. In fact, I made the mistake of going too fast on my first marathon attempt on the course and ended up with a 2-minute half marathon PR after the first loop and then paid for it the second loop. LOL The second time I ran the marathon I did a much better job of pacing myself and ended up with what currently stands as my marathon PR of 3:10:25.

THE EXPO
No much of one...this is a low-key event that still has a small-time feel even though it is quickly becoming a destination of choice for folks in search of that elusive BQ. You get a long sleeve shirt and a medal and there are age group awards, but you don't really do this race for the swag. Probably the one highlight of the expo and something I highly recommend is taking advantage of the pasta dinner that you can purchase as an extra at registration. It's like having a family picnic with other runners and the food is GREAT!!!

AID STATIONS
The stations are entertaining with folks in costumes and trying to win the prize for the most spirited. They do get a little tight in some spots and you really have to pay attention. They are also really short stations so be ready to grab what you need as you approach them.

SCENERY
You won't find a lot of spectators on this course, but you will find a bunch of great views. The sun is coming up over the water at the start and the shade from the trees keeps you at a comfortable temperature that makes this a great fall race.

PARKING
Get there early!!! You can relax in your car. Space is limited and you don't want a long walk after you run 26.2 miles.

FINAL THOUGHTS
I HIGHLY recommend this race!!! I love the low-key family feel that it has had the last four years. I'm hoping that the new race director continues with this atmosphere. One other great aspect of this race is that because of the date of the race you could get a 2-for-1 BQ as it's the first weekend of Boston registration and if it's not full you get in for that year and the next.