It's weird, you go into a race expecting one thing and you get something completely different. With the Freedom's Run Marathon, I'm not sure what I was expecting. The course is absolutely beautiful, you run 10 miles along the C&O Canal Towpath, where the scent of Paw-paws fill the air. The water was a little high due to recent storms, but I'm sure under other circumstances it would be full of kayakers and rafters. There is a hill at mile 15, the director Dr. Mark suggests walking/power hiking it and I agree. It was a steep one, but once you clear that you're running through the rich history of Antietam Battlefield. As you run take a look at the markers pointing out the troop locations, or you want stop and read some of them. After Antietam, you run through Sharpsburg, a nice small mountain town then head back to the river and the finish. The finish, by the way is on the 50 yard line of Shepard's University Stadium.
The expo was small and friendly feeling. They don't give you a bag full of flyers, but the groups there have a few if you want more information. Packet pick up was simple, all the races were divided into tables to get your bib and shirt. The University also made the showers at the Wellness Center available for people to use after running, and there's nothing better than a good hot shower, except maybe a massage. And they had those too.
There were gels available on the course as well as Gatorade Endurance and water.
After the race, everyone was given a reusable bottle so no cups are wasted, and you ate your pizza with your hands, no plates here! I like races that try to cut down on waste and Freedom's Run did it in spades.

If you're looking for a fun, friendly marathon with great scenery, and an environmentally conscious plan, then I whole-heartedly recommend Freedom's Run!