This was my 45th state and 51st marathon, getting Iowa checked off the list. It’s very small but that’s a good thing in my opinion. Here are the pros and cons as I saw them:

Pros:
-Small – low key race production and minimal communication until the week of. No spam just important info leading up to race day.
-Easy packet pickup day of or day before. Took two minutes.
-Pasta dinner was at a restaurant and was actually pretty good. Could buy ahead of time or there.
-Transportation to the start – only about 100 marathoners so pretty easy. They had buses that took us to Malvern.
-Start was at a school so indoor hangout area and real bathrooms.
-Good amount of aid stations, about every two miles and then about every mile after mile 20. Gatorade and water with some food and power blocks.
-Great course! There are about two miles on roads in Malvern, shaded and easy, then a rail to trail fine limestone surface for the next 22 miles or so. It’s all blessedly shaded for the first 23-24 miles with only some gaps of sunshine. Scenic and peaceful, I was alone or nearly so for much of the run which is ok with me. You’re running by corn fields and farms. Supposedly bugs can be a problem but I sprayed myself down and didn’t notice or hear about any issue on this day.
-Medal – it’s a wooden medallion with the logo. Very unique and pretty. The shirt was okay, not a fan of the color but long sleeve and technical with the great logo on the front.

Cons:
-We started a bit late, not sure why.
-Mile signs were off on the trail portions but seemed fine and on target by the end. I logged over 26.35 miles.
-Age group awards only went two deep. I got third. But it’s a small race so this is understandable.
-Heat. Certainly not the race’s fault but be aware. The start was cool, about 60. Warmed up to above 80 by the last few miles. The shade and breeze made the difference but the last couple of miles were warm.

Overall I thought this was a great low key marathon. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for an alternative to a city marathon. They do a nice job in the organization and it’s a cute little town with a few good places to check out. I recommend the pasta dinner the night before and The Sanctuary restaurant is great for lunch or post-race meal. The Shenandoah Inn and Suites is great for the start and bus loading as well as the finish – two blocks away.