Overall: This was a very small and awesome race. I think if you are someone trying to get a new PR or running down a BQ your chances of doing this are pretty good here. I like the small races and it gives you a chance to mix and mingle with other runners. To me this is a more enjoyable experience.

T-Shirt/Swag: At packet pickup when we received our number we were also given a gender specific shirt. I received a white New Balance short sleeve shirt with the race logo on it. In our packet bag we also received a rubber wrist band stating what distance we were running, race logo and project wounded warrior logo as well since this race supported this. Also in the bag were a race logo magnet, plastic cup and also a limited edition wounded warrior project Reese’s cups. With our packet we were also given an orange paper wrist band that we were told was for entrance onto the track and once outside the track we could rip it off. Glad I didn't list to the volunteer who told us this, because this band was what we needed for the after race party. With this band we were given 3 free alcoholic drinks, a meal from a local food truck and a few other things.

Aid Stations: The aid stations were very small as well as the cups. The stations had the options of either water or Gatorade and were being handed out by some very nice volunteers. Hammer gel was being passed out at I believe 3 stations with some awesome flavors. The only downside was a few of the stations weren’t set up or closed and if you were doing the full you had a good amount of miles between stops. I carried my own fluid so this didn’t bother me, but I could see this being a problem for other runners.

Course Scenery: The beginning of the race was really neat because the first mile was a lap around the track and this was an awesome experience. I mean to say you raced on the Monster Mile is pretty neat. Once you were out of the speedway you ran on some beautiful streets and saw beautiful homes and buildings, but once the half and the full split the fullers saw a lot of fields and farms. If you take into consideration the small amount of people running the full and combat that with no crowd support I could see how it could be mentally difficult for a newbie or even veterans.

Expo: There was no real race expo at this event. There was a small New Balance area that had some clothing for sale as well as some other race related items, but not a large selection.

Elevation Difficulty: This course was very flat. Did get some headwinds for a few miles, but other than that a great flat fast course.

Parking/Access: Parking was an A++ at this race. With it being so small you literally parked right next to the start/finish line. I actually stayed at the Comfort Inn and walked to the start line as it was just a very short walk.

Race Management: Race Director, Kent Buckson, does an excellent job of putting on this race. When I went to pick up my packet Kent actually welcomed you, shook your hand and wanted to know a little bit more about you. He did an excellent job before and after the race of getting the crowd excited about the race.

MM#11726

The Erie Marathon looked like it was going to be a total wash out. It rained all day on Saturday and looked like it might not let up for the race. Due to the rain it caused several of the vendors from showing up at the expo I was told. The expo was maybe 4 or 5 vendors under tents due to the rain. You got a race shirt, biofreeze samples, a running belt, sticker and reusable shopping bag.

The race started about 20 minutes late because the rain flooded several of the parking lots. My crew arrived well before the time the race director recommended and we had no problem finding a spot and getting to the start line.

I personally never got to enjoy the views like everyone is talking about because of the way the race is set up. Since this race is ran in a park open to the public they could only shut down one lane. So us runners used the left lane and traffic used the far right lane. I felt like I was constantly seeing the same vehicle probably because they were following their runner and at a few of the turns it was a little tight. I am not a fast runner so I was in the middle with a large pack and trying to be cautious of where you were and making sure you didn't wander over to the right because you could get clipped. I wish the runners had access to both lanes and it might have made it a little bit more enjoyable for me personally. Also due to only have the left lane the water stations were a bit tight as well.

This course is a double loop so if you aren't a fan of those, then this course probably isn't for you. Overall the race is fast and not much elevation change. After the race you got your medal, another reusable tote, water, chocolate milk, Panera Bagels and an awesome boxed lunch from Subway that was a sandwich, chips and a cookie. I was not looking to BQ, but if you are here is a good place to try your luck.

I loved this race and this is actually where I got my current PR. The expo was fairly good. Not the smallest expo or the largest I have been to, but they had a decent one. The race was great and actually a little warmer than anticipated, but overall it was a nice course. In some areas there was some good crowd support, but for the full marathon I felt the presence of cheers was lacking. I will say one of my favorite things about this race was probably the medal and the way it was handed out. The medals, at least in my case, were placed around the finishers neck my Buffalo Bills' football players. It was neat to have that experience. The race was overall nice. Our hotel was literally about 2 blocks from the start/finish line which made it very convenient which is why I gave parking a 5 out of 5 stars. The after race party was also decent as well. They had pizza, drinks and beer. I was pretty exhausted so I didn't stick around very long. I would recommend this race to people looking for a smaller race to check off New York from their map.

This was probably one of my favorite races to date. The weather was perfect and actually a little colder than we anticipated so we headed to a local Walgreens and bought .99 gloves and hats for the run. Usually in years past I hear you could huddle around the Vikings football arena and stay warm before the race, but in 2014 they were doing construction so you were huddling in elevator areas and any place you could. We were shuttled to the start line from our hotel and the finish line was about 10-15 blocks way. Not a bad walk, but with it being so cold you started to feel it. Overall I thought the course was beautiful and were we stayed for the race was right on the river and I absolutely enjoyed myself during my whole stay. Crowd support was pretty good as well as the expo. I would totally run this race again given the chance.