This is my 6th GCM. I think after 6 years of the race not starting on time, they either need to get it together or move the start time. The past 3 years we have consistently started at least 5 minutes late which is a big deal for some athletes (especially if its cold). The special half-zip long sleeves for the half marathoners were freaking hideous and feel extremely cheap considering how much they publicized the anniversary special. Putting the aid station after mile 3 on the one section of the course that had the worst potholes was really piss poor planning; I saw too many people tripping. It's already crowded and cups are covering the ground; it wouldn't have hurt anyone to move the aid station a 100ft forward or bad to avoid this disaster. Once again, athletes and spectators asked for a parking made and all they got was a road closure list and a campus parking map that DOES NOT indicate the best lots to park in for each race. Lastly they moved the mug handout setup away from the finish line exit, so many runners did not pick up their souvenir mugs. Also, is this the only half marathon or longer distance that doesn't do finish line photos?!?

This year was a hot and humid race for this area. The race started at 66 degree (F), around 94+% humidity, with 10-15mph winds. Besides dodging a few pot holes at the beginning (and being told the course was marked 0.2miles long) the first two(.2) miles weren't bad. Until I hit the Ambassador Bridge in a headwind, which basically killed my race. I had heard that the Bridge was early enough that it wasn't bad, but I would disagree. Surprisingly I didn't find the elevation change in the Tunnel bad, like others have mentioned. However, I agree it was hot and humid and the conditions in the Tunnel were affected by it. It just wasn't my race it seemed. I enjoyed the change of scenery on Belle Isle although some comment that it is windy. I did miss seeing miles 24 and 25 marked on the course, but thankfully the fluid stations had the miles to the next station marked so you can guessimate. The finish line was really bland: chocolate milk, a bag with a banana and bag of chips, small disposable bottles of water, and only two places for a "finishers" picture.
The course was pretty well spectated and marked. I liked the scenery so I can't complain too much. The fluid stations had great volunteers but I'm not sure how much instruction they were given; a few times I ended up grabbing the cups right off the tables myself--plus so many people would just stop running and walk several feet before the aid stations that it just became a choke point.
I can't comment on the T-shirt/SWAG because there was no Swag and we haven't received our shirts yet. The Expo wasn't anything special, I've seen better and I've seen worse, I basically picked up my packet, bought a mug and body glide and called it a day.
I am disappointed that it is 3 days after the race and they still haven't posted the race pictures yet--rumor has it we have to wait another 24 hours and then maybe they'll be posted. But I will say that the race website is great and the social media team is very responsive to questions and posts. I felt very educated on what to expect, etc.
I found the course challenging because they give you the hardest obstacles early on (ie before mile 9) and all you have to do is make it through and hang on for the rest. Some survive with flying colors, others suffer. I would definitely recommend it because I thought it was pretty neat to run into Canada and back, plus I like Detroit. I personally am probably scarred for life and may only get the nerve to attempt the international half marathon sometime in the future.

I signed up because I heard that this is a great ultra for your first. The course was wonderfully marked. I don't think you could get lost if you tried. The warm tent and gear check were awesome. Parking was easy and close. I didn't get to utilize the campground showers post-race. The management staff was A+++. Packet pickup was efficient and easy. I was a little disappointed not to have a tech tee, but then again I don't really run for the shirts; the past few years I've seen finishers with awesome hats, but there were none this year. The aid stations were beyond fantastic and really the selling point of this race; the 4/5 stars is because the aid station around mile 13/28 was unmanned and empty after 6 hours and that's really when I needed a bit of water of course. I can't say enough about the people working the aid stations, they really made the race what it is. This was my first ever trail race, so I'm not sure the degree of difficulty of the course, but it definitely had more elevation changes than I wasn't anticipating (no elevation map provided). I'm not sure if I'll ever do another ultra, but if I do, I will do this one again.

I've run in 2014 and 2015. It's an easy course around The Ohio State University campus (some elevation). But remember that it is only 4 miles and 10,000+ runners/walkers. While the race management does a great job with the corrals and waved start. There are always issues with people wanting to hang out in the Shoe on the field after they finish. It can get a bit congested even with staff constantly asking finishers to move. And this is an issue even though you don't get your medal, or post-race munchies until after you leave the Stadium. But the highlight is to Finish On The 50!
There is day of race packet pickup which is awesome for out-of-towners! There are plenty of restrooms and vendors on Race Day. Plus all of your favorite Buckeye greats!
If you're not a serious racer, this is definitely a family friendly event for you! And even if you are a serious racer, this is still a great event :)

Hands down my all time favorite race! I've run the half and the full multiple times.
The expo meets your standard needs and is open for two days. I've never had an issue parking (or leaving after the race). The corrals and the wave start seem to prevent overcrowding. Although this year I thought the course was extremely congested even with the wide roads. The pacers are superb. The course is inspirational with all of the Nationwide Children's Hospital. Lots of entertainment and spectators along the course. Plenty of aid stations too. Probably more than you need. It's mainly a flat course and always pretty fast to race. The finish line is a good post-race event party, with plenty of local places to go to if you need a warm space afterwards. It's my annual must run.