I have goal to run 30 marathon before I'm 30 so I signed up for this race due to it being close. I'm not sure why I did this after the course measured long next year. Every year my expectations get lower and lower. I think the icing on the cake this year was the horrible park situation and the course length. I don't know how this race will recover.

This was the 6th year of run this race and it never disappoints me. I really like this corse medal! It's apparent that the community supports this race the last 5 miles which are always my most difficult you never feel alone. For being a smaller race- it delivers true value making every penny well spent.

I didn't have a great race when I ran this a few years ago. I went out to the course to seek redemption. While I did redeem myself. This is not a great marathon. There is no spectators. There is not enough aid station at all. The course while beautiful is slightly boring you do a couple zig zags through the park but a majority of it occurs on the oak leaf trail. The only redeeming feature is you run along the lakefront so you get some beautiful views over the bluffs.

If your looking for a smaller city race that supports your local park system look no further. Although the spectators are few and far they are mighty! I really enjoy how this course leads you through Lapham park. I enjoy the mental aspect of this race. You are mostly on a paved trail, until you teach this part then you must climber the tower ring the bell and return. I throughly enjoy this race and will be back for many years.