Registration: Available online and at the expo. Price increased from $30 to $50 at packet pick up. Included as part of entry, long sleeve tech shirt, chip timing, medal at the finish, swag bag with flyers & samples.

Expo: day before race from 10-5. I did not attend this, as it was possible to have someone else to pick up your packet. I do know that it was not near the start/finish of the race, but at a completely different location. After the expo the site hosted a pasta dinner.

Pre-Race: The start / finish was near a high school, so there was plenty of free parking for everyone. Port-o-potties were few, but available. The start was a couple blocks from the parking lot. Once to the starting area there were pacers for the full only and no corrals. The national anthem was played, and the race was underway.

Race: The course was on paved surfaces, combination of cement & asphalt. It went out through the county, passing farms, where you could see for miles, then snaked through some residential neighborhoods. Spectators were few & far between. Each mile was marked. The full marathon split was easily identified. Water & Gatorade stops were abundant, served in paper cups, each drink in same color cup. Volunteers shouted which beverage they had. The volunteers at each stop were very encouraging. One orange slice stop. The course had some hills, but nothing steep. There was a timing mat for the half way point split. Port-o-potties on the course. I did not see any photographers on the course. No course entertainment. No time limit for the half, encouraged to finish in 4 hours. Finish on the high school track marked with inflatable arch and clock. After across the finish line a medal was handed to you, then a bottle of water and a mylar blanket. Checked my Garmin, 13.36 miles.

Post Race: After finishing, the chute was a 200 meter walk on the back side of the track, then you had to cross the runners path into the food tents. Bananas, oranges, cookies, water, Gatorade & chocolate milk. Massage was available at no cost. Finishers could see times posted on concourse of the stadium. Could also join spectators in the stands to watch finishers.

Overall: My judgement of this race is clouded by the fact that I ran the entire course with one of my best friends. I had a great time talking and laughing the whole way, it didn't feel like a race to me. However after talking with my husband, he says he will never run a long race in Marion again because it was so boring. Looking back if I had to run it alone, I would agree that the scenery and course was boring. I couldn't imagine running the full. The race is organized well, could have had a few more port-o-potties near the start, great running surface, well supported, and not too hilly. I like to run local races, so if you haven't run Marion I would recommend doing it at least once, maybe with a friend.

Registration: Online registration available or snail mail. Price started at $35, and increased to $40. Could still register on site at the race. Price was high for a 5k, but this is what was included: chip timing, long sleeve shirt, candy, post race breakfast, and a medal! Was also a $1000 prize to the winner. Kids could register for a smaller race which included a post race egg hunt.

Packet pickup: Packets were available for pick up the day before the race at a nearby Clinic, or prior to the race near the start. Others could pick up your stuff. The day before pick up also had more swag to grab, drawstring back pack and candy.

Pre-race: The kids races were held at 8:30. Divided into 2 categories, those 6 & under, and then those over. Plenty of free parking in nearby lots or on the street. There were also port-o-potties near the start. Live music playing.

Race / Course: The race started after a moment of silence for Boston, and then the band sang the National Anthem. The start was congested, and no announcement was made to line up according to pace. Course was on cement and asphalt surfaces, no major potholes. Each mile was marked with a sign. No water stops. Volunteer or law enforcement official at every intersection. The course was still open to traffic, some sections could have had more cones. One major uphill, with one rolling downhill. Few encouraging spectators. Finish marked with banner and clock.

Post Race: After finishing a volunteer handed you a medal & a towel. Proceeded to tents where they served scrambled eggs, sausage, candy, bananas, bagels, Gatorade chews, flavored water, & bottles of water. Live music continued to play. Easter egg hunt held at 10 am. Isabel Bloom awards to winners, ceremony after the egg hunt.

Overall: I will run this race again. The price is high, but you get what you pay for and the course is challenging. The medal is also a bottle opener and a magnet.