by Anonymous, posted 2007-11-13 02:35:08

The course was excellent - fair and fun. Liked running over familiar race courses, and hitting the highlights of this great town. Organization showed its rookie status, but all-in-all was good. Need to amp up the fun with post race party, more music along the course, or something.

by Anonymous, posted 2007-11-06 21:20:04

I was really impressed with this event! From a runner's point of view, everything went smoothly in spite of some last second parking issues faced by the organizers. The course was clearly marked, there were plenty of water (and Ultima) stops along the way, plenty of food and water at the end of the race, and the t-shirts were actually runners' shirts worth the extra price of the registration fee. As for the course, I think the committee did a great job of mapping a race route that is unique to this area. It is a tough course, especially for the full marathon, but the path down Hillsborough St, through downtown Raleigh, through the older neighborhoods near Cameron Village and NC State University, and up the hills in Umstead Park all give the race it's own unique (and local) flavor. Hopefully, the City of Oaks Marathon and 1/2 Marathon will become a big event that will draw more spectators along the course route (although Umstead Park still looks to be a lonely and difficult run). I look forward to running this same route again next year!

by Anonymous, posted 2007-11-06 12:52:02

Had a great time. Great course -- except for the loop around RBC center -- boring! Hopefully, the fun factor improves with more bands on the course, more fans on the course, and more local buzz about this being A Big Event. Heck, get Stormy (the Hurricanes mascot) and the NC State mascots in on the fun.