Toledo seems to punch above its weight class in putting on this race. The race is very well organized, the expo is bigger than you might expect for a race this size, and everyone involved seems very friendly and motivated. All spectators on the course were very enthusiastic.

This was my first try running this particular race. I'm not from Toledo so I'm not familiar with the geography, but this race was very much a "Suburban McMansions Tour of Toledo" affair rather than a city marathon. It winds around the border of the UT campus and then heads through the tony neighborhood of Ottawa Hills, and eventually goes up to Sylvania, the northern suburb. I found the course to be very boring, especially the loops in Wildwood Park. The hardest miles of the race (22-25.2) are run in the park on a rail trail, with very little spectator support. I would love training on this or doing a club race on it, but I don't think such an isolated course is appropriate for a race billed as a city marathon. (NOTE: this was only for the full. The half stayed on streets the entire time). Also, there are two sections that take you on a three foot bike lane right next to traffic going by at 40 mph - with only cones to separate you. I know that these choices are made for budgetary reasons, but come on, let's see downtown, at least. TL;DR - this is the TOLEDO marathon - show us Toledo, warts and all! Suburban streets are boring and there are a lot of people who live downtown that would love to be involved in this race.

The only other suggestion I have would be to upgrade the premiums. They were cheap leslie jordan longsleeves that are frankly pretty ugly. I don't see myself wearing it much. The medal and beer mug were very nice, though.