Race Reviews

DT's review of 2024 race.   

Review

I loved the course and the support, while not huge, was enthusiastic. People came out in the residential neighborhoods to tailgate and provided us with extra fuel and drink (the ice cold bottles some offered were heaven-sent). It's really flat, but there's one little, steep elevation one has to do twice that can be soul-crushing the second time. Organization was great. Gear check could have been more clearly announced. Post-race food was meh. After the half runners had gone through, all that was left was cold pizza, chips, and a cookie. I'd have loved a banana and more drink options! It was either water or alcoholic beer (I love my beer, but after a marathon prefer non-alcoholic versions).

Expo was a little sparse. Almost no free samples, though they did have everything I needed to prep for the race.

Race Tips

You can't really plan for good weather. The past few years, it's been on and off with perfect race conditions one year and terrible the next. That being said, it's a great course when the weather is good!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Parking is great. There are maps sent out about where to park based on when you'd like to leave by. It can mean a bit of walking (maybe 1km?), but that's always kind of good after a marathon.

Anonymous's review of 2024 race.   

Review

Expo was good. Course was beautiful and flat. Post race there were dixie cups w warm water until you walked out of the stadium across the parking lot where there were bags of lays chips, cookies and pizza. No fruit whatsoever. No food trucks. No chocolate milk. No electrolyte drinks.

Race Tips

Have your friends and family bring post race nutrition/recovery drinks.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Renaissance is not recommended.

WC's review of 2023 race.   

Review

Great course through neighborhoods, and metroparks. A few small hills, but mostly flat. Finish on the 50 yard line of University of Toledo Glass Bowl.

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Lots of great restaurants to check out in Toledo. Incovias, Rosies and Sebastianos good choices for pre-race pasta dinner.

Njv's review of 2023 race.   

Review

Great city, well organized, low key !

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay on Secor close to UT or downtown on the river. Pre race dinner at Zia's Saturday is excellent.

D G's review of 2023 race.   

Review

This is a well-organized marathon with a fast course. Some nice gradual downhills when you need them like in the park after mile 20. The stretch from mile 22 to 25 can get tough with small crowd support and not much to see but push through since you are getting close. I enjoyed the feel of not running in a city atmosphere like in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit or Pittsburgh. Not saying that Toledo is a better marathon but it was nice that it was totally different than the city marathons. This marathon is also very convenient if staying north of the start on Secor road. The after party was also very nice.

Race Tips

Even pacing or trying to negative split on this course should be attempted. Be cognizant of the direction of the wind and plan accordingly by drafting off others when possible and getting into a position to allow it to push you when it is at your back.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

For the race directors it was great having a number of timing spots throughout the course but should add one to the half marathon point.