Harrisburg Marathon

This marathon was my first and I will definitely be returning, if able, in the coming years. Awesome event. Very easy to follow, planned well. Executed even better. Always a time of year when the weather is nice in PA. Lots of assistance and water stations along the way. Race runs over a few bridges and through a couple parks, on front street in the city. All around great race

Race runs on pavement and some brick-like surfaces. Also on some rail trail

Arrive slightly early as traffic gets stopped for walkers-marathon which lets off an hour before runners.

Harrisburg has a pretty fast course, but if gets windy there are some real tricky spots. The fun part is that you're running two half-marathon loops, so you know what's coming up the second time. The bridge where you do out and backs from about 9.5 to 11 and then 22.5 to 24 can be especially tough. However, there was much more spectator support than you'd expect for a small race, and that provided a lot of energy.

There are a huge amount of pace groups, more than at some larger marathons. The organizers seemed very thoughtful. They even had fire pits at the start to keep runners warm.

There are a lot of hotels in the area at all price points. Park at City Island by 6:30. Traffic backs up after that.

This is a very nice small local marathon. With any race you need to know the details ahead so you can get it in your mind that you got this!!! Yes there can be brutal winds by the river! I loved the tail winds and looked forward to that on the second loop to blow me along the river! Yes, there are enthusiastic spectators! But, NO not like the big marathons so expect none and they will totally blow you away! Flat course that I actually loved since its scenery changes, expect horrible scenery and you will love it! I loved that I got to see other runners and the river throughout the course. They actually had pacers which is unusual for a local small marathon! The convenience of staying at the hotel and walking a block or two to the start was great. Nice cafe for coffee afterwards was fantastic! Awesome local restaurants were close! Loved the new course and not having to run through the city. Know ahead it is 2 loops and know that your mind is in a different place second loop! I loved traversing the bridges back and forth and the two loops you knew what to expect. So cool to run the loops and bridges and broke up the monotony of road running! I honestly thought I'd hate the 2 loops and so many runners were complaining at the start- which as a runner you know not to put that negative crap in your head??? Over all I loved this race! It's no frills as you have to carry your own gels and there was plenty of water. Also very pleased with the clean and convenient porta potties. Seriously this is a fantastic marathon. I'd say the only negative is having to run on concrete for some miles and I expected a regular hoodie for the 50th… though overall pleased with my thin hoodie! Oh my I forgot to add the little trail section was a fun surprise as well as the fireball guy! I can't imagine doing a Fireball shot though I had fun listening to his fireball song blasting and seeing other runners happily stop for a shot! Next year he should keep track of numbers and give prize to the runner who guessed how many runners took a shot! All in all a great event - the relay was cool too! If you are running the marathon-consider bringing 4 friends and have them do the relay!!! Excellent execution Fleetfeet and team! I think I may have to run this again! Not sure why this doesn't have 4,000 runners!!!!

Very convenient. Get there 30 minutes before the start, pickup bib and run. Highest ratio of porta potties to participants of any event. All turns marked/manned. Very pretty. Basically flat.

I stayed south of town in a cheap motel. Plenty of parking on city island.

I stayed at the Hilton that offered a marathon deal and was a quick walk to the start. There were plenty of bathrooms and plenty of volunteers at the aid stations which were every 2-3 miles and every aid station offered Stinger gel too. The course is "pretty" flat but not pancake flat by any means. A few small hills and a few slight up/downhill gradients. Nothing that will tear up your quads. The course is interesting so you won’t get bored, and has a few sharp corners and turns. It didn't feel crowded at all. Good crowd support. Was able to PR and BQ. Would recommend. This was my 4th marathon.

There were pacing groups if you like to use them. The course is relatively similar from beginning to end so don't worry about huge hills. There is one hill at mile 25 coming up from the river walk back to the road, but it is quick. An easy PR course.

Hilton and Radisson offered special discounts to marathoners.

Loved this marathon! Course is interesting with some small hills and enough turns to keep you engaged - a beautiful course. Awesome crowd support for a smaller race (this crowd was loud and the signs were hilarious!). Fun finish line (crowds on restaurant row). Don't go in thinking it's completely flat but the hills are quick and manageable. I absolutely loved this race and city (stayed at Crowne Plaza- very short walk from start/finish).

There are small hills and a sharp turn with a small hill at mile 25ish. Manageable but go in knowing they are there.

Pacers were amazing- 3:25 pacer was very calm, comfortable and steady (thanks, Bill!).

I got to City Island at 6:50. By 6:55, I had my bib and sweatshirt and was back to my truck. It was more convenient than most 5ks. No race shirt (thank God because I have about 50 of them), just a nice thick sweatshirt. My first marathon sweatshirt. I parked about 200 feet from the starting line and walked over at 7:55 for an 8:00 start. Sure beats waiting around in the cold like at Philly.

The course is pancake flat. The only part I didn't like was running on gravel for a mile or so through the woods. There was a headwind from mile 11 to 18.

I didn't have to carry gels because nearly every water/Gatorade stop had Stingers. I tried hitting every tangent and wound up with 26.26 miles. The shortest marathon that I have ever run. The finish was right in the middle of town and they provided sandwiches, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate, potato chips and bagels from Panera Bread.

The convenience of this race trumps Philly. I will definitely run this marathon again.

My 12th marathon and a new PR and BQ.

Very well organized race. Cheap entry fee for a marathon. If your looking to BQ, this is the race to try. Nice race shirt w/o all the advertising.

Fairly flat course until mile 19. Then there are a few up and down hills. Nothing too drastic though. They had a large garage to stay warm in prior too and after the race.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza. It is within walking distance of the start/finish. Discount is given to participants. They also had a late check out on race day which was real nice. There are a lot of restaurants within walking distance.