I thought the race was much improved this year. The organizers made some nice improvements in the course and they had to make some modifications this week due to the tornado damage from two weeks ago. It looked like they had enough water to handle 80 degree temps, but didn't need it with the 40's and a cool breeze to top it off. The finish was a little difficult with all of the tight turns at the end, but the damage caused the change. Also, we got lucky with the rain ending before the race start. I finished in 1:52 and some change which is okay since I haven't done any tempo runs or speed work this year. David

Anyone (and there are some) who says that the back-of-the-pack runners aren't "real" runners has obviously never watched these people finish. My friend Ashis finished in 6:21 and felt it was a very difficult course.

I have the most respect for people that can run 2 hour and single digit times, with folks that are out there for 6 or 7 or 8 hours coming right below that. Being out that long is a hell of a lot more difficult than being out for only 3 hours.

Sorry for the late report but work and other issues have kept me pretty much off boards lately. I don't think there could have been a bigger contrast between the 2007 and 2008 races. 2007 was hot, very low on water (out in a lot of places) and seemed poorly organized. This year the weather was cool, a little drizzle and almost perfect for running, although the winds were a little cold. The race organizers promised us water/power drink at 25 aid stations along the course and they delivered. I was one of two pacers with the six hour group and there was plenty of water/sports drink even for those of us in the back of the pack. The volunteers at the aid stations were all very enthusiastic just as I'm sure they were for the front of the pack runners. The girls at Agnes Scott College were excellent in their support. The course itself was much better than last year with the start and finish in the Olympic park area. There were some complaints because the last six miles were rolling hills, but folks this is Atlanta. The only other complaint I heard was the zigzag finish at the end. But that was a result of the race officials having to move the start back several hundred feet due to one of the roads at the start of the race not being accessible. The course had to be recertified within 48 hours of the start and that necessited changing the finish. Originally (and presumably next year if the course stays the same) the ending will be much wider and not following the park sidewalk. Overall I thought this race went very well. There is always room for improvement but compared to last year this was really great. As for our group we came in at 5:58:44 chip time (goal was to be within two minutes of 6 hours) so we were satisfied with that. All the pace groups except one came in within 2 minutes. The 7 hour group came in 4 minutes faster than they should have. But it was still a pretty good effort by everyone.