Erie is definitely a great course if one is shooting for a BQ. Assuming they are able to get a successor for their retiring RD, it will stay a destination race. That said, though, there were tow main things that were disappointing to me: how they handled their water stops and their premature opening up of the course to traffic. For the full write-up, see my blog:
https://runroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2025/09/erie-marathon-last-chance.html

This course is very flat. 2 loops around the state park. However it doesn't feel like 2 loops because of the scenic nature views. You can see Lake Erie in many spots. The water stations were great. Set a new PR by nearly 8 minutes. Weather was favorable when I ran this race (2019) started in low 60's warm to upper 60's. There are sunny sections on sunny days which did not favor all runners. I never felt overly warm. Used water stations to cool myself down.

Ive ran this race 4 times, 2 as a runner/racer, and 2 as a pacer. I believe it was in 2017 when they switched the direction of the 2 looped course and now it runs clockwise...now it relieves congestion at the hairpin turn. Overall, a great race with a competitive field. Pros: Hydration/water station every mile, good race communication, flat and fast, last chance Boston qualifier, a lot of shade, friendly volunteers, post race eats were good (subway box of food) Cons: 2 loops? (not for everybody) parking situation race morning was awful (much worse than several years ago when you drove in and parked inside the park race morning), disorganized water stops. I think they should offer gatorade (electrolyte drink) first and water second. Some stops had water first gatorade second and vice versa.

Ive ran this race 4 times, 2 as a runner/racer, and 2 as a pacer. I believe it was in 2017 when they switched the direction of the 2 looped course and now it runs clockwise...now it relieves congestion at the hairpin turn. Overall, a great race with a competitive field. Pros: Hydration/water station every mile, good race communication, flat and fast, last chance Boston qualifier, a lot of shade, friendly volunteers, post race eats were good (subway box of food) Cons: 2 loops? (not for everybody) parking situation race morning was awful (much worse than several years ago when you drove in and parked inside the park race morning), disorganized water stops. I think they should offer gatorade (electrolyte drink) first and water second. Some stops had water first gatorade second and vice versa.

Although the course is a tad boring, (you do 2 laps and there aren't many spectators), there is water every mile and the course is totally flat. Great for a PR. A little disappointed there was no free beer at the end!