It is in the Alps and therefore stretches of this race are beautiful. It is a very flat course but you can always tell your mates that it was an alpine marathon. Good points are: 1. The friendly villages where you get ginger cake make by little old ladies and everyone is cheering you on. 2. Very good value, chorizo sarnies served afterwards and free massage as well as clothing and medal 3. Great location for having a relaxing holiday afterwards Bad points: 1. It is very French, don't expect any English instructions! Make sure you know where to register and what time. Take your confirmation of fitness letter from your doctor too. The plus point here is that you will probably be the fastest English/American/Greek etc no matter what time you do 2. It does go quiet in a few stretches, it is on the tarmac cycle path so not the heavenly off-road run along the lake-shore that you may dream of 3. It is pretty fast as a race and they don't care for people who walk the last bit and take more than 5 hours. With any holiday in France you are at the mercy of striking train drivers and air-traffic controllers. Have good travel insurance!

I did this marathon for the first time this year (2011) and I loved it. I am probably biased because I lived in Annecy for a summer when I was in college (2008) and I think it's one of the most beautiful and distinctive cities in Europe. That said, I don't see how anyone could dislike this race. The course and scenery are amazing. For a ~2000-person race (plus ~4000 half-marathoners who start later in the day) it is pretty well organized, well marked and well staffed. The crowds are small since it's run mostly on a bike path along the banks of the lake, and for a good portion of the time you're running in cow country with few people. In the city near the start/finish, however, the crowd is big and loud, and the finish could not be in a more perfect location, right on the shore of the lake in the shadow of a mountain. Overall, I'm very glad I have this one under my belt!

I ran the half marathon in 2010. I found the organization, water stations and support fantastic, partly because at the back I didn't have any congestion problems. Lovely views too! There were far more supporters than I am used to in races in the UK, and as our names were on our bibs, encouragement was very personal. No medal for the half, but a good quality t-shirt, mug and loads to eat. Excellent for slow runners, as the crowds stay to cheer in those at the back - not always the case at home!