Much nicer than the old course, that’s the feedback. As before the marathon comprises two laps of the half marathon route. It is an undemanding race that first skirts the Westdene Dam and then goes through Lakefield. Parts of the course incorporate an easy scenic stretch on Wilge Road along Homestead Lake. If there is any work, it comes in the form of a mild pull around the 15-kilometre marker board. This is more than made up for as you canter under the highway and head for the finish.