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☰
Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon) Runner Comments
Back to Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon) Information & Reviews
Course 3.8 
Organization 4.1 
Spectators 3.1
Number of comments: 147 [displaying comments 81 to 91]
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K. S. from Madison, WI
(3/31/2008)
"Well executed race" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 My third marathon overall. I picked the race I was hoping for, with cool weather (and it got cooler than expected, due to a steady headwind... which I can't blame anyone for). Aid stations every 2 miles up until 20, and then every mile. Great work from the volunteers. Lots of open road and rolling terrain, with wind. Amazing massage service pos- race! Many experienced runners with the 50 states club, which made it fun. | |
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M. H. from South Dakota, U.S.A.
(3/31/2008)
"Great, organized course with more than enough wind" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 As this was my first marathon, I'm not sure how valid my information is, since I have nothing to compare it to. There was a few hills around Mile 16 and 17, but nothing too serious. The course double-backed three times, one stretch of which was over a mile long each way. The volunteers were very helpful and organized, with water and Gatorade at every aid station (Gu at Mile 17 station). A couple of things I was disappointed in were the wind and the lack of spectators. At least 20 mph headwinds making the run about 50% more difficult were present, and making it that much more difficult. The people that were there were great, but there seemed to be a slight shortage of spectators. | |
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Marina White from Southern CA
(3/31/2008)
"Not for the easily bored or weak bladder-ed!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Overall, the race course was not such a difficult one to run, with some inclines here and there, but mostly flat and well marked, so it was clear where to go and easy to get there. However, the wind was beyond what I expected, and for most of the course I was "crying," holding onto my beanie, and wiping away the sniffles, with my frozen hands (despite gloves). If this race could be put on less-windy roads (such as ones more sheltered, like by homes or businesses); perhaps that could help deflate that wind that really goes right through you from the open fields! And what can definitely be helped is bathrooms! I needed about double what was there, and at one point made my way off the highway around mile 14 to a gas station! With the wind as it was, I was really chilled and shivery, and just had to go much more than usual! And then it was too cold to sweat, so all the fluid had to come out somehow!! Also, at times the stretches of open fields were tedious, and the other major miles, which were on the highways, were often on concrete where we could just soak up the exhaust! (Yuck...) But, the people were all super nice, encouraging, and there were lots of police to guide our paths and keep us safe. That made it worth it, and a nice experience too, even though I got a time a lot higher than expected. Also got a nice little massage at the end, and my picture taken at no cost, so people are once again very kind there. :) | |
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L. R. from prairie village
(3/31/2008)
"what were they thinking??" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I had read several good reviews of this race and there were positive aspects to it... however, when the school bus pulled up to drop us off at the start line for the 1/2 marathon, there were a total of TWO porta-potties! For over 600 runners! Well, you can imagine the line. Come on, people, this isn't the first time this race has been run. Surely you knew that was not going to be sufficient. Secondly, I know you can't control the weather, but how much would it cost to have a tent of some kind with some heaters for the already-predicted weather situation? If not for the wonderful security guard at a near by office building we would have had to stand in the cold and wind for almost an hour with no shelter whatsoever. Standing in an open parking lot, with temperatures in the upper 30's and 30 mph wind gusts with only two porta-potties, is not the way to start a race. Otherwise, it was a nice enough run. Good volunteers and plenty of water and Gatorade. But please, rethink the other aspects before next year. Luckily I'm a local runner, but if I had driven several hours like some participants I would NOT have been happy with the way we were treated at the start! | |
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R. S. from Kansas
(3/31/2008)
"Well organized, but very boring course" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The point-to-point course was rolling hills in the middle of nowhere, making it a pretty boring run. The weather was cold and windy and this course left no protection from the elements. The race was well organized with plenty of water stops and porta-potties. The medals were nice and there were plenty of refreshments at the finish line. | |
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S. D. from Midwest
(3/31/2008)
"Honest feedback" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 The course: Pretty flat; a few small hills but nothing bad. If you're looking for scenery, go elsewhere. Most of the race is in the country, with some in industrial parks. Not that that's bad... just don't have high expectations. Was surprised there wasn't a clock at the halfway point. Wind was rough, but nothing can be done about that. Spectators: Nonexistent, since much of the race in the country. I don't need fans to get through a race, but if you do, go elsewhere. Supplies during race: Plentiful water and Gatorade. One Gu stop, which is basically not worth having in my opinion (if you're only going to have one). Post-race refreshments: Horrible. Plain bagels and very green bananas. Sorry, but that's not acceptable for a marathon. A junior high cross-country race, maybe. T-shirt: Horrible. A 100%-cotton t-shirt? Come on, people. For a $75 entry fee, I expect at least a 50/50 shirt, preferably CoolMax. I almost just handed them back the shirt to donate to charity because it was so lame. Overall: If you want a fast time, your chances are pretty good here. If you want to mark Kansas off your list, this obviously works. If you want anything more than that, go somewhere else. | |
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J. S. from Rockville, MD
(3/30/2008)
"Blowin' in the wind..." (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The course itself is okay, but there was a strong wind blowing from the east the entire race. Alas, we basically ran eastward for much of the course, including four miles due east on the highway, without any trees or buildings to shield us from the wind. On the plus side, the police and course marshals were excellent in protecting us from traffic, the fluid stops were well stocked, and the people were generally friendly. I'd recommend this race for someone who needs to run in a Kansas marathon. | |
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J. C. from NEWPORT KY.
(3/30/2008)
"cold, windy, very well organized" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 It was a cold, windy race, but very well organized; they had plenty of parking, warm pre-race restrooms (anything to be out of the cold wind).... Volunteers get an A+. Races can't be done without them. I even had a KRISPY KREME DONUT ON THE COURSE. GREAT TIMING! Thanks to police, race volunteers and running club. | |
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D. M. from Ogden, UT
(3/30/2008)
"Uninspiring course, excellent organization" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race really came down to three significant factors one should consider when choosing it: 1. The course is completely uninspiring. Much of it is on wide 2-lane or 4-lane state and county roads. It tends to be open and exposed - subject to the wind (of which there was a lot on this day) and the sun (of which, thankfully, there was little - it was overcast for the entire race). There is about a mile of pleasant residential running in the late miles, but that's about it. 2. The organization was flawless. I arrived late the night before the race and picked up my packet on race morning. No problems. The buses and the start were both on time. The finisher's medal is among the best I have seen. 3. Beyond the RD's control is the weather. The weather for this race was cold at the start, pleasantly cool throughout, and significantly windy (out of the east/southeast). Since much of the race was on exposed section roads and highways, you are exposed to whatever the weather throws at you. And remember, this is spring on the plains - it can be anything. | |
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A. H. from Owatonna, Minnesota
(3/30/2008)
"Windy!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Garmin Marathon (prev. Oz Marathon)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I was on pace to set a personal PR, but then the wind hit at mile 14 and we ran right into it until mile 18. Ouch! The weather said Olathe was supposed to be "breezy," but my husband and I were sure we saw Dorthy fly by. Good race otherwise. Not many spectators, but it was well organized and run. Ps. Aid stop #5 was the best! :) |
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