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Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.8 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 401 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
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David Keck from Southern California
(1/21/2009)
"Good Race that Could be Great" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The course is not completely flat, but compared to many races, the hills are minor. The post-race traffic and parking situation was ridiculous. We sat in the parking structure on the campus for almost 2 hours and never moved. The spectators are enthusiastic but there are many areas where there aren't any. When compared to Boston or New York, the spectators are a 3 or a 4. Cytomax is extremely sweet "as is" and could easily be watered down to be more palatable. | |
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P. B. from Amelia Island, FL
(1/21/2009)
"Very nice run. Definitely a favorite!" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I just ran the full marathon this past Sunday. This was my 8th. I had been told by friends, who had run it, that it ran through the "armpit" of Phoenix. I did NOT agree. I thought the course was overall very nice! With so many great bands and cheerleaders, though, it wouldn't have mattered. This was my first Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, and it was a super distraction to have all the music! I live in Florida, so the flat course was just like being at home. I finished 15 minutes ahead of my goal time. I would have finished faster except it was a bit hot for the last two miles on the black top in direct sunlight. Two things that could be improved on: First, more port-o-pots; I was almost late to race corral with the long lines (30-minute wait). Also, there were no finisher's shirt! We only received a cotton t-shirt. This was an expensive race, too, so I think we should have received a Dri-Fit finisher's shirt. | |
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Knud Hermansen from Old Town, Maine
(1/20/2009)
"Great course and weather; good Boston Qualifier" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Bottom line: Aside from some very minor issues, this was a well organized marathon. The course and weather were ideal and this was a great marathon for qualifying for Boston. I easily made my time and had a great time in Phoenix. Sign-up, website and pre-marathon: The marathon was easy to sign up for and the website had a lot of good information about transportation. I wish they had an official hotel of a map showing hotels near the start and finish line. They had the usual sections about suggested race workouts and otherwise had a pretty standard site. Expo: The expo was easy to find and reach from the metro. Food was expensive and I would eat after if I did it again. The booths were good and packet pick-up was easy. Start: The start was about a mile from the nearest Metro stop and it would be nice if it was a little closer. The number of port-a-johns was inadequate. There were 20-minute lines with fewer than 20 minutes to go. They could have used about twice as many. The start area was overall decently organized and the race started right on time. Course: Temperatures were a little warm, even for Phoenix, but were still very reasonable and far from too hot. They were around the high 50's at the start and probably in the high 60's by the start. I came from Maine where the temperatures were around -20 F, and I had no issues with the heat. The course is essentially flat. Most of the hills were so gradual as to be unnoticeable. There was a slight northeast breeze that cooling without getting to strong. There was one stretch around mile 19 that was uphill and into the wind and this was the toughest part, but nothing compared to other hills and weather I have encountered in marathons. Water and port-a-john stops: There were 18 water stops. Most of the times they were on both sides and plentiful. They had water and Cytomax. There were only three port-a-john stops (that I noticed) and most of these were near the end. Hotel and transportation: I stayed at the Comfort-Inn near ASU. It was an easy walk back from the finish and a short walk to the Metro. The Metro was great as it provides cheap transportation between the expo, start and finish. This just came online and I applaud the race for having its key locations so close to its stops. Support: The cheer groups and bands along the course were pleasant although overall crown support was rather sparse. I suspect this may have been due to the Cardinals playing in the NFC Championship that weekend, however. Overall comments: I ran with the three-hour pace group and I cannot say enough thanks for the masterful job that their pace leaders did at keeping us dead-on for splits. This is a good marathon and I would run it again or recommend to a friend. | |
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S. S. from Chicago, IL
(1/20/2009)
"No medal; no Cytomax; ugly, boring course" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 This was my 12th half marathon, and the most disappointing. With a projected finish time of 3:15, I was a slow run/walker, in the 22nd corral. Plus: The weather was great, a bit warm, but sunny and nice. Course is mostly flat, with one hill around Mile 9. Cons: Organization was lacking for those running a slower race. The organizers state that the course is open for a four hour finish, and there were many many walkers on the course. You would think that the course would be fully supported for those run/walkers and walkers, but it was not. We had no Cytomax until Mile 9. Maybe it was just bad timing, but I didn't hear an active band from Mile 5 through Mile 9. And, insult of all insults, there were no medals left at the finish, as the organizers allowed anyone who wanted to switch from the full to the half without processing paperwork or advance notice, and didn't have enough medals left for the later finishers. More than that, the course for the 1/2 marathon is really, really boring and ugly. You pass through a light industrial segment and mini-mall, deserted areas, from Phoenix to Tempe. It's not until Mile 9 that you can really even see the mountains. With nothing of interest, and little community support, it's a quiet, boring race to run. To cap it off, the finish puts you in a large asphalt parking lot to meet up with others. Not the best finish in the blazing sun of the AZ desert. I love Phoenix, and will visit again, but I won't be doing this race again, even after they mail me my medal. | |
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M. R. from Omaha, NE
(1/20/2009)
"A Good First Marathon" (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I thought this was a good first marathon. It was a flat course, with support throughout most of the course. I wonder if the Cardinals being in the NFC Championship took away some of the excitement. I knew of a few people that opted to pre-game instead of cheering us on. It was very well organized. I didn't have any issues getting started on the course, and the finish area was expansive and lines were at a minimum. The family meeting area was good, although my last name put me in the back. Curse my ancestors for choosing the letter "R!" The course itself was pretty flat and dull We traveled through some sketchy areas, but it was not unsafe by any means. All in all, a good first experience. | |
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D. B. from New Hampshire
(1/20/2009)
"Absolutely Wonderful (Easy to boot)" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 When I arrived in Phoenix, I was immediately stunned by the gorgeous weather. It was quite the change from the tough, cold winters of New England. Anyways, the weather was around 47 in the morning and rose gradually to 70 by the end. Perfect running weather. The course was flat, therefore making it quite an easy run. I loved the fans, with those entertaining bands scattered throughout. Plenty of water stops and bathroom stops. Everything was well-organized and I would absolutely do it again. The medal was nice too. If you want to run a marathon that demonstrates wonderful weather and a friendly and happy environment, then this is the race for you. | |
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S. S. from Portland, OR
(1/19/2009)
"Great organization" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first R 'n' R Marathon. The course was nice and flat, so it didn't wear you out. The spectators were great and very encouraging. The shuttle buses, gear check, start line arrangement and finish line setup were all extremely well-organized. I was impressed by how many aid stations there were and how well-stocked they were. Even these were well-organized. You knew the water was always after the Cytomax. Lots of friendly volunteers. Very impressive. It was also so nice to get some warm weather and sunshine after a cold and snowy training season. | |
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Charles W Wilcox from Payson,AZ
(1/19/2009)
"My first at 68 was great time" (about: 2009)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my first race at 68, and I amazed myself with a time of 3:30:08. I loved the run. Will be back next year but will train better; my kids were saying, "We told you to train - no excuses." Loved the bands and cheers. I can hardly walk today, but that's fine. Thanks to all involved in the race and expo. Great job. | |
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R. H. from New England
(1/19/2009)
"They Pulled It Off Again...." (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It never ceases to amaze me how those in charge of RRAZ manage to pull such a massive undertaking together every year. It seemed like every possible aspect of the race was covered... and I mean everything. My only concerns after running it for the third time (first time half) is that they are almost at the breaking point with 20,000+ half-marathoners. It was almost impossible to navigate through everyone. The only other thing, and I'm noticing it more and more, is the lack of signage or notice about walkers starting in early corrals. I spent most of my run trying to get around them after starting in a middle corral. These are minor complaints. This is a fantastic experience. I just think they need to be careful about capping the half. I can't wait for next year! | |
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R. P. from Ventura County, CA
(1/19/2009)
"Fast Course, Mixed Organization" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Pros: Fast course (no real hills, turns are wide). Good weather. Plenty of water, but they could use a bit more at the end. Corral 1 didn't fill up until 10 minutes before the start, so you can actually run around in the corral to warm up. Weird, but nice. Cons: After crossing finish line, staggering, I had to go about 50 yards before there were any medical people. When I saw them, they just stayed away and kind of looked at me. I would be shocked if several runners didn't fall on their faces and get injured after finishing. The head of the volunteers wouldn't let me use a volunteer chair to sit for a few seconds because "if I let you sit for ten seconds, then everyone will want to sit and that is 30,000 x 10 seconds." Nice. Food and water were another 50-100 yards away. Bag check is at the rear-left of the booth area; and the family area is at the side-right. So, to get your stuff and meet your family, you have to walk almost a half-mile (think big triangle). If you run anywhere around 3 hours, don't expect 20+ bands. Most bands hadn't started yet or were taking breaks. I heard about six. Mile markers: first several were off by quite a bit. I clocked a 1:30 difference between mile 1 and mile 2 running the same pace. Several others commented as well. Also, my watch split for the half-marathon mat didn't match what they reported. Not sure what happened. The cotton T-shirt is cheap. People complain about Disney being a rip off, but this is much worse. Disney is much better organized and has much better bling. The race and course are fast, but organization has some scary deficiencies. |
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