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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 151 to 161]
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J. S. from Idaho
(1/22/2008)
"Overall a good race" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Overall, the PF Chang Rock N Roll Marathon is a good winter marathon, especially with the perfect weather this year. Hard training in winter conditions affected my race after 21 miles, but still a good race. Only real issue was the lack of gel packs until 19M, which is way too far into the race. If only supplying 1 gel pack station, make it earlier in the course. Also, the finish line for the marathon was rather awkward and not very conducive to spectator access, nor conducive to planning any kind of kick due to the turn in the last 0.1 mile. | |
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n. h. from minneapolis
(1/22/2008)
"Glad I wore my hat" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved flying from cold, cold, cold Minnesota to sunny Arizona for this race! It was a perfect destination marathon. Terrific organization, especially on the morning of the race (except the bananas were not ripe). The course was flat and fast, except the first 10 miles, which were slow and boring. I prefer a few more turns at the beginning. It was so easy to find my friends during the race (twice!). Lots of restaurants around the finish area. I would recommend this race to other Minnesotans looking for a warm-weather winter run. Count on a cool medal but a mediocre cotton t-shirt for participating, and shelling out more money for a real finisher's shirt. | |
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A. A. from Charlotte, NC
(1/22/2008)
"Great Organization" (about: 2008)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the half marathon and totally enjoyed the whole experience from packet pick-up to all the way to the finish. They even had Popsicles at the finish area and more food and water then you can drink. Kudos to Elite Racing. Well done. | |
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C. V. from Cincinnati, OH
(1/22/2008)
"Once and Never Again" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The expo was really nice, with a lot of vendors. I didn't feel like there were too many booths offering info on other races though. I was also disappointed by the $10 parking for the expo... which doesn't exactly make it a "free" event. The weather was perfect, but the course was BORING. There was good music/cheering support, but it didn't help much in the urban atmosphere. Think roads and shopping centers. I also did not feel like the course was well secured. I had a camera man whiz by me on a motorcycle actually driving on the course and numerous spectators cross the course directly in front of me. I was also disappointed by the very green, very crunchy bananas and lack of bread/bagels at the finish. | |
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K. F. from Iowa
(1/21/2008)
"As fast and flat as advertised!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second marathon and I picked it because I felt I would have a good shot at a BQ. I was not disappointed! The weather was perfect for running and, except for a few tiny inclines, the course was completely flat. I must tip my hat to the 3:40 pacer - we were dead on pace throughout the entire course. While the route was not as scenic as some, the bands and fans were great motivation. If you are looking for a PR/BQ event, this is one to strongly consider. The only minor gripe I have is that the bananas at the finish were green and crunchy. But that is just nit-picking. Overall, there aren't many events that are as well put-together as this one. I had a great time in Arizona and I will likely be back someday! | |
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Eddie Hahn from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(1/21/2008)
"Corporate Organization, Drab Urban Scenry" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 If you are going for the "flat and fast Boston qualifier," this is probably a great choice. You will have excellent logistical support on a fast course. (If you don't like Accelerade sports drink, make sure you consider that factor.) I consider the course very urban and not scenic. The shirt isn't entirely impressive, though I am not sure where other marathoners have come up with a (second), "finisher's" shirt concept.... Of the 97 I have run, I don't ever recall being issued two shirts. This is a very commercial marathon - after you collect your number and chip, you must pass through the Rock N Roll Race merchandise area before you can enter the main expo. The expo had a fair share of vendors and free samples. Finish line amenities were abundant, and the (separate) family reunion area hosted Michelob and one free, 20-ounce, ice-cold beer with a bib number.... Luxury buses were on time and routed us straight to the start, and the parking area was right next to the finish. UPS workers flawlessly handled bag stowage. Gold medalist Olympian Frank Shorter and Arizona's Governor stood atop a scaffolding and cheered us across the start. I received a $10 gift card and a free appetizer coupon from the title sponsor, PF Chang's. If you stay at a hotel along the marathon course, be sure that you account for the 7-hour time limit to course closure. We had a heck of a time getting back to our hotel, located in Scottsdale part of the course. | |
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M. C. from West Sacramento, CA
(1/20/2008)
"Elite Rocks!!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was registered for the full, but since I did a full a month before, and then had minor surgery, I dropped to the half. They make it very easy to do that. This was my second year running the half in Phoenix and by far a better experience. My first time using the shuttles; we only waited a few minutes - it was great. The crowds were better and in all the right places. Their cheers pulled me through and boosted my spirits and energy. I love Accelerade and I train with it; however, the flavor they have been using is not pleasant and gave me stomach cramps and other unpleasant side effects that I don't need to mention. Orange please!! My only complaint about this event is the expo. I have done all of the Elite events and the Phoenix expo is by far the worst for crowds, parking ($20), and getting there. The activities at the stadium next door added to the mayhem downtown. I wish the expo were somewhere else. Other than that, maybe I'll be up for doing the full next year. Elite is by far the best!! | |
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D. B. from Irvine, California
(1/18/2008)
"Great Race... Better Than Expected" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Just to have to say that this is one of the best organized, and flattest for a fast time, that I have run; and this was my 41st. Unfortunately, training at 15 miles per week for the past year led me to be a good half hour slower than normal, but since the course was flat and the aid so good, I wasn't sore at all. Good job... this was better than the RNR San Diego, and I look forward to doing Elite's newest race in San Antonio in November. | |
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R. D. from Las Vegas, NV.
(1/17/2008)
"Perfect Course For a PR/BQ" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course is very flat with a minor hill at around 24. The course allows you to try to run the same mile after mile. I choose this race for reputation of good weather and fast course (didn't disappoint). If you need a PR or BQ, look seriously into doing this race. The organization was top-notch; plenty of drinks throughout course. There was food and drinks at both the start and finish - that's a major positive. The finisher area is well separated from spectators and participants. Medal is very nice, heavy and well designed. The spectators are about average, however the bands and cheerleaders make it better. The highlight was the Kiss cheerleaders. I didn't take the buses and was dropped off. The maps and website make getting around easy for family and friends. The expo had everything you could want. The only negative is that the finisher's t-shirt is cotton, not technical. | |
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James Sinclair from Fayetteville, NC
(1/16/2008)
"Excellent Race Staff" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The course was flat and fast, and the weather was beautiful - good conditions for PR/Boston qualifying. The pace group were especially helpful and kept everyone together and on pace. It's omewhat hard to get to start; just allow the usual hour or two to get there and get gear checked. |
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