Grand Rapids Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.5

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.0

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Number of comments: 329 [displaying comments 161 to 171]

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j. f. from Chicago (10/18/2009) "Excellent Race" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second time running this race; the last time was five years ago, as I ran Chicago the last four years. It has only improved! The course is great, the volunteers fantastic, and the race itself is very well run. There seemed to be more spectators as well. There are a few spots where there are no spectators, but usually within two to three miles you have a water station or a viewing area. This would be a great race for anyone looking to run a smaller race (1,555 marathon finishers).
J. R. from South Bend, Indiana, USA (6/30/2009) "For me, a great first-marathon experience." (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I liked this race! The staff were very friendly and well organized. The aid stations were well supplied. The course was scenic for the most part, although a bit narrow at one point. Very spectator friendly! Although there aren't huge crowds of spectators, those present do a good job of cheering and are full of encouragement (whether they know you or not). All in all, a good experience. :)
B. F. from East Lansing, MI. (2/8/2009) "Great marathon for your first; walkers are welcome" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am a walker and this was my first marathon. I could not have picked a better one for my first. The sponsors and the race director (Don Kern) were welcoming and very supportive. The support along the route was more than you could ask for. There are even people along the last several miles of the route that are there just to make sure you are okay and to see if you need help or support finishing.The race director waits for everyone to finish and is there at the end to welcome the finishers. If you are considering doing a marathon and you are a walker, you are treated just like the elite runners. It is a great event and my daughter (she is a runner) and I will be there again next year (2009). Very rewarding and worth the effort. The expo is also great and well attended.
B. B. from Williamsburg, Virginia (1/31/2009) "Great job on the weather!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 13th marathon and 12th state. I am SO glad we chose Grand Rapids for Michigan. The weather was perfect. The people are fantastic. The course was ideal. The pace groups were hilarious. I tried to stay with P Diddy but I faded and finished after Oprah. I felt great, though, the entire 26.2 miles. Don greeted me at the finish. I swooned and ended up in the med tent. After a brief stay there, all was well. Everything about this race is top-notch. The post-race beer was very good. Having access to a shower so quickly was a godsend. Thanks to Don Kern and all of you friendly Michiganers!
K. C. from Lansing, MI (1/26/2009) "Great first marathon race!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon ever. What an amazing experience! I could not have asked for a better first marathon experience! The aid stations were tremendous, the course was great, and the weather was perfect. The crowds were not as plentiful as I would have expected but pretty good nonetheless (tons better than Traverse City Bayshore). I love the fact that Don takes the time to shake everyone's hand. The medal and socks were an added bonus! I am already planning on running it again in 2009. I realize it's the same weekend as Detroit, but I'd much rather run a smaller race than get lost in a mob.
e. b. from west bloomfield, michigan (11/26/2008) "Try this one; you will appreciate it." (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Thanks again Don for your dedication and time to give runners a really fine marathon experience. I ran this race unexpectedly, knowing nothing about it (2007) and was amazed about the scenic course, the course support (which was much better than at any race I've ever entered), easy check in, nice expo, enthusiastic volunteers who were runners, and great post-race food and refreshments. Chili and micro-brewed beer plus healthy foods at the finish line - a runner's choice. Lots of GU on route and many times including early and late miles too. The same positive amenities and support were around for 2008. You even get emails from the race director both to all runners and personal ones if you have a question or need some advice. This year the course was the same as last year and I see no reason to change it. People complain about congestion on the out-and-back trails, but it's not that bad. Also, a complaint is foul-smelling air, which again is not that bad and only lasts for a minute or two. Try the Myrtle Beach Marathon - running miles on a road with traffic and runners in a lane separated with traffic cones, breathing in car exhaust - for a comparison. My thought: people are looking for something negative. I do agree those wood posts on the trail should be marked in orange and padded. I'm sure Don will take care of that next year. Chalk markings of encouragement and verbal encouragement from volunteers made up for the lack of spectators on most of the course. The spectators cannot get to points on the bike path, but the beautiful fall foliage and views of the river are what you get instead. This is a great race. I'll be back.
C. S. from U.S. (11/18/2008) "A great, scenic, fall marathon." (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first time running Grand Rapids. I truly enjoyed the small size, scenic fall foliage, and perfect temperature. Plus... I qualified for Boston. I have already recommended it to many friends!
J. W. from Macomb, Michigan (11/10/2008) "Beyond Expectations!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a veteran of the New York Marathon, this is by far my best marathon experience! The staff, the organization, and the aid stations were all first-class. Organizer Don Kern really made the day great for all.
Lizard Marathoner from Chicago, IL (11/7/2008) "I. LOVE. THIS. RACE. (half-marathon)" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Last year I ran Grand Rapids (half-marathon) and kicked my previous PR's butt in a major way. It was a great race for me, but it was also just a great race. I left with nothing but positive vibes. Fast forward to this August. I had done barely any training or racing for the summer due to limited financial resources. I was browsing the brochure racks at the local Fleet Feet and spotted the 2008 race brochure. An election theme for their marketing campaign. As a rabid fan of all things political, how could I NOT run this race? So I signed up (again for the half-marathon). And I showed up on race day not knowing what to expect. In truth, I had a very painful race. Everything from the waist down was killing me starting around Mile 2. But you know what? THE RACE WAS AWESOME. Beautiful weather (nice job, Don!), awesome course, well-stocked aid stations, amazingly supportive volunteers, AWESOME food at the finish line, gorgeous medals, and Don! No other race I've done has a race director who sends out humor and inspiration every week. So even though it was painful, I finished with a huge smile on my face and nothing but positive things to say about the entire race experience. And I CANNOT WAIT for 2009!
S. M. from Wellington, FL (11/5/2008) "Outstanding race for a PR" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I flew in from FL just for this race and a PR/BQ. I wanted a flat course with predictable, cool weather. I wasn't disappointed on any of these accounts. I was able to BQ and had a 12-minute PR. The race was very organized and running predominantly on secluded roads, and paved park trails was great, although it did limit the crowd support. Hydration stops were great and well stocked. Nice variety of flavors of Gatorade at each stop (not just lemon/lime all day, like some races). Amazingly, volunteers went out on at least a portion of the course and picked up the discarded laundry from the cold morning start and had it back at the bag drop off at the end of the race, folded and ready for pick-up for anyone to claim. You don't get this kind of service in the big races. Only drawback/caution was the wooded poles along the route in the middle of the paths from about mile 12-16. These should be identified with tall, orange (preferably padded) pylons or wrapping to mitigate the danger. Otherwise, a fantastic experience that I would reconsider in a heartbeat.

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j. f. from Chicago (10/18/2009) "Excellent Race" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second time running this race; the last time was five years ago, as I ran Chicago the last four years. It has only improved! The course is great, the volunteers fantastic, and the race itself is very well run. There seemed to be more spectators as well. There are a few spots where there are no spectators, but usually within two to three miles you have a water station or a viewing area. This would be a great race for anyone looking to run a smaller race (1,555 marathon finishers).
J. R. from South Bend, Indiana, USA (6/30/2009) "For me, a great first-marathon experience." (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I liked this race! The staff were very friendly and well organized. The aid stations were well supplied. The course was scenic for the most part, although a bit narrow at one point. Very spectator friendly! Although there aren't huge crowds of spectators, those present do a good job of cheering and are full of encouragement (whether they know you or not). All in all, a good experience. :)
B. F. from East Lansing, MI. (2/8/2009) "Great marathon for your first; walkers are welcome" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am a walker and this was my first marathon. I could not have picked a better one for my first. The sponsors and the race director (Don Kern) were welcoming and very supportive. The support along the route was more than you could ask for. There are even people along the last several miles of the route that are there just to make sure you are okay and to see if you need help or support finishing.The race director waits for everyone to finish and is there at the end to welcome the finishers. If you are considering doing a marathon and you are a walker, you are treated just like the elite runners. It is a great event and my daughter (she is a runner) and I will be there again next year (2009). Very rewarding and worth the effort. The expo is also great and well attended.
B. B. from Williamsburg, Virginia (1/31/2009) "Great job on the weather!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 13th marathon and 12th state. I am SO glad we chose Grand Rapids for Michigan. The weather was perfect. The people are fantastic. The course was ideal. The pace groups were hilarious. I tried to stay with P Diddy but I faded and finished after Oprah. I felt great, though, the entire 26.2 miles. Don greeted me at the finish. I swooned and ended up in the med tent. After a brief stay there, all was well. Everything about this race is top-notch. The post-race beer was very good. Having access to a shower so quickly was a godsend. Thanks to Don Kern and all of you friendly Michiganers!
K. C. from Lansing, MI (1/26/2009) "Great first marathon race!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon ever. What an amazing experience! I could not have asked for a better first marathon experience! The aid stations were tremendous, the course was great, and the weather was perfect. The crowds were not as plentiful as I would have expected but pretty good nonetheless (tons better than Traverse City Bayshore). I love the fact that Don takes the time to shake everyone's hand. The medal and socks were an added bonus! I am already planning on running it again in 2009. I realize it's the same weekend as Detroit, but I'd much rather run a smaller race than get lost in a mob.
e. b. from west bloomfield, michigan (11/26/2008) "Try this one; you will appreciate it." (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Thanks again Don for your dedication and time to give runners a really fine marathon experience. I ran this race unexpectedly, knowing nothing about it (2007) and was amazed about the scenic course, the course support (which was much better than at any race I've ever entered), easy check in, nice expo, enthusiastic volunteers who were runners, and great post-race food and refreshments. Chili and micro-brewed beer plus healthy foods at the finish line - a runner's choice. Lots of GU on route and many times including early and late miles too. The same positive amenities and support were around for 2008. You even get emails from the race director both to all runners and personal ones if you have a question or need some advice. This year the course was the same as last year and I see no reason to change it. People complain about congestion on the out-and-back trails, but it's not that bad. Also, a complaint is foul-smelling air, which again is not that bad and only lasts for a minute or two. Try the Myrtle Beach Marathon - running miles on a road with traffic and runners in a lane separated with traffic cones, breathing in car exhaust - for a comparison. My thought: people are looking for something negative. I do agree those wood posts on the trail should be marked in orange and padded. I'm sure Don will take care of that next year. Chalk markings of encouragement and verbal encouragement from volunteers made up for the lack of spectators on most of the course. The spectators cannot get to points on the bike path, but the beautiful fall foliage and views of the river are what you get instead. This is a great race. I'll be back.
C. S. from U.S. (11/18/2008) "A great, scenic, fall marathon." (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first time running Grand Rapids. I truly enjoyed the small size, scenic fall foliage, and perfect temperature. Plus... I qualified for Boston. I have already recommended it to many friends!
J. W. from Macomb, Michigan (11/10/2008) "Beyond Expectations!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a veteran of the New York Marathon, this is by far my best marathon experience! The staff, the organization, and the aid stations were all first-class. Organizer Don Kern really made the day great for all.
Lizard Marathoner from Chicago, IL (11/7/2008) "I. LOVE. THIS. RACE. (half-marathon)" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Last year I ran Grand Rapids (half-marathon) and kicked my previous PR's butt in a major way. It was a great race for me, but it was also just a great race. I left with nothing but positive vibes. Fast forward to this August. I had done barely any training or racing for the summer due to limited financial resources. I was browsing the brochure racks at the local Fleet Feet and spotted the 2008 race brochure. An election theme for their marketing campaign. As a rabid fan of all things political, how could I NOT run this race? So I signed up (again for the half-marathon). And I showed up on race day not knowing what to expect. In truth, I had a very painful race. Everything from the waist down was killing me starting around Mile 2. But you know what? THE RACE WAS AWESOME. Beautiful weather (nice job, Don!), awesome course, well-stocked aid stations, amazingly supportive volunteers, AWESOME food at the finish line, gorgeous medals, and Don! No other race I've done has a race director who sends out humor and inspiration every week. So even though it was painful, I finished with a huge smile on my face and nothing but positive things to say about the entire race experience. And I CANNOT WAIT for 2009!
S. M. from Wellington, FL (11/5/2008) "Outstanding race for a PR" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I flew in from FL just for this race and a PR/BQ. I wanted a flat course with predictable, cool weather. I wasn't disappointed on any of these accounts. I was able to BQ and had a 12-minute PR. The race was very organized and running predominantly on secluded roads, and paved park trails was great, although it did limit the crowd support. Hydration stops were great and well stocked. Nice variety of flavors of Gatorade at each stop (not just lemon/lime all day, like some races). Amazingly, volunteers went out on at least a portion of the course and picked up the discarded laundry from the cold morning start and had it back at the bag drop off at the end of the race, folded and ready for pick-up for anyone to claim. You don't get this kind of service in the big races. Only drawback/caution was the wooded poles along the route in the middle of the paths from about mile 12-16. These should be identified with tall, orange (preferably padded) pylons or wrapping to mitigate the danger. Otherwise, a fantastic experience that I would reconsider in a heartbeat.

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