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☰
Fargo Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Fargo Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.4 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 4.6
Number of comments: 391 [displaying comments 191 to 201]
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A. M. from Lee's Summit, Missouri
(5/26/2008)
"Fargo Marathon was a wonderful surprise!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I decided last minute to run the 2008 Fargo Marathon just to pick up the state (as a member of the 50 States club) even though it was only one month after my last marathon and my legs were pretty tired. Wow! My expectations of a rural country road race were blown away! This is a great race from the minute you start perusing the website, through the quick and easy registration process, and it just keeps getting better the minute you get into town and discover how kind and encouraging the people of Fargo are! I have run almost 30 marathons and this is one of the best in terms of race organization, crowd support (the cheering never stopped for 26 miles... I never felt lonely at any point on the course), and race goodies - great keepsake bag with logo and one of the best tech shirts ever. Finishing in the Fargo Dome was quite a rush. Made me feel like a superstar!! The course was strategically designed to lessen the effect of the wind in the latter stages of the race. Outstanding volunteers - if you even looked like you might need directions or help, someone would help you right away. I truly enjoyed the whole experience and can't wait to run this one again. This race is a must-do for marathoners. | |
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A. B. from SD
(5/24/2008)
"Love finishing in the dome" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Fargo Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 My family runs the Fargo Marathon together every year. We train all year long and look forward to Fargo. Definitely need more water stations toward the end of the race. This is the first time I've seen my husband walk at all in a marathon (he does 4 a year) and at the end he was gray! Oranges toward the end would be great - there's nothing like it when you are running. The starting line is pretty congested, but finishing in the dome is awesome. There are no spectators like those in Fargo. A swing choir? And belly dancers - unreal. Really a great time. | |
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A. L. from Iowa
(5/24/2008)
"I had a wonderful time!" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Fargo is great. The volunteers were so helpful and there were many places where people just living nearby - not at a regular aid station - were on the street handing out water, fruit, candy, etc. (They were so nice that I think they were all from Iowa.) I have run many marathons and have seldom seen so much crowd support in a small town like this. The race officials were overwhelmed with the large increase in the number of runners. I read that they had about double the number of runners as last year. It is hard to plan on that! Get your hotel reservation early. | |
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E. H. from Nebraska
(5/23/2008)
"Great time for a first marathon" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had a GREAT time (my 1st marathon) and I learned a lot. It will be better next year for me - especially with regard to training/planning, hydration and port-a-lets. There were plenty, but I waited too long to use them - not wanting to lose or get behind the pacer. Everyone - volunteers, crowd and fellow runners - was so friendly, and the lefse was a unique touch at the pasta dinner. | |
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A. S. from Omaha, NE
(5/23/2008)
"Was I the only racer without headphones?" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great race in every respect; in my opinion, it was on par with (or better than) the Twin Cities Marathon last year as far as organization, race packet goodies/shirt, and volunteer/fan support. My only complaints are: 1) The start of the race was jam-packed with half and full marathoners who obviously didn't line up by expected finish time. I lined up with the 4:45 marathon pace group (i.e. slower people near the back), and I swear I was dodging and passing slow runners for the first FIVE MILES. Start the full and half marathons separately next time. 2) There were so many runners wearing headphones that it was laughable. Apparently the USATF rule about no headphones is NOT enforced in Fargo; rather they hand out an iPod to all runners that don't already have one. The only time I actually run without headphones is DURING RACES because I have a bad habit of FOLLOWING RULES, but I'd have brought mine this time if I'd known everyone else was. C'mon people, show some respect for the sport! | |
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T. K. from Fargo,
(5/23/2008)
"Fargo is Great!" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I have to say that I was in awe with all of the support from the volunteers, fans and other runners. The expo was a nice touch. | |
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L. S. from Twin Cities, MN
(5/22/2008)
"Good, but could use some improvements." (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon. There were numerous positives: 1) The number of restrooms both inside and outside the Fargodome and along the course was arguably the best I've seen; 2) The goody bags and shirts were great and stylish; 3) I enjoyed the expo the day before and the day of the race; 4) The crowds were fabulous. Good cheering and good music. The official aid stations - with the exception of the one mentioned below - were well stocked and organized; 5) The Fargodome itself is a great venue. Everything is in one central location; the infrastructure is already in place. There were quite a few negatives: 1) There was no aid station at Mile 11 on the half marathon course. The gap between aid stations was both frustrating and frankly unacceptable; 2) The pile up after the finish chute was also frustrating. If you were on the far left, you didn't get water; if you were on the far right, you didn't move. Directions ("Food/Bags This Way") would improve flow; a better baggage organization system would greatly enhance flow; 3) The runners' refreshment area was jam-packed with non-runners. This should be a "once-a-race, runners only" opportunity to get some food and get out of there; 4) The starting line needs to be more clearly marked for a) runners v. spectators; and b) pace times. I saw some 5K walkers - moms with small children - jammed into the starting line crowd. | |
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H. D. from Fargo
(5/21/2008)
"5K walkers versus runners" (about: 2008)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the first 5K I have ever run and the experience itself was amazing. The only 2 things I would have to say I didn't care for was that I wish the walkers could start towards the back, as I was dodging people and having to run up on the boulevard for the first 15 minutes - and that did not help my time. Also my sister and I ran this together, and had trained for it, and at the end of the race there was so many people coming in at the same time that we got pushed too far over to the right. Our chips never registered, so needless to say, we don't even know how we finished - except for the fact that our friends/family who watched saw the time. BUT it sure would have been nice to see a "pace" time at the end of it all. What an amazing time and inspiring event. I stayed for it all and am going to shoot for the 1/2 next year - yep, with my sister. I couldn't have done this with out her and can't imagine going farther with anyone else!!! Thanks, Sis, for all the support and hard work. WE DID IT! | |
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K. C. from Hudson, Wisconsin
(5/21/2008)
"Great event!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the 5K and my husband ran the marathon. We were so impressed with the hospitality and organization of the event. I have never seen more spectators for a 5K, and my husband was so encouraged by all of the spectators on the on the marathon route. The city was very friendly and easy to navigate. It was fun to finish in the Fargo Dome, which is a nice place to host the event and expo. We have already mentioned this to many of our "running" friends. We decided to do this year's race after a runner from Winnipeg mentioned it to my husband at last year's Twin Cities Marathon. For runners who like to complete a spring and fall event, the Fargo weekend is a great spring choice. We'll be back for sure! | |
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A. C. from NYC
(5/20/2008)
"Fargo is a winner" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There are marathons where the scenery makes the race. There are others where the tradition of the race draws the runners. Then there are marathons where the people make it a memorable event. It is the people of Fargo who I will fondly remember. I've never encountered friendlier people than those in Fargo. It has been said in other reviews, but it's true. Fargo has embraced this marathon, and this marathon is better for it. |
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