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Fargo Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Fargo Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 391 [displaying comments 211 to 221]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 20 21 22 23 24 .. 39 > ]

 

J. R. from Minneosta (5/19/2008)
"Nice people." (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


You need to work on packet pick up - not have to look for numbers on a BOARD!!! The end needs work, for when you finish the race, there's no one to help you find the chip-removal area or the drop-off bag area!!!

 

B. C. from Minnesota (5/19/2008)
"A disorganized event aimed at first-timers" (about: 2008)

3 previous marathons | 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 4


I was disappointed with this event. Here's what I thought:

1. Lots of first-timers. The RD needs to address the issue of race etiquette somewhere in the information packets. The first time halfers had no idea where to line up at the start and they caused a big mess in the first mile.

2. Anything goes at this race. Distracted headphone wearers were everywhere on the course. Bikers were riding along with runners on the course - as opposed to the side of the road. A relay team formed a human chain across the finish line to get their picture taken, blocking everyone else (including me) behind them from sprinting across the finish line.

3. Water problems. Twice I was told runners were only allowed one cup of water at the water stops. That's fine at mile 3, but it becomes a problem at mile 17.

4. Road/course problems. This is picky, I know, but the roads are terrible in Fargo. If you're tired and shuffling your feet, there's plenty of opportunity to break your ankle in the potholes and uneven roads. Also, that stretch of running on a side walk was frustrating because it was too crowded. And I had to try to get around people wearing headphones.

Here's a tip: Don't pay the $5 to take a bus ride to see the course. Instead, follow the bus in your car.

 

K. E. from Fargo, ND (5/19/2008)
"Needs a little re-vamp" (about: 2008)

2 previous marathons | 2 Fargo Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


I ran the 5k both this year and last year, and I HIGHLY suggest that the walkers be separated from the runners, because you spend a good 10-15 minutes dodging the walkers and it sets you back. I am not bad-mouthing people who walk, but I would like to think for one's own safety that the separation would be the smart thing to do. Since there were a lot more people in this category this year, it made it difficult to try to think about bettering your previous time. So I just said, "heck with it; I'll just enjoy the nice weather."

 

Chad Huff from Bismarck, North Dakota, USA (5/19/2008)
"Loved it! Except the running..." (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The Fargo Marathon was my first competitive run. Though it was harder/slower than I anticipated, it was quite fun and rewarding. The event was easy to figure out and coordinated well, and the course was great. On a windy day, we didn't feel much wind at all. A great experience for a first-timer... we'll see if I decide to do another anytime soon. If I never run a marathon again, it's definitely not Fargo's fault. Fan support was SPECTACULAR. There were people cheering you on everywhere - very friendly town.

 

K. S. from Minneapolis, Minnesota (5/19/2008)
"What a fun race! Loved the crowd!" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run a few marathons and really loved this one. The people of Fargo are awesome! Thanks to all my running partners and the Perry's for support! Oh and let's not forget those amazing volunteers!!!!

Love,
Kris

 

W. M. from Dallas, TX (5/19/2008)
"Great race! Great crowds!" (about: 2008)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


For a small-city race, this is top-notch. Great support for the runners and a very organized effort overall. Terrific crowd support in the leafy neighborhoods along the route. The aid stations were frequent and well-stocked. My only (minor) gripe was that the bag check/pickup was a bit of a mess. Loved the option of the post-race showers.... Nice touch. Would recommend this race to anyone.

 

P. A. from Phelps, NY (5/19/2008)
"Excellent race with great community support" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my 1st Fargo Marathon. The race was VERY well organized and had excellent community support. I appreciated the fact that everyone in town seemed to be aware of the race. I would highly recommend this marathon.

 

E. Q. from Fargo, ND (5/19/2008)
"Going downhill" (about: 2008)

4-5 previous marathons | 2 Fargo Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 2


I ran the 1/2 - there was no water for most of the last part of the race, and it was awful. Not very many porta-potties, either. Ending in the dome is a mess, and trying to pick up your bag afterwards was completely disorganized. What kind of race doesn't offer water every 2 miles? I ran it in 2007 and it wasn't nearly as good.

 

Nicola Sporbert from Grand Forks, ND (5/19/2008)
"Inspired and grateful" (about: 2008)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I was the last 1/2 marathoner to finish, even though my sister's name appears as last, just because of the alphabet. At the end, the man with the mic asked me what I thought and I told him to ask me again later. By the end it was hard to form any thoughts, but here they are: I am so entirely grateful. My sister stuck with me even though she could have easily finished the race MUCH faster. She stayed with me to offer support and encouragement.

The course was so well marked. As a first timer to all of this, my biggest fear was that I'd end up in the wrong place, but it was all so clear. I'd like to thank Ellen who was so excited to hear that I'd signed up back in February - I did it Ellen!

I have to offer my greatest appreciation to all the spectators that kept up the inspiration, cheering me on. To the runners that took a risk and broke stride to pat me on the back and tell me to keep going, saying that they were proud of me and providing general words of encouragement: you will always be remembered.

I'm a plus size woman whose only goal was to finish. Someone has to be first and someone has to be last and I'll take last (technically second to last) with pride and joy. I accomplished something VERY important to me. I will display my medal and bib with honor and each time I look at it will think of the wonderful family, friends and people whose names I will never know. Their love and support will carry me through the frustrations experienced in my journey to get fit! Maybe I'll be back to run next year!

 

L. K. from Strongsville, OH (5/19/2008)
"I love a town that truly supports its marathon!" (about: 2008)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran in constant amazement through the huge crowds. Can this be a small town of 90,000 people? It felt more like a Boston atmosphere. The organization was first-class, the shirts awesome, and the crowd support mind-boggling. The course does a nice job of showcasing the town. Now if they could just cut a deal with the wind gods....

 

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