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☰
Marshall University Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Marshall University Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 3.0
Number of comments: 208 [displaying comments 171 to 181]
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James Zaghawski from Worthington, Kentucky
(3/15/2006)
"Very, very flat" (General Comments)
3 previous marathons
| 2 Marshall University Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This course has to be one of the flattest marathon courses ever. The only incline at all is three via-ducts that you must go under. The U shaped ducts consist of about 40 meters downhill, then 40 meters back uphill. Nearly all the spectators are located in Ritter Park, which you pass through twice at mile 9.3 and again around mile 21. The last mile is run through the center of Marshall University, ending at the southern goal line of Joan C. Edwards Stadium, a 40,000-seat football field, where several hundred spectators will be as well. | |
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M. H. from Highland Heights, KY
(11/29/2005)
"GREAT marathon, would run again!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon to run the flattest marathon in WV. They didn't lie. I was a bit concerned by how small it was, because that usually means I'm running alone, but it wasn't the case this time. I will have to say that this was one of my favorite marathons to date (I've run 11). The people were wonderful! The course was flat, even though it wasn't as scenic as some marathons. There was some crowning that was uncomfortable. But overall, the course was great. I especially liked the park. The pasta dinner the night before was wonderful. Everyone at the marathon was nice and helpful. There wasn't any crowd support to speak of, but the folks that were out were very friendly and supportive! Oh, and they even ordered more pizzas for us back-of-the-packers at the finish line. That was great. They were running out of water at the end (on the course), so, that could maybe be improved. I got the opportunity to run with two people I hadn't met before and this made my experience even more great. This has definitely changed my opinion about smaller marathons and I would do this one again (especially since it is less than 3 hours away from my house). Really, it is a great marathon! I highly recommend it. | |
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P. M. from VA
(11/28/2005)
"Not much on beauty but I met some great people...." (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Don't come to this race expecting to run past historic older homes, or avenues of colorful trees, or to even see the river(!) except for a flash, but if you want a flat course, want not to be surrounded by thousands of runners, and want to meet some fantastic PEOPLE, this race is for you. The following is my input for whatever it's worth, and not in any order: 1. Make the run through Marshall University clearer. At the end of the race it isn't easy knowing what the small arrows mean on the pavement. Also, have some of those students up and out and cheering. 2. Email sooner. I had already left town when the email came with instructions and no one at the YMCA or my hotel knew anything about the marathon. In fact, for the hotels you recommend on your website, give them a few copies of the information so they will know what's going on. 3. At the packet pick-up there should be one person designated to provide "information." Several of us wanted to know about water stops, maps, etc. and we had a difficult time finding anyone. (But when we did she was delightful.) 4. No 'GU' (or other gel)??? I know some people eat those energy bars, and I have only run in eight other marathons, but I've always had gel handed out around mile 17. Yes, I had two with me, but I would have had the third if available. 5. More copies of the course map with mile markers for spectators. My family didn't know exactly where to go to try to cheer (with their enthusiasm maybe that's a good thing). 6. Plenty of water. Although not always poured and ready when I ran past (although one terrific volunteer caught up to me with a cup of water, apologizing). I hate when the cup is too full, and when it's almost empty as the previous person said - but either way I am appreciative. I didn't like the styrofoam cups though, or the tiny one, but both had water or Gatorade so I'm not complaining. And there was plenty of it. 7. No chips!!! Hope that can be changed. 8. No photographer. Would have liked to have the "Thank Goodness I'm Finished and Why Did I Do This Anyway?" photo holding up my medal. A movie of ME running??? I don't watch our home videos, so I know I'm not going to watch myself running - but I do frame my race photos. I'm not suggesting you get rid of the movie for those who enjoy it, but do have a photographer. I bet there's a photographer right there in Huntington who would like to earn the extra $$. 8. I don't use vaseline during a race, but my advice would be to have the person who has it call out that's its available and have a tongue depresser to scoop it out. 9. Really liked the START with the flag unfurling from the cherry picker bucket. It was a nice touch. 10. Try to get the community more involved. I bet there are some teenage kids who play rock music, or hip-hop, who would like to perform, or a gospel group, or high school band. 11. The porta-johns were very nice out in the parking lot. You win on that one. 12. Save your money on the fleece unless they're free. Use the money to buy an arch of balloons or something to make the beginning or end of the race special. 13. Space the food away from the finishers. Everything was just too close. 14. One person for massages???? I finished pretty early and I didn't have time to wait in a long line and I felt bad for the volunteer. 15. The food at the end was excellent. Great job. Thanks for organizing the race--I know it takes time, energy and alot of work. | |
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R. T. from Charlotte, NC
(11/22/2005)
"Fantastic Small Marathon" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I just wanted to thank Dr. Dannals, volunteers and police services for a job well done. Congratulations on getting Marshall to sponsor the race. I think the race course did a great job of showcasing the university and hope other sponsors jump on board with you next year. Many of my comments have been shared by others so I will try to keep this brief. There are many positives: Parking: plenty and convenient. Bathrooms: heated and no wait! Start: on time. Course: flat & fast, set a PR when I intended to stay at training pace. Weather: well, you might as well take credit for good. Scenery: enjoyed the parks and autumn leaves. Volunteers: friendly and helpful. Police: didn't see an intersection that wasn't well covered. Finish: running the stadium was a very nice touch. Hotels: I know the Comfort and Hampton at Barboursville both offered late checkout Nothing would make me hesitate in recommending this race. But, there are a few things that can be improved: Maps: pre-printed with mileage markers, PDF on website would be nice. Signage: mile markers need to be more visible, advance warning that you loop the stadium before entry. Chips: when feasible. Course: I don't know the area but more along river? Roads with less crowning? U-turns? I personally wouldn't mind some real hills if it would make for more interesting scenery. Water stops: please fill cups 3/4 full (many cups were only a quarter filled, one stop was using very small Dixie cups and one stop ran out of cups). Crowds: Maybe the local media will be able to increase local participation? Medal: ribbon to match Marshall's colors would be nice. I have shared my thoughts with others in my running group and expect that you will see more Carolina runners next year. Bottom line is that I think you have a fantastic small marathon! | |
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Tom McCarthy from Lakeland, FL
(11/22/2005)
"You can go home again... and run a marathon!" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 As a Marshall graduate (1968) who spent his youth in Huntington, it was indeed very special being a part of this event. I'm so accustomed to using my radio as a distraction while running but discovered after only few miles that memories long lost seemed to have muted my radio. I have to say too that after mile 15 or 16 discomfort muted my memory. Nevertheless, it was a great event. The volunteers were very helpful and enthusiastic and the stadium finish was fun (despite having to circle it first). A suggestion to think about is to extend the course east beyond Ritter Park to and including Washinton Blvd. It sure would make the course more visually appealing and perhaps draw more spectators. Best wishes to Bob Kroeger and his wife as they face another test. | |
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D. H. from Ro, chester MN
(11/20/2005)
"Friendly, flat and fairly fast" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this as my first double (Richmond, VA on Saturday and Huntington, WV on Sunday). The race director more than helpful in allowing me to pick up my registration on Sunday AM. For runners looking for doubles (50 states) this is doable, but the drive from Richmond to Huntington is a little long. The race is well run with a double-loop in the park. Really appreciate the police help; crossed numerous intersections but the police bent over backwards to help stop traffic. Love the end of the race through Marshall University and finishing on the goal line. Hope the directors and volunteers can keep up the good work. And again a special thanks to the police department. | |
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j. s. from Oak Forest, IL
(11/19/2005)
"Nice hometown event - FLAT IN WEST VIRGINIA!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I was unable to make in time for the pasta dinner, so I cannot comment on how that was. There are plenty of inexpensive hotels close to the start; I stayed at Days Inn for $55, but the noon (late) checkout was pushing it. This was my 26th state, and for 50-staters this is the race for West Virginia. The course is almost too flat with a few small hills. It was well marked, although a little confusing in the last 2 miles. The park was beautful, however you are pounding the pavement on an out-&-back segemnet and there is a nice gravel trail just off the road; next year have us run on that for a portion of the course. Volunteers were friendly and encouraging, however some H20 stops did not have enough people. Suggestion: More people & have H20 at the 1st table instead of Gatorade. There were not many spectators, however the ones there were encouraging. It seemed at times that Huntington was a ghost town. Get the town and University more involved. The posted time and the clock time were off by a minute; I finished in 3:13 and the website time states 3:14. The disparity could cost someone a Boston time. This race has huge potential. The finish on the football field was awesome - I would definitely recommend this race to others. | |
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J. W. from Pittsburgh, PA
(11/18/2005)
"Huntington - Fast and Flat" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I was very happy to have selected the Marshall University/Healthy Huntington Marathon as this year's fall marathon for me. The course was flat - I believe there was 1 hill around mile 20, but nothing impossible. The course also traveled through Ritter Park, which was beautiful as the gold and red leaves were falling that morning. A runner looking for a Boston qualifier CAN get it in Huntington. Although I am not fast enough to get into Boston, I did shave off 14 minutes from my previous marathon (granted, I also trained for this marathon since June). The post-race food was amazing - more than accommodating! And, as stated previously, if you do decide on this race - register early - the fleece jacket is worth the early bird registration. My only complaint is that the locations of each mile should be explained, or a better map provided. I had family members meeting me throughout the course, and I had to guess where I might be at a certain time - stating where each mile marker is located would be beneficial. All in all, this is one of the best marathon experiences I have had. This is a diamond in the rough. | |
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M. F. from Irwin, PA
(11/17/2005)
"Great small marathon" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran this for the first time and it was a great experience. The course was very flat and I seem to remember there being plenty of Gatorade and water. Great entry price of $40 included heavy fleece pullover for early entrants, free pre-race pasta/salad/bread meal and lots of post-race food and drink. (I think they ran out of pizza briefly before more was delivered.) A couple suggestions that have already been mentioned would be to use timing chips/mats, provide an energy gel at around 20 miles for marathoners, and mark the portion of the course that cuts through the campus with the same orange construction cones that line the rest of the course. There were a few turns at the end of the course that were staffed by female volunteers and I did ask two of them 'Which way?' since there were not any runners in front that I could see. I know chips and gel would increase costs but would gladly pay a little more to run this again. Also nice touch with the YMCA showers option, as our Holiday Inn would not accommodate late check-outs! All in all, great job, Dr. Tom! | |
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G. M. from Columbus, Ohio
(11/16/2005)
"I'd Do It Again" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Fun race. My time on the official results is actually faster than what I saw when I crossed the finish line! The best part of this race I believe is the attitude of the organizers. They really want to make it a great experience and I believe they will. Getting more participation from Marshall University (somehow encouraging students to be spectators) would be my biggest suggestion. |
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