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Course 4.5

Organization 4.7

Spectators 4.6

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Number of comments: 365 [displaying comments 171 to 181]

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B. M. from Houston, TX (2/1/2007) "Fast, crowded, well-organized" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having moved back to H-town after a 3 1/2 year Washington, D.C. tour, I decided I would try a big marathon and support my favorite city. Having seen and heard the horror stories of the larger marathons, I was extremely impressed with the organization of the Houston Marathon. The course was very crowded until the halfers broke off. Could have used more port-a-potties along the first part of the course because of the crowds. Spent 3 minutes waiting for an opening. I made up that time but it really cost me in the end. Perfect weather, perfect spectators. Now that I have run a big marathon, I might try the Marine Corps in October. Houston should be VERY proud of this marathon. Professional in every aspect.
Chris Ciamarra from Alpharetta, GA (1/30/2007) "The zenith of marathons" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a returning veteran of 8 years I am NEVER disappointed at the caliber of this race. Houston offers everything you could ask for in a marathon. The course is flat and fast and the weather cooled to a very tolerable level from the previous day's sauna. From start to finish this race keeps me coming back. I recommend this to everyone.
C. B. from Raleigh NC (1/30/2007) "OK if in the area, otherwise not worth the trip" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I ran the marathon because my wife was running the 1/2 marathon. I'd run Richmond 2 months before, so ran Houston without a time goal, just to enjoy. Overall it's not a bad course - fairly flat, and with spectators well spaced along the course. But Houston itself is not a great destination - not a pretty city to run through, and we struggled and failed to find good pre- and post-race activities. I've run Boston, Chicago, and Richmond so far, and all are more interesting cities to visit, and the last two are at least as fast. If you live within driving distance of Houston and are looking for a marathon to run (or have family to visit), consider Houston. Otherwise there are better destinations (faster, smaller, prettier - whatever you're looking for). My ratings are relatively low because there's no fourth category for "would you run this race again?" I only have one particular beef, with the organization, in that you have to wait in line to get post-race food (I really want to know who thought this was a good idea).
Marshall Harrell from Brenham, Texas (1/28/2007) "What a wonderful day" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The temperature was ideal for me, personally. I was nervous that I couldn't finish my first marathon but once I got going, I knew that all was well (4:20 finish). The crowds are amazing and I think make you try harder. When they are yelling your name, because it is on your bib, you feel, for fleeting moments, like a pro athlete. The Houston Marathon people and spectators make you feel important. They made me feel that what I had invested time and money in WAS, in fact, worth it all. From the registration, to newsy emails, to the expo, race moring, water spots, timers, security, picture-taking, the finish awards and meal... on and on. I was so happy and I truly hope that my schedule and body allow me to have this experience again.
Alan Birdsell from Wichita, Kansas (1/22/2007) "What ice, sleet, and rain?" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Believe everything good you have read about this event. And take the negative with a grain of salt. We drove from Wichita, Kansas, through ice, sleet, and pouring rain. And every mile driving to Houston and every training mile was worth it! I'm sure that if you are the critical type you can find fault. But if you dwell on the negative, you'll miss the joy of this first-class marathon. Run it, enjoy it, and realize that from the first-class hotels within walking distance of the start to the convenience of staying inside until 20 minutes before the start to the wonderful crowds to the experience of taking Communion during the race to the meal at the finish to all of the other perks, Houston is truly first-class.
J. B. from Washington, DC (1/19/2007) "Great Race/Poor Post-Race" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Overall I thought this was a great race, and the COURSE was well organized. Lots of water/Gatorade stations, bathrooms (finally!), great hydration intiative, lots of medical tents. HOWEVER, I do take major issue with the course elevation map. I was in no way prepared for the 4+ mile sloping "hill" around mile 21. I actually found myself getting angry as the hill continued, as the elevation map in no way prepared me for this very long HILL in the hardest miles of the race. Another issue to make note of is that if you are a slower marathoner (5+ hours) then be prepared for the bare minimum of leftovers in the post-race area. Very little food left, NO Mylar blankets, ONLY EXTRA LARGE T-shirts (even though they ask you to request your shirt size when you register for the race), and the medical tent was empty. They seemed to have very poorly planned the t-shirt situation, as when I picked up my race packet, all I was left with was an extra-large participant shirt, and when I finished the race, extra-large shirts were all they had left again. I ended up with 2 shirts I cannot wear. I don't know why this bugged me so much, but it did. I was left with the feeling that the race organizers don't really care much about the slower marathoners. Unfortunate because that was my last impression of what was otherwise a nice race.
D. M. from League City, TX (1/19/2007) "Well organized" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I will join the chorus with a complaint about the starting line. Getting to the corral was tough. Not enough signage, and way too much fencing. The website and registration were very easy. The course is flat and has a lot of concrete. I enjoy going through all the neighborhoods (poor and rich). The fan support regardless of social status was great. Water stations were perfect, excellent security at road intersections, and volunteers were awesome. Having the convention center for the convention, start and finish is perfect. Lots of parking nearby. Of marathons I have run, this one has the right size, the right organization, and the right location.
J. S. from Mission, TX (1/18/2007) "Great race" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Last year I ran the Full this year I ran the Half. I really enjoyed the race even more than last year. I will agree that there were a few minor glitches but I think the spectators make up for it. They were very enthusiastic. I thought the organization was good and I didn't have any trouble with the corral system. I just came straight form the hotel and walked right in. I would like to put in a very good word for the 4 Seasons Hotel that was just a few blocks from the start. They catered to the runners from the moment we drove onto their property. I will definitely stay there again.
M. G. from Houston (1/18/2007) "A fun race!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 4-5 Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is the 4th Houston Marathon I have run and have had a wonderful time each year. This year, however, I was extremely disappointed in that I did not receive a size medium T-shirt (all the mediums were gone when I picked up my packet)!
R. G. from Michigan, USA (1/18/2007) "Excellent, well organized and 1st class race." (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first Houston marathon and I was very impressed. I thought the marathon was extremely well organized, well staffed with volunteers and had ample water stops and medical stations out on the course. At registration I received a good quality cotton t-shirt. So I was very surprised then to see that finishers also received a top quality Under Armour short sleeve shirt. My shirt had the original tags on it including a price tag of $24.99. Putting your name on the number bib was classy and it was fun having people cheering you on by name. The finisher's medal was by far the best I have ever received - definitely a medal I will be proud to display. After the race massages were available and they provided plenty of food including cookies, bagels, eggs, potatoes and sausage. Those M&M cookies tasted so good after the race! The weather wasn't the greatest for me personally. Being from Michigan and having trained in 20 and 30 degree weather, it was a bit too warm and humid for my taste and I was concerned about dehydration. The scattered rain showers probably cut down on spectators. However it was nice having spectators call out your name. Over the final 4 miles the course was more rolling than described. The low overcast cut down the visibility. One couldn't see the skyline and the part that ran by Rice University was probably very scenic if I could have seen more. Yeah! I qualified for Boston! Overall this is a first class marathon.

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B. M. from Houston, TX (2/1/2007) "Fast, crowded, well-organized" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having moved back to H-town after a 3 1/2 year Washington, D.C. tour, I decided I would try a big marathon and support my favorite city. Having seen and heard the horror stories of the larger marathons, I was extremely impressed with the organization of the Houston Marathon. The course was very crowded until the halfers broke off. Could have used more port-a-potties along the first part of the course because of the crowds. Spent 3 minutes waiting for an opening. I made up that time but it really cost me in the end. Perfect weather, perfect spectators. Now that I have run a big marathon, I might try the Marine Corps in October. Houston should be VERY proud of this marathon. Professional in every aspect.
Chris Ciamarra from Alpharetta, GA (1/30/2007) "The zenith of marathons" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a returning veteran of 8 years I am NEVER disappointed at the caliber of this race. Houston offers everything you could ask for in a marathon. The course is flat and fast and the weather cooled to a very tolerable level from the previous day's sauna. From start to finish this race keeps me coming back. I recommend this to everyone.
C. B. from Raleigh NC (1/30/2007) "OK if in the area, otherwise not worth the trip" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I ran the marathon because my wife was running the 1/2 marathon. I'd run Richmond 2 months before, so ran Houston without a time goal, just to enjoy. Overall it's not a bad course - fairly flat, and with spectators well spaced along the course. But Houston itself is not a great destination - not a pretty city to run through, and we struggled and failed to find good pre- and post-race activities. I've run Boston, Chicago, and Richmond so far, and all are more interesting cities to visit, and the last two are at least as fast. If you live within driving distance of Houston and are looking for a marathon to run (or have family to visit), consider Houston. Otherwise there are better destinations (faster, smaller, prettier - whatever you're looking for). My ratings are relatively low because there's no fourth category for "would you run this race again?" I only have one particular beef, with the organization, in that you have to wait in line to get post-race food (I really want to know who thought this was a good idea).
Marshall Harrell from Brenham, Texas (1/28/2007) "What a wonderful day" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The temperature was ideal for me, personally. I was nervous that I couldn't finish my first marathon but once I got going, I knew that all was well (4:20 finish). The crowds are amazing and I think make you try harder. When they are yelling your name, because it is on your bib, you feel, for fleeting moments, like a pro athlete. The Houston Marathon people and spectators make you feel important. They made me feel that what I had invested time and money in WAS, in fact, worth it all. From the registration, to newsy emails, to the expo, race moring, water spots, timers, security, picture-taking, the finish awards and meal... on and on. I was so happy and I truly hope that my schedule and body allow me to have this experience again.
Alan Birdsell from Wichita, Kansas (1/22/2007) "What ice, sleet, and rain?" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Believe everything good you have read about this event. And take the negative with a grain of salt. We drove from Wichita, Kansas, through ice, sleet, and pouring rain. And every mile driving to Houston and every training mile was worth it! I'm sure that if you are the critical type you can find fault. But if you dwell on the negative, you'll miss the joy of this first-class marathon. Run it, enjoy it, and realize that from the first-class hotels within walking distance of the start to the convenience of staying inside until 20 minutes before the start to the wonderful crowds to the experience of taking Communion during the race to the meal at the finish to all of the other perks, Houston is truly first-class.
J. B. from Washington, DC (1/19/2007) "Great Race/Poor Post-Race" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Overall I thought this was a great race, and the COURSE was well organized. Lots of water/Gatorade stations, bathrooms (finally!), great hydration intiative, lots of medical tents. HOWEVER, I do take major issue with the course elevation map. I was in no way prepared for the 4+ mile sloping "hill" around mile 21. I actually found myself getting angry as the hill continued, as the elevation map in no way prepared me for this very long HILL in the hardest miles of the race. Another issue to make note of is that if you are a slower marathoner (5+ hours) then be prepared for the bare minimum of leftovers in the post-race area. Very little food left, NO Mylar blankets, ONLY EXTRA LARGE T-shirts (even though they ask you to request your shirt size when you register for the race), and the medical tent was empty. They seemed to have very poorly planned the t-shirt situation, as when I picked up my race packet, all I was left with was an extra-large participant shirt, and when I finished the race, extra-large shirts were all they had left again. I ended up with 2 shirts I cannot wear. I don't know why this bugged me so much, but it did. I was left with the feeling that the race organizers don't really care much about the slower marathoners. Unfortunate because that was my last impression of what was otherwise a nice race.
D. M. from League City, TX (1/19/2007) "Well organized" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I will join the chorus with a complaint about the starting line. Getting to the corral was tough. Not enough signage, and way too much fencing. The website and registration were very easy. The course is flat and has a lot of concrete. I enjoy going through all the neighborhoods (poor and rich). The fan support regardless of social status was great. Water stations were perfect, excellent security at road intersections, and volunteers were awesome. Having the convention center for the convention, start and finish is perfect. Lots of parking nearby. Of marathons I have run, this one has the right size, the right organization, and the right location.
J. S. from Mission, TX (1/18/2007) "Great race" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Last year I ran the Full this year I ran the Half. I really enjoyed the race even more than last year. I will agree that there were a few minor glitches but I think the spectators make up for it. They were very enthusiastic. I thought the organization was good and I didn't have any trouble with the corral system. I just came straight form the hotel and walked right in. I would like to put in a very good word for the 4 Seasons Hotel that was just a few blocks from the start. They catered to the runners from the moment we drove onto their property. I will definitely stay there again.
M. G. from Houston (1/18/2007) "A fun race!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 4-5 Houston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is the 4th Houston Marathon I have run and have had a wonderful time each year. This year, however, I was extremely disappointed in that I did not receive a size medium T-shirt (all the mediums were gone when I picked up my packet)!
R. G. from Michigan, USA (1/18/2007) "Excellent, well organized and 1st class race." (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Houston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first Houston marathon and I was very impressed. I thought the marathon was extremely well organized, well staffed with volunteers and had ample water stops and medical stations out on the course. At registration I received a good quality cotton t-shirt. So I was very surprised then to see that finishers also received a top quality Under Armour short sleeve shirt. My shirt had the original tags on it including a price tag of $24.99. Putting your name on the number bib was classy and it was fun having people cheering you on by name. The finisher's medal was by far the best I have ever received - definitely a medal I will be proud to display. After the race massages were available and they provided plenty of food including cookies, bagels, eggs, potatoes and sausage. Those M&M cookies tasted so good after the race! The weather wasn't the greatest for me personally. Being from Michigan and having trained in 20 and 30 degree weather, it was a bit too warm and humid for my taste and I was concerned about dehydration. The scattered rain showers probably cut down on spectators. However it was nice having spectators call out your name. Over the final 4 miles the course was more rolling than described. The low overcast cut down the visibility. One couldn't see the skyline and the part that ran by Rice University was probably very scenic if I could have seen more. Yeah! I qualified for Boston! Overall this is a first class marathon.

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