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Twin Cities Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Twin Cities Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.8 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 4.9
Number of comments: 455 [displaying comments 161 to 171]
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A. B. from Boulder, CO
(10/23/2008)
"A Race Not To Be Missed." (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my second marathon and I must commend this marathon. It was a beautiful course that I didn't fully get to appreciate, given the nasty weather conditions - rain and wind - that lasted for the better part of the race. However, when I did look around, the lakes and scenery were amazing. But I must say what really stood out for me on this marathon were the people on the course. They were standing in the rain, cheering on all the runners for hours for more than 80% of the course. The day after the marathon, a friend and I were shopping at Target and an employee overheard that we had run the marathon and came over to us, shook our hand, and congratulated us for finishing the marathon. The Twin Cities citizens really embrace the runners and the fans have a special place in my heart! However, I must say that I was a little under-impressed by the music on the course. Maybe it was because of the rain, but the live musicians as well of the recorded music seems sparse. The last marathon that I completed, although smaller, had much better music. Although it was reasonable to have water every 2 miles for the first 20 miles and then more frequently for the last 10K, I much prefer to have water stops every mile after about the halfway point. This is my only suggestion that I feel should be implemented. Also after reading past reviews, I was a little worried about only having 2 corrals, as I was in the second corral. However, I arrived to the starting corral area about 20 minutes before the start of the race and, with a little effort, weaving my way through the crowd, I managed to get near the front near my appropriate pacer with time to spare. The organization, from picking up my packet, to getting my medal, to finding the bus to take me back to Minneapolis were top ranked. This is a great marathon and I recommend it to everyone. | |
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Peter Miller from Greater Minneapolis
(10/17/2008)
"Great course, great spectators" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Twin Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is beautiful and interesting from start to finish. The spectator support is unbelievable - the best I have seen anywhere. They're energetic and out in great numbers. High-energy race. Best race around! | |
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S. J. from DC
(10/16/2008)
"Amazing the entire way through" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Twin Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this in 2008, and it was my first marathon in 25 years (and my wife's first ever). The weather did not cooperate too well; we had a 48-degree start temperature, but then rain, leading to a very, VERY heavy thunderstorm. It was about 46 degrees and windy, but the crowd support on the entire route was amazing. The Minnesotans were cheering despite the conditions, and that made it wonderful. The weather cleared at the end and the crowds got thicker; I smiled the entire 26.4 miles. (Yeah, I think it was long. All of us with GPS units thought so, and we discussed it along the way when our watches would beep in unison ahead of the official mile markers.) It only took a few minutes for the thicket to clear out in the beginning, so those who are stuck in corral 2 need not worry too much about getting caught and ruining their time. This is an amazing marathon and should be on anyone's calendar. I would love to go back every year. | |
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J. C. from Minneapolis, MN
(10/15/2008)
"Beautiful course with great crowd support" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Twin Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Twin Cities Marathon takes you from Minneapolis to St. Paul and shows you the best sights of both cities at the best time of the year. The crowds are amazing. Entire neighborhoods get together and turn cheering into a huge party. There are drumming groups, bands, dancers, and radio stations. Word of caution: do not wear an iPod. They take that rule pretty seriously. | |
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S. W. from St. Paul, Minnesota
(10/14/2008)
"Outstanding race, year after year" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 Twin Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I love the Twin Cities Marathon and have now completed the marathon four times with this year (despite the rain and 48-degree weather), achieving a PR time. As is the case with Minnesota weather, you should be prepared for almost anything. In 2007, it was 80 degrees with 70% humidity, so if you do not train for varying conditions, the TCM can become a challenge very quickly. Overall, though, the fans were outstanding and seemed louder than ever, given that they must have been freezing while standing in the cold, rainy weather. The course was organized with plenty of volunteers at the water stops. Although, the event achieves a near-perfect mark in my opinion, I think the TCM fails miserably with post-race refreshments. Compared to Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, which is stockpiled with goodies, the TCM should look to get more food sponsors and thus give runners a real treat when finishing. It seems like this area of the organization continues to decline every year. | |
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D. B. from Minnesota
(10/13/2008)
"Well-run, work on porta-potties, early water" (about: 2008)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran a 4:43 first marathon with the help of crowds and my sister. Pros: 1) Unreal crowd support, in spite of the rain. In particular, thank you to mini-Gumby giving out licorice and MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page on the tuba (around mile 4). 2) Great expo with loads of goodies. A little more help with strollers/wheelchairs needed. 3) Fun finish. Loved the huge flag hoisted by SPFD and the milk and chicken broth at the finish. 4) Nice technical finisher shirt. 5) Mostly flat. I will train more hills to prepare for miles 21.5-25 next time. 6) Great scenery, though I couldn't appreciate as much in the rain during the first half. 7) Cowbells!!!! 8) Start was well-run, from the perspective of a Corral 2 person. Sister and I got in with 20 minutes to spare and it was a ghost town. 9) It was very smooth and efficient after the finish line - could the commentators be a little more focused on the runners than general trends in the marathon? Cons: 1) More porta-potties along the course. Only 2-3 per stop, with long lines. 2) Course got skinny at times along the lakes - any way to warn runners? 3) Warn us ahead of time which side of street the water stops are. 4) More water earlier - every 2 miles in the first 10? | |
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B. D. from Toledo, Ohio
(10/13/2008)
"Twin Cities - First-Class Race" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Twin Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Overall, the Twin Cities Marathon was excellent. Comments regarding the rain should be discounted. I ran one of my best races in a couple years, despite the heavy downpour. The positives make up for any negatives. The people are unbelievable. The few times that I could actually lift my head and see the crowds impressed me over and over. We had real rain, not just a drizzle, and the spectators didn't seem fazed a bit. I ran Boston a couple years ago when we had a similar storm. The spectators there ran for the hills leaving us alone. Not the folks in Minnesota - they stayed and cheered. Everything else went well. From the shuttle buses, expo, and corral starts. Only a couple of negatives. The course was pinched at a couple of points. Don't know what to suggest. I was hanging with a 3:20-ish crowd that kept pace, but there were a few times when we had to break stride. The final negative regards their nutty headphone rule. I understand that banning headphones in the name of "safety" is a Track and Field Organization rule, but very few other marathons enforce the rule with such force as Twin Cities. I have run all of the big races, not to brag, but to point out that you don't have to squash such a little item to prove you are a 'real' race. I have used headphones since I started running and can't imagine going without them. The overzealous approach to this issue is just absurd. The focus should be on increasing participation. Although I am a front-of-the-middle-pack guy, there are a bunch of folks that just want to enjoy the run. Taking away music from a run is simple lunacy. Loosen up, Twin Cities - you aren't Boston, London, or New York. | |
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N. T. from Buford, Georgia
(10/11/2008)
"Great Race despite puddles and wet shoes!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Twin Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Although I was a little lost in the maze of vendors at the expo entrance for packet pick-up, the very enthusiastic and helpful volunteers and fellow runner got me to one. I love the race course orientation at the seminar; it was indispensable. The shuttle bus pick-up at Best Western - Kelly Inn went well. Thanks to the very concerned lady-bus driver at the back of the hotel with the two early-bird runners in the bus. I arrived early at 4:40 a.m. on race day and parked my rented car at no cost. I walked right back to it after crossing the finish line, unharmed and no hassle. HHH Metrodome is the best place to stage the start. It is indoors and warm, and you can rest in lying position and elevate your legs (not to mention that the lack of lines in the men's restroom is an added comfort). The race course was indeed picturesque, and the hills weren't that bad. There was rain in the middle of the race. But the comments of vexing wind and cold were not applicable to me since I was bundled up. Water stops volunteers were amazing. Spectators - thanks for showing up. Now I saw the what they called "hi-five children." At mile 20, I ran out of gas. I spotted the "4:15 PACE TEAM" and joined them. I asked the ebullient Pace Team Leader what type of "gasoline" she was giving us. She replied emphatically: PREMIUM GAS... the best one there is." Hey, I was the guy in black winter gear who you asked twice to hold the 4:15 balloon while you were drinking from your portable water bottle. I forgot to say thanks to you, as the members excitedly darted towards the finish, leaving you behind. You are an asset to MTCM. Keep doing it! The finish line was an awesome downhill, making us run even faster with our tired legs. The site of the Capitol was very uplifting. I felt as though she was sharing her omnipotence with every runner getting close to her. I sensed it in my blood as I was drawing near the finish line. What a story to tell! It is not yet the end of my story. I like the finisher's medal and the polyester long-sleeve shirt. It is very useful. The plastic bag pick-up at the finish was well coordinated. It took only one minute when the two happy volunteers handed it to me. Overall, MTCM is a very highly recommended fall marathon. Needless to say, I arrived at the finish line in under 4:15 and garnered a new PB (personal best) despite the puddles and wet shoes! | |
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Francisco Hidalgo from Costa Rica
(10/11/2008)
"Excellent course, organization and fans" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Amazing marathon - you have to go there to feel it. Everything was excellent. I strongly recommend this marathon. Go there and live the most beautiful urban marathon. | |
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J. H. from Washington State
(10/10/2008)
"Beautiful Course, Great Fans" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Twin Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My favorite mid-sized marathon to date. The course is gently rolling and mostly scenic lakeside, riverside, and beautiful neighborhoods. It is a bit narrow in places, but I think that added to the energy of the event. The final uphill miles are flatter than they look on the course profile, but difficult mentally since you can see for a mile ahead of you. Water stops were consistently organized and enthusiastic, and the crowds were fantastic; we were running in a complete downpour and there were still tons of cheering spectators. It felt like the friendliest marathon ever, thanks to the volunteers and other runners. We parked near the finish and easily took the shuttle to the start. Having the Metrodome open was wonderful; you're out of the elements and can use the normal restrooms (what luxury!). The expo was pretty reasonable, although not the most convenient parking-wise. Good freebies too. I heard the food at the end was good but not great; I don't actually know since I went straight to the changing area to get out of my soaked clothes! |
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