Marathon Details - Burlington Marathon (Rock N Roll ) Canada

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Burlington Marathon (Rock N Roll ) Canada

Burlington Marathon (Rock N Roll ) Canada & Half Marathon & 5K

Burlington, ON Canada

May 25, 2003

http://www.BurlingtonMarathon.com

News

Marathon Results

By Year:

2003 2002 2001 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Flat Scenic course measured and certified. Boston Qualifier. Musical bands along the picturesque along side Lake Ontario Special finish line concert band

Contact Information

Name:	Mark or Kelly Arnott
Address:	561 Brant Street PO Box 85030 Burlington, Ontario. L7R 4K3
Phone Number:	(905) 639-8053
Fax Number:	(905) 630-2950
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (12)

Course 3.7

Organization 3.8

Spectators 3.5

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Number of comments: 12 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

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L. B. from Oakville,Ontario,Canada (7/14/2003) "Course goes downhill." (about: 2003) COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The 2002 Burlington Marathon was my first attempt at the distance, so I was anxious to return in 2003. The new course layout for the 2003 race was a bit of a disappointment, however. The start was ill-conceived, as the marathoners had to weave through the 'social' hoards of half-marathoners, who had a 5-minute head start. I understand the economics of the double loop concept, but the crazy spin round the block between the main loops, while it may have been good for spectators, created unnecessary confusion for participants. I'll be checking the course layout carefully before registering for this event again.
C. T. from Toronto (6/24/2003) "Best-run race in the area" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This race challenges the Toronto races. The course, even though a double loop, is run through residential Burlington, and partly by Lake Ontario. It's a fast, flat course. Where they could improve is by posting the results the same day. However, overall, one of the best in Ontario.
D. T. from 519 (6/14/2003) "What a disappointment" (about: 2003) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran the 1/2 last year and was excited to do their full. The pasta dinner was excellent. The volunteers were wonderful. The post-race party with music, BBQ, and free beer was something to be proud of for the organizers. Even the host hotel treated the runners very well, with free breakfast and a possible late checkout. However, there were maybe three bands tops on the course. The course was a complete disaster. It had double markings for the 1/2 and the full, and two loops with about a 1/2 mile double loop at the halfway point. Very confusing. I ran up to one runner who asked how many times he had to do the loop; he was on his third. Seeing the double markings for the two loops and the 1/2, and even for the 5K, was confusing and heartbreaking (after running for about 3 hours I saw a 15K marker - I cried). So much of this event is world-class, but if the organizers don't repair the course I won't run it again.
B. K. from Ontario (6/9/2003) "Below average start, above average finish line" (about: 2003) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first R&R Burlington. I was disappointed by the state of chaos at the start line(s) and separation of half- from full marathoners: double kilometer markers added even more confusion. There were two double loops for full marathoners - please, never again! On the bright side - I observed very efficient contribution from volunteers along the course, including these, who directed and re-directed disoriented runners near the park. The finish line and everything beyond was excellent.
D. H. from The States (6/6/2003) "A race of extremes" (about: 2003) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Most aspects of the race were either very good or very bad. Good points: The pasta dinner was very nice, with good food in a nice setting, and with some pretty good speakers. After-race amenities were very good, with a free cookout, free beer, and a sufficient number of massage volunteers. Bad points: The marathon and half-marathon started at different points on the same road, and it was confusing knowing where to start. The timer was still placing the chip mats on the road at the starting point one or two minutes after the race should have started, confusing double-loop course (each loop consists of two loops, which run concurrently for about 1/4 mile), and the course itself wasn't very scenic (it provided only rare glimpses of the lake). Parts of the course were a little busy with other runners (on an out-and-back portion) and cars, and the medal was a bit chintzy.
K. D. from Canada (5/26/2003) "A good marathon for first-timers" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 The course is well suited for first-time marathoners. However, I was disappointed at the lack of communication at the start and at the park loop. In addition, there weren't that many bands on the route to entertain the runners. Finally, hopefully the organizers will spend a bit more on the medeal next year.
A. P. from Hamilton (5/26/2003) "Very Bad Organization" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I did this last year and it went well, but this year the organization was terrible: from parking issues to clock issues to marker issues, the list goes on and on. At the last minute people were told to move their cars from Lassalle Park Blvd. The markers were not clearly indicated for the marathon and 1/2 marathon, and at the end of the 1/2 marathon the clock was set for the marathoners (at 1:30-ish)... what happened? Last year was much better. Also why change the course to a double loop when the old one was fine?? I would do it again but was terribly disappointed with the organization - it must improve.
A Runner from Mississauga, Ontario (6/5/2002) "I'll do the full marathon next year !" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Course is perfect for setting a PB, which I did in the 1/2 marathon. Not a lot of spectators but the route is flat and fast as advertised, good water stations and a lovely town to run through. The music wasn't as prevalent as I had expected but overall a great race. Highly reccomend it.
A Runner from USA (5/30/2002) "Superb job!!!!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 20 marathons, from Boston and New York to many local small ones. This was the most FUN I have had in ANY marathon. The organization was excellent, the course was well monitored; and the best part was that I'm from the U.S. where we deal in miles, temperature in fahrenheit, and wind in mph. I woke up in the morning, turned on the weather channel (marathoners are paranoid about that), only to find out it would be 11 degrees, 40kph wind gusts, and the course was measured in kilometers--what a mind game--IT WAS GREAT!!!
A Runner from Atlanta, Georgia (12/3/2001) "wonderful people and beautiful place" (General Comments) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this in 2000 and was delightfully surprised. The organizers and regulars were very friendly and gave a nice welcome to the only runner from south of the Mason-Dixon line. The pasta party was a great kickoff. The hospitality continued through the race start with a nice sized but manageable crowd (several hundred). A couple of small hills through a lakeside neighborhood got the heart pumping in the first mile and then it leveled out for the other 25.2. There was no car traffic to notice. Small groups of spectators were quite encouraging. Some in the later neighborhoods had tables set up at the end of their driveways with oranges and sport drinks for us. Not race voluteers even, just friendly neighbors. Which really was the feel of the whole event, friendly neighbors welcoming newcomers to their town. I hooked up with the 'race bunny' (pink fuzzy ears, more attractive on the pretty young miss running my pace than on some of the faster guys, but very easy to see and follow) at a 10.30 pace and ran a PR of 4:24, while she went back to catch up some new friends who had dropped off a bit. She was a great combination of coach, cheerleader, running companion and guide to a new city while we chatted away those middle miles. The finish line arrived just soon enough for my glycogen starved body. The hamburgers off the grill were my unhealthy choice after the race, but plenty of other goodies were available at the sparkling white 19th century park pavilion where we started and finished. My afternoon was spent walking off the tight leg muscles in Toronto by the lakeside in a neat little shopping district. The next morning Niagra Falls was a must see on the way back to the Buffalo airport and my return to the real world of teenagers in a high school classroom. These two days were a great refreshment. I recommend the people of Burlington, Ontario and their marathon to anyone looking for a couple of days in a nice, friendly new neighborhood.