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Marathon Details - Central States Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IA > Ames > Central States Marathon

Central States Marathon

Central States Marathon & 50K, 11 Miler

Ames, IA USA

May 10, 2009

http://www.geocities.com/timtamrun/index.html

Marathon Results

By Year:

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

very flat, 5 times 5.25 mile loop, mostly paved park trails, 10% unpaved park trails

Contact Information

Name:	Douglas A Bryner
Address:	1358 Barkley Ames Iowa 50010
Phone Number:	515-233-3109
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (22)

Course 4.0

Organization 4.2

Spectators 2.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

J. M. from nebraska (4/30/2010) "Very fun race!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran in 2009 with my daughter and had a great time.
E. P. from Mount Vernon, IA (4/17/2010) "Love this small town race" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a really nice first marathon for me because it was so personalized. It is very small but bathrooms were available every 2 miles so I never had to worry. Since it is a loop race I got to see my husband and kids every 2 miles if I needed anything - food, drinks, encouragement - and they even let my husband rollerblade and push a stroller for 10 miles of the race with me, which was really nice. The volunteers were amazing and I can't wait the three weeks for the 2010 race to be here!
D. W. from Houston, TX (5/29/2009) "Small but very fun race" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is the smallest race I have ever done (about 50 between the marathon and the 50K, including 3 dogs), but it was also one of the most fun. The people who put it on do not take themselves too seriously, but they do know exactly what marathoners and ultra runners need. There was no medal, no t-shirt, but also no entry fee. And you get much more than what you pay for at this race! The course is 5 loops in a park in Ames, and actually each loop is two different out-and-back loops. At each end there was a water stop with very friendly support, and in the middle at the start/stop there was another. Therefore you have a stop at least every 1.5 miles, even though they only have 3 people handing you water and Gatorade. Very efficient use of volunteers!! The course never crosses a street (under two streets and a railroad track and along a couple of others), so no police support is needed. Although the loops are repetitious, the course itself is fairly pretty, along a small river that you cross 20 times. It is very flat and mostly shaded, and all good running surface. Plenty of fruit and snacks. Easy parking in the park, and you run near your car many times so you can drop off a warm-up or pick up something if you need to. I enjoyed the course because, even though it is a tiny race, I saw all of the other runners multiple times, including the race winner Chuck Engle. Chuck and almost everyone else said, "Hi" or "Good job" every time you went past, so by the end you felt like you knew everyone. Many of the runners do this one every year, so it feels much more like a long run with friends than a race. At the end you could select a "door prize" and a stuffed animal if you wanted. I have enough t-shirts and medals, but you can always use another door and stuffed bear!!! Ames is only about 40 minutes from the Des Moines airport, and there are plenty of reasonable hotels there. I think the Iowa State graduation was the day before the marathon, so Friday night the hotels were full, but no problem on Saturday night for the Sunday race. I was able to start early (just time yourself) and finish in time to get cleaned up, check out of the hotel, grab some lunch and head to the airport after the race.
Debbie Haynes from SPencer, OH (6/1/2008) "Great Mother's Day Gift" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I loved this marathon. Great people. I love running and meeting wonderful people. I met Ruth and her husband. She will be running her 100th marathon, in October. They invited us to come and run. The race director, fans, runners and spectators were few in number, but great. Very friendly. Plus we got to visit with our children. I'll probably run again next year. Plus I'll be a grandma next time!
C. H. from Southeast, Iowa (5/17/2008) "Small, friendly, fun!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran the 50K and it was a wonderful event. I loved how small it was, and the course was great. I really thought I might not like the constant loops, but I loved it. It was so neat to pass people and always get a thumbs up or just a smile. The two ladies out on the course were just fantastic! I did tell them thank you, but that just isn't enough considering that they gave their whole day to sit in the cold and support us. They were both so personable and encouraging. I've run large marathons (Chicago being one of them) and I'd take these two ladies over thousands of spectators any day! The cantaloupe was great and the brownies with the coconut... just heavenly! Thanks to the supportive guys at the start/finish area also. If you are looking for a lot of spectators, this isn't for you. If you want a small, intimate, fun and relaxing run, this is it! I hope to return next year!
T. H. from Ankeny, Iowa (5/15/2008) "Small Marathon = Good Times" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, and I feel it was a good choice. I was registered for a "Mega Marathon" in a big city the month before, and could not run due to illness. I found this marathon via the internet, and I'm glad I did! It boasts a low-key family atmosphere with irreverent humor and friendly workers. The weather could have been better (very windy) and that caused some issues with the course markers, but all in all, it was a good time. Many of the participants are from out-of-state. Many are 50-Staters who know each other. Don't expect a lot of bells and whistles for the $10 entry fee. The entry fee covers the costs to put on the race, several door prizes made out of recycled doors, and that's about it. Who needs band and vendor tents anyway? This is the best-kept secret in the Midwest. Please don't come next year, because I want to keep it to myself.
m. r. from iowa (5/13/2008) "A very unique experience! Loved it!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I did the 50K as my first ultra-marathon and would definitely recommend it. The winds were up to 35 mph, but that is typical Iowa spring weather. The course was interesting: a 5.25-mile loop that was repeated six times - completely wooded, constantly curving but very flat. The race director was very polite and generous. There weren't many/any spectators (except my hubby, who rode his bike with me), so if you are one who needs that, this is not the race for you. The cost of the event was unbeatable: FREE! It was a great Mother's Day for this mom of three. I loved every painful mile.
S. H. from Chicago (5/12/2008) "Don't waste your money" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 What a waste! A late start, no recycled trophies for back-of-the-pack runners, no door prizes, two minor water stops (plus a good one by the wife of a 50-State runner), and a medal that was Mardi Gras beads and a cowbell.
R. K. from Des Moines, Iowa (5/30/2007) "A Great Small Race" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I did the 50K in 2006 and the people are just fantastic. It is small and personal, like many ultras, but unlike most regular marathons. The price (it was free for mothers) is terrific. How can you beat it? You can't. The director and volunteers make it great!
Laurence Macon from San Antonio (5/21/2007) "Please Don't Come - The Race is PERFECT" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Central States Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 What is so special about this tiny race on a multiple-loop flat bike path through a pretty but unremarkable park? It's not the non-existent spectators, the non-existent pasta dinner, the non-existent bands or even the very existent bowling trophies. Rather it is the fun spirit that Doug and the other organizers infuse in this race that infects everyone who runs it. If you are a very serious runner and don't enjoy joking with the other participants in the race when your paths cross, this is not the race for you. But if you like people as well as running, see you in Ames next Mother's Day.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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J. M. from nebraska (4/30/2010) "Very fun race!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran in 2009 with my daughter and had a great time.
E. P. from Mount Vernon, IA (4/17/2010) "Love this small town race" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a really nice first marathon for me because it was so personalized. It is very small but bathrooms were available every 2 miles so I never had to worry. Since it is a loop race I got to see my husband and kids every 2 miles if I needed anything - food, drinks, encouragement - and they even let my husband rollerblade and push a stroller for 10 miles of the race with me, which was really nice. The volunteers were amazing and I can't wait the three weeks for the 2010 race to be here!
D. W. from Houston, TX (5/29/2009) "Small but very fun race" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is the smallest race I have ever done (about 50 between the marathon and the 50K, including 3 dogs), but it was also one of the most fun. The people who put it on do not take themselves too seriously, but they do know exactly what marathoners and ultra runners need. There was no medal, no t-shirt, but also no entry fee. And you get much more than what you pay for at this race! The course is 5 loops in a park in Ames, and actually each loop is two different out-and-back loops. At each end there was a water stop with very friendly support, and in the middle at the start/stop there was another. Therefore you have a stop at least every 1.5 miles, even though they only have 3 people handing you water and Gatorade. Very efficient use of volunteers!! The course never crosses a street (under two streets and a railroad track and along a couple of others), so no police support is needed. Although the loops are repetitious, the course itself is fairly pretty, along a small river that you cross 20 times. It is very flat and mostly shaded, and all good running surface. Plenty of fruit and snacks. Easy parking in the park, and you run near your car many times so you can drop off a warm-up or pick up something if you need to. I enjoyed the course because, even though it is a tiny race, I saw all of the other runners multiple times, including the race winner Chuck Engle. Chuck and almost everyone else said, "Hi" or "Good job" every time you went past, so by the end you felt like you knew everyone. Many of the runners do this one every year, so it feels much more like a long run with friends than a race. At the end you could select a "door prize" and a stuffed animal if you wanted. I have enough t-shirts and medals, but you can always use another door and stuffed bear!!! Ames is only about 40 minutes from the Des Moines airport, and there are plenty of reasonable hotels there. I think the Iowa State graduation was the day before the marathon, so Friday night the hotels were full, but no problem on Saturday night for the Sunday race. I was able to start early (just time yourself) and finish in time to get cleaned up, check out of the hotel, grab some lunch and head to the airport after the race.
Debbie Haynes from SPencer, OH (6/1/2008) "Great Mother's Day Gift" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I loved this marathon. Great people. I love running and meeting wonderful people. I met Ruth and her husband. She will be running her 100th marathon, in October. They invited us to come and run. The race director, fans, runners and spectators were few in number, but great. Very friendly. Plus we got to visit with our children. I'll probably run again next year. Plus I'll be a grandma next time!
C. H. from Southeast, Iowa (5/17/2008) "Small, friendly, fun!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran the 50K and it was a wonderful event. I loved how small it was, and the course was great. I really thought I might not like the constant loops, but I loved it. It was so neat to pass people and always get a thumbs up or just a smile. The two ladies out on the course were just fantastic! I did tell them thank you, but that just isn't enough considering that they gave their whole day to sit in the cold and support us. They were both so personable and encouraging. I've run large marathons (Chicago being one of them) and I'd take these two ladies over thousands of spectators any day! The cantaloupe was great and the brownies with the coconut... just heavenly! Thanks to the supportive guys at the start/finish area also. If you are looking for a lot of spectators, this isn't for you. If you want a small, intimate, fun and relaxing run, this is it! I hope to return next year!
T. H. from Ankeny, Iowa (5/15/2008) "Small Marathon = Good Times" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, and I feel it was a good choice. I was registered for a "Mega Marathon" in a big city the month before, and could not run due to illness. I found this marathon via the internet, and I'm glad I did! It boasts a low-key family atmosphere with irreverent humor and friendly workers. The weather could have been better (very windy) and that caused some issues with the course markers, but all in all, it was a good time. Many of the participants are from out-of-state. Many are 50-Staters who know each other. Don't expect a lot of bells and whistles for the $10 entry fee. The entry fee covers the costs to put on the race, several door prizes made out of recycled doors, and that's about it. Who needs band and vendor tents anyway? This is the best-kept secret in the Midwest. Please don't come next year, because I want to keep it to myself.
m. r. from iowa (5/13/2008) "A very unique experience! Loved it!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I did the 50K as my first ultra-marathon and would definitely recommend it. The winds were up to 35 mph, but that is typical Iowa spring weather. The course was interesting: a 5.25-mile loop that was repeated six times - completely wooded, constantly curving but very flat. The race director was very polite and generous. There weren't many/any spectators (except my hubby, who rode his bike with me), so if you are one who needs that, this is not the race for you. The cost of the event was unbeatable: FREE! It was a great Mother's Day for this mom of three. I loved every painful mile.
S. H. from Chicago (5/12/2008) "Don't waste your money" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 What a waste! A late start, no recycled trophies for back-of-the-pack runners, no door prizes, two minor water stops (plus a good one by the wife of a 50-State runner), and a medal that was Mardi Gras beads and a cowbell.
R. K. from Des Moines, Iowa (5/30/2007) "A Great Small Race" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Central States Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I did the 50K in 2006 and the people are just fantastic. It is small and personal, like many ultras, but unlike most regular marathons. The price (it was free for mothers) is terrific. How can you beat it? You can't. The director and volunteers make it great!
Laurence Macon from San Antonio (5/21/2007) "Please Don't Come - The Race is PERFECT" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Central States Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 What is so special about this tiny race on a multiple-loop flat bike path through a pretty but unremarkable park? It's not the non-existent spectators, the non-existent pasta dinner, the non-existent bands or even the very existent bowling trophies. Rather it is the fun spirit that Doug and the other organizers infuse in this race that infects everyone who runs it. If you are a very serious runner and don't enjoy joking with the other participants in the race when your paths cross, this is not the race for you. But if you like people as well as running, see you in Ames next Mother's Day.

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Marathon Details - Central States Marathon