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Marathon Details - "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OH > Dublin > "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon

"Last Chance for Boston" Marathon

"Last Chance for Boston" Marathon & Relays, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Dublin, OH USA

February 21, 2016

http://premierraces.com/lastchanceforboston

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2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Held in Dublin, Ohio, a northwest suburb of Columbus, our 1 mile loop course offers a very spectator friendly race environment, with 26 fluid/support stations!

Contact Information

Name:	Jeff Henderson - Fleet Feet Sports
Address:	401 Charmel Place Columbus, OH 43235
Phone Number:	614-431-9134
Fax Number:	866-291-2332
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (81)

Course 3.7

Organization 4.0

Spectators 3.6

Write a review

Number of comments: 81 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

J. B. from Indiana (2/19/2017) "Fast/Flat Yes. Scenic not so much." (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A nice quaint community running event for the locals and a few out of towners. The logistics do not get much easier. Your start/finish is right outside the hotel. That said, you run a 1-mile loop in a commercial/business district surrounded by hotels and large buildings. However, the volunteers are wonderful and it's a good event if you are wanting to get in a long run! Let me add that if you are from out of town, skip the extra 40 minute drive to and from the running store and pick up your packet on race day morning. There is no EXPO at the store and it's business as usual there. Lastly, there are issues with your mileage and the loops not adding up. For the marathon, you'll run the .2 in the very beginning, so it's relatively easy to lose count. It's very difficult to run the tangents due to the varied events taking place in a narrow one-lane. Consequently, your mileage can look like you are on your last lap, when this may not be true.
K. H. from Akron, Ohio (3/26/2016) "Flat mile loop course, easy logistics, good timing" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For those of us looking to stretch our distance in February, this is a solid option. Full marathons at this time of year are hard to come by in Ohio, so hats off to the promoters for putting this together every year. Logistics were easy. Race hotel and registration were right at the start line. Plenty of parking was located right next to the start line and the area made for easy arrival and departure from the race site. The volunteers were great and enthusiastic. Race organizers were on the course the entire time and put on a good event. Water and bananas were waiting after crossing the finish line. The course is, as others have mentioned, a one mile loop run 26 times. This made it easy to leave a supply bag at a point near the start/finish line with gels, drink, etc., and gave spectators an opportunity to see runners over and over for support. The only thing to keep in mind is that this makes the course congested for quite a while, and those 104 left turns can really take a toll on your Achilles and ankles. Overall a good event that was well run at a time when there aren't any other options in the area.
E. C. from Central Pennsylvania (3/8/2016) "Solid Winter Marathon" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 There aren't many marathons in this part of the country in February. So hats off to the race directors for offering some longer distances this time of year. Second time I've run this marathon. Pros: The easiest logistics you'll find at a marathon. The host hotel, and a couple of others are right on the course. Roll out of bed 10 minutes before the start! Not many other marathons can claim that perk. Pancake flat course. One mile loop means no looking for porta potties or the next water station. Plenty of parking. A simultaneous 5k, 10K and half mean you're never lonely on the course. Organizers and volunteers were very friendly. Cons: The course is really congested until the 5kers and 10kers are off the course. Understand the race organizers have to make money, and they aren't going to do it off of a half and full marathon in Ohio in February. If you're looking to run a marathon pr, know that you'll spend a lot of energy dodging people in the first several miles, no matter your pace. I felt like I was on mile 7 when the crowds thinned. Also, a one lap course means a lot of turns. There are four 90 degree turns on the loop. Post race food is a little thin, I had cold pizza and granola bars. Overall, this is a solid and unique race that I would recommend for anyone looking to get in some distance over the winter. Nice job Warm up for Boston!
M. H. from Highland Heights, KY (2/22/2016) "Small, great volunteers, flat" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Nice, flat race. Some people don't like running a 1 mile loop, but it was fine for a half marathon, which is what I did at this race. I didn't do the full because of the 5 hour time limit. I liked the half because even though it is a small race, and few spectators, you get to see them every mile! The water stop was great... the volunteers were vying for your attention and wanting to be the ones giving you water or Gatorade. The food at the end could have been more - that part was inadequate. Especially, for the full marathoners. I went down to where the food was supposed to be and there were NO drinks and a handful of pizzas... I appreciate the pizza, but where was everybody? Also, the finish line was pretty well dead at 4:30 time-frame, and the volunteers had left. I wouldn't have wanted to do the full because of this. I think they should have had people stay longer. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this race. I really loved the volunteers and the flat course. The weather was perfect this year, and that was a bonus! The other thing I loved was seeing friends (old and new) multiple times on the course. Everyone was friendly and encouraging. Exactly what I like in a race! I would definitely do this one again, as the half. Unless, they had folks stay longer, I'm not sure I would want to do the full.
Alexander Bruns from Cincinnati, OH (9/2/2014) "This Race is Worth it!!!" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was training for a marathon in April to BQ, but as I was running 20 mile runs faster than my goal pace, I thought I would sign up for Last Chance at the last minute and BQ there. This was my first shot at the marathon and what I thought would be a boring marathon, was actually an amazing experience. I ended up running a 2:53 and got 3rd place. How cool is that? I was surprised at the kind of people this marathon attracted to the race. There were some big name runners there: Harvey Lewis, Chuck Engle...Wow. What an experience. Although it was 30 degrees and lightly snowing, I ran without my shirt and felt fine..You wont even notice the cold after the first lap trust me. I kind of liked passing people every lap, it gave me that feeling of getting to chase people down and the people I passes multiple times shouted words of encouragement. You really get to know the volunteers after passing them 26 times and they are very supportive and encouraging. I love it. Plan on being there again in 2015, so if you see a 6'9' runner there, just give me a holler...See you there next year.
P. G. from IA (2/26/2014) "Fast course, if you don't mind loops" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Running 26 one mile loops for a marathon had intrigued me so I was happy to give it a try. If you are looking for great scenery or variety in a race, this is not for you. But if you want easy logisitics and a flat course, this race is great. The finish line is right at the hotel. You pass the water stop with friendly volunteers every mile. If you need supplies during the race you have access to them once every mile. Since it is a small marathon (69 marathon finishers) there isn't an expo or some of the other things you can get with a bigger marathon. But, if you want to distill your experience down to the possibility of a fast time, give this marathon a try. The average finishing time for this marathon is typically under 4 hours. Other than Boston, I'm not sure there are many other marathons that have an average finishing time this fast. The only downside is that you share the course with 5K, 10K, and half marathon runners so you might have to dodge people occaisionally, but for me it wasn't a big issue.
J. S. from OH (2/25/2013) "Great Race" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I completed this marathon in 2012 and 2013 and it is my first repeat marathon. I normally don't like to repeat marathons but this one is so unique I was excited to come back. Looking for a PR/BQ in 2013 I achieved both with a 3:03:58 (taking 20 minutes off my 2012 time!) This race is not for everyone though. Some might go insane running 26 laps around the same loop. I think it can really help you to focus your energy on 'just running.' 2012 and 2013 were both decent weather for Ohio/February. Both days temperatures started in the mid 20s and ended in the low 30s with no sun and just a little wind. Pros - very unique, as easy as 26.2 miles can be - easy logistics (one less stress) - Boston Qualifier - February Marathon -- also a con (weather), but there's not many other choices this time of year unless you go far south - Pizza inside after you finish -- and good warm area to recoup in - Good chance of BQ! It looks as if 33% of finishers in 2013 BQ'd (19/57). That's got to be some kind of record. Cons (minor) - too many people not there for the marathon& there were 100s of participants but only 57 full marathon finishers (2013) the rest of the people out there just make the course more crowded and go slow and take up the inside loop ('On your left!'). It would be nice if the entire race was just marathoners but hey Im sure all those 5K, 10, HM, and relayers really help make this event profitable/feasible. - Expensive -- Cost is comparable to big marathons like Columbus, Flying Pig, and Cleveland. But lets face it -- this takes about the same logistics as a local 5K (that lasts 5 hours) to put this race on. No 26 mile road closures with 100s of cops/volunteers/workers, 100s of port-o-lets, pace cars, convention, etc, etc& - February Marathon :) All things considered this is a great marathon that is what it is & I have made the trek from Cincinnati the last 2 years for this and have not been disappointed. I'm glad to have this race as somewhat local marathon option for me and at a time of the year that isn't too hectic. Nice job guys -- a definite recommendation from me. :)
R. M. from Indianapolis, Indiana (3/2/2011) ""No Chance for Boston"" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I ran this marathon on Feb. 27, 2011 with the hopes of attaining a PR. I was very disappointed with the structure of the field. There were a wide variety of people running a wide variety of races - from a 5K to a marathon, from walking to running a relay. I passed walkers happily chatting on their cell phones, walking in the middle of the road, and then was passed by a speedster who nearly knocked me to the ground. There are four 90-degree turns (x 26 miles = 104 turns). The actual running space was relatively narrow. So, 104 times I had to negotiate a turn with people bunched up in front of me and behind me. This improved as the shorter races finished. Unfortunately, dodging in and out of crowds/walkers and negotiating the turns sapped my strength and increased my time. I had my worst marathon time yet in spite of good conditions (cool temperature, no precipitation, plenty of fluids, etc.). I believe that a standard marathon gives a much better chance to PR. Unfortunately, the organizers of this race are trying to add racers at the expense of a quality experience for the marathoners. Oh, well. Live and learn. I won't return to this marathon.
N. H. from NYC (3/1/2011) "Different" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This year I decided to do the half marathon. I really enjoyed the course and the crowd was great. Just a few devoted family and friends. But I didn't like that the officials decided NOT to call out the times or laps. I don't know about you, but running makes me zone out. It was a nice feature they had about this race. I'm sorry it's gone. I won't be back. It was fun while it lasted.
C. M. from Centerville, OH (2/27/2011) "Interesting little race" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon, so 13 laps. The organization wasn't bad at all. Packet pick up at the host hotel was a breeze. There are several hotels within walking distance of the start, which is nice. Weather this year wasn't bad at all, about 40 degrees at the start. The course itself isn't bad, being a one-mile loop. You get used to the course early on, but I didn't like that there were no hills. Even a few small ones would break up the monotony. Also, there are four races (5K, 10K, half, full) going on at the same time. It's difficult to tell who's running what. Spectators were pretty quiet early on, but they picked it up later on. Shirt is fantastic, but the medal is like something you would get at a local 5K. Post-race food was ok: Gatorade, water, fruit, and bagels. Eh. All in all, it was a good chance to get a training run in in the winter. I don't plan on going again since I just saw the course 13 times today.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]



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J. B. from Indiana (2/19/2017) "Fast/Flat Yes. Scenic not so much." (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A nice quaint community running event for the locals and a few out of towners. The logistics do not get much easier. Your start/finish is right outside the hotel. That said, you run a 1-mile loop in a commercial/business district surrounded by hotels and large buildings. However, the volunteers are wonderful and it's a good event if you are wanting to get in a long run! Let me add that if you are from out of town, skip the extra 40 minute drive to and from the running store and pick up your packet on race day morning. There is no EXPO at the store and it's business as usual there. Lastly, there are issues with your mileage and the loops not adding up. For the marathon, you'll run the .2 in the very beginning, so it's relatively easy to lose count. It's very difficult to run the tangents due to the varied events taking place in a narrow one-lane. Consequently, your mileage can look like you are on your last lap, when this may not be true.
K. H. from Akron, Ohio (3/26/2016) "Flat mile loop course, easy logistics, good timing" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For those of us looking to stretch our distance in February, this is a solid option. Full marathons at this time of year are hard to come by in Ohio, so hats off to the promoters for putting this together every year. Logistics were easy. Race hotel and registration were right at the start line. Plenty of parking was located right next to the start line and the area made for easy arrival and departure from the race site. The volunteers were great and enthusiastic. Race organizers were on the course the entire time and put on a good event. Water and bananas were waiting after crossing the finish line. The course is, as others have mentioned, a one mile loop run 26 times. This made it easy to leave a supply bag at a point near the start/finish line with gels, drink, etc., and gave spectators an opportunity to see runners over and over for support. The only thing to keep in mind is that this makes the course congested for quite a while, and those 104 left turns can really take a toll on your Achilles and ankles. Overall a good event that was well run at a time when there aren't any other options in the area.
E. C. from Central Pennsylvania (3/8/2016) "Solid Winter Marathon" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 There aren't many marathons in this part of the country in February. So hats off to the race directors for offering some longer distances this time of year. Second time I've run this marathon. Pros: The easiest logistics you'll find at a marathon. The host hotel, and a couple of others are right on the course. Roll out of bed 10 minutes before the start! Not many other marathons can claim that perk. Pancake flat course. One mile loop means no looking for porta potties or the next water station. Plenty of parking. A simultaneous 5k, 10K and half mean you're never lonely on the course. Organizers and volunteers were very friendly. Cons: The course is really congested until the 5kers and 10kers are off the course. Understand the race organizers have to make money, and they aren't going to do it off of a half and full marathon in Ohio in February. If you're looking to run a marathon pr, know that you'll spend a lot of energy dodging people in the first several miles, no matter your pace. I felt like I was on mile 7 when the crowds thinned. Also, a one lap course means a lot of turns. There are four 90 degree turns on the loop. Post race food is a little thin, I had cold pizza and granola bars. Overall, this is a solid and unique race that I would recommend for anyone looking to get in some distance over the winter. Nice job Warm up for Boston!
M. H. from Highland Heights, KY (2/22/2016) "Small, great volunteers, flat" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Nice, flat race. Some people don't like running a 1 mile loop, but it was fine for a half marathon, which is what I did at this race. I didn't do the full because of the 5 hour time limit. I liked the half because even though it is a small race, and few spectators, you get to see them every mile! The water stop was great... the volunteers were vying for your attention and wanting to be the ones giving you water or Gatorade. The food at the end could have been more - that part was inadequate. Especially, for the full marathoners. I went down to where the food was supposed to be and there were NO drinks and a handful of pizzas... I appreciate the pizza, but where was everybody? Also, the finish line was pretty well dead at 4:30 time-frame, and the volunteers had left. I wouldn't have wanted to do the full because of this. I think they should have had people stay longer. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this race. I really loved the volunteers and the flat course. The weather was perfect this year, and that was a bonus! The other thing I loved was seeing friends (old and new) multiple times on the course. Everyone was friendly and encouraging. Exactly what I like in a race! I would definitely do this one again, as the half. Unless, they had folks stay longer, I'm not sure I would want to do the full.
Alexander Bruns from Cincinnati, OH (9/2/2014) "This Race is Worth it!!!" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was training for a marathon in April to BQ, but as I was running 20 mile runs faster than my goal pace, I thought I would sign up for Last Chance at the last minute and BQ there. This was my first shot at the marathon and what I thought would be a boring marathon, was actually an amazing experience. I ended up running a 2:53 and got 3rd place. How cool is that? I was surprised at the kind of people this marathon attracted to the race. There were some big name runners there: Harvey Lewis, Chuck Engle...Wow. What an experience. Although it was 30 degrees and lightly snowing, I ran without my shirt and felt fine..You wont even notice the cold after the first lap trust me. I kind of liked passing people every lap, it gave me that feeling of getting to chase people down and the people I passes multiple times shouted words of encouragement. You really get to know the volunteers after passing them 26 times and they are very supportive and encouraging. I love it. Plan on being there again in 2015, so if you see a 6'9' runner there, just give me a holler...See you there next year.
P. G. from IA (2/26/2014) "Fast course, if you don't mind loops" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Running 26 one mile loops for a marathon had intrigued me so I was happy to give it a try. If you are looking for great scenery or variety in a race, this is not for you. But if you want easy logisitics and a flat course, this race is great. The finish line is right at the hotel. You pass the water stop with friendly volunteers every mile. If you need supplies during the race you have access to them once every mile. Since it is a small marathon (69 marathon finishers) there isn't an expo or some of the other things you can get with a bigger marathon. But, if you want to distill your experience down to the possibility of a fast time, give this marathon a try. The average finishing time for this marathon is typically under 4 hours. Other than Boston, I'm not sure there are many other marathons that have an average finishing time this fast. The only downside is that you share the course with 5K, 10K, and half marathon runners so you might have to dodge people occaisionally, but for me it wasn't a big issue.
J. S. from OH (2/25/2013) "Great Race" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I completed this marathon in 2012 and 2013 and it is my first repeat marathon. I normally don't like to repeat marathons but this one is so unique I was excited to come back. Looking for a PR/BQ in 2013 I achieved both with a 3:03:58 (taking 20 minutes off my 2012 time!) This race is not for everyone though. Some might go insane running 26 laps around the same loop. I think it can really help you to focus your energy on 'just running.' 2012 and 2013 were both decent weather for Ohio/February. Both days temperatures started in the mid 20s and ended in the low 30s with no sun and just a little wind. Pros - very unique, as easy as 26.2 miles can be - easy logistics (one less stress) - Boston Qualifier - February Marathon -- also a con (weather), but there's not many other choices this time of year unless you go far south - Pizza inside after you finish -- and good warm area to recoup in - Good chance of BQ! It looks as if 33% of finishers in 2013 BQ'd (19/57). That's got to be some kind of record. Cons (minor) - too many people not there for the marathon& there were 100s of participants but only 57 full marathon finishers (2013) the rest of the people out there just make the course more crowded and go slow and take up the inside loop ('On your left!'). It would be nice if the entire race was just marathoners but hey Im sure all those 5K, 10, HM, and relayers really help make this event profitable/feasible. - Expensive -- Cost is comparable to big marathons like Columbus, Flying Pig, and Cleveland. But lets face it -- this takes about the same logistics as a local 5K (that lasts 5 hours) to put this race on. No 26 mile road closures with 100s of cops/volunteers/workers, 100s of port-o-lets, pace cars, convention, etc, etc& - February Marathon :) All things considered this is a great marathon that is what it is & I have made the trek from Cincinnati the last 2 years for this and have not been disappointed. I'm glad to have this race as somewhat local marathon option for me and at a time of the year that isn't too hectic. Nice job guys -- a definite recommendation from me. :)
R. M. from Indianapolis, Indiana (3/2/2011) ""No Chance for Boston"" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I ran this marathon on Feb. 27, 2011 with the hopes of attaining a PR. I was very disappointed with the structure of the field. There were a wide variety of people running a wide variety of races - from a 5K to a marathon, from walking to running a relay. I passed walkers happily chatting on their cell phones, walking in the middle of the road, and then was passed by a speedster who nearly knocked me to the ground. There are four 90-degree turns (x 26 miles = 104 turns). The actual running space was relatively narrow. So, 104 times I had to negotiate a turn with people bunched up in front of me and behind me. This improved as the shorter races finished. Unfortunately, dodging in and out of crowds/walkers and negotiating the turns sapped my strength and increased my time. I had my worst marathon time yet in spite of good conditions (cool temperature, no precipitation, plenty of fluids, etc.). I believe that a standard marathon gives a much better chance to PR. Unfortunately, the organizers of this race are trying to add racers at the expense of a quality experience for the marathoners. Oh, well. Live and learn. I won't return to this marathon.
N. H. from NYC (3/1/2011) "Different" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This year I decided to do the half marathon. I really enjoyed the course and the crowd was great. Just a few devoted family and friends. But I didn't like that the officials decided NOT to call out the times or laps. I don't know about you, but running makes me zone out. It was a nice feature they had about this race. I'm sorry it's gone. I won't be back. It was fun while it lasted.
C. M. from Centerville, OH (2/27/2011) "Interesting little race" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon, so 13 laps. The organization wasn't bad at all. Packet pick up at the host hotel was a breeze. There are several hotels within walking distance of the start, which is nice. Weather this year wasn't bad at all, about 40 degrees at the start. The course itself isn't bad, being a one-mile loop. You get used to the course early on, but I didn't like that there were no hills. Even a few small ones would break up the monotony. Also, there are four races (5K, 10K, half, full) going on at the same time. It's difficult to tell who's running what. Spectators were pretty quiet early on, but they picked it up later on. Shirt is fantastic, but the medal is like something you would get at a local 5K. Post-race food was ok: Gatorade, water, fruit, and bagels. Eh. All in all, it was a good chance to get a training run in in the winter. I don't plan on going again since I just saw the course 13 times today.

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Marathon Details - "Last Chance for Boston" Marathon