Marathon Details - Downtown River Run Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > NV > Reno > Downtown River Run Marathon

Downtown River Run Marathon

Downtown River Run Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Run

Reno, NV USA

April 6, 2019

http://www.downtownriverrun.com

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2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Top 3 Finishers

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Runner Reviews (3)

Course 3.3

Organization 3.3

Spectators 2.3

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Number of comments: 3

J. A. from MN (4/12/2019) "Don't do this one" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Downtown River Run Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This was my 49th state and I chose this race as it fit my schedule. The course is fine, but they need more volunteers as there are many turns and while there are signs, I know at least a few people got lost on the course. Secondly, the organizers didn't seem to understand that when a runner signs up for a certain size shirt, they should get that shirt. When I got to the registration, I was told they couldn't guarantee sizes. There were only 68 runners in the full marathon so how hard could it be to order shirts. I signed up months ago...and went home with a shirt 2 sizes too small. Lastly, they advertised a party following the race. While I admit, I'm slow, the party consisted of a case of water sitting in courtyard of the Harrahs hotel as they had packed everything up already. I don't care about expos, parties, bands, etc. I just came to do a race. But if you say you're going to do something, then do it.
L. G. from AZ (5/3/2018) "beautiful run in the mountains" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Downtown River Run Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This 2-loop course along the Truckee River on a combination of bike paths and closed roads is gorgeous with views of the mountains most of the course. The volunteers at the water stops were friendly, and there were several police officers at major intersections and riding motorcycles during the event. With only 67 marathon finishers this year, it's a very small race. The much larger half-marathon started 45 minutes after the marathon, so I got to see the half-marathoners, 10k and 5k runners along the course. It's a good thing I like running by myself, because on the second loop I was running alone, with no runners in sight much of the time. I was very disappointed with the finish; there were a couple of volunteers handing out medals, but that was it. They were taking down the food tables (bananas) and the advertised party on the Harrah's Plaza was non-existent. The weather was cool and windy, so perhaps that was part of the reason, but I had the feeling the marathon was an afterthought and all the effort went into the larger half-marathon.
J. E. from New York (4/15/2015) "Tough Challenge But Beautiful Course" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Downtown River Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Logistics - Superb! Start/finish is right out front of the host hotel (Harrah's). Plenty of other hotels within 3 block radius. Harrah's had a special group rate for the marathon at only $69 for the first night and $29 for the second night (plus $10 per each night for resort fee) making this race extremely easy on the wallet if you can resist gambling all night. The expo was several miles away but I opted to pick up my bib race day morning as I was coming from out of town. Organization - Kudos to the Race Director who was very responsive to inquiries. Race started on time, signage was great, mile markers seemed to be in proper position and the course was well marked and managed. Volunteers - They were all so friendly, helpful and made great cheerleaders. Course - Start/finish is right under the iconic Reno Arch. The first 6 miles or so are rolling as are the last 5 or 6 miles. The middle miles are much tougher with more hills and steeper ones. You get to run mostly on asphalt roads, a paved bike trail as well as a regular trail for a few miles. While the course is tough (but doable), I gave it 5 stars because it is absolutely gorgeous! Much of the race is run by the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as passing lakes, a trail as well as a pedestrian foot bridge. Reno was my 37th Marathon and it was easily one of the top 3 most gorgeous courses I've had the pleasure to run on. Nothing like staring at the Sierra Nevada Mountains, lakes and a bit of trail when you are running 26.2 miles. Warning - The starting elevation is at around 4500 feet and some people may have a problem with the high elevation. Coming from NYC, I think the high elevation was problematic for me. Water stops were very helpful and went out of their way for the runners. Many times when I would approach an aid station, a volunteer would actually run up to me before I even got there to offer me water or gatorade and then they would offer to run back to get some more if I needed it. They were also the best cheerleaders! This is one of the nice things about running in smaller races. The only thing I think would be helpful would be if the race would switch to bigger cups as they used small Dixie sized cups. Reno is also a very fun place to visit. I'm not much of a gambler but it was nice checking out some of the hotel casinos as well as dining at the buffets. Traffic control was excellent. There isn't a ton of traffic but you do have to be aware at all times even though they do have the shoulder coned off. I'm so thankful to all the great volunteers. Every single one of them were outstanding! I don't know why this race doesn't get more runners. The marathon only had 109 finishers. It does give a nice intimate feel as the marathon starts an hour and 15 minutes before the half. I personally like smaller races and all the runners you might pass or pass you on the course provides for a friendlier and more intimate experience. It's almost like going on a very long run by yourself. The finish is great when you turn the corner and see the Reno Arch just a few blocks straight ahead. Immediately after finishing, I was given my medal by one volunteer, offered a bottle of water and gatorade by another volunteer and then a third volunteer insisted on taking my picture under the arch with her cell phone and sent me the picture! That's service for you! They also have a separate finishing area for the marathoners right by the Harrah's parking lot where you can sit down to a pasta meal and other refreshments. With such a small field and race, there are so many nice touches that goes above and beyond what one would expect in most races. I hope and predict that this race will grow substantially. It certainly deserves it. Now if you need a race that has tons of screaming spectators, huge medal, huge expo and rock music and bands constantly blasting in your ear, this race isn't for you but if you want a well organized race that has one of the most beautiful courses of all the road marathons in the country and with little hassle, you'll really enjoy Reno.