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Jun 2, 2024

Gobbler Grind Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Gobbler Grind Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.5

Organization 3.2

Spectators 2.5

Number of comments: 100 [displaying comments 41 to 51]

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Kory Cool from USA (11/19/2007) "Low-key, fast, and well-organized; test yourself." (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 It could have helped to have pace bikers; the arrows were easy to follow, but when competition is low they can really help. Great community, great volunteers/aid stations, well marked course, and good course layout. I did experience a point where I was running into traffic on a bike path and some runners seemed unaware, but that did not stop me from setting a PR. Do it!
M. S. from Lawrence, KS (11/19/2007) "Nice course, terrible food" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Ran the 1/2, so not sure this counts, but a nice event overall. I enjoy the trails and the race size. Did get a medal this year. Not nearly enough bathrooms along the course, the post-food this year was composed of GREEN bananas (I guess what do I expect in Nov in KS?) and DORITOS/CHEETOS AND GENERIC VANILLA CREME COOKIES. Terrible terrible. Is that what I'm supposed to be eating to load up on carbs? Learn from Lawrence races re: food; they have fantastic food there at the 1/2 marathon.
B. A. from North Carolina (11/19/2007) "Nice course but ..." (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Gobbler Grind Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran this race back in 2001 and the new course is much better than the old one. Most of it is run on a paved greenway and is very scenic. At mile 24 we even saw a large deer gallop across the path! Very exciting! The event has 3 races that start together: marathon, half-marathon, and 5K. I was signed up for the marathon and had planned on running around 3:10. I was running right on pace and following all of the people in front of me through mile 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and then crossing the finish line for the half marathoners in 1:33:54. At this point, I asked the volunteers which way to go for the marathon and was told that I was done. I said no, I'm running the marathon and had 13.1 more miles to go. Finally, someone told me that there was a sign a ways back for all marathoners to turn and that I missed it. As I have run over 1000 road races, including over 125 marathons, and have never had a DNF, I decided to backtrack to the marathon split-off and resume my race. After running for around a mile, I asked someone else if they knew where the split-off was and was told about 3 miles away. Not very happy, but determined to finish, I continued backtracking until I got to the split-off where I decided to look at the 'sign' that I missed. It was a rectangle shaped sign measuring about 12 inches by 18 inches with an arrow pointing to the right and was placed right before a very crowed aid station. There was no volunteer telling the marathoners to turn and when I asked the aid station people about it, a lady said "It's not our fault, we're just volunteers" Amazing! The most critical turn in the race and there was no monitor there. Anyway, I kept running until I caught up with my buddy at around 12 miles and jogged in with him eventually finishing in 5:42:48 (after running over 33 miles). It was a disappointing experience as I missed out on a sub 3:10 performance and most likely a top 5 finish based on the marathon finish times (of which several of the top finishes I question). I most likely will not run this race again as I have tried it twice and had a bad experience both times (The first time I placed in my age group and had to leave for a flight and was told my award would be mailed to me. After sending several emails throughout the next few months, and not getting any responses from the race director, I finally wrote it off). However, it is a nice course which most marathoners would enjoy.
Josh Ehlen from Omaha, NE (11/19/2007) "Good Small Marathon for 50-Staters" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Gobbler Grind Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall, I really enjoyed this marathon. This is not a large race so do not expect to have a lot of crowd support, but the runners were great, cheering each other on. The course was extremely flat except for a long hill around mile 6/7 and another around mile 20. Running on the trails was nice; however, there were a lot of turns which required you to slow down or change directions. This constant change of direction throws off your natural running cadence and wastes a lot of energy. There need to be more restrooms at the start of the race. I showed up 45 minutes early and the line was already too long to wait in. So if you have to go, try to go beforehand. Most of the course was very well marked with arrows, but if you are planning to run at the front of the pack pay attention especially around mile 20-22, as there was some confusion out on the course and nobody was there directing traffic. I know a few of the top runners took wrong turns at some point during the race. Overall, a very positive experience and I would recommend this race to fellow runners.
P. A. from Faifield, Iowa (11/18/2007) "Nice small marathon experience" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Gobbler Grind Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a well run small marathon. Easy to get to, plenty of parking and overall, a great job by the race team and volunteers. Started right on time without a hitch. Weather was very good, but can't always be counted on this time of the year. Course was nice, especially the section that runs along the Indian Creek Trail (more than half the course for the full marathon runners). The race starts out with the 5K and 1/2 marathon runners all running the same loop route. This wasn't a problem and the 5K runners were gone before you knew it. Quite a few twists and turns which sometimes made it difficult to get into a rhythm. The course was not entirely flat. Some decent uphills during miles 7 and 8 as well as a nasty hill at mile 20. Also a fair amount of up and down on bridges over roads etc. Aid stops every two miles with H2O, Gatorade and at the later stops, gels, fruit, candy, etc. Nice long sleeve tech running shirt and a decent medal. All and all, well worth the time and effort. I even unexpectedly ran a personal best.
M. D. from Lenexa, Kansas (11/18/2007) "Plenty of Trees for Runners who P" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Gobbler Grind Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 If you are a middle aged marathoner guy like myself, who has a going problem, but your doctor thinks you may have a growing problem, then this marathon is for you. This wooded and private course offers plenty of trees, shrubs, secluded areas, and porta potties, for us middle aged guys who have bladder emergencies. The Gobbler Grind Marathon is a small and simple marathon. And as a 'simple minded' runner, I have only 5 basic needs. 1) Mile Markers posted at every mile. 2) Aid Stations at least every 2 miles. 3) Directional arrows for us geographically impaired. 4) A Finisher Medal at the finish line. 5) And of course a route with ample bathroom options. The Gobbler Grind Marathon achieved in all categories, therefore my basic needs were accommodated, so I am content with this event. If you are the type of runner that relies on spectator support, then this marathon is not for you, (being a majority of this course runs through wooded areas, and spectators are very sparse). However, if you are the type of runner that is looking for a relatively flat and fast course, (2 hills, mile 7 and mile 20), peaceful surroundings, plenty of elbow room, and an opportunity for a personal course record, then I highly recommend this marathon.
Tom Detore from Lenexa, KS (11/12/2007) "Better with Time" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Gobbler Grind Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This one I have run the last 8 years and I will run it again next Sunday. I have run over 250 marathons and it is one of my favorites overall. It is a fast marathon and a pretty course. I used to drive down here from Nebraska, but now I live just 3.5 miles away. The course has always been fast, but the new course from 2006 is beautiful. I highly recommend it to all. I remember when there were only 60 runners and over half were 50-staters, many running their second of the weekend. Now there is no question that it will be around for years to come. For all you fellow 50-staters, this is the one to run in Kansas, if you want a fast course. The other courses in Kansas do not come close. See you Sunday.
Tyson Poskochil from Lincoln, NE (5/21/2007) "One time is plenty." (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Gobbler Grind Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 This race was half-and-half. I enjoyed the course, which is about 90+ percent on the trails with few, if any, hills. Very scenic, with a lot of wooded area and small creek running through. I even saw three deer near the start line the night before! I was unable to hear any announcements clearly at the start line, and the national anthem was butchered. Not many fans along the course except at the start/finish line. Plenty variety of drinks at the end; food could be a bit better. Only fresh fruit for eats at the post-race party with a blues band, and expected a bit more there. You don't feel guilty loading up on food the following Thursday, but keep the weather in mind as well, as it's mid-November, and weather conditions/temps in the Midwest are a toss-up. (It was decent this time with low 50's and no snow). Overall a nice experience, but would not run again.
Dick White from Cocoa Beach, FL (11/28/2006) "Peace, Quiet, and Scenic Beauty" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Gobbler Grind Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 What hills? All the way from Florida and I hear complaints of hills? NO TRAFFIC! NO HUGE CROWDS! This is the marathon I've been looking for! But, alas, we all (5K, 1/2) started together, so, of course, we had to squeeze around walkers in the first mile. Such a BEAUTIFUL trail. Race hotel was first-class! I'll recommend this race to anyone who'll listen, but especially to 50-Staters (34 for me) who are more interested in the course than the crowd.
m. s. from minneapolis, mn (11/28/2006) "Small but Nice" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Gobbler Grind Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The race felt more like a weekend run in the woods (once the 1/2 marathoners turned back to the finish) than an actual race due to the size - fewer than 200 marathoners. Just before mile 10, the half marathon turns back to the finish while the marathon course takes you out another six or so miles before turning around, so the field really thinned out at that point. Relaxing and casual atmosphere during the race; great support from the water stations but few other spectators. Nice technical fabric shirt and finisher medal - plus a hat! The website could use some updating - I found it a bit difficult to find all the race information easily. But overall, a great race!

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