Back to Akron Marathon Information & Reviews
Donald Lindrooth from Ravenna, Ohio
(11/22/2006)
"If I could give you 6's in all categories, I would" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The '06 race was my 3rd Akron Marathon. I love this race! Maybe I'm partial because I live locally. On the other hand, I've done several other large marathons, and can honestly say that Akron compares quite well. Can't PR at Akron? I beg to differ. I ran my best time ever in the '06 race. You guys do a fantastic job with this event, and I'm proud to be part of it. I plan to run this race every year for as long as I'm able. | |
J. W. from Southern Indiana/Lou. Ky
(11/8/2006)
"Proud to have finished" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Ok, I've spent a month grumbling that the last half of the race destroyed my goal time. But upon reading everyone else's comments, I am proud I finished. I picked the Akron, based on past years reveiws, to be my first marathon. I ignored the elevation chart and set my sights on a shirt, a hat, and a pair of shoes. Also, fan support was rated high, and I was sure I'd need that support. Given my quest to see what I can PR at, I may not be back right away... or then again maybe for nostalgia's sake. If you are a first-timer, take it from one - it's worth it. Train for the hills, and then some more, but don't fear them. The other pluses more than make up for it. Great people, great race, great fun.... Did I just say "fun"? | |
C. h. from Canton, MI
(11/4/2006)
"This was the BEST marathon I have run!" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I had run six marathons prior to Akron, three of them being Chicago, and I would say this was the most hospitable, well organized race I have ever run. It was tough and I would say it was the most difficult course, but I felt the runners were treated so wonderful! I loved finishing in the baseball stadium, it was never boring, aid stations were great, and they had lots of gels (they even opened them for us!), a great shirt, hat and shoes! (Wow, shoes!) I loved the medal, and LOVED having the race director shake my hand. I will spread the word about this race to everyone! | |
M. B. from Cleveland, OH
(11/3/2006)
"Perfect Marathon" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and it was amazing. I can't say enough about how well-organized the event was! There were ample water stations and restrooms on the course, and they even had signs up to let you know about them in advance. All of the volunteers and spectators were very enthusiastic, and the personalized race bib made me feel like people were really cheering for me. The course was challenging but not impossible. The layout of the course made it easy for my family to see me three different times without having to walk very far. I loved the finish in the stadium - made me feel like a star! I would recommend this marathon to everyone. I will be back! | |
J. B. from Ohio
(10/23/2006)
"Treated wonderful by Akron Marathon" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Akron Marathon is a hilly course. There's a 3 mile long hill from 16 to 19. I've run 42 marathons and this one had fantastic organization. I wore my free pair of $90.00 Etonics today. I found a Sheraton hotel room easily on the night before the race. They even have pace teams. The finishers medal is really a good one. This is the first marathon where I could get my medal inscribed with my finish time and that only cost $5.00. Jim Barnett puts on a really amazing marathon. Port a Johns a plenty. Lots of Aid stations with vaseline. Even with the all day rain there was good crowd support. The expo was very nice. This is a wonderful marathon experience. But, be sure to train for some hills. Being treated so well I'd make sure to run this one again and again. | |
L. F. from Novi, MI
(10/19/2006)
"TOP SHELF" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run a number of marathons but none with the "feel" of Akron. 1) Expo was organized 2)Goodie bag was great 3)Marathon headquarters were nice 4)Race start was well done 5) Police gave the impression that runners were not an inconvience 6)Spectators are lively even in the rain. How about the lone women on towpath with a pot and spoon? Thanks. 7) Course is diverse - not boring - and a favorite 8) Aid stations were plentiful 9) Finish - thanks Jim. Special touch. 10) Food at finish.... WHO CARES?!?!?!? | |
d. k. from Lilburn, GA
(10/17/2006)
"Too much rain, but great marathon!" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I really enjoyed this marathon, despite all the rain through the entire race. The run through the park on dirt was a lifesaver! Felt so good for my knee! I didn't get any free beer, but the medal made up for it! Great medal, one of my favorites! Thanks for a great marathon - had a ball! | |
S. B. from Cincinnati, Ohio
(10/17/2006)
"Organizers and Staff Provide a Personal Touch" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first 'Bird,' but won't be my last. The Free Shoes offer drew me in, but the personal touch of the entire staff will bring me back. From the race director (who shakes the hand of every finisher at the line) to the pace leaders and everyone in between, these people are attentive to the needs and concerns of their runners. Every e-mail inquiry was returned quicky and all questions and concerns addressed. Then, as a bonus, they put on a great event. The course is diverse, scenic and challenging in places but 100% as advertised in their literature and on their website. Despite cold and rainy conditions, the fan support was good and the crowd one of the most enthusiastic I've experienced. Having the participant's name on the Bib was a big positive and only helped the already enthusiastic crowd to be more supportive and vocal. Also, as an 'out of towner,' I appreciated the ease at which fans could access multiple locations (some without ever jumping in a car)to see their participants. Registration and packet pickup was well organized....I HATE WAITING IN LONG LINES FOR PACKETS. I would tend to agree with some who said that the post race food could have been a little better, however, it wasn't a major negative. I'll trade an extra bananna and bagel for 3 'Free' Michelob Ultras ANY TIME! I'm coming back in 07! See you there? | |
M. M. from Colorado Springs, CO
(10/16/2006)
"GREAT RACE!!!" (about: 2006)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and was the best so far. The organization and the support from the community were great! Also, the free Etonic shoes were a big bonus and the finisher's medal was large and heavy. I would definitely run this race again. | |
Terry Stransky from Milford, Ohio
(10/10/2006)
"Overall, a great marathon - outstanding course" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this race for the second time, and was much better prepared for the hills in Sand Run Park. Better preparation, both physical and mental, made for a much faster (15 minutes) race than last year, and a much better overall experience. I truly think this is one of the best courses I have ever run (this was my 24th marathon) - not an "ugly" mile in the course in terms of scenery. The towpath and Sand Run Park are really enjoyable. The "goodie bag" is generally one of the best of any marathon event, and this year's race shirt was excellent. Now, if you can get the same shirt in a "technical" material.... The only "negative" was the lack of real food at the end (I finished in just under five hours). The only "food" left were veggie sandwiches and there wasn't much to them. |
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