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☰
Grand Rapids Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Grand Rapids Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.0
Number of comments: 329 [displaying comments 231 to 241]
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Kelly O'Connor from Chesterland (cleveland), Ohio
(10/31/2007)
"This was an awesome marathon." (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This entire marathon was fantastic. From the race director, Don, his great pre-race emails that got everyone excited for the marathon, to his support team, to the complete organization of the marathon, both with the water stops that had numerous items one would need or want while running a marathon, to the friendly atmosphere, great spectator spots and a terrific course you could not have asked for a better experience. I came to qualify for Boston and I am leaving with that and a PR over 6 minutes. Thanks to everyone who made this experience so special for me. You can truly tell that this Race Team were experienced marathoners that knew exactly what was needed and so much more. You are all fantastic. | |
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Jen Kilpatrick from Chicago, IL
(10/31/2007)
"Great Overall Marathon Experience!" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After the heat of Chicago, my husband and I decided to try again and were SO glad to find Grand Rapids. We loved the beautiful course and the wonderful volunteers. Race director Don Kern is amazing and I have no doubt he organized the perfect weather, too! There weren't many areas for crowds, but there was tons of support from other runners (thank you to the guy who gave me a GU at mile 21 when I had lost my last one!) and from the 'Dubya' pace team. The hot showers at the Y at the end were such a bonus, too! We have only run the big marathons in the past and really feel that this one has changed our thinking! Though, thanks to this race, I'll be running a bigger one next time - Boston! It was my first time qualifying! :) Thanks again to all who made this race such a great experience! | |
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M. Z. from Michgian
(10/31/2007)
"Outstanding" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 20th and GR rates in the top tier of those races. The course was flat and scenic except for the bit through an industrial park (maybe they can route that out next year). The organization was great and only needed more staff to direct parking. | |
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R. R. from Palatine, IL
(10/31/2007)
"Great Race! Great Day!" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What else is there to say about this race that hasn't been said? This was an extremely well run marathon. 1st: the GRM opened up spots for runners (like me) that had a bad experience in Chicago three weeks prior. 2nd: great technical shirt. 3rd: top-notch medals. 4th: near perfect weather. 5th: fog on the course (nice touch, God). 5th: outstanding volunteers everywhere! I could go on and on and on. Having now completed 13 marathons, the Grand Rapids Marathon is my new favorite with the Green Bay Marathon being a close 2nd. Mr. Kern was as real as expected. All bases were covered. He sends out daily e-mails (about 10 days out) to all participants with humorous and motivating comments. He diplomatically acknowledged the shortcomings of the recent Chicago Marathon and promised that this marathon was accepting to many Chicagoans and they would not be disappointed. He was right. God blessed us with great weather and He laid out a course that made it easy for the organizers to map a marathon. Spectators were sparse but energetic. Aid stations were plentiful. All miles were clearly marked. The only suggestion I have is that the 13.1 spot be clearly marked - for those of us that are tied to our watches. Thank you for everything on this beautiful day. I hope to be back and will likely bring other runners with me! | |
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Ellen Kerr-Dunsmore from Leslie, Michigan
(10/31/2007)
"Excellent course, supplies, and organization." (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the first time I have run the Grand Rapids Marathon, even though I live only a 70-minute drive away. I have run the last 5 Chicago marathons, but I added this marathon because of the horrible heat this year at Chicago. In the future, I will probably switch to the Grand Rapids marathon. The course was beautiful. It is only a little more hilly than Chicago, but the peaceful River Trail is worth it. I prefer running without a lot of people cheering, and there were long, solitary sections to the marathon. Every mile was marked, so I could tell how fast I was running at each section of the marathon. Also, they had GU gel at least every 5 miles, and water and Gatorade were readily available. The weather was perfect running weather, and it was great to have free showers available at the YMCA after the race! The only thing that I would suggest to improve things would be to have race timers in more locations (so that we would know our official time as we approach the end of the race). I would do this again in a heartbeat! | |
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e. b. from suburb of Detroit, Michigan
(10/31/2007)
"wow, great course, great organization and support." (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Thank you Don (race director) and dedicated workers for a wonderful marathon. Loved all the views of other runners as we passed each other back and forth along the course. Some may give negative comments I expect about the out and back loops but this was different from most other races I've done and I liked them. The views were very pretty, ample water, lots of GU and the oreo's and gummie bears were a hit with me too. Well organized, friendly volunteers, scenic route which was flat - what more can a runner ask for (except no rain or strong gusty wind). It was so sweet to have the race director shaking the hand of or hugging each runner at the finish line. I loved this race. I want to run this one again. Nice expo | |
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n. s. from chicago, IL
(10/31/2007)
"most beautiful course, friendly staff" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This marathon was fantastic! So well organized, and they had plenty of supportive staff members everywhere. The course itself was breathtaking, with the changing leaves, ponds, parks, streams, etc. Because it was mostly on bike paths, there weren't a lot of places for spectators, but when there were spectators, they were awesome and cheering loudly! It had some hills, though, FYI. Overall I highly recommend it. The early start they offer for walkers is a great idea too (though maybe not for the fastest set, who have to go around them). | |
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R. H. from Loves Park, IL
(10/30/2007)
"Best organized, friendliest marathon EVER" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want a wonderfully supportive, perfectly organized marathon on a scenic, flat course, go to Grand Rapids. Motels are plentiful and reasonably priced. If you do not stay within walking distance of the race, plan extra time for parking. There is plenty of parking space, but the narrow streets leading to the lots get congested by 7 a.m. Overall, the Grand Rapids Marathon is as close to a perfect race as I expect to get. Thanks to the director exemplar and staff for a grand experience. | |
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G. O. from Hales Corners, WI
(10/30/2007)
"First rate experience." (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Course was beautiful and scenic, with enough diversity to keep it interesting. The volunteers were fantastic and the course crew was resourceful and very friendly. Course Director is top notch in creating a personal experience in a crowd of several thousand. I ran Chicago 3 weeks ago, and the confidence in the management of the Grand Rapids race cannot compare. Aide stations were well stocked, medical personnel abundant and dutiful. Delicious hot chili and soup to warm the bones in the sub-50 temperatures, perfect for a long run. The field was widened to accommodate the Chicago runners, and everyone was made to feel welcome. The community was excited and into the spirit of the marathon weekend. If you're looking for a marathon that is dedicated to both the art and the science of this sport, this race is for you! | |
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J. D. from Grand Rapids
(10/30/2007)
"Flat, Fast & Fun" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was an outstanding fall marathon that was flat, fast and fun. It has the potential for a world-class event. While the course was beautiful, it was at times narrow enough that non-marathon walkers and bicyclists were sudden and surprise obstacles. Volunteers were plentiful and fabulous. Water/food stations were well stocked. I could tell this run was organized to the last detail by runners. I've run multiple major marathons including Boston, and the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon medal is so far the BEST BLING for the buck!! |
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