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☰
Edmonton Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Edmonton Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 37 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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T. P. from Columbus, OH
(8/20/2012)
"Good race, some very good things, some not" (about: 2012)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Edmonton Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This race was a mixed bag for me. The expo was small. I was disappointed with the clothing merchandise. 'Edmonton Crazy Fast': would anyone have any idea that had something to do with a marathon? The pre-race facilities were top-notch, with the start/finish at a racetrack, and the indoors available to the runners. The course is mostly flat, out-and-back to the west, then to to east. A tad hillier in the second half. Fairly scenic. It was an exceptionally warm day, and there were not nearly enough water stops, and the cups were tiny (seems the organizers haven't learned from past race comments). I took 3 cups at each water stop, and that was not nearly enough. The volunteers were great. Few spectators. The post-race brunch at the racetrack was awesome. Great food / beverages. The medal was nice. The race shirt is awful, about the worst I've gotten in 72 marathons. The front is 'Crazy Fast' in a large font. Ugh. It was nice to do as part of being on vacation, but I would not travel here specifically for the race. | |
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B. H. from Lincoln, Nebraska
(5/13/2012)
"Runner-friendly!" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Edmonton Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For a big city, this was a very easy race to get to. No worries about traffic or parking, and runners can chill out inside the grandstand if they so wish before the race. It was their hottest day of the year at 86 degrees, but the race did start early enough to not cause too many problems. That is, until I had to run up Ada Boulevard towards the end. I would love to see that part eliminated as my splits just skyrocketed the last few miles, but I got my BQ. The course is marked in km, so you might want to bring a GPS watch if you're from the States. Everybody was very friendly. I met a local runner who offered to take me on a tour of the course the day before the race. It was just fantastic to know what to expect beforehand. Her boyfriend came out on raceday to cheer us on at various points along the course. Edmonton is a beautiful city, and there was quite a bit of shade through the first two-thirds of the course. The post-race food was among the best and a large tent provided shade. While there, I really enjoyed talking with a very nice local woman who raised horses. You can't go wrong in Edmonton. Go Eskimos! | |
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R. C. from New York, NY
(11/29/2011)
"scenic course!" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Edmonton Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I really enjoyed this marathon (my 10th, in ~4h20). Expo is small and easy to get through. Parking is literally steps from the start and you can show up as late as 30 min prior. Baggage drop is available at start & well organized, fast. Indoor bathrooms at the racetrack (yay!). No water tables/food at the start though. It's a small field (~500 marathoners), but they stagger start the marathon walkers and half marathon runners, so you have company most of the course. Summer in Edmonton is beautiful, sunny and the mostly flat course runs along the top of the river valley so you have gorgeous views. Pacer bunnies are awesome! My only concern was the small size of the cups at the aid station (smaller than I am used to in other marathons). A lot of people ran with bottles. I didn't. It was a hot day & I got dehydrated toward the end. Post-race breakfast buffet was a little expensive for the guests considering the food was pretty simple (pancakes, scrambled eggs, OJ, etc), but it's free for the runners! T-shirt sizes run big & were a little plain. Medal was nice. Thanks! | |
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D. L. from Calgary, AB, Canada
(9/25/2011)
"Would happily run this marathon again" (about: 2011)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Edmonton Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I loved this race. The course was flat, the spectators were surprisingly plentiful and I liked the goodies in my race kit. The only glimmer of an issue (and it's not a big deal) is that they were a bit disorganized at the last water station and I had to yell for someone to get me a cup. Not a biggie though. I would gladly recommend this race to anyone. | |
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B. H. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
(9/6/2011)
"Nice race just wasn't as flat as I expected." (about: 2011)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first time running in Edmonton. I was in the area on vacation so decided to run. Being from Winnipeg I know what flat is so the hills on the last loop of the course surprised me and caused me some problems. The volunteers were fabulous and right there to help. As a note for improvement, please have larger water cups. Wonderful hot food after the race was very appreciated. The medals were beautiful! I received two to add to my collection. | |
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J. V. from Winnipeg Manitoba
(8/31/2011)
"Only a few suggestions" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Edmonton Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was full marathon #43 in many great locations but never Edmonton. I agree with the first two runners who commented. I would only add: -The post race brunch might have had the best food after any of my marathons. -I usually do not like meeting half marathoners on the course. However, they did it well in Edmonton with runners going about the same pace. -The water cups were very small. This could have cause health problems for runners on the warmer day. However, I carried a water bottle. At least 3 times, the volunteers at the water stations, made a point of asking me if they could fill it. Thanks to those people. -Being from Winnipeg the hills were harder than I expected. They did not seems as high on the elevation map provided. -The medal was great but the white tee-shirt was poor with a lot of advertising on the back. We get the same type at local 5 and 10 kms. Congrats to all those involved. | |
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P. C. from Toronto
(8/26/2011)
"Well-organized race ideal for BQ or PR." (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Edmonton Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My judgment may be clouded since I set my PR here, but I felt the race was extremely well organized and run. The starting location features INDOOR amenities open to runners for bag check, warm-up and toilets. This allows you to stay warm without having to don shaggy throw-away clothes at the starting line. The starting corrals were clearly marked with finishing times and other runners generally respected the signage. The course itself was very scenic and easy to run. All turns were clearly marked, with marshals there actively yelling and directing the traffic. At no times did I feel lost, despite this being a smaller race and running nearly alone at times. Aid stations were sufficiently staffed. The sponge station sometime after the 30K mark was much appreciated, given the unusual heat on the day of this race. Most importantly, the race properly separated the half-marathon runners from the full-marathon runners, decreasing congestion. This was done in two ways: - Half marathoners start 30 minutes after the full. - The turn-around point for the half-marathon is such that when I encountered the half-marathoners, they were generally running at my pace, so no weaving was required. - The finishing line is partitioned for full/half runners. Post-race there was plenty of food and even a brunch with HOT food. Eggs, ham, pancakes and some sweet baked bread were provided. If only my stomach felt like eating that much after running for 3+ hours! | |
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A. A. from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
(8/22/2011)
"Canada's Fastest and Best Marathon" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Edmonton Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run Boston, Chicago, New York, many other marathons in the US and Canada, but Edmonton remains one of my favourites. There were a lot of runners from the US as well as other parts of Canada who came here to get their Boston Qualification and I personally know several who were very successful in doing so. This year the race organizers went above and beyond to make some improvements to last year (which was also an excellent marathon); this year there was a bigger race expo, a sponge station, a misting station, and the runners didn't have to go up or down any stairs to get to the post-race brunch! Although I personally didn't run a PR this year (the weather was unseasonably warm for Edmonton), I really enjoyed the race. Here are a few highlights: - First and foremost, the flat course! - I loved the out-and-backs, and being able to see the elites running toward me in two different locations. - There were more spectators this year, especially along 102 ave. west of 109st - There were a group of runners dressed like Elvis running the half; they were hilarious! - I don't think I've run a marathon where the other runners were so friendly! - There was a sponge station that we went through twice; it was AMAZING on a hot day! - The race medal is beautiful. - There were a ton of volunteers and police officers, who cheered for the runners and made it a fabulous race! The only (minor) disappointment this year is the race shirt; it's almost exactly like last year's, except less attractive and more like a big advertisement (but I already have too many race shirts anyway!) I really appreciated the daily updates on the race Facebook page. I emailed the race director with questions twice, and my emails were returned within a few hours. I am happy to see that the word is spreading about this marathon, but also glad that it hasn't gotten too big yet! | |
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Don Dyer from Edmonton
(8/30/2010)
"Awesome experience" (about: 2010)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Edmonton Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great, flat course. Good for PRs. Maybe a little boring for scenery, but I qualified for Boston, so I can't complain!! Flat course, free parking, good post-race meal, indoors facilities pre- and post-race, great organization. Family activities the day prior are also first rate, with jumping things, pony rides, face painting and the kids' race. (Did I forget to mention a really cool petting zoo?) Only downsides are limited spectators (maybe 4K of single file spectators, otherwise nothing), and the plain, white, short-sleeve shirt. To address the other complaints I have noticed: just yell, "Water or Gatorade?" when approaching a station, and the volunteers will let you know. Don't wear your new shirt on race day - this is marathon rule #1. The stairs afterward do stink, but they are post-race and worth the trip. | |
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A. A. from Edmonton, AB
(8/22/2010)
"An awesome marathon for a BQ or PR!" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Edmonton Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 10th marathon and first Edmonton Marathon; I'd never run it before because the former course was so hilly. This new course was fantastic; here is my impression of this race: Pros: - Easy registration and excellent race website. The organizers were also quick to communicate about the smoke issue that surprised Edmonton 3 days before the race, and which was a concern to many runners. - Easy package pickup at race expo. - Free parking on race morning. - HUGE BONUS: before the race, runners were able to check gear and relax indoors. This also meant lots of nice, clean, indoor bathrooms with little to no line-ups, ever for us women! - Perfect race weather: 11 degrees at the start, 15 at the finish. The first half was quite sunny, and the second half was cloudy but it didn't rain. - Very flat course, with only one small hill at 36K. - The course was also scenic with lots of pretty trees and beautiful residential areas. In the Valleyview area, there were amazing vistas of downtown. - Lots of spectators along 102 Ave., 142nd St. and even Ada Blvd. - When the half marathoners joined us at their turn-around point and our 15K, it added a whole new dimension of energy to the race (not to mention more spectators). I didn't find it to be too congested, and the halfers I was running beside were running at my pace. - There were a few out-and-back sections of the course where we could see faster AND slower runners. - Plenty of aid stations with Gatorade, water and gels. - Lots of amazing volunteers. - Nice technical race shirt, and great medal. - Post-race food was a hot brunch, which included eggs, pancakes, ham, cookies, muffins, and 4 different types of juice. Cons: - To get to the post-race food, we had to take an underground tunnel, which also included going up and down 2 sets of stairs twice. It was a bit uncomfortable after running 42K! - During the three sections of the course that were loops, there were virtually no spectators. Of the Canadian marathons I've run (Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto Waterfront), this new course makes Edmonton my favorite. If you are interested in a fast marathon or even just a really fun time, this is THE marathon. |
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