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☰
Leading Ladies Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Leading Ladies Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 3.2
Number of comments: 61 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
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J. M. from Omaha, NE
(9/2/2010)
"Overall, a good experience" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The course was beautiful, but at mile 13, the bikers showed up. It was extremely difficult to stay focused and keep running with the noise and congestion. On the plus side, there were some wonderful spectators who were extremely supportive. Also, the race website mentions that you can stay at Black Hills State University, which we did. It was a horrible experience. Filthy rooms, and we could not find anyone to let us in. Race director did a great job of coordinating everything. | |
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S. T. from Atlanta, GA
(8/19/2010)
"Fabulous scenery, weather, course" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 If I didn't live on the other side of the country, I would do this one again. It was August, but COLD at 5 a.m. this year - although the day warmed up and we had blue sky all the way. The course is basically from Lead, SD down the Spearfish Canyon Road to Spearfish. I'd say about 20 miles is downhill, 3 miles uphill and 3 flat (but that's not scientific). The hills are not steep and very doable but they are are the start, at mile 11 and a gentle upslope at the last mile. The finish is flat and ends at a beautiful park. Very small event, expo, etc. but they still go all out. It was cute to get a rose and medal from the gentlemen dressed in tuxedo-style t-shirts and top hats. Great medal, goody bag and nice t-shirt (although everything is pink-themed). The course is breathtaking. Really. It runs alongside a creek for most of the way with the canyon walls to either side. Wildflowers abound. Watch out for traffic as you are on the road and they are sightseeing too. Very few spectators but those that were there were very enthusiastic and one van followed us all the way down and stopped every few miles. Outstanding event and a must for 50-staters (assuming you are female). One or two guys did run alongside their female marathoners though. | |
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A. B. from Colorado
(8/18/2010)
"WELL DONE!" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 THE MOST WELL DONE MARATHON to date! Elaine was so hands on! She was accessable and available! I was impressed with the goody bag as well as the speaker! The course was gorgeous! There was enough food for even us "back of the packers!" The only downside was the number of bikers (and bike fumes) that were on the road. I got yelled and sweared at a number of times. The white car that shadowed us was GREAT! The lady kept an eye on us and made sure we were ok! | |
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A. P. from Northern VA
(8/20/2009)
"Breath-taking scenery!" (about: 2009)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Wonderful marathon! True to its promise, it only featured women. It had a very small, very friendly field. There were incredible volunteers, and roving spectators cheered for everyone. There were possibly 2.5 miles of uphill running, maybe 2 miles of level course, and the rest was downhill and a visual delight. Run it if you refuse to whine about a course. Run it because Elaine understands female marathoners (100+ marathons to her credit). Run it because it is a tough and fast course. Run it because there are few courses this spectacular. Good luck to all of the Leading Ladies running East Coast marathons this fall! | |
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k. t. from Minnesota
(8/19/2009)
"Beautiful Course - Great Race for Female Runners" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was a beautiful, majestic course, and a great opportunity to participate in a women's-only event! It was well organized and had the best water stops and volunteers. There were 10 or so water stops along the course, and every one had Hammer Gels, water, PowerAde, pretzels, M&Ms, and even ibuprofen at mile 21 (where I needed it)! All the stops were staffed by men - and they took great care of us. The t-shirt and medal are really cute - and there's a purse that says, "It's in the bag." The weather was perfect - low 40's at the start and in the 70's at the finish. The course is a net downhill, but it does have some significant climbs at mile 2 and 11, so be prepared to run up and down. The downs really test your quads, so practice that for this race. Overall it is downhill or rolling, and it is SO BEAUTIFUL out there! The course is well marked and easy to follow. At the finish, I received my medal and a red rose and was fed a frosted sugar cookie with fresh fruit - kiwi, strawberries and blueberries!!! There are no spectators on the course, so bring your own - it is a super easy course to spectate. This is a must-do for every woman who is or wants to be a marathoner! | |
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M. W. from Irvine, CA
(8/19/2009)
"Leading Ladies leaves a lovely impression!" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 To say that this course is all downhill is not quite accurate. The first half has some stretches of uphill, but this is actually quite pleasant, as the last half is VERY downhill, and can be killer on the quads! However, the scenery along the course is quite breathtaking (so you might end up really short of breath, since elevation might already be taking your breath away!), making the slight challenge of the downhill worth it! If the course wasn't enough of a selling point for this race, then the organization should seal the deal. The RD is a sincere and kind lady, and I enjoyed talking to her before and after the race. All details are attended to, making this a great race for the gals. Pre-race packet pick up went smoothly, and it was enjoyable to look around and chat with people. Race morning was also a smooth operation. There was adequate course support during the race, and the post-race festivities were very fun. We got roses from a friendly guy in the pink tux shirt! Lots of good fruit and smiling faces. There aren't really any spectators along the course, but it is a pretty place and a simple course, so that is encouragement enough to keep going. What pretty sight lies just up the next turn? All in all, this race provides a great mix of small-town hospitality, great amenities and pretty sights - a lovely experience! | |
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C. M. from HMB, CA
(8/17/2009)
"great course, friendly people, hosted with heart" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a unique event! It's held in stunningly beautiful country with green mountains, flowered fields and a running river along most of it. The course is well marked, the aid stations are frequent enough, well supplied and manned by mostly men supporting this women-only race. It starts early (the bus leaves at 4:00 a.m.), but once you're up, it's wonderful to watch the day break. And the race director personally greats everyone at each bus at that very early hour. She definitely pours her heart out - she cares deeply that women that run this, not only enjoy it, but also to feel empowered. She directs this race as a gift to women - and I hope more and more are able to take full advantage, participate and appreciate. Thank you for a fabulous Sunday!! | |
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P. D. from Detroit, Michigan
(4/30/2009)
"Did the inaugural and loved it!" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is an awesome race. I did the inaugural - long overdue response. Elaine, the Director, is incredible. She knows how to satisfy her customers. If you are going to do this race, and I highly recommend that you do it, ask her about Ginger's Bed & Breakfast. It's a fabulous place to stay. Ginger makes homemade wine, too. Tell her Patricia and Dennis said, "Hello." | |
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Lee Ann Yarbor from San Diego, CA
(4/3/2009)
"Spectacular course" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was, by far, the most beautiful course and one of the fastest courses I have run yet. Spearfish Canyon is not only breathtaking; it also has PR potential. If I weren't on my "50 state" marathon quest, I would do this race again. If you don't make it in the St. George lottery, this is a good alternative... if you're a female! I ran a 4:06, which is about average for me, and I'm sure I could have run faster if I would have trained better. You have to love downhill running to enjoy this course. I love the small race concept with few to no spectators, but this is so small that the majority of the race I was alone with not another "human" in sight for miles. I got a little scared, thinking of lurking mountain lions and no one around if I were attacked! Maybe I was being a little paranoid, but that was the only concern I had. If I were to get injured, how long would it take to get help? Also, should mountain lions be a concern? Anyhow, it's still a "must-do" race. To have Kathrine Switzer and watch the Women's Olympic Marathon the night before the marathon was a HUGE treat for such a small race. | |
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S. O. from Coronado, CA
(11/14/2008)
"Loved every minute of it!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I thought this was a wonderful marathon. It was very well organized and the scenery was beautiful! I loved the casual early start with no corrals, speeches, etc. I live at sea level and seldom train on hills but it didn't bother my legs and frankly I enjoyed the ease of going downhill. The volunteers at the water stations were great and never crowded. The only spectators I noticed were a couple of women on bikes near the end. They were screaming, bringing me Gatorade and generally being very supportive. I have been talking this marathon up to all of my friends and we are hoping to put a group together and come in '09. |
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