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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 31 to 41]
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C. D. from Omaha, NE
(10/9/2008)
"Be prepared!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the 2008 race. The course is beautiful; however, you MUST be prepared for the topography. I'm from Omaha, Nebraska and, contrary to popular belief, we have some rolling hills, so I figured I would be capable of training on these rolling hills to achieve the appropriate fitness level for running an entirely downhill race. I couldn't have been more wrong. I am not kidding when I say that the race runs entirely downhill - there are no flats to be found. There were points in the last eight miles where I thought I seriously wasn't going to be able to finish because of the pounding my legs and joints were taking. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I actually cried at one point along the way because it hurt THAT BAD after several hours of the same pounding. I ended up finishing a full 20 minutes slower than my time in Nashville just several months prior. It is now two months post-race in South Dakota and I am still not fully recovered from some of that pounding. As the previous writer discussed, the grade for runoff on these roads makes for some pretty massive discrepancies and is, once again, very hard on your legs and joints. I really did enjoy the scenery and was generally fine with the setup (you have to be realistic - this is not Chicago, Nashville, San Fran, etc.), but wish I would really have listened to the comments regarding the downhill impact. I seriously would recommend only running this race if you can find a significant stretch (13 miles +) of terrain to train on going exclusively downhill, because the risk for injury with the downhill and road grading appears to be pretty significant. I took on this race to complete my South Dakota portion of the "50 States" quest. A couple of side notes: my husband, 6-year-old daughter and I stayed at the most fantastic bed and breakfast in Spearfish - Secret Garden B&B - and would do that again in a second. Also, it would be wise for you to drive the course prior actually to running it. Because we figured out where the start was the day prior to the race, we had no problems getting to it the next morning, and I was able to avoid getting up extra early to take the bus to the start from the park in Spearfish. | |
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G. E. from Usa
(9/14/2008)
"Beautiful course; pathetic after-run food/drinks" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Absolutely a gorgeous place to run a marathon. Some of the bends in the road in the last half of the course were very, very sharply angled for runoff - a 4-6 inch discrepancy between the left leg and the right... which is very uncomfortable running. Also, they had a large number of half marathoners sign up prior to the race, and thus anyone finishing the marathon in over 4 1/2 hours did not get any refreshments other than water and a couple small slices of strawberry/fruit. The Gatorade was gone, and the roses were gone. They never increased the amount of post-race food to accommodate the extra runners; as usual, the marathon runners got you-know-what. Also, the reception as the finish line was so ho-hum. It felt like, well, if you can't finish in under 4 1/2 hours, you don't even rate our attention. Regarding the merchandise, the shirts and merchandise were rather unattractive. You would think that a ladies' marathon could at least design some nice-looking decals/apparel that people would want to buy. Having Katherine Switzer there was a big plus. | |
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j. m. from kansas
(9/2/2008)
"This is a beautiful race!!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I signed up for this run at the last minute, because my dad was very ill. The race was beautiful - the hills, the trees, the stream running along the road. Peaceful, and a great chance to think (and cry) a lot. The other participants were very encouraging and the race director, Elaine, was very personable and inspiring. This is a great place to run, no matter what your ability, to appreciate nature and really relax. Thank you for putting on such a great race. | |
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P. F. from Warren, OR
(8/24/2008)
"Fantastic Granite Formations and Scenery" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Race Director Elaine Doll-Dunn did a fantastic job putting on a super marathon and half marathon for women of all ages and abilities. There is no time limit on the course and she makes every finisher feel like a winner. The flora and fauna imagery and lack of spectators on the course are a plus. You feel like the canyon is a huge Cathedral. There is road traffic to contend with throughout the walk, as the course is along Hwy. 14A and is not closed-off to traffic. The road shoulder is in good condition for walking or running. The course begins at the Lead Country Club - 6000' elevation - on a two=mile gravel road with a slight uphill slant. Then it drops gradually to the finish at the Spearfish City Park (3000' elevation). It was a scenic and fun marathon that I would definitely do again. | |
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A. W. from Wheaton, IL
(8/20/2008)
"absolutely beautiful course" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If this had been my first small marathon, it would be my favorite, but I have run 3 small marathons this summer, and they were all fun. Elaine puts on a really top-notch race. All friendly women to run down the hills with, great guest speakers at the expo and what fun to watch the women's Olympic Marathon at the pasta party. Few spectators, but the scenery was all I needed. My husband and two of my younger sons had no trouble waiting for me at Bridal Veil Falls (mile 20) and I even ran the last 6 miles with one of them. Nice goody bag and cute tech shirt, though I wish it were not black, as I would love to wear it this summer. But it is just too warm and humid here, so I will save it for the gym. The downhill was not as intense on my quads and shins as Salt Lake City the month before... or maybe I wss just more used to it. A couple of suggestions: organizers should date the medal, and runners should stay at the Wander Inn by the Creek (Ginger is a perfect hostess, and the rooms and meals are wonderful - plus it is a short walk to the start). And how about having the guest speakers speak during the dinner next time? It got pretty late when dinner was over (with such an early start the next morning). I had a really nice steak at the Shoot the Bull Steakhouse - thanks for the recommendation, Elaine. There were a lot of other ladies there also. All in all, if I weren't beginning my 50-state quest, I would be back again next year. | |
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B. A. from New Windsor, New York
(8/19/2008)
"Fun, joyful, fantastic, and memorable." (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have just returned from the marathon and am psyched at what a great time I had. A "Women on the Move" three-day conference prior to the race (which I heartily endorse attending) introduced me to some amazing female athletes and coaches who answered dozens of our questions. Their life accomplishments were astounding and empowering. Also the guest speakers (one of whom was the race director - Elaine - read her bio someday and feel humbled) and presentations enlarged my paltry knowledge of many running aspects. At any rate, when I got to the race I already had met a number of the entrants since I had run, eaten, and socialized with them for three days prior to the race. The great thing about female events is that I find enormous support and camaraderie, something I find lacking in coed events, as women seem to behave more like themselves when men are not around, or at least differently. The marathon itself was the only one of the 26 (this makes 27) that I would ever consider running twice. It takes on the aspect more of a journey than a destination. While most races have some beauty, this one has beauty from Mile 1 to Mile 26. The first six of these miles, we watch the sun rise over the high cliffs and wooded mountains. With the peace and natural quiet of the wilderness, it became a spiritual experience for many. For the first half there was very little traffic and it was easy to enjoy the peace of the road. From the middle to the end, the scenery changed little even though the traffic increased. I was only a little annoyed that now I had to pay more attention to the traffic than the waterfalls and rushing creek water. I was sorry that the "race" (competition never seeming to be much of an issue) was over so quickly. I cannot endorse this race enough. Elaine does a spectacular job of organizing this event. The traffic is my only complaint and there isn't anything that can be done about that. Also, maybe have a bagel at the end instead of more sweet foods. I hesitate to say anything negative because I have never attended a race where there were so many positive aspects. To that end, I know it's a little difficult to get to Spearfish, but if you can manage it, you would definitely NOT be disappointed. I give the "spectators" category only three stars because there are not very many, but who needs spectators to interrupt your inner solitude? Women-only races are always special, but this one definitely stands out. Don't forget to bring the camera. | |
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A. T. from Chicago
(8/18/2008)
"beautiful scenery; great women-only race" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Beautiful scenery the entire way; mostly downhill; great aid stations (lots of water, Gatorade, food - pretzels, oranges, bananas, even M&Ms - and wonderful volunteers). Nice "girly" expo; good speakers before the pasta dinner. Great organization. Wander Inn by the Creek (Ginger) is a GREAT B&B to stay at - walking distance to shuttle buses/finish. Shoot the Bull Steakhouse is great for an after-race dinner. | |
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J. S. from Boise, Idaho
(8/18/2008)
"Elaine did a fabulous job - AGAIN!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Leading Ladies Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I love this race. I've been to this race 3 times now, and every year it gets better. The course is one of the most beautiful I have run, and the support and organization are unmatched. I've run the full marathon twice, and this year I chose to try out the 1/2 since I haven't done it in previous years. This year I went in connection with the Women on the Move Conference and Retreat 3 days before the race. The women who attended the conference were terrific, and they all had a great time at the race on Sunday. Elaine Doll-Dunn is the heart and soul of this race, and it is her dedication that makes this race so special. Elaine - you did it again. Thanks for a great day! | |
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D. C. from Rosemount, MN
(10/2/2007)
"Beautiful course - exceptionally fun" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I had a great time running this race. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the 6 a.m. start ensured that we wouldn't be dying in the mid-August sun. The downhill course was hard on the quads but was fun to fly down at the beginning when I still felt good! I loved the finish line area where we received lemon scented towels, a rose, homemade fruit tarts, and nice finisher's medal. The cold waters of Spearfish Creek felt awesome on my sore legs as well! Here are my suggestions for next year: 1. Offer Gu or gels somewhere on the course. 2. Put a balloon or some sort of marker on the road where you turn left to go up to the golf course starting area. It was hard to see that in the morning when it was dark out. 3. Medal should have the city and state on it for those of us doing the 50 states. Other than that, it was a blast. | |
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R. G. from Rowland Heights, California
(9/6/2007)
"I CAME, I RAN, I CONQUERED!" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Weather was warmer than ideal and although my finish time wasn't what I was expecting, the atmosphere was joyful. With only 103 full marathon athletes on the road, I had a wonderful time running in solitude. Yes, the course was not coned-off but traffic was very light; I never felt I was in any danger. Yes, there is a one-mile climb at mile 11 but c'mon, it wasn't Heartbreak Hill. The course is beautiful and peaceful. I was grateful for the volunteers who stuck it out until everyone finished... thanks guys! Pasta meal was yummy but I also would have appreciated a small dessert.... A cookie? A brownie? Compared to other bigger events, the goodie bag from Leading Ladies was bulging at the seams. Wonderful! I've run in some of the biggest events in the world (Chicago - 40,000, New York - 37,000, Boston - 23,000) but Leading Ladies was a refreshing break from the monster marathons. T-shirt and medal are just fine. The only teeny, weeny suggestion on the medal is to have the date and event name included as part of the design; the same applies to the bib, which is generic. I keep all of my bibs, making notations on the reverse side after the race as to weather conditions, finish times, etc. The Race Director, Elaine, is so friendly, approachable, helpful. I would definitely run Leading Ladies again. However, I'm on the 50 states quest so that'll have to wait a bit. |
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