Back to Monument Marathon Information & Reviews
J. R. from Boulder, Colorado
(9/27/2015)
"Spectacular views & wonderful volunteers" (about: 2015)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third-ever marathon and it's my favorite so far. The course is absolutely spectacular- you are bused south of town up to another bluff, and then you run 13 miles into town (with Scottsbluff visible ahead of you most of the time). At the halfway point you pass the area where finish line is, and the remainder of the race is a closed loop that passes between the two bluffs in Scottsbluff monument. Most of the race is on paved roads but parts of the last quarter are on soft, dusty gravel roads. It's a little hilly but not too bad. The weather this year was pretty good - a bit chilly, windy and overcast for the first couple of hours, but warming up later in the morning. My favorite aspect of the race is the way it feels like the entire town is supporting you in some way. There are a lot of enthusiastic volunteers and plenty of spectators cheering you on. It feels like this is a big event for the town and everyone is thrilled for you to be there. One other thing I appreciated was that the race organizers worked out a deal with the YMCA so you could go shower immediately afterwards. The race is only about 3 hours' drive from Denver, so I definitely recommend it if you're anywhere nearby! | |
m. b. from NE Ohio
(9/26/2015)
"Outstanding small marathon in Western Nebraska" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is an extremely well-organized race with some of the best volunteers and community support I have experienced (16 marathons). The marathon begins on the bluffs outside of town following the highways down into the cornfield outside of town, eventually working it's way between some impressive formations in the Scotts Bluff National Monument. I would give the race a 4.5 for scenery. The volunteers from packet pickup to the many well-stocked aid/fueling stations were amazing. This is a small town with a small race so if you don't want to have some peace and quiet from 16-23 then choose another. But this is exactly the sort of race I'm looking for so it gets my highest recommendations. Nice technical SS shirt and medal, both say 'marathon' which is always appreciated. Decent food at the finish and was well-provisioned. suggestions: consider starting the full marathon an hour earlier. The lovely Nebraska sunshine isn't so appreciated by 11am. | |
Teresa Dye from Wheat Ridge, CO
(11/13/2014)
"This is an awesome race!!!!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Monument Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great race. The scenery is beautiful. The run is extremely well organized. The entire race crew is welcoming and enthusiastic. The entire community is very welcoming and supportive and you get the sense that they really do want you to finish the race and have fun at the same time. I would highly recommend this marathon. | |
W. F. from Scottsbluff, Nebraska
(10/7/2014)
"Fantastic First Experience" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my very first marathon that I have ran. I was a bit nervous the previous week because 13.1 miles seems like an extreme distance when you are a first timer. When I first arrived to the time I left, I was nothing but pleased with my fellow runners and the entire organization! Everyone was supportive from beginning to end! I don't think it would have been near as much fun as it was with out the inspiration from the spectators on the sidelines throughout the race! I encourage anyone who is thinking of participating in the Monument Marathon to sign up. I'm definitely going to do it next year just to experience the fantastic views and healthy environment again! | |
P. V. from Boulder, Colorado, USA
(9/29/2014)
"Stellar organization AND scenery. Can't beat it!" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you like a small-town marathon, do this one! The setting in Scotts Bluff National Monument is phenomenal. Even better is the organization. The 2014 race was in HOT conditions and the race staff got additional water stations out between each of its already-planned every 3-mile fully stocked aid stations. They also had cyclists and cart drivers going back and forth on the course continually checking in with each and every runner. Amazing! And the volunteers! To a person, enthusiastic, supportive, and performing their tasks with aplomb. GREAT EVENT!!!! | |
J. S. from Colorado Springs, CO
(9/29/2014)
"A Well Organized and Fun Marathon" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 31st marathon and one of the best marathon experiences that I have ever had. Everyone was so friendly and helpful from the packet pick-up to the awards cermony and evey step in between. The high point of the organization is that the race committee knew ahead of time that it was going to be a hot day and they added extra water stations along the course. It says a lot about this community that they could get extra volunteers at the last minute to man extra water stations! They also had people riding bikes along the course to make sure all of the runners were okay. The enthusiasm of the volunteers and other crowd at the aid stations was fantastic! The course is very nice. It starts out by the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, which is a scenic start. The first two miles are serious downhill, then some more gradual downhill for the next 4 miles. I'm not sure much can be done about the effect of those first two miles on the legs in the second half of the race. It makes for a fast start, that's for certain! The run through the National Monument in the second half is absolutely beautiful! They have beer and pizza at the finish which is always good. The age group awards are paintings and photographs by local artists, some of the nicest awards that I have seen! I highly recommend this race to anyone who does not need the 40,000 runner big city marathons. And if you've never run a smaller race this is the perfect one try. | |
Steve Budd from New York
(9/29/2014)
"Awesome scenery & organization" (about: 2014)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was number 46 in my 50-state quest, and one of my favorites. Awesome scenery, a revelation for somebody who has never been to Nebraska. The organization was superb, including late addition of extra water stops due to warm temperature. The volunteers could not have been more welcoming & supportive. This one will grow with word of mouth. | |
M. F. from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
(9/29/2014)
"Top notch small low key event" (about: 2014)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fantistic course, volonteers and race organization up and above all. Very hot day,I have never seen such a bump up of water station incl gatorade, like that. All so helpfull and friendly people. Great T-shirt and medal too. Hard to get to (avoid Great Lakes Airlines!), but well worth the effort. | |
K. L. from Sheridan, WY
(9/28/2014)
"Great Course, Fun People, Well Organized!" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Volunteers who are out on the course are awesome..they are very encouraging and always smiling and pushing you..the course is great (this would be a good run if it's your first time running a race)...well worth it! | |
I. S. from Ithaca, NY
(9/28/2014)
"Outstanding small town marathon with great support" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Monument Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon may have become my all-time favorite. The course is gorgeous, with parts through National Park and run on part of the Oregon Trail. I cannot thing of a negative comment about it. |
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