Back to Twin Cities Marathon Information & Reviews
A Runner from Utica, MI
(11/10/2002)
"My Best Marathon So Far!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Twin Cities was my 4th marathon to date and it was the greatest experience for me. The scenic course, the organizational details and or course, the supportive and cheerful Minnesotans made it an unbelievably, positive experience for me. I ran my PR by 4 seconds and struggled a bit during the mile 20-23 stretch, but enjoyed the downhill finish near the state capital in St. Paul. I especially enjoyed the proximity of the supporters throughout the course, because they pulled me along during the last 10K and wouldn't let me quit! The post-race refreshments and support from the volunteers were the best and much appreciated by this wearing marathoner. I would strongly recommend this event to anyone who enjoys a positive, beautiful setting and upbeat, smiling spectators at every juncture. Thanks again for letting ME run in your race. | |
A Runner from Anoka, Minnesota
(10/20/2002)
"One of the best marathons out there!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was one of the best marathonsI have ever been to! They organize it so well and the fans are awesome, if it weren't for them, a lot of people couldn't finish the race! This race gives an opportunity to see new people, and the beautiful sights and sounds of downtown Minnesota, a quality most places don't have! I would recommend this race to dedicated runner's who want a 'day' on the town! | |
A Runner from Michigan
(10/16/2002)
"A great fall marathon" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 6th trip from Minneapolis to St Paul. In past years I remember the crisp fall day with bright sun and low humidity and changing leaves. It was different this year in all aspects but just as good as always. The crowds are so loud that after a while you want some peace and quiet. I come back because it is well organized, supported by the community and you have to finish to get a medal and shirt. I didn't have my best time this year but enjoyed the weekend just as much. Thanks to the organizers and supporters along the way. | |
A Runner from Minneapolis, MN
(10/13/2002)
"Great Race- Not a face Race" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a proud Minneapolis resident my opinion about this race may be biased but I love it! But come on people. 'Fast Course' 'Good for setting a PR' I don't think so. Unless you have a car waiting for you at mile 19 to get you up the big hills through 21 and then the steady climb to 25 you're going to have a heck of a time getting a PR. Don't get me wrong I'll be back next year but if I was on the bubble for qualifying for Boston or really wanted a PR I'd be in Chicago! | |
A Runner from California
(10/13/2002)
"GREAT experience" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fifth marathon. I was hoping to set a PR on this course and ended up doing so by over 30 minutes! What a thrill! The course was flat and fast (except for the 'hill' around mile 21), the weather was cool with that early morning mist coming off the lakes (although a week or two later and the fall colors would've been more vibrant) and most importantly, the best crowd support I've experienced to date in the marathons I've done. It's not Big Sur, but what is? What a great sense of community they have there in the Twin Cities area! | |
A Runner from South Dakota
(10/12/2002)
"It was excellent throughout!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this as my first marathon with one of my children, who also was a first-timer. It was better than either of us could ever have imagined. The volunteer help was amazing-- so many gladly taking time away from other things to truly help the runners! The crowd was close to the runners, which made their excitement and encouragement infectous. The course made it easy to complete, in part just wanting to see what was around the next corner. We were fortunate to have this opportunity-- don't miss it if you have the chance to participate! Smiling faces were everywhere! | |
-energy.com from Houston
(10/7/2002)
"Fun race, but hilly if you train in flat areas!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have heard great things about this marathon...flat fast, etc. I have to say, being from Houston, I dont' consider this course to be 'flat'. The rolling course took a toll on us Houstonians! The crowd was great, though! | |
A Runner from Indianapolis, IN
(10/7/2002)
"First Marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. The fans were awesome. Like any race, they make it fun. The course is as advertised, very scenic. Mostly flat but the hills after twenty will definitely wear you down and the road has a general upgrade. Save something in the tank. If you're not a camel, take your own drink too. Glad I did. I had heard reports before regarding the water stops. They still have problems in this area. There were no cups at the 13 mile mark. This meant you had to travel from mile 11 to 15 or drink from the open jugs they were giving people at 13. YUCK!! There's no excuse for this type of organizational mistake. If you finish over 4:30 don't expect much at the end but your medal. The post race food area left alot to be desired. Actually, IMHO it was pretty awful. I stayed at one of the two host hotels. For a first timer who needed some guidance and assistance knowing the logistics of the weekend they didn't help much. In fact, there was nothing there (signs, banners, promotional info., etc.) to let me know that they were even associated with the race. The race folks really needs to put someone in the hotel to help coordinate. Stay somewhere else and save the money. Bottom Line-If they would fix a couple of these little issues, this race would be a '10' from top to bottom. | |
Marla Dubay from Delano, Minnesota
(10/6/2002)
"It was a great experience." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The 10 mile race was an awesome experience for me. In any race I've ever done I've never been so impressed more by the volunteers. They were truly wonderful right down to the people who took off the race chips. I appologized to the man thinking my feet may be smelly and he laughed. He really seemed to be liking his job and meeting the people he came in contact with. I hope you keep me on the mailing list for next year. Thanks for a great morning!!!! | |
A Runner from Bowmanville, Ontario, CANADA
(10/5/2002)
"Awesome marathon with awesome spectators!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 2nd marathon and although I came into the race by myself I certainly didn't feel alone. All runners I met were super friendly, 'Sisters', 'Girlfriends', 'Canada', 'Socks', 'Pumpkin Lady', 'many first time marathoners' and a special inspiration was a man with 'M75-79 on his back who had run all TCM marathon's, this being his 21st!!!' Music playing along the route, not only bands but many residents played music, including 'YMCA', which at the time I didn't realize when doing the moves made the arms feel so much better...amazing what a little stretching can do! Encouraging words throughout the race, right from those manning the water stations, race officials at the intersections, and the SPECTATORS! Wear a name on your shirt (thanks Michelle for making mine) and you get bonus support. 'You can do it' 'Go Laura', or if they don't see your name they yell out your bib number. A special feeling for me was seeing my son and his friend waving two small Canadian flags beside my sister as they cheered me on along the route! The scenery was beautiful, treelined throughout, as you ran along the lakes and the river, over a couple bridges, starting in Minnesota and finishing in St. Paul's. Felt amazing for the first 20miles..but have to say the incline although not dramatic the next few miles made me feel pretty tough. Thanks again to those spectators...you sure know how to keep a person motivated! Finishing on a decline with the finish line in sight and hearing my name as I crossed the line was overwhelming! I beat my Chicago time by 4 minutes, finishing in 4:27. Woohoo!!!!!! Thanks TCM for a wonderful experience...hope to be back for sure! :) |
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