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☰
Manitoba Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Manitoba Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 81 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
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Syko Scout from Winterpeg
(9/2/2009)
 "A positive experience." (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Manitoba Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The hottest day all freakin' summer in Winnipeg turned out to be race day, but volunteers/organizers dealt with it exceptionally well. Ample fluids, sponges, showers, and even Popsicles were available on the course. I ran the half last year and the full this year, and both were very positive experiences. There is a separate recovery area for runners who complete the full, which is a fantastic idea considering that the bulk of the participants are running shorter distances. I was well taken care of throughout the course, including after crossing the finish line, where several volunteers checked up on me (and all of the runners), making sure everyone got water and food and shade. Spectators are very supportive. The heat was intense this year, and many people had hoses and sprinklers set up (and kids with Super Soakers). This event may not draw elite athletes, and yes, the majority of people participating don't actually run the full, but as a 4-hour-plus finisher, I don't really care about the former, and the latter just means more breathing room on the course once the half splits off at mile 6. :-) | |
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L. J. from Ottawa, ON
(8/4/2009)
"I had a fabulous time, and will definitely return" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Manitoba Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a marvelous event from start to finish. I've run in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and New York and can compare the Manitoba Marathon very positively. It is extremely well-organized, with thoughtful volunteers, plentiful water stations (the BEST sponges I've ever seen), a beautiful course and great food (Popsicles!!) at the finish. The spectators were great, too - I loved the extra sprinklers they put out to help us runners beat the heat. The only thing I would ask for is kilometer markers. | |
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K. P. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
(6/24/2009)
 "Best Spectators Ever!" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 6+ Manitoba Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 On a hot and humid day, the flat course seemed more difficult then it should have been. The volunteers at the water stations were great, offering plenty of water and Gatorade. It was the spectators along the course that really kept me pushing though. Complete strangers sitting in their front yards with their sprinklers on, clapping and yelling encouraging words. A little really does go along way. Winnipeg really does have the best spectators!! | |
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L. G. from Edmonton, Alberta
(6/24/2009)
 "My 2nd most favorite marathon" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Manitoba Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is the 2nd time I have run the Manitoba Marathon, and loved it - despite the heat. It has potential to be a great Boston qualifier while taking you on a flat route throughout some of the loveliest neighborhoods. Incorporating the marathon relay was great because there were always huge groups of spectators at the exchange points. Several aid stations kept me hydrated, and a big thanks to the residents who turned on the sprinklers in the heat to cool me off. Two suggestions for organizers: 1. There are no gel stations at all; two spots would be very useful to add to the three that I carry. 2. CHANGE the package pick-up to a spot near the marathon-sponsored hotel. In 2006, it was at the convention center downtown. As an out-of-towner, it was a nightmare to take the bus from the airport to the Fairmont Hotel, then take the 45-minute bus ride to the U of M, and then turn around and head back. I spent my entire Saturday afternoon on the bus. A cab would have cost $80. I like this marathon, but will not return unless race package pickup changes. | |
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E. S. from New York, NY
(12/2/2008)
"Beautiful, Flat and Fast Course, Excellent Race!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Manitoba Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was impressed by how well organized this race was for a smaller (<1000) marathon. A lot more people do the half instead of the full, but there are still quite a few spectators to cheer you on throughout the marathon course, which goes through beautiful neighborhoods, parks and the city center. The event was well-organized and went off with out a hitch. I especially loved the special full marathoner's finish area, where the runners are treated with many goodies and have their bags ready and waiting for them. My only criticism is that the half-marathon split was inaccurate. Good job, Winnipeg! I hope to do this race again! | |
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Jim Daigneau from Calgary, AB, Canada
(7/16/2008)
"Great race experience and FLAT course!!! :-)" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Manitoba Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Given the late June race day, I had anticipated at hot and humid marathon, and was a bit unsure as to what to expect based on mixed comments/reviews read prior to this race. What I found while in Winnipeg was a very well organized, well supported, FLAT (thank you!!!), tree-lined marathon route through many of the nicer areas of Winnipeg with ideal, sunny weather conditions (~40's-60's F/ ~9-16 C). This year race conditions were nearly perfect, and I appreciated the organized, friendly event and overall positive race experience in Manitoba. Finisher's medals were nice, as was the opportunity to finish on the track at the University of Manitoba. One suggested improvement, however, would be to stagger the start times for the marathon, marathon relay and half to reduce congestion during the first few kilometers. Overall, I highly recommend this race and would run it again. | |
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D. P. from Illinois
(6/20/2008)
"Enjoyable Experience" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Manitoba Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I had mixed feelings about running this marathon after reading all of the prior years' comments, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. The course was flat, but interesting; the aid stations were many and peopled with enthusiastic supporters, and the weather was ideal. Race day involved 13,000 runners/walkers, but fewer than 800 marathoners. Usually that means when you finish running 26.2 miles, there's no one to cheer you in and no refreshments. Not here, though. Marathoners had their own food area with plenty of options to replenish. Another neat detail: upon finishing the marathon, each runner was greeted by a volunteer who checked on your condition and walked with you to get your medal. Then another volunteer walked you to the refreshment area. This marathon does everything right, without a lot of pizazz. I've run many bigger-city marathons - Cleveland, Chicago, Twin Cities, Detroit, Marine Corp, Louisville, Milwaukee - but this is one I would return to do again. Thank you to all of your Winnipegers for an enjoyable run through your beautiful city. | |
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Jim Stellon from Richfield, MN
(6/19/2008)
"A hidden gem north of the border!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Manitoba Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I don't understand the negative comments, either. I have run over 40 marathons - close to 20 different ones - and the Manitoba Marathon ranks right up there with Chicago and Twin Cities in my book. The course is interesting and fast, the spectators are fun and encouraging and the finish line atmosphere can't be beat. You get to finish on a track in a stadium in front of hundreds (thousands?) of cheering people. It's great. I would also like to compliment the marathon's friendly and helpful staff. I panicked when I read that there was no race-day packet pick up. I couldn't arrive in Winnipeg until race-day morning, but Shannon made sure my number and chip were waiting for me at the start line. Thanks to Shannon and Winnipeg for hosting such a great event. I hope to make it an annual visit. | |
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J. N. from Ontario, Canada
(6/19/2008)
 "Great event for community spirit" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 3 Manitoba Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I don't understand all of the negative comments about this not being a "real" marathon. What's wrong with having an event that the whole family can enjoy? How do young runners get the "bug"? This event is fun and friendly, and isn't that Manitoba's claim to fame? Maybe the serious marathoners should just avoid it and make more room for those who truly enjoy that type of atmosphere. Keep up the good work, Manitoba. | |
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R. K. from Oregon
(6/17/2008)
"Almost perfect... a great value" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Manitoba Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A wonderful event on a flat course through beautiful parks and neighborhoods with short segments shared with traffic. Great aid stations (but no gels), well marked mile posts, perfect weather (cool, overcast, slight breeze), good post-race snacks, and excellent organization. Enjoyed frequent entertainment - bagpipes and oriental drummers. Nice medal, technical shirt and souvenir chip. Good expo and a well-organized start - in 30 years they have learned to do everything right! Highly recommended... worth the drive up there from the states. Wish the free pasta dinner was on Saturday instead of Friday and would like a true half (13.1) split time. I'd run this one again. |
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