May 2, 2024
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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 61 to 71]
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R. G. from Oakbank, MB
(6/21/2004)
 "Very happy" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Manitoba Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After reading the comments already entered I feel obligated to add my own. I am concerned that some of these people do not appreciate the effort it takes to organize a marathon. It is petty to be concerned that there were no energy gel packs given out on the course. BRING YOUR OWN as you probably do in training. The other petty comments don't rate recognition. This was my 3rd Manitoba Marathon. From my point of view there were improvements from last year. The most notable was the change to the starting sequence. I thought that the idea of satellite parking was great. It needs small improvement but I know that will come. As usual I was impressed with the care and concern that I received at the finishing line. The package of 'goodies' is most appreciated and special thanks to the volunteer who assisted me by delivering to me. One other marathoner commented that he was pleased that the T-shirt was given out only after one finished the event. I agree. It gives me great pleasure to show it off for a few days. Finally I think that everyone did a great job. I'm not saying it was perfect, but my experiance was perfect. One day, I would like to forgo the run and work as a volunteer to pay back what I owe in some small way. | |
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G. M. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
(3/25/2004)
 "So Much More is Possible" (about: 2003)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 Manitoba Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 Well, I am training for my fifth consecutive Manitoba Marathon. However if I had my way I would run my spring marathon elsewhere. Make no mistake, Winnipeg is a wonderful city and this marathon could be great. As a local runner though, I feel some things could be done to improve things. First off is the course. I understand how difficult it is to plot a 26.2 mile course through a major city, but Winnipeg has some very scenic areas not included on the route. Downtown is totally ignored. It is always a treat to run amidst skyscrapers in other races and it would be nice here. Especially now that we have some new architecture to admire. Similarly the course avoids the Forks, our most scenic and popular tourist spot. This also means we miss out on scenic vista of old St. Boniface across the river. For tourists please note this is the largest French Canadian population outside Quebec. We have a beautiful parliament building. But we go past it too quickly; let's run towards it instead. Other cities like Victoria incorporate the parliament in the start and finish of the race. A lot of the race is along residential streets and neighborhoods, which is fine. But try and get us off busy thoroughfares like Portage Avenue and Pembina Highway. The finish at our university stadium is pretty cool. The Japanese drummers never seem to take a break and you can hear them from a mile away. The are truly uplifting. As is running through Assiniboine Park, my favorite place in the city. Secondly is the organization. It is the view of local runners that full marathoners are ignored. We have gotten used to the hose water, no food, no Gatorade until mile 20. To be honest I think you can train for these things. It's the other things, like having people doing the 'super' walk starting before us, making us dodge them for miles. It's not having enough medals at the finish, or hiring a company that stops taking finishing pictures after 4 hours. It's taking down water stations early, it's having a fairly fast course closing time. More respect is due, especially for those doing their first marathon. how would you like to train for 18 weeks and not get a medal or picture? The PR is not good either. We would have more fans if more things were done to draw them out. The race pickup times are inconvenient and our sponsor hotel is located at our airport. Why not at a nice tourist spot? We want people to come here and enjoy themselves and say good things about us. Why not show them the nice areas? The web page needs updating. There is no race expo. I asked the race director about this once. She said an expo is only good for the people selling things. I beg to differ. I like expos - I like seeing different products and samples. It also would be a place for runners to come together and get a chance to talk before race day. The enrollment fee is high compared to others races of the same caliber. And there is much debate as to where this money goes. The runners don't see any of it since everything on the course is donated - or as I understand it, re-used (sponges...ick). *Sigh*, these are just some of the compaints we runners have. Third is the spectators. Those who come out are great. They are generally knowledgable and somehow involved in the running community or family of runners. A greater effort must be made to get more of the general public out to cheer us on. For anyone reading this, please note that Winnipeg is a great city for runners, and while some improvements can be made you can come to Winnpieg and have fun. If your reading this and training for your first marathon, none of my complaints will matter because the thrill of your accomplishment will outweigh any negatives. So run Manitoba and make it as fun as possible. | |
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L. F. from Canada
(3/14/2004)
 "Sounds like a conspiracy" (about: 2003)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Manitoba Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I have ran a few marathons in different areas, Wpg being one of them. I happen to think they do a fine job; of course they can do better, but most race organizers have the same issues. The crowd support is good - not the greatest, but good nonetheless. So there is no music bands every mile! But really, if you have time to listen?...run harder. What did you all do before 'power gels' were available on the route? My advice is carry your own! Water stations running out of water and not enough medals for finishers...okay, you have a beef there. But come on, if you have so many negative points on the small details, I think you have to much time to think and aren't running hard enough. | |
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M. M. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
(8/6/2003)
"Changes are Long Overdue" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I am a native Winnipegger and I share my fellow residents negative comments so much so that I have stopped running the local marathon. True, the route is scenic, but if the course was reversed - to me a no-brainer change - the awful unshaded draining heat of the final 10k would be at the start. This change would additionally better accomodate runners (marathoners, half marathoners and relay runners) and walkers than the narrow road through through South Drive. Moreover reversing the route would provide the best use of the shaded parts of the course for all as the day warms and particularly for those running 3.5 to 4-hour-plus marathons (the majority of runners). On the topics of medals for half marathoners, better water, sport beverages and gels, music and sponsorship there is no need to repeat that which others have expressed. Perhaps it is time for regime change or, at a minimum, some listening!! | |
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M. F. from Winnipeg, MB
(8/5/2003)
 "Never, ever again" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 What a disappointment. I wholeheartedly agree with Geoff and Derek's comments about this marathon. Full marathoners are absolutely the lowest priority to these race organizers, presumably because they are the smallest group, and therefore bring in the fewest dollars in an already overpriced event. To not have medals for many first-time finishers (2003) is appalling, but to take down water stations late in the course with many people still running is downright dangerous, especially considering the hot and humid conditions (a friend who finished two minutes before the official course closing saw no water stations from mile 20 onward). This sort of poor planning was not restricted to 2003, either: last year, after finishing my first marathon, I was told by a volunteer in the so-called 'VIP Recovery Area' that she was out of water and that I would have to go around to the other side of the stadium (no small feat on badly blistered toes and hammered quads) if I wanted some. I saw none of the fabled bananas and bagels, and there were plenty of people who finished after me. A friend who was injured and yet soldiering on in spite of it (driven by pride and little else) was told very rudely to get off the course, 1/2 an hour BEFORE the advertised course closing time of 6 hours. (Course closing time is now just 5.5 hours, further evidence of the organizers' indifference to - or ignorance of - the trends in our sport.) I'm embarrassed to say this about my hometown marathon, but until this race's directorship changes, the Manitoba Marathon is to be avoided. If you're looking for a prairie marathon, the Queen City Marathon in Regina, Saskatchewan is the one to do: even though they've only been around since 2001, you would think they were the ones who had been doing this for 25 years, and that the amateurs were here in Winnipeg. What a shame. | |
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Geoff Martin from Winnipeg,Canada
(7/12/2003)
 "Not up to much" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 As a runner in this event since '83, I feel that the race committee must decide if they want a marathon or not. All the minor events detract from the main race. This year was the 25th, but you would not know it. Virtually no advertising. Some rubbish about being the biggest in Canada. Discount all the other events, and the actual marathon was very small. Why was the first aid station not set up properly? Why did the walkers start before the runners and get under our feet? Where were the gel stations? Why no bottled water - just the crap from the garden hose? Why did each aid station not have Gatorade? We have lots of music stations here, so why were none on the course? A big issue: why did the slower runners not get finishing medals? Because you goofs did not realize so many people would finish. This marathon is a fundraiser, so put some of the money back into the race. What they charge to run this is a joke. They charge you Rolls Royce prices and give you a Mini car. If this marathon is to be a success, go and visit ones in the States and see how to put one on. I talked to lots of runners in the days after the race, and most of them said they will never run it again, as it is not worth putting in the months of training to be treated so badly. Why does this marathon not go out to try and attract sponsors? It is a terrible reflection that a city like Duluth with a population of 90,000 can put on a world-class event, and we, with seven times the population, have such a Mickey Mouse affair. I ran Duluth six days after Manitoba and was embarrassed to mention our event. Take heed marathon staff: we runners talk, and the word is out - don't run Manitoba, as they treat you like crap. | |
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C. G. from Calgary, alberta
(7/10/2003)
"Very pretty race along the river line" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I thoroughly enjoyed running the race in Winnipeg. I was born and raised in Winnipeg, and went back to run the race for my parents, who are deceased. I feel the race course is a very pretty course that runs in and out of areas along the Red River. The course was well organized, and I would run it again. I was pleased to see so many water, ice, and health stations. It is a huge race to organize, with I think over 12,000 people running in the race. The support of the people was fantastic. My only disappointment was that I missed my Boston qualifying time by 3 minutes and 56 seconds. | |
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K. B. from Redding, CT
(6/19/2003)
"It's a local race, but hospitable." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran this race after having to drop out of the Vermont City Marathon three weeks earlier (because of a leg cramp). I was determined not to completely waste 18 weeks of training, even if it meant I ended up with a six-week taper (and running on a still-sore calf). One thing is clear: this is a local marathon. This was especially evident to me after having been to Burlington three weeks prior (Burlington is one very well run marathon). As an example, the race package pick-up was between 10-2 on the Saturday before the race; not easy for people flying in. However, they went the extra mile and dropped off my race packet at my hotel! There was a pretty severe lack of port-a-potties at the start. Fortunately, I didn?t have to spend a night in the Winnipeg jail for improvising. The course is flat, and much of it is through very nice areas (the parks are great). I had no problems with a crowded start. (The relay runners are a distraction; but when are they not)? I found that there were plenty of water/Gatorade stops. They also had cold wet sponges, which are nice. There were no gels (I think people should bring their own). The crowds were rather small, but the race does start at 7:00 AM (I liked that). It finishes in a stadium with big cheering crowds. I found the finish was well organized, and those popsicles were amazingly good after 26 miles. They immediately give you a bag with a bottle of Gatorade, orange juice, bagel, yogurt, and apple at the end. Also, you have to finish to get the t-shirt ? I really like that. Would I fly back to Winnipeg to run this marathon? No, unless it was the last in the season and I was manic to run. But after 18 weeks of training, I was glad I didn?t have to let it go to a complete waste. Thanks for being there, Manitoba! | |
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P. A. from Manitoba
(6/16/2003)
 "Flat course hugs the rivers and neighborhoods" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This marathon course, designed by Fred Dawson, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2003. Because of the 'hype', the gorgeous pewter medals, and the running boom in Manitoba, owing to Running Room running clubs, this year's registrations came in at just under 12,000. Each of the events saw a spike this year, with almost 1,300 entered in the full (2002 was 900+). I disagree with some of Derek's comments ... the full marathon continues to be the featured event with full, exclusiv,e V.I.P. treatment for its finishers. Bags containing water, Gatorade, banana, yogart, orange juice, bagel, etc, were available to all. The course is one of the most scenic I have raced... No, this is not a 'money' marathon, in that prizes were quite modest. These races do cater to local runners of all capabilities, though many states and provinces are represented. Perhaps there would be some merit in having certain events scheduled for Saturday in order to ease traffic congestion... yet... this would reduce the general excitement and enthusiasm that is present on Sunday. So many features along the course. Visitors to Winnipeg would do well to have a 'tour guide' audio pack in order to appreciate the different districts visited while covering the course. | |
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Derek Boutang from Winnipeg
(6/16/2003)
"To organizers, 5K more important than marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 If I could give a negative rating for organization, I would. Best thing going about this race is the course: flat & shady for much of the way. Over the years, the focus of the Manitoba Marathon has drifted away from the marathon to the 5K run, 10K walk, and marathon relay. While these are designed to make it a 'family' event, they really detract from the signature race. Here are just a few things that make this a disappointing race for marathoners: - insane traffic jams to get to the start line - marathoners start with (and dodge) 10K walkers for the first two miles - relay exchange points are like an obstacle course (relay runners are mostly kids who know nothing about course etiquette) - two ice stations were abandoned by the time 4:30 pace group went through - no gels/bananas/other nutrition on the course - water at aid stations is hose water (and tastes like it) - recovery area ran out of bottled water for finishers - they ran out of marathon finisher medals Race organizers could fix 50% of the problems by holding the Super Run and 10K walk on Saturday. I'll probably be back next year, but only because it's my hometown race. |
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