I just finished running this marathon as the previous posts read, it is VERY HOT and HUMID. It was also hilly, but nothing too tremendously steep. The spectators were few, but those who did show up were very friendly and supportive (special thanks to the female who handed out ice cubes, she was a life saver). This course needs some major sponsorship! I would haved rather paid more of an entry fee and had some sports drinks at the water tables. Running in humidity and heat like that and only having water, is not taking care of the runners. I am suprised they didn't have a casualty. When you run that distance in those conditions, your body loses much more than water fluid, the lack of sports drinks, orange slices, etc. at the tables really hurt the quality of the marathon. Additionally, not only was water the only liquid provided, it was only given at every 3 mile point. I have not ran in a marathon that did not have tables set up every other mile after the 13th mile, that extra mile makes a big difference, especially if you are only getting semi cool water out of a garden hose. The course was good, and very challenging, however, there needs to be some type of temporary road blocks on the highway portions, this portion takes up a significant distance of the run and is flat out dangerous, there is no shoulder to run on, and many runners (including myself) almost became hood ornaments to some of the local Iowa drivers. If you are a female, you better have the bladder of a camel, because there are ZERO port-a-potties in the 26.2 mile course, some males urinated on lawns of people's homes because there was simply nowhere to relieve themselves. I understand the concept of staggering start times for half marathon and 10K runners, however, I felt that after just over 13 miles of running, it was mentally distracting and broke my concentration and pace to have 50 to 100 runners run by me in a pack like I was standing still, not to mention dodging traffic on the highway at the same time...This was a personal worst time for me as it was for most of the runners. It was very beautiful country in that area, and I did enjoy the runs through the neighborhood portions. I think they have a great idea, they just need to make some major adjustments if this race is ever going to attract more runners...Sponsorship would be a big plus, and maybe increase entry fees and get some road blocks, sports drinks, and port-a-potties out there...That is just plain taking care of the runners....

I just got back from running this marathon. I really liked the course-very scenic and pretty, but beware of the hills! None of the hills on the course were huge, but there were many along the whole way. The hills really added up on my legs by mile 20, making it the hardest 6.2 miles run. Water stops were located about 3 miles apart, yes only water stops. No sports drinks or food were along the course. I think that is the major downfall of the course. It is just too hot in Iowa at the end of July to run a marathon without a sports drink or some sort of enegy replacer. I was lucky to have a friend who came up to watch-who ended up saving me from a sugar crash. Volunteers were great! And the spectators who showed up along the course were great, very slim though. I liked this marathon, and it was very memorable to me. I ran a personal worst, but was not depressed about it since most of the runners out there did the same. I was very happy to finish, at many points along the race I wanted to quit since my feet were covered with blisters, I was lucky to find someone to run/walk the rest of the marathon with.

I ran this race because I am trying to run a marathon in every state. I have run 36 marathons, and this ranks as one of the most difficult.

The town of Okoboji, Iowa is beautiful.

I ran this in '99. The course was surprisingly rolling for Iowa, although at some points I was sure I could see all the way to Minnesota and possibly Canada. The lake views were great and thankfully there were some shaded spots on the course. It does get warm in Iowa in the summer, and water stops were just that -- no Gatorade. Course markings left a bit to be desired for those that missed a turn around mile 12 and kept going on the triathlon course. The staged starts of the other races were great for keeping the later part of the course busy, and there were a lot of friendly runners. Organization was generally good, although they ran out of cups at the finish, which was quite annoying given the mid-morning heat. The biggest disappointment was the t-shirt selection, which was limited to large or X-large. I always like to wear the marathon shirt on the flight back home, but no way with this one -- the large was huge and could easily fit two or more of me. Although the entry fee was only $15, I would have gladly paid another $5 or $10 for a t-shirt that fit and some Gatorade on the course.

First, the marathon personnel are splendidly friendly and accommodating; if you've done similar small events, you've met people like this. Organization is minimal, as is appropriate in these circumstances (adding to its charm), and still in my experience everything went just as it needs to -- hence it's perfect, down to the start and finish lines so carefully spray-painted on the roads.
Spectators are rare (1 star), but those who come out are 5-star supportive (hence the average, 3 stars). Aid stations are reasonably spaced; their volunteers are wonderfully encouraging and friendly. Bike support keeps a constant watch for anyone needing help.
The course -- ahh, if you think Iowa's flat, come see the hills on the east side of Lake Okoboji. None is substantial in itself, but these small hills do add up. They provide just enough variation to let all your muscle groups get in on the fun. The course is one loop plus about a 10K overlap. It's pretty evenly divided among often-shaded residential areas (some luxuriant, some quaint, all lovely), nice long wide-open spaces on the west of the lake, and a small commercial district. And that lovely lake -- you get many nice morning views of it.
Still, what I recall best is the marathon staff. These are some of the most congenial marathon producers you'll find. Okoboji is an uncrowded, low-key, very fun event. Since I'm going for marathons in different states, I generally don't repeat events. But if I did, this is one I'd gladly revisit. Highly recommended!Enjoy!

(I had permission to make an unofficial early start on 7/15/00, so my off-the-clock finish time of 6:49:31 may not appear in the results.)

I ran the 2000 version of this race. I agree with much of John ('trijaws') said about the race except for the part about this being a good choice for first timers. I agree that this course could be good for an *experienced* runner who is taking a first crack at a marathon, but probably not for an inexperienced runner who is doing a first marathon after only a year of running.

Some additonal comments about the race: the race runs about 1 1/4 time around a large lake. There is only one long steady hill but the rest of the course is very, very 'rolling'. That is, there are only short uphills and downhills, but almost NO flat spots. So be prepared and pace yourself! Also, about 2/3 of the course is shaded so there is some relief from the summer sun. Water stops are about 3 miles (5K) apart (more frequent in the last 10K) so if you are a heavy sweater I'd advise you to carry a water bottle.

Also, with the exception of a couple of 1 mile stretches which are run on sidewalks, the entire course open to traffic, including the end of the course which runs through an amusement center parking lot. I almost got creamed by a driver who was backing up while talking on a cell phone. So, run alert.

A good feature was that they had a 1/2 marathon starting at the 1/2 way point 2 hours after the start, and a 10K starting at mile 20 3 hours after the start. So if you run between a 7:30-9:00 pace, you'll have lots of people to run with toward the end of the race. Also, you share the road with cyclists from about mile 10 to 12 (there it a middle distance triathalon going on also) Some numbers: 82 got race numbers, 62 finished, and the *winning time* was 3:02. For the record, I melted down big time; I hit mile 20 at 2:50 but had to walk the last 3 miles and finished in 4:28. That is another feature: if you are going to DNF, you'd better do it at mile 20.5 when you reach the start point else it is a LONG walk back!

Another aspect: the finish is by the lake at an amusement park., I'd recommend jumping into the lake (very refreshing) and, if you've packed a few dollars, even shopping a little before taking the shuttle back to the start line; a 5 hour finisher can take up to 90 minutes in that area and still make the last shuttle.

In summary, it was a good value (entry fee was $15.00, $20.00 for the day of the race), a challenging course, and an enjoyable experience for me, even though I ran a PW. This would be a good 'portable camera' type race. And there is something to be said about keeping things low key. I am planning to return.

This race would attain a 5 star status if better marked. That was the only downfall of the event. Actually, a very minor problem, the only one to identify.

A novel idea of incorporating a marathon, triathlon, 1/2 marathon, and a 10K all on the same route.

The marathon begins first, followed by the tri-, half and then 10K.

The course winds its way around Lake Okoboji, a beautiful resort area in northern Iowa. I ran a steady 9 min pace, finishing the marathon around 3:56:++. I was passed by the first cylcists while running around miles 7 and 8. As I approached the halfway point of the marathon, I came across the start group for the half marathon. Nearly two minutes after passing this group, they started. This gave me the oppurtunity to enjoy the additional runners and have a couple more to run with once they found my pace. As I approached the 20 mile mark, the 10K group dashed onto the road and I once again was engulfed by runners, all seemingly eager to assist me to the finish.

A beautiful finish at the water's edge with plenty of refreshments afterwards.

The course has few monitors on it, with directional arrows guiding the runners along the proper path. In a couple of places (one in particular around mile 11) the arrows are difficult to spot. Vehicular traffic is allowed on the road which distracts runners from possibly finding the proper arrows.

Again, this is a minor problem and one that can be easily ignored in such a serene area.

This was my 62nd marathon in 12 years.