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Apr 29, 2024

University of Okoboji Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 3.6

Organization 3.1

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 74 [displaying comments 51 to 61]

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M. T. from Indianapolis (7/19/2004) "Pretty area, but material deficiencies" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 University of Okoboji Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 Organizers deserve a lot of credit for staging a marathon, half, triathlon, and 10K so that all finish at the same finish line over the same period. The area is, I suspect, one of the prettiest in Iowa. Packet pick-up and chip timing were both well-coordinated. Buses from finish to various starts were nice touch. Volunteers at water stops and potentially confusing points on the course were helpful and cheerful. Finish area was beautiful, well staffed, entertaining; results came up quickly and awards ceremony too. Those are all positives. Several miles of the marathon, half, and tri course were on open highway (a few signs, no police, no cones, with slower runners being passed by faster runners being passed by tri bikers, etc., with vehicular traffic overtaking from behind). An 'ambulance chaser's' dream. No sport drink on the course (given publicly available info on risks of hyponatremia, hard to understand in a July marathon). First marathon in which I had to carry my own sport drink. No 'portolets' on the entire marathon course, much of which is in residential areas (I don't like peeing in someone's front yard, and doubt they like it either). Not my hilliest marathon, but hardly flat. I can understand difficulty finding enough volunteers in a resort area (locals working for tourists, tourists having fun), but absence of coning, etc., seems risky, even if need to import cones. Absence of sport drink and 'portolets' is harder to understand. Enjoyed it but won't repeat it and wouldn't recommend it until they add cones, sport drink, and 'portolets'.
D. J. from Mead, CO (7/18/2004) "Bare-bones marathon" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 University of Okoboji Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 As long as you know going into this marathon that it is small with very little extras, you shouldn't come away disappointed. The course is mostly a very pretty one with rolling hills on paved roads and lots of shade on about 3/5 of the course. The weather this year wasn't hot, but it was humid. There aren't too many entrants in the marathon, so you'll be running by yourself much of the time (which I kind of like anyway). The aid stations have only water but are adequate in number and spacing. There was a very long wait for the post-race bus to return the runners to their cars at the starting line. The short sleeve T-shirt design is nice, but the medal is pretty meager (measuring about 1' x 1 1/2'). If you do this one, consider hauling salt with you or stashing electrolyte drinks along the course. I would recommend bug spray for the pre-race wait - the mosquitos were plentiful and very hungry. I recommend that they up the entry fee by 5 bucks and supply electrolyte drinks and get another bus for post-race transportation. If you like small rural-type marathons, this is a good one for July. If you're into crowds and lots of amenities, then pick another.
M. P. from New Ulm, MN (8/20/2003) "Kudos from a first-time marathoner" (about: 2003) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Many thanks to the organizers of this wonderful, small-town marathon. I was a serious (head-case) kind of runner 20 years ago in college, and now that I'm taking over a college men's cross country program, I'm trying to revive my career. It was a thrill to do it in Okoboji. From the individual attention I received (as a novice marathoner) at the time I picked up my packet at the amazing Three Sons clothing store, to the friendly faces at the waterstops, to the festive finish line, the Okoboji Marathon exceded expectations. An unspectacular effort on my part (to me at least) was genuinely encouraged and honored by all involved. The biggest negative for me was the part of the course run along the highway - at one point an emergency vehicle involved with the race (it was parked at a waterstop later on in the course) passed by me within inches at highway speed. Yes, I was running on the edge of the pavement, but no farther onto the road than other runners who were strung out far ahead and behind. Don't let that keep you away... I'd just run it differently next time, that's all. I'd have to say the course was hillier than I expected. It really wasn't bad, probably typical for Iowa, but the comments I'd read from other runners had me thinking there were hardly any ups at all. The repeated portion of the course (first 5-6 miles and last 5-6 miles) definitely has some rolls to it. The 6 am start (and a pleasant summer day) all but eliminated heat as a factor, at least for me. I did see one runner specially ask for an electrolyte drink at a waterstop, and although it delayed him a bit as they poured it for him, they cheerfully complied. I used carbo gels and had no problem. There was lots of shade and many sections of the course were scenic and beautiful; maybe not quite as much as other runners' comments had me thinking, but still quite lovely. The spectators were few, but hardy and experienced in helping runners along - the little boys and girls here and there with garden hoses were a complete delight. Overall, given all the events run in a single morning, and the personal touch I couldn't have received at a larger marathon, I consider the day to be a remarkable achievement by the organizers. I really appreciate the energy, spirit and goodwill they brought to my first marathon experience!
G. B. from Little Rock, Arkansas (7/21/2003) "One of the better July marathons" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The race starts at 6:00 a.m., which allows most participants to finish prior to the higher July temperatures. The course is fast, not hilly, and well organized. I enjoyed the home-town atmosphere, and it is located in a community with recreational activities. I recommend this marathon to those looking for a marathon in the middle of summer. The organizers do a good job. I thought the University of Okoboji bus that returned me to the start line was neat.
M. H. from Tremont, Illinois (7/20/2003) "Good job for a small-town marathon." (about: 2003) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I read some negative comments on this marathon from past years. After completing the 2003 race, here are some of my feelings. First of all, I am a back-of-the-packer, so I was out on the course for 5 hours and had time to think about the race. The race was well organized, had plenty of water, and was well marked. Yes, there was only water and no sports drink. This is not a major problem. One negative is having to run on a busy road for part of the race. There was a large gravel shoulder to stay on, so this was not a major problem either. The corners were well marked with arrows, and it would've been pretty hard to take a wrong turn. The race organizers staged a marathon, half-marathon, triathlon, and a 10K. They did a great job with the organization and coordination of four different events. Great job!
Dan from Omaha (9/2/2002) "You know what you are getting into, Suck it up!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first Marathon and I was ready for it because I read the comments about what this race offered. I'm totally amazed at all the negative feedback about the race, it was a great course, well run and the people were very friendly. It seems like the same people keep running the race just so they have something to complain about. Face it guys you don?t have to run the race. You sounded like a bunch of whiny school girls who didn?t get their chocolate milk. First of all the course is not hilly, a few rolling hills and a couple short ups, but come on people where do you guys run that there are no hills? Next as for the sports drink issue, although it would mark a tremendous improvement to the race, everyone knew that there would be no sports drink before the race, so bring your own; its not that hard to plant bottles, have your spouse/friend bring you some, or as I did carry some in powder form. (They did have sports drink at the finish) As for the safety issue, it is possible to develop an electrolyte imbalance from running a Marathon but it's very unlikely if you have healthy kidneys and are smart about it, eat something that morning and after the race not just water and don?t run if you have health problems. You paid 25$! This race is cheaper that some 5Ks, it?s a total bargain! And if you?re like me and like to do a lot of different events during the summer this is an easy one to fit into your schedule and your budget. Port-a-potties would be nice, but tell me again why you can?t pee in the woods? (Side note: I was standing 10 yards away face to face to a deer on my pee break in the woods, very cool!) Please stop complaining about the heat, if you don't like it move to Canada and run! I'm not even going to touch the comment that the 'medals were too small' this isn?t the Olympics fella! I think that it was a great race as first timer you weren?t pushed to run faster than you wanted and were able to run your own pace without having to go around slower or constantly feeling in the way of faster runners. I thought it was really cool to be one of only 89 that actually did the race and to tell people I took 5th in my age group out of 5, but who?s telling? Overall this was a great race, its about a scenic as Iowa gets, I thought the shady rolling hills along the lake by far made up for the highway running. If you want to run this race just be prepared, running a marathon is rewarding but also serious business.
A Runner from Plainfield, IL (8/12/2002) "Is this HELL? No, it's Iowa!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I don't want to beat a dead horse, as my comments reflect many of the other comments posted here. I am attempting to run 12 marathons in 12 months, and this was my July marathon. John from WI was right on with his positive comments. Pretty course, helpful volunteers, nice t-shirt, etc. I also agree that the race was a bargain: $25 is a cheap entry fee for just about any race, and unheard of for a marathon. Here's my suggestion: raise the entry fee by $5, or even $10, and provide the electrolyte drink, and other aid station amenities (sponges, bananas, gels, whatever) that are sorely lacking ($35 for a well-supported marathon would still be a bargain). A woman died at Chicago a couple of years ago because she OVERhydrated, and then drank nothing but water. It screwed up her electrolyte balance, and she went into a coma and died. It IS a serious issue, not just a matter of comfort (particularly in HOT weather). Overall, I would recommend this race with a few qualifiers: 1. know what you're getting into: it's Iowa in July--chances are it could be hot and humid 2. be prepared--if they continue to have no sports drinks, carry your own, or stash some the day before 3. come with low expectations--it would take a Herculean effort to run a PR here with the weather and the hills Lastly, it is a pretty, and scenic resort-type area (lakes, water parks, amusement parks) so bring the family and plan to spend a few days to fully enjoy the whole experience. June marathon: Grandma's Marathon Next up in August: Paavo Nurmi Marathon
John from Wisconsin from Greenfield, WI (7/29/2002) "Very enjoyable and scenic route." (about: 2002) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have run this marathon twice and the half marathon three times. the last two years I have done the half marathon. Maybe next year I will do the full marathon if it fits into my schedule of races. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I train and race regularly in hot weather races so know what to expect and how to prepare for warmer summer races. It is easy to cut down the organization of this race compared to some others but lets look at what is good about this race first. Good points about the race(s): 1) This marathon is probably about the cheapest race in the US. 2) The T-shirt in one of the best heavy duty and designed shirt of any race. 3) The race course except for the 5 miles along HWY 86 is one of the most scenic courses. The course is always changing and you are anxiously awaiting what new scenes are around the next corner. The lake views are real nice and the finish at the pier just great. This would be better if the state had paved a nice shoulder on the side of HWY 86 for running and biking. I personally have had no problems with cars on any part of the route. In fact I had fun chatting with a couple drivers at mile 22-23 while running. They were very nice and in no hurry to push me out of the way. 4) The route is over 50% shaded. And I really mean shaded. Many routes advertise shade (like Green Bay marathon) and end up only having sparse shade or no real shade at all. From my calculations, you are in shade for 8 miles in the first half and 6 miles in the second half. I mean real shade, large trees totally covering the road. How many courses can boast of that much shade. It is really welcome in a summer race. 5) How many small cheap races have computer chip timing. Wow that is something from a small cheap race! 6) Water stops were plentiful this year. Every 1.5 miles on the average. I just ran the half this year but had 8 water stops in 13 miles and the first part was just as good. There were even orange slices offered at a place or two on the route. 7) The workers and organizers were all very friendly and really into helping people. 8) There were spectators along the route and all of the runners starting in the shorter races become spectators. When I ran the marathon I liked having the runners coming up from behind saying HI and wishing me well. When the marathoners go by the half marathon start we all clap and cheer all the runners. This year the 10K started just as I was getting there and I had a whole new bunch of running companions. Some possible improvements: 1) Everyone one is hollering about some electrolyte drink. No matter what is offered someone always complains that it is the wrong drink. What drink should it be and how often? From miles 20-26 the 10k runners would snatch it all up quickly and they really don't need it. I personally do not count on or need electrolyte drinks provided by the organizers. I usually wear a small fanny pack and carry my own supplies with me in the longer races. Actually the only electrolyte I have found that people really need is salt. Just take a little salt with you and take it with the water stops. Do people properly train and prepared for warm weather races. How many drink a minimum of 1 gallon of water a day and eat extra salt for the last days before a long hot weather race? And how many drink 16 oz of water with a little salt just minutes before the start of the race. 2) As for the person coughing up blood and going to the hospital, I am sorry for that person, but I am not going to quickly blame that on the orgaizers not carrying. These people care. They had plenty of water stops. Years ago none of these races offered electrolyte drinks and 3 miles was the standard spacing. Everyone just got used to drinking 10-12 oz (two glasses) at each water stop and we were fine. we carried salt with us if we really thought we might need it. How many water stops do you have on your 20-22 mile training runs? I run my long training runs with just 2-3 water stops and no electrolytes. Just tank up when you can. 3) The weather has been warmer than average the last two years. If the race had been earlier in the week the humidity and overnight lows were much better. Maybe next the averages wil start evening out. But nobody really counts on running summer marathons for good times. You just cannot run your fastest time in hot weather. Summer marathons make good fun training runs unless you get a break in the weather. 4) Many hot weather races have casualties due to the heat. Even very well prepared races cart many people of to the hospitals even when they have plenty of water stops with electrolytes. Race preparation and moderation based on your body are the keys to surviving hot weather races. 5) My solution for the electrolye situation is to have electrolyte drinks at miles 6, 12, 16, and 20 (just before 10k start). It would also be nice to offer something like the 'elite drink' placement tables. I personally would prefer to have my own formula placed at the tables so I can pick it up. The table would be at the same miles as above. You would plce your name on the bottle and give them to the organizers before the start of the marathon. they would drive them out and place them on card tables at the designated mile points.
A Runner from Missouri (7/24/2002) "Disappointed with this event" (General Comments) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Although I did enjoy running this race, I'd have to say I would not recomend it, were I asked. I expected my time to be slower than other races, I expected the heat. What I did not expect was so many cost cutting things associated with the run. The medal was smaller than ANY medal I've recieved, whether it be a 5k or whatever. ZERO porta-potties on the course......ZERO race officials at any intersection....no sports drinks on the course....no goodie bag, nothing to eat except banana's after the race, and only 3 deep in each age group, which would be ok, except that the age group are in 10 year, rather than 5 year increments. I do want to say that the T shirt was very sharp. And the volunteers at the aid stations were nice & friendly. I knew going in this was a 'no-frills' marathon.....I just didn't expect it to be quite so much so.
A Runner from CO (7/22/2002) "Only Water Around the Lake" (General Comments) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 We ran this race in 2002 and agree with previous runners comments. This is a nice hilly run through tree-covered neighborhoods along a highway circling Lake Okoboji. We thought aid stations were spaced out correctly. Would be nice to have the power-ade at the water-only stations instead of just after the race. Volunteers manning the aid stations were heroic! Better organization could make this race more enjoyable. Organizers didn?t provide good directions to the starting point. Few relied on this info and showed up a few minutes late for the race. I recommend finding the starting point the day before ? and rely on the welcome center in Lake Okoboji for directions instead. Watch for the many markers on the road directing the marathon. Only a couple pointed off the course. There is a gravel shoulder along the highway to avoid vehicles zipping by. Control yourself for no port-a-potties along the way.

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