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University of Okoboji Marathon Runner Comments
Back to University of Okoboji Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.6 
Organization 3.1 
Spectators 2.8
Number of comments: 74 [displaying comments 71 to 74]
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A Runner from Woodinville, Washington
(1/15/2001)
 "How many other marathons are there in July" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 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. | |
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, Chuck Bryant from Miami, Florida
(11/17/2000)
 "Super-friendly, low-key, lovely rolling course" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.) | |
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Ollie Nanyes from Peoria, Illinois
(7/17/2000)
 "Very low key, challenging, but pretty." (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 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. | |
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A Runner from New Orleans, LA
(5/16/2000)
 "Great race for first timers and veterans as well." (about: 1999)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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. |
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