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May 3, 2024

Frank Maier Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Frank Maier Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.0

Number of comments: 29 [displaying comments 21 to 29]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

J. V. from Dallas, Texas (8/9/2005) "Great Destination Marathon!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frank Maier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great little race! Nice view of the glacier! Excellent food! A fun group of people that made the entire experience wonderful. I only wish that I remembered the names of the volunteers and their dogs that I met along the way! The course is a rolling out and back, and the half doesn?t get far enough down the island to see the glacier. What a shame. Maybe the half runners can avoid carpooling and leave a car at the end of the course and run an unofficial half and drive back to the finish. Running by the glacier was one of the highlights of the course. I did love the fence made out of skis as well.... Juneau was a good location.... I found a great restaurant in Juneau, the Twisted Fish by the tramway (I think that it was in the blue Taku building?). I also found a great coffee shop, the Station Coffee House that had wonderful food, to die for desserts and great coffee. I took a bus to the glacier where there are lots of trails, etc. Being a port for the cruise ships, there are enough excursions to choke a horse and a ton of tourist gift shops to get those wonderful souvenirs (what is it with a 100 jewelry stores at each cruise ship port???). What a great way to work on your 50 states or even better, 50 state capitals! It was a small race with enough views of eagles and glaciers to be worth the money, but the feast afterwards was not to be missed. Fresh salmon, burgers (veggie or beef) for the more traditional, and friendly people. I would have liked to have a sticker on the back of the medal to tell you which year, but that is about all that I missed!
J. T. from Enumclaw, WA (8/9/2005) "Ahhh, the beauty of the small-time marathon" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Frank Maier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This event will be a memorable experience for the novice or seasoned runner. I have done 60+ and find this quaint little get-together to be one of the best. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The camaraderie is endearing. The scenery is superb. I enjoyed the race the people who made it happen and the city and surroundings that make this experience unique. The course was fast course with moderate rolling hills. A PR possibility is distinct.
B. M. from California (10/19/2004) "A hidden gem" (about: 2004) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Frank Maier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was by far the most scenic of my numerous marathons. The race director (a runner himself) did a superb job in putting on a topnotch race. He was so thoughtful that he went out of his way to pick me up from my hotel and gave me a ride to the start. From the ludicrously inexpensive entry fee, to well-stocked aid stations with enthusiastic volunteers, a picture perfect day, beautiful medal and the most scrumptious post-race feast. The magnificent views and the tour to the glaciers, in conjunction with this well organized marathon, made the trip worth while. Two thumbs up for this hidden gem!!!!!!
J. H. from Denver, CO (8/23/2004) "Quintessential small marathon" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Frank Maier Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 29th marathon and I can safely say that it was one of the most beautiful courses I've run and further enhanced by crystal clear skies, perfect temps (low 60s) and light breezes. Yes, it is an out-and-back course, but, as anyone who has been to Juneau before knows (I had not), the scenery is worth a second (and third) look and included everything from a bald eagle soaring above my head to a great view of Mendenhall Glacier spilling into the ocean. For a destination marathon, this ranks right up there with the Mount Desert Island (ME) Marathon but on a smaller scale. Aid stops were well-placed, volunteers were enthusiastic and with only 40 marathoners (about 100 half-marathoners), you're not lost in the shuffle. It's not easy to get to Juneau for those of us who live in the Lower 48, but nevertheless very much worth it and, as a previous comment noted, it is a tremendous value for the entry fee (great BBQ lunch, nice looking medal and nice awards). Thanks for an excellent race!
Laurence Macon from San Antonio ,Texas (8/8/2004) "Undiscovered Treasure For $30" (about: 2004) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Frank Maier Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 1. The course: Beautiful vistas of ocean, glaciers, bald eagles, salmon and the best of nature (I saw a bear in 2002) along a rolling nearly deserted paved highway (13 miles out and then back). 2. The water stops: Every 2.5 miles, with water and Powerade at all stations, and two with Gu, but all with happy, supportive people. 3. The people: Bob and the running club members who man the race are very friendly and helpful. 4. The other events: Pasta dinner Friday night, barbecue immediately after race and a pizza party Saturday night. 5. The weather: Pleasantly cool and overcast (in August!) Only 33 marathoners and 93 half-marathoners lucked into this great weekend.
David Hurley from Roanoke, VA (8/6/2003) "Runner-Friendly Marathon" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Runners from local running club added the perfect spice and friendliness to give the pasta dinner added flavor. The volunteers were very helpful and friendly at water stops and throughout the race. One lady volunteer even stopped to take my empty GU wrapper (thanks). Thinking about the burgers on the grill probably added a few seconds to our marathon times. I know it takes a big running family to make a marathon successful. The only suggestion would be that since there are only two age groups (young and old) in the marathon, to make each one 5 deep. Some of us traveled approximately 7,000 miles round trip to be so close, yet so far away, from placing. Thanks for the opportunity of a lifetime.
greg blanchfield from windsor locks, connecticut (7/17/2003) "1/3 of the course is breathtaking, but 2/3 is bori" (about: 2002) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 It is a neat little marathon, run, for the most part, on a two-lane blacktop road. Of the 26 miles, maybe 6 are beautiful, with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. Eagles, seals, and the wildlife in this segment are glorious. However, the majority of the course is on a two-lane, blacktop road. The personnel who organize the event are first-rate. There is an excellent after-race party, as part of the marathon, which I highly recommend.
A Runner from Seattle, Washington (2/27/2002) "Beautiful!" (General Comments) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A wonderfully scenic run! And even though it's on an island, there is a bridge so there's no excuse not to be there!
A Runner from Wisconsin (9/7/2000) "Very nice run small marathon, great area to visit" (about: 2000) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Out and back course, moderately hilly, sea level course along highway on Douglas Island. The two-lane road was paved, with very low traffic. Forest, mountain and ocean view along route. Very clear picture of Medenhall Glacior. Early start allowed, they waited at the finish line for the last person. Food/drinks at the finish with a post-race social at night. Spectators are great considering the area and population. A person cannot drive to this marathon, it is located on an island.

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