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Apr 27, 2024

Turtle Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 3.5

Organization 4.1

Spectators 2.1

Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Richard Westbrook from Jonesboro, GA, USA (9/13/2010) "Rowell, New Mexico's Turtle Marathon" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 A step back in time. Enjoyed it.
S. P. from Florida (9/11/2010) "Minimalist marathoning at its finest." (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great little race for those who don't need much to run a marathon. A very small field of half and full marathoners started at 5:30 a.m. Sunrise was at about 6:30 a.m. and we ran on a bike path for the first couple of miles, then out and back on Highway 70/380 for the rest. Gentle climb uphill for most of the first half (3500' to 4000') and then mostly downhill for the second half, which was nice. Aid stations with Gatorade and water at half and full turnarounds - mile 6.55 and 13.1 (fruit also at the 13.1). Cases of bottled water were left on the ground in between every 2-3 miles. No shade on the highway, though, and it got pretty hot the second half because you were running into the sun. Didn't see any porta-potties on the course, but restrooms were available at the start and there was nothing but open land with few runners, spectators or cars around most of the way. Every finisher got a cute, little, handmade, ceramic turtle (in lieu of a race medal) plus a t-shirt. A total bargain for only $15 pre-registration ($20 on race day), in my opinion. I expected very little going into this race and my expectations were exceeded!
J. G. from Horizon City, Texas (9/7/2010) "Enjoyed It!" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This was my first race ever and I decided to run the half-marathon. Pros: I really enjoyed the course. We ran on the highway and there was nothing but open space to the right and left of me. I enjoyed the conversations with other runners as we ran and walked the course. Very friendly atmosphere. You cannot beat the $15 entry fee. The shirt was very nice and the the turtle that they gave out to all finishers was really AWESOME!! The people running the event were very friendly. I especially liked the gentleman who was cheering for every one who crossed the finish line. He was especially funny when the 5K runners were crossing the finish line. Cons: I did not like the way that the water was put out on the course. There were water bottles that were sitting on a carton and you would pick one up if you wanted one. They were just sitting there on the floor and runners were complaining that they were very warm. In the beginning of the race, we had to run through a path in the dark. It made for an unsafe run, especially with all runners sharing the same path. I am really glad that I chose this race as my first half-marathon. There were not very many runners and I felt very comfortable with that. I am looking forward to racing again next year and receiving one of those AWESOME turtles.
G. F. from Artesia, NM (11/24/2008) "Good Race" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran this race because I had a shot at winning, it was also close to home, and the entry fee was only 15 bucks. You run alone for the most part, so you need to motivate yourself. My family was able to drive out to each mile and provide support, water, Gatorade, ice, and food. They were my saving grace. I usually run marathons with aid stations every mile or so, and water on this course was self-serve, except at the five aid stations. I am a big guy and need a lot of calories during a marathon, but if you are a minimalist, this race is for you. The spectators are almost nonexistent, but those that are out there are great. Bob Edwards puts on a great race, and makes you well aware of what you are getting yourself into. The awards are also cool - handmade ceramic turtles - and smaller versions are also given out to all those who finish.
R. R. from Austin, tx (9/4/2008) "Out and back, requiring discipline" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Water was not a problem. They made sure there was water every 2 miles or so. There were Gatorade stations at 3, 6, and 13 miles out. Since we came back on the same route, they were there at the same intervals. If you need a marathon where the time limit is reachable at a relatively slow pace, this is the one. I was at about 6:16. That would not have gotten me a time at New Mexico Marathon. You have to be comfortable running by yourself. I am ok with that. If you need crowds and noise, this is not the place for you. I did like it.
Rob Klein from Aurora, CO (11/26/2007) "A Run itno the Desert and Back" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was a small town, laid back marathon. There were about 40 runners. It was inexpensive at $15.00 and we still got a cotton T-shirt, and a nice one at that. The race started at a city park, exited the residential neighborhood, went 13.1 miles west into the desert. Then we turned around and came back. For a small event, there were some volunteers for water/Gatorade stations. Those volunteers were the only cheer leaders we had. Where there were insufficient volunteers, they just dropped off bottled water and ice at appropriate intervals. Coming back, the aid stations had run out of Gatorade, which was a bummer. This was my fourth marathon overall and second marathon in two days - not a good choice. My time was more than 6.5 hours and I walked most of the way back. But it got me into Marathon Maniacs. There just weren't any spectators, but that was to be expected. Race Director Bob Edwards still did a great job with this event, and there was cheering and food at the finish line. Some folks flew in from the east coast to run this marathon and at least 2 runners came from Europe! That was really cool! I got to check out the UFO Museum the next day, before heading home.
john holland from usa/global (10/29/2006) "I've got to tell Philly runners to do this" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I love this race I wish to come next year and do a pre-race cookout or after-race cookout. I am sorry I did not get to take pictures and meet more people. I thank you for the fun. I will bring my son and daughter next year.
G. B. from Flagstaff, AZ (9/5/2006) "Small, Friendly Marathon" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Turtle Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a small marathon - probably only 20 people were in it this year. The price was very low - only $15 and you get a shirt and a ceramic turtle if you finish. The course is an "out-and-back." The first two miles take you on bike trails in town. Then you head west on US-70 running on the median of the north side of the road for 11.1 miles before turning around and coming back. The first half of the course is shared with the half-marathoners who start at the same time as the marathoners. There were probably about 20 of them as well. On the course, they had water stations with people at 3, 6.55 and 13.1 mile distances. There were also at least three spots where you could help yourself to water. I only saw one port-a-potty on the route, but with so few people you can just water the weeds on the side of the road without a problem. The volunteers, parks and rec people, and Bob Edwards, the race director, were all very friendly and made for a fun, safe and supportive environment. For the price, this has got to be the best deal for running a marathon. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. But, if you need crowds of runners and/or specators, this is not the marathon for you.
robert Hildebrandt from Fairbanks, Alaska (9/10/2002) "hot & no aid stations in the last hot miles" (about: 2002) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 great orginazation & motorcycle escorts at the start. aid stations for the 1st half. a great volunteer helped me with water, but after 221/2 I was on my own & thirsty. Course is out n back on hiway & not very scenic. No aliens. The 5:30 start was good. HOT with long uphill/downhill grades. I made it. Thanks. only 22 marathoners. great finishers plaque & turtle.
Billy from Baltimore, Maryland (9/4/2002) "I loved the course and Bob the director is awesome" (General Comments) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have to say that the race director Bob is very cool. I really appreciated his and his wife's hospitality. This was a great marathon too. It is a nice, challenging up and back course. No I didn?t see any Aliens but I couldn?t believe how many people I knew there from previous marathons. I even ran with a guy from the Grandfather Mountain Marathon in North Carolina . Small world, literally. I ran with a friend of mine most of the way. Towards the end, he pulled a three minute lead on me. It was a great site though. I tried to catch him and there was another guy on my heels. I must admit, it was one of my most competitive races ever at the end in the condition I was in. I enjoyed the push to finish. Thanks to Bob and all the volunteers. You guys are great. It was well worth the trip from Baltimore.

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