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Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.4 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 205 [displaying comments 151 to 161]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 14 15 16 17 18 .. 21 > ]

 

C S McIntire from Marietta, GA (11/14/2005)
"A well run, small and scenic marathon " (about: 2005)

2 previous marathons | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Only my second marathon but I've done many 5Ks, 10Ks, and halfs, so I feel comfortable in saying that even though it lacks in number of spectators and any kind of expo, it more than makes up for that with a scenic course, excellent volunteers, and very good organization.

Some specifics:

Start/Finish - Plenty of parking and easy in before the race and out after the race. We were able to sit in our warm car until 5 minutes before the start, which was nice. The finish line party had lots of good 'recovery' food, such as pizza and cookies.

The course was for the most part, scenic and gentle. I know the course had to change this year because of road construction, but everything was well marked and I didn't notice any confusion. There were several areas that friends and family could cheer for you as you came by or where you could drop off or pick up things from them (gel, sports drink, clothing, and such). There were also several points along the course where runners passed each other (going in opposite directions) and gave words of encouragement.

Spectators - while limited in number they certainly were generous with their encouragement and enthusiasm.

Volunteers and aid stations - Aid stations were about two miles apart. All aid stations had water and sports drink, and most had ibuprofen, oranges, vaseline, and Band-Aids. As I approached many of the aid stations, the volunteers would say "good job" and ask how you were feeling and if they could get you anything.

Other miscellaneous items - Medal is pretty nice. T-shirt: while good quality, the design was just so-so this year. No real expo, which is fine with me since I don't usually spend a lot of time at those anyway. Plus it makes picking up your race packet quick and easy. The race is just 20 minutes from Chattanooga, TN and about 90 minutes from Atlanta, GA & both nice places to spend a weekend.

If you're looking to run in a marathon with a gentle and scenic course and one that isn't so crowded that it takes 3 to 4 miles just to get to your pace then I would highly recommend the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.
 

John Voltz from Atlanta, Georgia (11/13/2005)
"Excellent event" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I have only run five marathons, but this one was great! The course was altered due to construction, but the organization was fantastic. The support to the runners was first-class and I thank the volunteers who made this a great race day. Hopefully subsequent races won't have the double-backs. Other than that, it was worth the trip. Thanks again!
 

L. R. from Florida (11/13/2005)
"GREAT MARATHON" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


A superb marathon. The course this year was new and except for the short big hills at the turn-around, this was a great course to run. The volunteers are especially supportive and the aid stations were for the most part well stocked. Two stations ran out of Gatorade early, which was the only negative. Though there few places on the course that had fans, they were fantastic. One had a sign about a smile and she seemed to pop up everywhere. Reading all the battlefield signs helped to take your mind off the course! The after-race party was great and had something for everyone. Thanks to the sponsors and the Chattanooga Track Club for a great race.
 

w. p. from Bremen, GA (11/13/2005)
"Great run and great for family involvement" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The 2005 run was my first marathon. The course was great not only for the runners, but also great for family involvement with multiple areas for viewing and support.
 

R. J. from North Georgia (11/13/2005)
"Excellent, fast, well-organized race" (about: 2005)

3 previous marathons | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This is a scenic, fast, almost flat course through the serene beauty of the Battlefield Military Park. Organization was excellent, aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers just where you needed them, nice food afterward, real restrooms and a warm room for warm-up/cool-down at the start/finish, nice medal and long-sleeve T. Frosty at the start but the volunteers retrieved outer layers that were left at aid stations along the way. A good first/PR course, and very easy for spectators to watch the race. There were no race clocks along the route, so use your watch. Be aware that the 10-miler started 30 minutes after the marathon, which was not announced in the race info.
 

k. m. from Alabama (11/13/2005)
"Beautiful race, moderate rolling hills." (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


I think this is a PR course. I improved my previous marathon by 14 minutes. There was some road construction so the course had to be modified. Lots of deer out grazing early, very serene. You really have a chance to focus without a lot of distractions. My only complaint is that some people were misdirected or not directed at all by the volunteers. Also some of the people at the aid stations were not paying attention to the runners. I missed opportunities for water and food due to this!
 

R. G. from Chattanooga, TN (10/30/2005)
"Great marathon!!!" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I have ran this the past 5 years and I'm running it again this year. One of my favorites for sure! Great organization, nice shirts/medals, nice post-race (food, etc.). Probably not a PR course, but not far from it. No significant hills to mention - gentle rolling hills. This year's course will be slightly different due to construction. I ran the course this weekend, and I think it's even better (and faster) than in years past. I recommend staying in Chattanooga and enjoying some of the sights there. It is about 20-30 minutes from the race. This is a small marathon (200-300?), so spectators are scarce in some areas. Aid stations are adequate and mile markers accurate. There aren't many timing clocks on the course, so make sure you have a good split-timer watch. This one is a great marathon for beginners and veterans!!!
 

Shelley Terrill from Ft. Gordon, GA (3/1/2005)
"good first marathon" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Well, this was my first marathon. My dad came down to run it with me, which was very nice. The weather was pretty cooperative, though a bit on the chilly side for me. Overall great scenery, but some of the roads were a little tough. I was in need of some Gatorade near the end, but my dad helped me through! Overall, a great experience.
 

W. T. from Asheville, NC (1/25/2005)
"nice size race, scenic course" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


Seemed like a good course for first-timers like myself. Race was not so big that you felt crowded, but large enough to have some running partners during the entire race. Some small hills during race but nothing compared to where I train in the mountains of NC. Only complaint was that the aid stations ran out of Gatorade around mile 17 and I had to finish the race on just water. If you plan on running a 4+ hour marathon, I wouldn't rely on the aid stations; carry your own aid.
 

David Terrill, Sr. from Tarentum, Pa. (12/10/2004)
"Enjoyable run with my daughter..." (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I want to thank Tim Ensign and his staff of volunteers for their hard work in bringing us this race and the National Park Service for allowing a horde of runners to commandeer the battlefield park for the day.

I accompanied my daughter during her first marathon experience, and the memories are priceless. The scenery was inspiring, the mid-November weather cooperative, and the course rolling and twisting enough to be anything but boring. Where the fans clustered, there was plenty of vocal support. Most of the time, you are alone with your thoughts. A welcome relief from the big city 'concrete jungle' runs.

The road surface was rough for a large part of the course, so a lot of focus goes on foot placement. It can get painful if you let your mind wander too long, or watch the deer feeding in the meadows as you run past. I love trail running, and some of the stretches were as close to being trails as it gets. Very peaceful.

It would be highly appreciated if the NPS would permit a few more porta-johns enroute--too many runners answering nature's call where someone's great grandfather may have taken his last breath. I felt like there were many souls not resting at peace in the woods. I was also disappointed in the number of energy gel packets I saw littering the course. I know they get awful heavy once they're empty, takes too much energy to carry till a trash can is found. But really, a trash can placed every mile or so would be used by most runners.

Very nice awards to commemerate the first-timers' finishes. Classy touch.

I doubt I'll be back until I finish my 50 states campaign, but I sure am glad I chose Chickamauga as my GA run.
 

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