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May 5, 2024

Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.7

Number of comments: 96 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

R. R. from Memphis, Tennessee (11/11/2009) "Wonderful, Windy and a Winner in Wynne" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There are only a handful of places I've been that have more friendly and welcoming people than Wynne, Arkansas. Only 3,000 people live here, yet the on-course support was great. This is an open course, but the drivers were the most considerate of any race I've run. Not only did they slow down, but they were smiling and waving as they passed. The wind and heat were factors for sure, but I live less than a hundred miles from here, and I know this isn't normal for early November. This is also one of the few marathons where those who ran the full had much better views than the halfers. Crowley Ridge only got better and better with the miles. If small towns and big hearts are your thing, come to Wynne: We have a race for you.
J. K. from Memphis, tn (11/11/2009) "Great Small Race!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half, and it was a great experience. The race is very well organized, and the volunteers are wonderful. The wind was terrible, but there's nothing you can do about that. Total fluke. I can't wait to go back to Wynne next year!
F. S. from Wynne, AR (11/9/2009) "My first... but not my last!" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon ever, other that 5K's. I was determined to do this after working the aid station for the last two years! I finished and "Oh, what a feeling!" Perfect day for it other than a little bit of wind. Loved all of the aid station support. See everyone next year....
R. H. from Memphis, TN (11/9/2009) "Perfect First-Time Marathon" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and I had a great experience. There were only 159 runners in the full marathon, which, after having run two mega half marathons, was refreshing. Also, they had an optional early start time of 7:00 a.m., which was perfect if you wanted to beat the crowd and the creeping warm weather. The weather was unseasonably warm, but the wind mitigated the weather, and the sky could not have been bluer. The volunteers were very friendly, and there were aid stations every mile. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small-town marathon. My family enjoyed it too, because parking isn't an issue, and there's plenty of room to watch the racers. A+!
M. S. from Wisconsin (11/9/2009) "Wonderful race in a small town" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great marathon put on by real runners. Everyone I talked to was friendly, helpful and happy you were running their race. The pasta dinner was one of the best I've had in 64 marathons - all homemade sauces and desserts. There were vegetarian options as well, and everything we tried was delicious. Someone else commented that he wished they would start at seven, and they actually did have that option for everyone and you could still qualify for awards even if you ran the early start. Speaking of awards, they gave out very large trophies for the top three in overall, masters, grandmasters, and seniors - AND went three- or five-deep in age groups, which were also very nice awards. The course was a bit hillier than I expected, and it was windy, but you can't control the weather and it wasn't raining or snowing or 95 degrees. It was a pretty rural course, with water stops every mile manned by very enthusiastic volunteers. I even saw a sign with my name on it and I didn't know anyone in town. If you need a huge expo and big crowds, this race is not for you. If you're looking for a more laid-back, affordable race, in a friendly, rural setting, it's a very good option.
S. L. from Kennesaw, GA (11/9/2009) "Great Small-Town Race" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This town rolled out the red carpet. If you like a grassroots race with local color, good organization, a down home pasta dinner and really nice people, I recommend this marathon and Eisenhower (Abilene, KS). The course is not that difficult. I agree that an earlier start is needed due to heat, even if it is 7:30. The wind was, as others posted, pretty harsh on the return this year. Water stop volunteers were enthusiastic, and one even filled up my water bottle while I ran on, and ran it up to me. Hampton Inn Forrest City offered a 6 a.m. breakfast and late checkout, 15 minutes from race start. I recommend this race if you need Arkansas.
T. M. from Atlanta (11/9/2009) "Well Run Marathon with Exceptional Volunteers" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this race in 2000 and again this year. The race director and volunteers did a great job. Yes, it was hot. Yes, it as windy. But only God controls the weather. The race director did offer an early start to those who wanted one. The pre-race meal was great. The post-race food was great. Homemade deserts. Post-race showers. The course is not terribly easy or hard. Running along the highway is probably the least enjoyable part of the course. The people of Wynne are great. It is a small-town marathon at its best.
P. W. from Wynne, AR (11/8/2009) "Who ordered the wind??" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the half marathon. Wasn't ready for the full. However, I will be back to run the full next year. Great out-and-back course. And like they say on the website, those hills in the beginning come back and bite you again as you come back. Especially with the strong headwind. This has been the easiest race, as far as organization and support, I have been in. Being new to Wynne, the folks here make you feel welcome right off the bat. I'm looking forward to next year's race, and I encourage others to attend as well.
J. M. from Iowa (11/7/2009) "You get what you pay for?" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I read through the comments from the previous two years, and honestly... what do you expect when the registration is only $25? I didn't expect much, and got more than I thought I would. That said, if it weren't for the warm hospitality, and the wonderful attitude of the volunteers, this race would have been a bust in my book. I ran one of my worst times on this course. But considering I was not running for any other reason than to complete an Arkansas marathon, I'm not terribly disappointed. Though it's early November, the organizers need to seriously consider starting this race at 7 a/.m. It felt too warm less than an hour into the run. But that wasn't the biggest problem today - this is an out-and-back, and we turned directly into the wind at the half. It was a grueling return. I couldn't believe this - no, wait, yes I could, because I checked the wind graph for today and it was fairly consistent at 20-30 mph (from the south and in our face), with gusts reaching over 45 mph. Of course, there's nothing that could have been done to change that. Except to start earlier. The frequent aid stations were awesome, and for the most part, staffed by very attentive volunteers. They started getting distracted towards the end, but that's no surprise considering it was such a lean field. In summary, I would say this: if you're looking for something a little different in your marathon quest, Midsouth isn't a bad option. But don't expect an easy run, and don't expect the same things you would find at a much higher-priced race. They run this thing on a shoestring, but seemingly managed to stretch my registration fee a long way.
G. W. from Joplin, MO (2/18/2009) "Well organized race for a small commujnity." (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I appreciated the friendliness of the participants and organizers. I think the spectators were very encouraging and engaged with the marathon. It was a beautiful day for the most part; however, it was a little warm near the end of the race. I would recommend the race highly.

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