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☰
Around the Lake Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Around the Lake Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.8 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 3.3
Number of comments: 36 [displaying comments 31 to 36]
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L. P. from WV,USA
(7/31/2006)
 "Awesome race, can't wait till next year!!" (about: 2006)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Around the Lake Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My husbands and I did this race for the 1st time, and can hardly wait till next year's race. We can't say enough about these wonderful people that are responsible for this race. We enjoyed the 3.16 loop around the lake each time. Did not get bored with it at all. Some of the fast and ultra runners were lapping us, and all were friendly and talking to us. Lots of fluids, gel, and snacks available every loop. The support people, workers and families, were just awesome. Thanks again to all of you, Larry and Sue Pritchard | |
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B. C. from Worcester, MA
(8/2/2005)
 "Pretty nutty maybe.... but you gotta try this one." (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Around the Lake Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A nighttime marathon? Sounds crazy I thought. Run 8 loops of the same course? Never I thought. A mid-summer marathon without much training? Even crazier I thought. Well, Runner's World was correct when the editors recommended this nighttime gem as a member of the top 10 interesting (or odd) marathons in the country. What a fun ride. First, the course is thankfully very flat. As you run loops 1-4 in the light/twilight, you can really learn the landmarks which you need when it gets dark. And it does get dark. About 70% of the course is well lit. The other 30% isn't all bad because you do follow other runners and the passing car headlights also help. Second, the course is very safe on a wide sidewalk. The fun part was passing hundreds of walkers out for a nightly stroll not directly involved in the race. They served as the race cheerleaders. Third, the race organizers really care about this race and it shows. Great attention to detail with ample food, water, Tylenol, pretzels, power gels, fruit, bagels, Gatorade, and on and on. Each time you pass the loop, you pass the support tent. Fourth, yes it's fun for the family. My kids have never been able to see me 8 times running a marathon before (15 previous times). The transition area was in the parking lot of a Best Western with an outdoor pool. Need I say more. Fifth, I'll never chuckle again at a 10k runner who races alongside marathoners in these dual races we marathoners race in. I felt like the 10k guy racing alongside the Ultra runners who shared the race with me. I ran, I finished, I partied a bit, then I went to bed. I woke up and as I ate breakfast, I was still watching the same ultra runners I passed the night before. Good heavens these runners humble me!!!! If you want a fun way to break 4:00, go ahead and try to do it in this race. I bet it's more difficult than you think. I know it was for me... but very satisfying when I did. If a sub-4 is not your deal, enter this race anyway because you can share it with friends and family better. Remember your reflecting wristbands! | |
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P. C. from Worcester, Massachusetts
(8/28/2004)
"Counting loops instead of miles worked for me." (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Around the Lake Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Having run twelve marathons prior to this one, I'd always thought that running multiple 5k loops would make it easier to stop running in those tough last miles, but surprisingly, it was the opposite. The idea of having 'only two more loops to go' instead of six miles after running around the lake six times was somehow less daunting. I also was surprised that I enjoyed running at night especially around the lake where the lights of the host hotel could be seen from the opposite side of the course. The ultra-marathoners that you pass along the way serve as a continual inspiration to the mere marathoners. The organization was very good, and guaranteed fans along with race monitors watching your progress at every 5k mark is a boost. This was my thirteenth marathon on Friday the thirteenth, but it was anything but bad luck for me. I enjoyed the race and will have a hard time resisting it next year, as you can't find another one quite like it. | |
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Kevin Donoghue from New York, NY
(8/5/2003)
 "Solid, Low-Key, Mid-Summer Marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a perfect race for runners looking to run a marathon in mid-summer New England. There are not a lot of runners, and it is a relatively flat course, run at night around a lake (8 times). The organizers do a great job in putting it together, and runners get inspiration and encouragement from other runners. 2003 race was run in the rain, in temperatures in the mid 60's. Much cooler than expected. Mile markers, which are painted in the ground, are difficult to see (and easily missed) when the sun goes down. Running at night adds a new element, as you may not be capable of running at top speeds due to uncertainty of terrain ahead. The real warriors of this race are the 24-Hour Ultra Runners, and 24-Hour Ultra Relay Teams. They make the marathon runners look like a bunch of wimps. Overall, I liked the race, the small numbers and the course. I recommend it to all runners looking to improve their racing in mid-summer New England. | |
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John Doe from Medford, MA, USA
(1/22/2003)
 "Run the Relay!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This marathon is run simultaneously with a 24-hour ultramarathon and a 24-hour relay. It's basically 5k laps around a lake (Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield). If you don't want to run the marathon, get a team of 8 runners and do the relay. There is nothing like it. You rent a room for your team at the adjoining hotel and you take turns running 5k loops (or doubling up for 10ks at night so others can get some sleep). The loop course means you instantly see where you stand relative to the other teams. An ordeal? Yes. A blast? Yes! You'll end up doing anywhere from 7-11 5Ks over the 24 hours. Try doing one at 2:00 A.M. and you'll know what I mean. Two years ago the relay wasn't decided until a sprint in the final 100 yards. After 24 hours!!! Nice suburban area, but granted, not many people want to run a marathon that way. On the plus side, you're guaranteed a water/food stop every 5k! I ran in the 2003 edition of the relay, not the marathon. | |
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A Runner from Massachusetts
(2/14/2002)
 "5K loop around lake - part of 24 hour relay/ultra" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is run alongside the beginning of a 24 hour relay and ultramarathon, on a flat 5K loop around a lake in a suburban town. Starts in the evening, so the worst of the summer heat is avoided. There are many people around, but few spectators. Most spectators congregate around the Start/Finish/water/food stop. Since it's a short loop course, spectators can see the race at multiple points without moving. Loosely organized. Water only at one point on loop. Lots of fun anyways. |
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