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May 5, 2024

Carrollton Festival of Races Runner Comments

Back to Carrollton Festival of Races Information & Reviews

Course 3.6

Organization 4.2

Spectators 2.9

Number of comments: 56 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

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

M. M. from Michigan (8/2/2006) "Wonderful, and interesting, experience" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Wasn't quite sure what to expect of a course laid-out in this "eight-repeat" manner, but I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. First, the race had the "misfortune" of falling in the middle of a brutal heat wave gripping the Midwest, but the volunteers ensured that the two stations on the 5K loop were more than adequately stocked with water and Gatorade (and both food and refreshments were plentiful at the end - and by the way, thanks for the multiple popsicles!). Beginning with the race director, and on through to the mix of kids and adults volunteering their time last Sunday morning, EVERYONE was absolutely wonderful. The course is flat as a pancake, and my intent was to simply use it as a mid-summer training run for my usual fall marathon. The hot, humid weather guaranteed I wouldn't be looking to set a PR, which actually made it more enjoyable to simply take in the small-town charm and energy of the other runners. As others have commented earlier, you see everyone multiple times, and it was fun to see the leaders perform. It appears that they have addressed the issues raised in earlier comments with regard to truck/car traffic and the finish line, since local police completely shut down the main roads and cross-streets were taped-off, while the finishers were conveniently channeled to the front of the school near the initial starting line. The support of other runners was both sincere and wonderful, and I'm still amazed that all those volunteers continued to man their stations as the heat got progressively tougher through the morning (and a special thanks to the young lady that appeared near the railroad tracks with cups of ice mid-race). The spectators were somewhat limited in number, but those in attendance were supportive, friendly and at times entertaining to watch and hear. Can't imagine how much nicer it would have been if it had been a "normal" mid-Michigan early-morning summer run when the temps are usually in the low-60's. Will definitely re-visit this marathon in the future simply because of the good feeling I left with that morning - kind of a "George Bailey meets the Marathon World." Have been lucky/fortunate enough to have run some of the majors like Boston, New York and Chicago, and this was a gentle reminder to simply enjoy both the ability and opportunity to run without getting too caught-up in so many things that really aren't all that important at the end of the day. Thank you.
J. L. from Jackson, Michigan (8/1/2006) "Very good multiple-loop course and organization!" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The course is composed of a short first loop of 2K, and then 8 laps of a 5K loop, all on non-crowned asphalt roads. It was flat as a pancake - absolutely no hills to worry about. It was also very hot (76 degrees and high humidity at the 6 a.m. start, well over 80 degrees and high humidity at the finish), but the organization of the race was very supportive of this condition. There was plenty of water and Gatorade along the course (every mile), plus good bathroom facilities (every 1.5 miles). The course was closed to traffic and monitored as such, so the runners didn't have to worry about cars. Lots of volunteers were there who were very supportive of the runners, and very friendly. This was the first time I had run a multiple-loop course and I really enjoyed it. The way the course was set up, you always could see a goal in mind. I ended up breaking the 5K loop into six segments, as I could see that far ahead to my "next" goal. That was helpful to me. Advice for people who have never run such a course before is to pay attention to tangents, turn-arounds, etc., as these all add distance to how far you run if you don't cut the tangents or go around the turn-arounds too wide. I added about a half mile to the course due to not managing the turns/tangents better (I ran with a Garmin GPS). While that half mile adds up over a 26.2 mile race, it works out to only about 91 feet added per mile raced, and it is now very easy to understand how this can happen. This was helpful to know for all my future marathon courses, to pay attention to this stuff. This was the hottest marathon I had ever run, and just finishing it gave me a boost of confidence for future marathon races. The organization of the run plus the volunteers helped keep me going and able to finish. I will run this marathon again, and recommend it to others as well!
Mike Aldrink from Durham, NC (7/31/2006) "One can't complain for a small, July, MI marathon" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Carrollton Festival of Racess COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Having run/won this marathon the past three years, I happened to be reading all of the comments. First of all, race director and Superintendent Craig Douglas should be commended for organizing a small-town marathon the last Sunday of July in the Saginaw community. The money goes for a good cause and I encourage runners to come out and do this marathon as a good training run/race. Use it as a good mental workout. Running 8.5 out-and-backs is not easy, and the lack of crowd support could/should be better. The church we pass played good Christian music back in 2004... maybe they could do this again for the runners. All in all, you should come on out and try it. It will definitely get you ready for a P.R.
Suzy Holt from Durham, North Carolina (5/11/2006) "'What lap are you on?'" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I was in denial about the course until mile 8ish. The race begins with a 2 mile loop followed by the SAME 3 mile loop & wait for it, that's right, 8 times. With NO water stops, mile markers, or time keepers on the course I kept thinking, 'This cannot be for real!' There are very few local spectators; however, the small loop allows your personal fan club (or any enthusiastic onlooker) to stay in one place and see you run by at least 8 times! It is great to see YOUR support and see them often! My roommate went to a nearby grocery store for several of my mid-race requests (Gatorade, flex all, batteries for my headphones) during the race and STILL made it back to see me on the loop. We all know that marathons aren't exactly a spectator sport, but in a way, this one is! From the Boston qualifiers to the weaker runners, the back and forth allows you to see runners of all levels DURING the race. This was incredibly inspirational for me and somewhat helped the mental toughness and positive attitude you need to run this course. If you are running Carrollton Charity Road Races, wear your own watch and ask about the finish! Your splits/loops are recorded by a volunteer who asks you, by show of hands, 'what lap you are on.' The race finish (and last of the repetitive loops) ends in a different area. Several runners, myself included, did not account for the change (as it is not marked) and ran away from the end of the race. I had to turn around and run an extra quarter mile back to the actual finish.
R. D. from North Carolina (9/5/2005) "Lots of turns; friendly runners" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The race was well-organized, and the race director was there to answer all our questions. This is a no-frills race, but the weather was nice, about 65 degrees at the start. The out and back 8+ times was grueling, but the runners I encountered many, many times were encouraging and friendly. We knew we were in it together! A local church played some music (it was Sunday), and though the spectators were very sparse, one woman near the water stop always clapped and cheered us on from her chair. This was my first marathon I ran in my state of birth, and despite the flat course, my most challenging.
B. H. from Michigan (8/11/2005) "Let's try to add some excitement." (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is not a terrible race. However, the course was not a loop as advertised. You run to a cone and turn around. With the early bird starting time, different races and (wow) 8+ laps, it can get kind of confusing as to who you're running against. The volunteers who were there were great. Five different finish chutes, and no course map was available online. There weren't a lot of refreshments available for the marathoners. The guy in the pick-up truck manning the cone should have at least had a stereo going or something. I don't expect Chicago, but c'mon. With the wide variety of people who ran, this isn't just a club race. Maybe I'm just expecting too much. If you're looking to add this race to your marathon total that's fine. Just don't expect a lot of frills.
R. D. from Matthews, NC (8/4/2005) "8 Out-and-Backs; Not Loops" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my 12th marathon, and it turned out to be my slowest. The 180-degree turns you do 17 times definitely take their toll on your adductors and hip flexors. The course is the flattest I've ever seen. The Gatorade ran out by 'loop' 6 at the mile point of this 5k course. The weather was fantastic, with about 60 degrees at the start. It had a very small field, down over 50% from 2004, but the volunteers were great. The volunteers were also the crowd support, for once you left the start and finish point, only one lady in a chair was there to cheer us on, but she was faithful to the end! The course was out and back, so you saw everybody many, many times, and a couple real encouraging people helped make my pain tolerable. If you can tolerate an 'L' shaped course with 2 180-degree turns and crossing RR tracks 36 times, this is the race for you.
A. K. from Troy, Michigan (8/2/2005) "Definitely gave me a good first marathon" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I don't actually have a basis of comparison seeing that this was my first marathon ever. Months ago when I decided to run a marathon looking at the possibilities was a bit intimidating for an 18-year old with a limited experience with large and long races. This, however, was perfect for a first-timer. Sure the course was flat and repetitive, but you'd know what to expect and how much was left (although the lack of mile markers was strange). Plus the out-and-back format I enjoyed because I felt I got to know some of the other runners and everyone was friendly and encouaging. The crowd was quite small, but I guess that goes along with the small race theme. Anyway, those that were there (special thanks to my parents and boyfriend) were very supportive. I'd recommend doing this marathon, especially if it's your first one, good luck! P.S. The results were slightly confusing; it gave everyone's place, but not all the places were there. Also, I couldn't figure out who the 'official finishers' were.
R. H. from Excelsior, MN (8/5/2004) "Good training run" (about: 2004) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 As the other commenters have mentioned, we lucked out on the weather and, all in all, it was far better than I expected going into 8 loops of essentially the same course plus 1 extra 2 miler to make it add up. Eight loops around a 3.2 mile course may seem like hell on earth but it works surprisingly well. As a 50 Stater on my second time around, I was happy to just find an MI to do. The interesting thing that helped me immensely, was that when I get down to the last 5-6 miles of a marathon, I find myself visualizing the 5-6 miles runs that I know from years of running and try to translate that into what remains to be done but it's difficult to relate that to the course you are on. After 5-6 loops on this course, it was an indelible imprint and instead of being mentally 'downed' by the repetition, you knew EXACTLY what you had to do! My last two laps were negative splits! I guess that says it all! Yes, more food was required at the finish, I STILL have not seen the results and, man, runners need better directions, instructions and maps to locate the key events. If you are gonna grow, folks, you've got to upgrade a bit! Build a better website!
Mike Vaughan from Columbus, OH (8/2/2004) "Small Race Fun - Lose the Trucks!" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my 5th marathon and first small town race. The atmosphere was great and you could actually meet and talk to all the participants if you wanted to. Race director was awesome. My dislikes: The bagels and most of the food were gone when I finished. The talk was the 5,10 and 20k runners finished it all. Please save some for the marathoners!! There must be another street in Carrollton you can use rather than having us compete with the truckers from the private business. Be ready for the out and back 5K loop. It is tough to pass the same landmarks time after time. My likes: Raised money for Charity; Ran a marathon in MI 6am start Seeing other runners often - you feel like you get to know them a little. Easy spectating for the family.

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