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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 41 to 51]

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

J. H. from Kalamazoo, MI (7/30/2004) "pleasant summer event" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you're looking for a summer marathon, the Carrollton race is a nice event. The 5K course was not very interesting; however, seeing other runners pass back and forth on the loops was entertaining. Some truck traffic on the course was annoying; however, the drivers were courteous to the runners. Aid stations were good. Spectators were sparse. The mile markers seemed inaccurate so I gauged my pace using my 5K time rather than relying on the mile markers. The race director was very friendly and quickly responded to my pre-race e-mails. All in all, it was a pleasant experience. It can serve as an excellent training run if you are preparing for a fall marathon.
C. O. from Dearborn Heights, MI (7/27/2004) "Excellent First Marathon" (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed it. I liked the repeated loop. I didn't have to worry about getting lost, or knowing how far I was. Also, I had family that came to support me, and it was nice to be able to see them often (a 1.4-mile out-and-back plus 8 times around a 5k out-and-back loop).
Kelmonk4 C. from Cleveland, OH (7/26/2004) "A good first marathon race." (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I am 20 years old and chose to run this race for my first marathon. It was nice because the course was completely flat and the weather for the 2004 race was cool and dry. Since the course repeated itself with a 5k loop, it was easy to get to water stations and restrooms. There were not a huge number of spectators, but the ones that were there were very supportive. It helped to have brought my family and friends with me. They also only had one church with music that didn't even play the entire time. I think some more music on the course would be a huge improvement. The course itself is not interesting and basically kind of ugly. However, if you focus on the runners rather than the course, that diversity is quite entertaining. I really wasn't bored at all because the other competitors were really fun. One big problem with the course is that trucks were still allowed on one part of the loop, even though the streets were blocked. This was kind of an annoyance, though the truckers did mind the runners as much as they could. The event coordinator was very helpful and friendly in answering all of my pre-marathon questions and the event itself was pretty well organized. Overall, I was pleased with my experience (especially finishing my 1st marathon). It also made me feel good that I was running for a charity (Lion's Club). I don't think I would go back though. I'd rather try something else.
David Terrill, Sr. from Tarentum, Pa. (7/25/2004) "A return to the simpler times of road racing." (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Carrollton Festival of Races COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm completely satisfied with my experience at Carrollton. From the 6:00 AM start to beat the heat, the out-and-back 'L' shaped course with only a trace of crown for drainage (beware the 18 railroad crossings), excellent traffic control (okay, a couple of open trailer rigs on Carrollton and Seaway earning time and a half), pretty much a litter-free course with no broken glass that I saw, friendly volunteers, and a race director who put it all together for not only the runners, but the community charities these events benefited. Fluid stops (used them all) were well staffed and stocked and spaced, porta-johns were available (didn't need them this go-round), and the lap counters did a great job keeping track of runner's progress. No need for chip timing as the field size was manageable and bib tear tabs accurately recorded finish order. I think the quantity of refreshments should be rethought for next year, because the pickin's were getting slim and the marathon was still in progress. The headcount of the 5K, 10K, 20K, and marathon justifies more refreshments be available. Those warriors out there doing battle with the course, Mother Nature, and themselves for 4-5 hours or longer require nourishment after their ordeals. I met some great folks, ran my second best time of the year, and now have credit for the state of Michigan in the quest for 50. I'm glad that I chose to run Carrollton.
K. M. from Columbus, OH (8/6/2003) "Good small-town marathon" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Initially, I expected the repeat course of 8.5 5K loops to be very tough to handle, and that it would be hard to continue to be motivated through the marathon with constant thoughts of 'gee, only 5 more laps, now 4 more laps', etc. This was definitely not the case. The wonderful thing about this repeating loop marathon is that you got to see and encourage others a lot (and get a lot of encouragement too)! The only drawback might have been figuring out who was truly ahead of you in finishing times. There were few spectators, but any that were there were very supportive - who would have thought you might see a man in a grass hula skirt and coconut top?! The repeat loop made it possible to organize a very smoothly run charity marathon (fewer volunteers and equipment needed, closed roads minimized traffic impacts, etc). Two water and potty stops covered the whole 26.2 miles - just hope that not a lot of people had to use the facilities at the same time that you did. The volunteers were always cheerful, so that helps, as they count as spectators too! I have very few comments for improvements - a 'take with you' copy of the course map would have been nice so that you could preview it before race day. Also, it was never stated on the material, for those of us who registered more than a month ahead of time, where early packet pick-up was (one would assume the race location). I would definitely do this one again. I agree with the 50-stater comments; I would pay $5-10 more for more awards, better food, some music, etc. It is a fairly inexpensive marathon fee, so I think increasing the price minimally and improving a few things might improve the participation.
Brad Ziajor from Sterling Heights, Michigan (7/30/2003) "Home State Comments" (about: 2003) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I figured since all the comments were from out-of-state runners that I would represent the Michigan participants. I just turned 18, and this was my first marathon, and although the course was somewhat boring, I think it was good for a first marathon because I could always figure out how far I had left to go. The water stations every 1.5 miles or so are nice too. Nice experience for a first marathon, but probably won't be back.
Mr. Teutonic from NW Indiana (7/29/2003) "Funny race with special charm" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I wasn't sure what to expect from a 8.5 loop race with a small number of participants in 2002 - and being back home I would classify it as 'funny'. To see runners of different races going back and forth lets time fly by. The flat course was a nice treat (I met my goal :) ), water stations were well organized, and the massage afterwards felt sooooo good. Excitement is limited - on the way back we talked about: 'Have you seen the 4 spectators, the roadkill, and the patch in the road?' 'Yep, 16 times.' ;) I might be back next year - just for the fun of it. 'Fifty Stater' had some good ideas for improvements which I agree with.
Missouri Runner from Lee's Summit, MO (7/28/2003) "Quaint run" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 As a runner with the goal of running in all 50 states, this marathon was a gem. The course, despite the repetition, was decent. The weather was humid, but it's July. The family that had the music and 'hula' dancer was entertaining. Nice job for a small event!
Anita Harper from Columbus, Ohio (7/28/2003) "AWESOME!" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Other than the mix up for packet pick-up, this was a truly wonderful event. Initially, I was worried about doing 8.5 5K loops, but it was really cool! I like the format because it enabled us to see people over and over, so that we could cheer each other on, make new friends, etc. It also really made it easy to gauge where we were and how much further we had to go. The spectators were few and far between, but like I said, since we were passing people constantly, we were OK. The best part was being able to take a shower after the event. Although the water was cold, after the initial shock, it felt sooooo good. The only improvements I could suggest are to make sure the packet pick-up location is clearly identified, and to provide take along maps of the course. Other than that, this was a SUPER small-town event. I enjoyed myself immensely.
Craig Redfearn from Granger, Indiana (7/28/2003) "Very well organized, small-town race!" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 [July 27th, 2003] For a July Marathon, I didn't really know what to expect because it is usually hot/humid. I found this marathon to be very exciting and challenging at the same time. For a small marathon of roughly 104 entrants, and a 5K run/walk, 10K, & 20K going on at almost the same time on the same course, the RD and volunteers did a masterful job. The course is flat as a pancake, and if you can handle '18' hairpin turns, this is the race for you. The 6:00 a.m. start is perfect, and for the diehards there is also a 5:00 a.m. early start. It was humid, but the wind was blowing probably 10-15 mph on the backside of each 5K loop. When I say 'each 5K loop', I mean all 8 of them, plus another 2K to start things out. I'll definitely be back next year.

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