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Oklahoma Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Oklahoma Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.9 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 2.8
Number of comments: 28 [displaying comments 21 to 28]
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A Runner from Oklahoma
(12/1/2002)
 "Good small race, but know what to expect!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a good small event (300 max in 2002) and the folks putting it on did a nice job. However, reading these other comments, one might gather that this is some real wing-ding of an affair. I think all the high marks are a little out of whack if you're thinking relative to other events. So, in the interest of portraying a more accurate representation, keep the following in mind. It IS a super-flat race along an urban trail that follows the Arkansas River in Tulsa. However, it's a double out-and-back so it starts getting pretty old if you're into novel scenery while you run. The crowd that's out there is really nice, so I don't want to sound ungrateful, but there's probably less than 100 spectators--total. So, if you see these ratings of 4's and 5's and come expecting lots of cheering, forget it. You will see lots of people using the trail, most of whom are oblivious that you're out there running a marathon. Bottom line, don't do this race if you want lots of fan support or a really pretty course. If you must bag one in Oklahoma, try the April offering of the OKC Memorial Marathon. If you want a flat, fast course, albeit a redundant one, and you can keep chuggin' without fan support, this race is during the perfect time of year for Oklahoma's weather...so come on out! | |
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A Runner from Rochester , MN
(11/25/2002)
 "Friendly, Fast, Organized" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Extremely well organized marathon. Course is very runner friendly. Race directors and spectors are helpful, gracious and go way out of the way to make your race a success. Post race party at the race directors house is a big plus. Met several other fifty staters at this marathon, seemed like a home coming party. Absolutely great race and would highly recommend. | |
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A Runner from Worthington, Minnesota
(11/25/2002)
"A wonderful small marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Just had a wonderful time at this race. The little over 300 runners meant there always somebody close without the trail being too clogged. Even though it was a double loop the variety on the trail kept it interesting. The double loop also made very easy for my 'support team' (read wife) to see me and encourage me often. And lastly, how many race directors throw their house open after the race for chili, crackers and bars? Thanks to Bob, his wife, and all the volunteers. | |
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A Runner from Seattle
(11/25/2002)
 "friendly people, nice small run" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Wow, was everyone so friendly! They even thanked me for coming so far to run... The spectators were friendly too. But what I liked most was how the runners ALL encouraged each other. Part of the charm of this double out-and-back was that you went by the same people a few times during the morning... people helped each other make it. I'll do this race again. | |
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A Runner from Huntington, WV
(11/24/2002)
"Wonderful race. Beautiful setting!!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What a great race. Everyone in Tulsa was so wonderful. The course was 2 loops around the Riverbend park. It was beautiful. The director, his wife and all of the volunteers were very friendly. The course was friendly to spectators. My family was able to find me where ever I was. Thanks for a great run!!! My best yet. Staci Aulick Huntington, West Virginia | |
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A Runner from Illinois
(12/6/2001)
 "Absolutely great small race!!!!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a marathon of about 215 people. I highly recommend that you visit the website and read all the 'Letters of Thanks' to get the full flavor of just what a great race that this is. There is a great turnout of the 50 State Club and 100 Marathon Club members. It is a privilege to run with people of this caliber, but in the same sense I was not belittled or made to feel uncomfortable that this was only my 5th marathon. Everyone was welcomed and celebrated. The marathon is not highly spectated, but it is a double loop course so the spectators are the other runners which makes for great comradeship. Even though I want to focus on different states, I will return to this race because it was such a pleasure and good time. Pre race pasta was the best I've had and post race party at the race director's house was a bonus!! | |
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A Runner from atlanta
(11/19/2001)
"Well Organized and Very Friendly" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this Marathon in 2001. The course is a flat double loop. This is probably the best organized small marathon I have run. Very friendly people. Not many 'fans' on the course, but those that were present were enthusiastic. I would recommend this marathon wholeheartedly. Enter early, the number of participants is limited. | |
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A Runner from Houston, TX
(11/30/2000)
"Well organized race by friendly folks-" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The marathon gods smiled on us this day in Tulsa. The weather forecast for marathon day called for temperatures in the mid thirties with lots rain, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. A total of 92 marathoners gathered at the river on that Saturday morning near 71st Street and Riverside. It was still dark as we received our instructions, did our warm-ups, used one of the two port-a-potties and generally meandered around until it was time to for the starting gun. As we lined up for the 8:00 start, the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon and I moved around to get in a spot where I could feel the warm sun light on my legs---The temperature was in the mid twenties, but it was going to be a clear and sunny day. I silently chuckled to myself as I looked around at some of the obvious first time marathoners-- they looked very nervous and most were way overdressed-- warm-up suits with the number attached to the front, wool knit hats, heavy gloves, heavy pants, etc,. Some of them looked like they were about to go on a snowmobile trip in Alaska. The race director played a record of the national Anthem, and as usual my eyes watered up. I don't really know why that happens to me all the time, especially at marathons - it's embarrassing. Finally, the gun went off and away we went-- I was about dead last as the group charged ahead as though it were a 5K. As I suspected, after a couple of miles the trail was littered with hats, jackets, gloves, sweatshirts, and other articles of clothing discarded by the group ahead of me. A volunteer was picking up the gear in order to get it transported to the finish line. I couldn't help but smile. After about 4 miles, the runners were pretty well spread out and I could see nobody immediately ahead of me and I didn't hear anything behind me either, although I didn't bother looking back as I consider that bad etiquette. (don't know where I got that from, probably just one of those crazy principals I developed over the years which makes no sense, but I believe in) The race course was an out and back twice on a beautiful bike trail that was right next to the Arkansas River. This made for a very nice course for a couple of reasons- First, the trail itself was beautiful and second, the three turn-around points allowed all the runners to keep up with each other. This allowed the front runners and back-of-the-packers (like me) to offer inspirational words to each other two or three times during the race. The sun felt great, the leaves on the trees were just beginning to turn colors, the river was beautiful and I felt like a sixteen year old-- What a joyous day! At the first turn (6.5 mi) I was third from last-- Yes, for the first time in my life I feared that I would be dead last. Gosh, it frightened me, but then my common sense took over and I decided that it should be fun if I could continue the pace and not crash. That's the beautiful thing about a marathon-- one never really knows how he or she will feel at the 20 mile mark. At the 8-mile mark, I rounded a corner and saw another marathoner ahead of me. Finally, I was gaining on someone. From that point on I had a great time as I gradually passed runners for the rest of the race. At the 19.5 mile turn around, I noticed at least 20 runners were now behind me and I was still gaining on others that I could see in front. I felt really strong at this point, so I decided to gamble and charge ahead as best I could, so I picked up the pace and really enjoyed the next five miles. I felt pretty lousy the last mile, but held on for a finishing time of 4:19. I finished 51st of 92 marathoners- It was a hack of a lot of fun and I wouldn't mind doing it again next year. |
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