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Apr 28, 2024

Ogden Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Ogden Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.8

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.7

Number of comments: 157 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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T. K. from Cincinnati, OH (5/20/2013) "Mother Nature Throws a Curveball" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ogden Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Although I left Ogden satisfied that I had completed one of the most mentally tough marathons of my 33, I had a profound sense of disappointment as well. Ninety-five percent of my disappointment was out of the hands of the organizers and everybody else because Mother Nature decided that it was time to soak Ogden, Eden, Huntsville and the entire course with an unrelenting and cold rain on Marathon Day. Hence, my disappointment, I chose Ogden because it is billed as one of the most beautiful marathon courses in the country. And although I still saw most of this beauty with roaring streams and waterfalls and steep canyons and the fog dancing in the hills, the true grandeur of my surroundings (the snow-capped peaks, the blue water of Pineview reservoir, the morning light glowing through the tall trees) was unfortunately lost. Let me make myself perfectly clear, this was obviously no fault of the race organizers, but still a disappointment. On the other hand, the conditions made for a mentally tough race which was very satisfying to complete. Constant cold rain for 26 miles takes its toll even when appropriately dressed. It's just plain hard to stay dry and warm in those type of conditions. And then there's my best friend who, while we were running together, enjoyed sharing the story by science fiction writer, Ray Bradbury, of astronauts trapped on Venus where it was constantly raining and they ultimately commit suicide because they can no longer stand the rain! Getting back to the remaining 5% disappointment: I have to lay this on the race organizers. Although they did their best, I feel they were significantly ill-prepared for the conditions. Yes, they kept us nice and warm at the starting line with the fire pits - a nice touch. But there was a major problem at the Finish Area. After running 26 miles in these conditions and suddenly stopping with continued rain and cold, there is a significant risk of hypothermia. Although I saw a few space blankets on some runners, the crew either ran out of them or at the very best didn't make them very prominent. There was no warm-up tent or equipment that is common in other marathons. We were left to fend on our own. I know my body temperature had significantly dropped - it took me an hour to stop shivering even back in my toasty hotel room under the blankets of my bed. My friend experienced the same. I heard that the Ogden Marathon has enjoyed excellent weather for 11 of its now 13 runnings but I hope the organizers take 2013 as a lesson and become better prepared for inclement weather in the future. Other thoughts: 1) Nice but not spectacular finisher's medal 2) Bus rides to start were easy and seamless 3) The pre-start runner's holding area was a pasture that had been used by cows...beware of cow pies! 4) Volunteers are wonderful and nice 5) Gear pick-up at Finish Line was easy - fortunately so, I had to get into some warm dry clothes STAT! 6) Bus pick-up and Finish Line are very close to hotels. 7) 25th Street (Finish Line) is a blast!
C. P. from Las Vegas, NV (5/20/2013) "Great Race but beware Marriot (now Summit Hotel)" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ogden Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The scenery in this race was amazing (forests, streams, rivers, waterfalls, greenery, moutains, canyons, log cabins, farms, horses etc). The organization was top notch. The transportation to the starting point was very well organized. The aid stations were plentiful, well manned and stocked with goodies (water , G2, mini Clif bars, fruit, gum?). The course started above 5,000 feet and descended to about 4,200 feet. The course was generally down hills but there were a few places where you had to go up hill. The scenery was entertainment enough and there was also minimal entertainment at some of the aid stations. Though it rained the entire 26.2 miles the race was a treat. You will not be disappointed. OGDEN MARATHON ORGANIZERS SHOULD REMOVE MARRIOTT (SUMMIT HOTEL) AS A SPONSOR OF THIS RACE. *HOTEL WARNING* HOWEVER: The Marriott Hotel (now named Summit Hotel) should be ashamed of what they did that weekend. This hotel was listed as a sponsor of the race on the official website. The race started at 7:15 and they expected you to be checked out at noon. They would not waive the check out time. I repeat, they would not waive the check out time. They only offered for you to pay an additional charge for additional hours. We were not the only group complaining to management about this. They explained that they booked some other large party for Saturday night and could not extend the check out time. Outrageous and poor managing. I came across 10 other people who were just as bitter about how the hotel was completely missing the point of being a sponsor hotel of this event. I suggest that the marathon organizers remove this hotel from future participation. We spoke to the on site manager and the head manager of the establishment with no satisfaction. Do the math: Race starts at 7:15. Finish race in four hours. (11:15). Ten minutes to get out of runner corral and 10 minutes to walk back to the hotel. You now have 20 minutes to shower and get out of the damn room. All that would have been needed was an hour. NOPE. Pay an additional $50. Were they out of their minds? Now they will get a whole boat load of negative feedback.
D. N. from Ut (8/30/2012) "An Amazing Race that I Hope to do Again" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ogden Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon ever, and I loved it. It was perfect. The predominately downhill course is great. I hadn't trained adequately, but it was still a great experience. I was sad to hear that it went to a lottery this year, but hopefully I can get in to run it again. The medal was great. The finish line food was great. The spectators at the end were great, although I wasn't a huge fan of the last mile or two being through the city streets. If you have a hard time with downhills, maybe this isn't for you. The vast majority is downhill except for the last mile or so and a hill around mile 14 (which isn't that bad. It looks bad, but it isn't). Run a lot of hills, and you'll do just fine on this course. It's awesome!
D. C. from Idaho (6/20/2012) "One of America's best" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Ogden Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've now run this race 8 times and keep wanting to come back for more. This race is a jewel that's getting harder to get into and sells out very quickly. The course is highly scenic and overall pretty gentle without too many hills. There's really no room for improvement with this event...except in my running.
B. C. from Las Vegas, NV (6/4/2012) "Perfect first marathon" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and it was perfect! Beautiful course, perfect weather, great support and spectators, beautiful medal, and the greatest recovery food ever at the finish!!!! My favorite surprise was the ice cold sponges offered toward the middle of the race. Very nice touch! Perfect race! I would do it again!
Kirk Lindstrom from Bountiful (5/21/2012) "Well organized and beautiful" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Ogden Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my second Ogden marathon and am impressed with all the effort that goes into it. I wa planning on this being my last marathon but now I'm having second thoughts
DaNeil Bybee from Soda Springs, Idaho (10/31/2011) "My favorite!!!" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Ogden Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run this marathon twice: once in 2007 right after I ran the Boston, then again in 2008. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, the course is gentle on the knees and joints, and the organization couldn't be any better. This marathon course is, by far, my favorite because of the beauty and 'easiness' (like a full marathon is easy - but you runners know what I mean.....for instance, the St. George is very hard on the joints because of the downhill stretches) on the body. I hope to do it again in the future!!
J. P. from USA (6/14/2011) "Tough to Top" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Ogden Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The scenery in this race is, in a word, stunning. I can't imagine a more beautiful location or more perfect weather. Add to that wonderful organization and a great shirt and medal and in my opinion you have the perfect marathon. I see why this race is so popular and rumored to be going to a lottery next year. I read another comment mentioning a late bus. I boarded a bus at exactly 5:30 when they stated it would leave. Also, I had no problem getting my gear bag into the truck before the race began. If the marathon started late, that is news to me - it could only have been a few minutes late since I checked my watch 5 minutes before start time. There was plenty of food at the end including fresh bread, bananas, and smoothies. Ogden puts on a great end party. Honestly, if you can get in, you will be hard-pressed to find a better race.
G. H. from USA (5/29/2011) "Great Saturday marathon in beautiful Utah" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ogden Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a very scenic, very fast and well organized marathon. The weather was perfect, adding to a great experience. One added bonus was that the marathon was on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Perhaps this was because the marathon was held in religiously-minded Utah. But religious aspects aside, it is so nice running on Saturday and then being able to enjoy another day of rest and relaxation before returning to work. My only complaint was that an annoying helicopter buzzing overhead wrecked the tranquility of the race for the first few miles as we ran down a beautiful canyon. Aside from that, I highly recommend this race.
k. s. from DC (5/28/2011) "Beautiful, but flaws" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ogden Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Traveled far for this race and it was beautiful, and had great volunteers; but it also had a few cons that mean a lot to a runner. The buses at the start were late, and throwing bags onto a truck as it drives by is NOT bag check. Also, I was a mid-pack finisher and there was no food to speak of at the end - Creamsicles and oranges? I had fun with a friend, but many races are falling down in organization

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