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May 2, 2024

American Discovery Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to American Discovery Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.5

Number of comments: 58 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

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

B. S. from Illinois (9/7/2007) "Decent, Small Marathon" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 American Discovery Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the full marathon. Being from Illinois, the thin air was an issue, even after being in Colorado for 5 days prior to the race. This was a laidback, small race that I enjoyed. The 6:30 a.m. start helped beat the heat somewhat. The course was not all that scenic, although views of Pikes Peak and other mountains are present. The trail mainly follows an urban stream (Monument and Fountain Creeks) and runs near Interstate 25, condos, parks, warehouses, office buildings, etc. Nothing special. Race officials were not present at the turnaround at the south end, not that anyone would cheat (Google Rosie Ruiz), but it would be nice to have a presence there to keep people honest. There are no timing chips or mats used in this race. The far northern end of the race near the Air Force Academy was the most scenic, but the good scenery was only present for a few miles. The volunteers were very helpful and friendly. Aid stations were well stocked and more than adequately spaced. Pizza and drinks at the finish for everyone - not just runners! Not that I wanted any pizza at 10:30 a.m. after running 26.2 miles, although my kids dug in. Some fruit and bagels for the runners would be nice. I would run it again if in the area, but wouldn't make a special trip for it.
J. G. from Colorado Springs, CO (9/6/2007) "Nice support staff; awards ceremony disappoints" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I choose to run the half-marathon event yearly because the timing is good (Labor Day), and all of the support and food and "after party" events can't be beat. The event has a very down-home feel. BUT, I do have to say that this year I was very disappointed that the finishing times weren't read off along with the names of the top three runners in all of the various categories. It's meaningless to hear just the names of the winners. It adds something when their times are also announced. That way, the audience can compare the winning times to their own finishing times. What's the point of having an entire audience hearing the reception of these awards, if only the winners themselves knew what time they had completed the race?
T. L. from Dallas, Tx (9/5/2007) "Great Little Race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My husband and I ran the half marathon. My only complaint is there were too few port-o-potties at the start. The park is beautiful - nice place to kick back on the grass after the race and watch the marathoners finish. The course itself is kind, gentle rollers, some dirt, some asphalt, and very little concrete. It was a nice, peaceful run. If I thought I could handle the altitude better, I'd come back for the full.
S. W. from Colorado (7/12/2007) "Beautiful Marathon!" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 American Discovery Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a great experience. The volunteers were great and VERY helpful. The water stations were frequently placed, and the course was marked accurately! I can't say enough good things about this race. If you want to run a marathon in Colorado Springs, but do not want to climb 7,000 feet during it, then this is the marathon for you!
Charlene Zundel from Phoenix, Arizona (9/6/2006) "Beautiful course, yet finish left wanting" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 American Discovery Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This was an overall enjoyable race for me. I thought the course was beautiful. I even saw a deer run on the trail with us for a short time - fantastic! The weather was perfect and the stations were adequate. I would prefer that the half marathoners don't run the same course unless we all leave the start at the same time. It was discouraging after running for 8 miles to have a huge surge of half marathoners plow past. Maybe we all start together or they run different courses. I was unhappy with the support at the race finish. I finished in 4:34, which is pretty normal for me, but I know I was in the middle of the pack. When I crossed the finish line, there was no food left except for pizza - YUCK! I don't want greasy pizza after running 26.2 miles - I want fruit and bread. All that was left were a few orange slices, greasy pizza, soda and beer. Also, the finisher's medal looks cheesy and cheap. There were literally no fans, even at the finish line. If that is something you need to motivate you, don't choose this race. If you don't mind running solo in beautiful scenery... this could be for you.
T. P. from Denver, Colorado (8/30/2006) "Great Race" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 American Discovery Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 ADT Marathon is one of the best organized in Colorado. The course is challenging and relative fast and offers a nice change from the urban road race along the river. It's well marked and the aid Stations are well supplied. All aspects of the race are well managed and the experience was positive. A small-town feeling surrounds this race, which adds to its appeal if you are looking for something different where the full family can participate (5K & 1/2 marathon) and have lots of fun. The technical T-shirt is wonderful and the bag with goodies is great. The finish line had nice support with lots of cheering. The race offers awesome awards, unlimited good beer and pizza along with a free massage. All volunteers were courteous and helpful and the enthusiasm of the race director was contagious. I'm looking forward to run it again.
D. S. from Don't run ADT!! (9/22/2005) "A wasted race" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 American Discovery Trail Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I trained my rear end off only to have the course be marked wrong. How can this happen??!! The markers weren't even close! Some were 1/8-1/4 of a mile off. More were inaccurate than accurate. I can't believe I trained for this piece of garbage. The website states ' The marathon and half marathon courses are unmodified from 2004'. While this is true, the markers were very modified. It's almost as if it was measured on foot. Also, the website is one of the slowest I've ever seen.
Stephen James from Lafayette, Indiana (9/21/2005) "What a beautiful city!" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 American Discovery Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The city of Colorado Springs is simply the best for motivating people to get out and just do it!! If you can't get excited about running a marathon here than you better check for a pulse. With Pikes Peak looming in the background, this marathon was simply a pleasure. Thanks to Bob and the great volunteers for a great Labor Day. I'll be back!
L. M. from Colorado Springs (9/11/2005) "Boston qualifier?" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 American Discovery Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Good news first: the volunteers were terrific and were greeting everyone with great spirits. That was exceptional. Bad news second: the fact that this was an 'official' Boston qualifier makes the mile marker discrepancies unacceptable. I wasn't trying to run hard and qualify, but many were. They were no doubt perplexed by some of their split times. This is an unfortunate error, but one that can obviously be corrected. Plus, for me, the cheerfulness of the volunteers and the overall mood outweighed the mile markers.
A. Y. from South Dakota (9/7/2005) "Run for Runners by Runners" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 American Discovery Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a race that just keeps getting better. I ran it last year and loved it; came back and was not disappointed. The course is on soft track, very beautiful, the course markings are excellent (and I have gotten lost on more than one occasion in other marathons!), volunteers spirited and encouraging (thank you, lovely lady somewhere in the 20+ mile vicinity who said: 'you are making such good time!' This was a great boost, and so much more useful than the ubiquitous 'you're looking good.') Details are lovingly attended to, from the dinner to the post race food and drink. Certificates at the finish and a beautiful medal make this a great run for first timers. This is a rare gem; get yourself here and see what a small marathon can offer!

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