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Casper Wyoming Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Casper Wyoming Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.4 
 
 
Number of comments: 133 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 4 5 6 7 8 .. 14 > ]

 

V. B. from New York, USA (6/5/2011)
"Outstanding marathon experience" (about: 2011)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my favorite marathon experience to date and it was definitely worth making the trip from the East Coast. The organizers did a stellar job and the attention to detail for a small marathon was remarkable. Thanks to all who put so much time and effort into making it an unforgettable event. The highlights were:

1. Expo: in host hotel, it took one minute to collect bib and long sleeved t-shirt. There is not much for sale (a few other t-shirts and no gels/related supplies) but I liked that it was low-key and quick.

2. Start: shuttle bus to start took less than 5 minutes from the host hotel. Casper Events Center is huge with plenty of bathrooms so that was a treat to be 'warehoused' there and the view was amazing. The volunteers laid on breakfast as well as provided sun screen, bug spray, tissues etc.

3. Course: delightful, meandering along the river for much of the way with views of the mountains throughout; I found it challenging with the gentle undulations all the way through the marathon course (versus outright hills); the altitude and heat (80 degrees by 10:30am) also slowed me down, however a slower pace allowed me to enjoy the experience so much more and to fully appreciate the course and views.

4. Volunteers: wonderful - non-stop water gatorade, gu, bananas and oranges. The volunteers couldn't do enough for you and remained chipper even though they were on duty for close to seven hours (it was remarkable that the volunteers/food/finish line support) lasted well over the 6 hour mark.)

5. Medal/t-shirt: unusual medal with rotating center so it could be customized with half or full marathon details. Good quality long-sleeved t-shirt that you might actually wear out and about, i.e. not just for running.

6. Finish line food/drinks: terrific - masses of fruit, pizza, cakes sandwiches and soft drinks.

7. Participants: this seemed like a super friendly and down-to-earth crowd for both the half and full marathons. The Maniacs always liven things up and are fun. Not surprisingly, plenty of aspiring or proven 50-Staters so it was fabulous to hear all of their recommendations from prior events.

In terms of the lodging, the host hotel (Casper Ramada Riverside) was satisfactory and the staff were friendly. I chose not to eat at the hotel as the restaurant looked a little depressing and instead found a wonderful place on 2nd Street (10-15 minute walk from the hotel in downtown Casper called Eggington's which was excellent. Downtown Casper was small but full of character. Windy City Books deserves a special mention; it's a superb independent bookstore on Center Street and the owner spent time helping me select a Wyoming reading list including Laura Bell's Claiming Ground. Reading about the trials and tribulations of the ranching life the day before the marathon only added to the incredible atmosphere. I also met a number of literary locals while I was browsing in the store and they shared their views on what to read as well. It was a memorable experience.
 

Bill Harris from Grabill, IN (6/23/2010)
"A very enjoyable marathon." (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


The course was mostly asphalt and relatively flat - for Wyoming. It bordered the Platt River for much of the race and was quite scenic. Volunteers were great and served cold water along with Gatorade at the water stops. Pasta dinner was excellent. Post-race buffet was the biggest and best I've experienced!
 

C. N. from Culver City, CA (6/13/2010)
"Definitely run with the herds (pronghorns)" (about: 2010)

1 previous marathon | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Thumbs up to Dawn and the rest of the race committee. Pre-race expo was a breeze - in and out. Low profile and a relaxed atmosphere. I did the half-marathon and for the most part loved the course along the river. We could have used more water stations, due to the direct sun along the entire course. I just wonder if they could use more volunteers, perhaps from the schools. They might like to help out and have some fun. The post-race food was excellent and very well stocked. Loved the fresh blueberries and cranberries. The pizza came late, but good job. Parking was easy and the shuttle ride to the start was nice and short. Recommend this race to anyone who likes a low-profile race and doesn't mind running with little cheering along the way. The finisher's medal was cool. Everyone received the exact medal, unfortunately, but I liked it.
 

Vicki Becker from Binghamton, NY (6/12/2010)
"A perfect race!! It doesn't get any better." (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I loved the Casper Marathon. It was perfect in every way. The course was beautiful. It was very well organized. The pre-race pasta dinner was well worth the money. This was my 50th state marathon. I worked hard to get here and am so glad I kept this one as the marathon to reach my goal. I thank the race directors, Eric and Dawn, for making this an event I will always remember fondly.
 

R. M. from Pennsylvania (6/9/2010)
"Glad I did this Wyoming marathon" (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I've gotten to be one slow marathoner and I couldn't believe the food that was there at the end. I did a marathon 5 weeks earlier, and they talked about a great spread at the end... but they had 10 bottles of water left. Here, they could feed an army after I got there. Spectators weren't there, but the water stop people were great. The hotel offers a great price... not much to look at. Best pasta dinner I've had. Lots of good things happening at this marathon. Never done it? Then check this one out. Medals are pretty neat also.
 

D. S. from Broken Arrow, OK (6/8/2010)
"Great, small race. Very good volunteers." (about: 2010)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Nice course that ran along the river, with some hills to keep it interesting. The race had almost as many volunteers as spectators, but I did not expect many spectators in a race of this size. I did not enjoy running past all of the slower half marathon runners. Too bad they don't run the same course at the start. The water stops and finish area were great. I stayed at the Ramada (host hotel); it was very good. It was nice to shower and change right after the race.
 

G. J. from Indianola, IA (6/8/2010)
"Beautiful Marathon - Well Worth It" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my first Casper Marathon and it definitely exceeded my expectations. It was fun and well marked, it had great volunteers, and the post-race food was the best I have experienced in a race of this size! I would highly recommend it.
 

Dror Kopernik from Skokie, Illinois (6/8/2010)
"Fabulous Organization" (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The nicest, frendliest people that can be found anywhere around a marathon. Pasta dinner was a real bargin, one of the best I've ever had. Plenty of water stops, with Gatorade and other goodies at every one. Plenty of food at the finish, even well after 6 hours-plus of walking. Nice course with some hills, but none too significant. There's one between miles 1 and 2, and a couple of steep but short ones near mile 15 - very manageable.

A word of caution: at high altitude, it is easier to get sun-burned (which I did), so use plenty of sun-blocker - a large part of the course is out in the sun with no shade.

Bottom line: terrific marathon. If you want to be treated like a king, this is the place. Many thanks to the organizing committee for an outstanding job. It sure looks like they put their heart and soul into it.

Very, very highly recommended.
 

S. L. from Colleyville,TX (6/8/2010)
"B-E-A-Utiful course!!" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I LOVE MARATHONS OF THIS SIZE!!! The organizers were SOOO nice and on the ball! The pre-race dinner is the BEST I have EVER had - what a deal. The race is so affordable. Casper, WY is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a June run. The host hotel had some negative comments, but it was way beyond my expectations. It was clean and affordable, and the service was 4 star.

There was food - still plenty of food - available for the very last person crossing the line. I cannot think of one negative thing to say - absolutely fabulous!! I loved finishing at the hotel; how great is it to change into some fresh clothes and then celebrate!

Oh, and the age group prizes were awesome - one of these years I am going to win one!
 

D. P. from Harlingen, Texas (6/8/2010)
"Great small marathon" (about: 2010)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I ran my first Casper Marathon this past weekend and set a personal record. But, don't let the course fool you. It is a challenging course mixed with road and hike/bike trail running. There are hills - some steep - and also some flatness along the river. The loop around the golf course was grueling since this is in the last few miles of the race. The scenery is gorgeous: the flowing North Platte River, the mountains, and the plains at the start of the race. Post-race was great, with fresh berries, grapes, melon, cake, pizza, and cookies (for the sugar high). There was also bottled water, energy drinks and beer. The organizers and volunteers worked the water stops very well and looked happy to be out there. Race conditions were great: no wind, sunny and cool to start off but warming up at the end. Overall, a great experience and worth the trip out there. If you go to Casper, add a few days on before or after to discover what the state has. You will be glad you did.
 

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