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Grizzly Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Grizzly Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 2.6
Number of comments: 43 [displaying comments 31 to 41]
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D. J. from Mead, CO
(8/22/2004)
 "A great run in the middle of nowhere" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grizzly Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I loved this marathon. It was a small well-organized race in the middle of a remote area of Montana that is very peaceful and serene (I obviously didn't see any grizzlies). Spectators are pretty much limited to those manning the aid stations, which is OK with me. Although I knew that much of the course would be on gravel roads, I was surprised at how large and loose the gravel actually was in some places. I recommend wearing shoes with plenty of support or you'll have some real sore feet by the end. The aid stations were plentiful and manned by the local folks who were very friendly and encouraging. There is a nasty hill at mile 19 that will put the squeeze on you, but they at least give you a little commemorative pin if you make it there alive by 3 hours. There is a bus that you can take from Choteau to the start, but I would advise you to drive your own vehicle unless you want to wait for hours for a return ride after the race. I would recommend this race for your Montana marathon. Make sure you have sturdy shoes and some powerful sunscreen! | |
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E. N. from Albuquerque, New Mexico
(10/9/2003)
 "Excellent First Effort In Wide Open Montana" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I'm just starting out on my 50-state marathon quest and I'm trying to do races that allow me to see what the state is all about. My marathon trips may be the only chance I get to visit some of these places. I chose the Grizzly Marathon as my Montana race because: 1) I had never heard of the host city - Choteau MT 2) the race was run in a 'Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone along the Rocky Mountain Front of Northern Montana' 3)'Local ranch families as well as townsfolk' man the aid stations 4) the name 'Grizzly Marathon' is one of the coolest race titles I've ever heard. I went expecting a tough, low-profile, race in Big Sky Country, and was not disappointed. Here are my observations on what the race was and was not. The Grizzly Marathon was: 1)Beautiful - the course is set in a sea of plains grass streching to meet a powder blue sky at the horizon, granite peaks looming in the distance, solitary ranch houses occasionally dotting the landscape 2) Well Organized - Plenty of porta-johns at the start/finish & the middle of nowhere, a well marked and laid out course, high profile medical support, a chase plane overhead monitoring runner progress/health, aid stations manned by enthuastic ranch families 3) Tough - the hills kicked my rear, but the rocks killed my feet. The Grizzly Marathon was NOT: 1) A Party - no bands, no funky concept teams, no themed aid stations, no spectators beyond the ranchers & townsfolk, a basic finisher's medal (and that rustic, no-nonsense approach was EXACTLY what I came to MT for!) 2) Easy to get to - the race is held 25 miles OUTSIDE Choteau, pop. 1,600. I stayed in Great Falls, 50 miles away 3) A PR waiting to happen - a tough (but not impossible) course put the winning time above 3 hours (and mine above 4 hours). I would certainly do this race again. It was worth the effort to see Montana up close and to run such a beautiful race. But here's fair warning - it's not called the 'Grizzly Marathon' just to be cute. | |
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K. W. from Tulsa, Oklahoma
(9/2/2003)
 "Bravo!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I was looking forward to this one for some time, as I had never been to the state of Montana. A little nervous flying in when the flight attendant announced that the smoke we smelled was not the plane, but the result of forest fires. However, I think we got lucky because it cleared the day of the race. The course is deceptive, as the first 7-8 miles is relatively downhill and made to make you run too fast in the beginning and pay in the end (which I experienced). I loved the challenge of the ascent from 8 to 12 and the hill at 19. I had wished that I had worn my trail shoes from 8 to 12 due to the large and sometimes sharp gravel, but after that it was not a problem. The water stops were more than adequate with Gatorade, water, and Hammer Gel at 16 and 21 miles. I cannot over-state how nice and friendly the water stop attendants and the race director were. I was there until the last person finished and they remained out there for support. I would recommend it, but make sure that you get your hotel early. I tried about 3 months before and had to stay about 50 miles from the race, at a little bed and breakfast called Stone School Inn(very nice and friendly). | |
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Lou Budler from Villa Hills, Kentucky
(9/1/2003)
"Great race - well organized" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 You would never know that this was the first year of the race. I will be back next year. (I ran the half marathon). | |
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John W. Taylor from Minneapolis, Minnesota
(8/27/2003)
"Great Race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It was my 36th marathon (22nd state). The race director and volunteers were attentive, cheerful and seemed to enjoy sharing their community with strangers. They put a lot of thought and energy into this event, and it really showed. It was important that the finishers fill out a survey afterwards, so they could improve upon things for next year. I didn't have much to say, since I could think of anything they could improve upon. The first 7 miles was asphalt, and the rest was gravel. It was in the foothills of the mountains, so there were a lot of beautiful open prairies across rolling hills, with spectacular views of mountain ranges not too far distant. Yes, it is not the easiest course, but it's not hardest. The aid stations were well stocked with lots of stuff. They were staffed with people from all ages from throughout the community. It was fun to see the high level of participation. The pasta dinner the night before was good, as was the barbecue and awards ceremony afterwards. Well worth doing! | |
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M. W. from Michigan
(8/27/2003)
 "This is an unique experience" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The weather, the scenery, the people, and the course were incredible. Not a fast course, but the next day you do look back on the hills and laugh. Lots of water/Gatorade. Good stuff at the end. Pasta dinner was fun. The town was receptive to the event. Constructive criticism: 1. When people pre-register, they should get the shirt they selected. 2. A 6:30 start means 6:30. Even the apprehension of dealing with heat and smoke is bothersome. 3. Send a courtesy e-mail listing EVERY hotel within 50 miles of the race. I highly reccomend the Bunkhouse in Augusta. No HBO or private bath, but a good night's rest with good people in a great town (Augusta). Encourage people to book early. Showers at the jr. high and KOA were a great idea. | |
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John Lent from Chester, NY
(8/26/2003)
"Beautiful Montana Backroads - Must do!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 You would never know this was an inaugural marathon because of the outstanding organization and exemplary support. This was a well orchestrated race, planned by runners who know the needs of marathoners. The 16 or so aid stations were stocked full of everything you could ask for with an enthusiastic support crew of all ages. The course itself consisted of 7 miles of pavement and approximately 19 miles of hilly gravel and dirt roads. We were fortunate that a light rain and mild winds cleared the air from all the wildfires burning in Montana. The start was located approximately 20 miles outside of the charming town of Choteau (pronounced show-tow). The town anticipated and welcomed all of the out-of-town runners that dominated the race. In fact, there were runners present from several European countries and as far away as Australia. It also served as a reunion for the 50 States Marathon Club with 43 members present, representing 24% of all the finishers attending the event. To top it off they had lots of goodies at the finish line, and later on the town folks hosted a bar-b-que for the runners to socialize after the event. I highly recommend this race for a lasting enjoyable memory, even if you never plan to run all 50 states! | |
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R. M. from Wichita Falls, TX
(8/26/2003)
 "A great first outing for the Grizzly Marathon!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 We had outstanding weather, and almost perfect preparation by a new race director, and WONDERFUL volunteers for the inaugural Grizzly Marathon. Run on paved and gravel roads near the Montana Rockies, this marathon was a challenge for body and soul - but nary a grizzly or mountain lion in sight! There was not a spectator to be found in addition to the TRULY FABULOUS volunteers (just about the entire town of Choteau), but we did not miss them between looking at the scenery and checking for the moving rocks under our feet. Not an easy run, but well worth the time and effort. Thanks to all who helped! | |
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A. K. from Atlanta, GA
(8/26/2003)
"Rocky but scenic run." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I arrived late the night before the race. I was suppose to pick up my packet at the start. I got lost and didn't get to the start on time. I waited and jumped in and ran with the group as it went by. Everyone connected with the race was very friendly and helpful. They went the extra mile to see that I was able to 'complete' the marathon. I would highly recommend this race. The scenery and the people are wonderful! One word of caution: It is mostly run on back roads with large rocks. I advise everyone to wear thick soled shoes! | |
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steve boone from Humble, TX
(8/26/2003)
"The Wild Wild West at it's finest" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Running on the wild back roads of Montana while looking for bears and mountain lions is a great way to spend a morning with your friends. This marathon has some of the friendliest volunteers in America, who are proud to share their ranch land with the runners. The course is challenging, scenic, and well supported. |
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