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☰
Akron Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Akron Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 4.5
Number of comments: 309 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
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Bob Kroeger from Cincinnati
(9/25/2011)
 "Jim Barnett for President!" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The 9th annual Akron marathon was another splendid display of superb organization, all details impeccably in place. Jim Barnett, the race director, gets my vote for one of the top ten marathon directors in the USA. He's such a student of the game and makes the average Joe runner feel important. In fact, if he wants to run for President, I'll vote for him. On second thought, Jim, just stay in Akron. This was my 49th marathon since 2005 and my third Akron, which is one of my favorites despite the difficulty of the course. The Brooks Essential Run Jacket, Running Times subscription, and all the other extras thrown in (you never know whats waiting for you at the finish line) make this the most runner friendly marathon in America. Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, only ten minutes away, which was as excellent as the race. Thanks again, Akron!! | |
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A. C. from Maryland
(9/25/2011)
 "Everything was FANTASTIC! Great race!" (about: 2011)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second marathon, but first large one, so I don't have a lot to compare to. However, it was easy to get my packet, which was nice. Driving to the marathon, parking, doing the gear check and getting to the starting line were unbelievably easy. As for supplies along the course, there were plenty of porto potties, and also so many water stops along the way I didn't need the camelback I usually run with. At the end of the race they call you out by name over the whole stadium (where it ends) and there is a free massage right at the finish line. The spectators were definitely the best part - I had DOZENS of people I'd never met calling out my name to cheer me on. Literally dozens! And they were out as early as 0700! Absolutely phenomenal. I would say Akron is a must do whether it's your first marathon or one of many. The only part I didn't like was they had a 2 mile long hill around mile 16, but they warn you about this on the website, so it's not like I didn't know about it. It just turned out to be quite a challenging course. Loved it overall! | |
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J. S. from Powell, OH
(9/25/2011)
"Outstanding event. A true asset for Akron!" (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Let's start by saying the course isn't easy. It rolls and has a couple hills but I don't think anyone hides that. Even with those hills, when you are in town, you've got great crowds and when you are out of town, the scenery helps keep you going. The fans are great. I've done much bigger raes with far fewer fans and was repeatedly thanked by the fans for running their race. At the water stops, the workers all seemed to be genuinely happy to be there and there was always plenty of fluid ready for us. I loved that they all wore signs saying if they had water of sportsdrink. The little things were done well. Oh, and by the way, there were plenty of facilities and signs telling you what was coming up next. A lot of care is taken with this race in making it well done. How many other places have free, convenient and plentiful parking on race day? Lastly, and you will see lots of comments elsewhere but I think the whole race is a reflection of the Race Director. When you sign up, he sends you a personal note. When you finish, he is there to shake every marathoners hand. In between, he has a lot of great volunteers and police that help make it a great race. It is almost impossible anymore to find someone committed to that level of service. | |
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Gid Oswitch from Kent, Ohio
(9/24/2011)
"It just gets better!!!" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Akron Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This morning was my 9th running of the Akron Marathon and this race just gets better each year - awesome give-aways, flawless organization and a very caring staff. Granted the course is tough, but the stadium finish makes up for it. I am so glad to be part of this race since year #1 and look forward to the 10th running next September! | |
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S. J. from Minneapolis, MN
(9/14/2011)
"A great experience" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A top notch event from the expo the day before to the finish inside of the ball park. Course similar to other marathons I have run. Great support throughout the course. Nice to follow the blue line from start to finish. | |
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E. D. from Hagerstown, MD
(3/10/2011)
"Awesome first-time event" (about: 2010)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I was really surprised with the overall organization, the course and the fans. Yes, the hills are pretty tough - I cramped up in the second half after having my personal best in the first half. It was painful, but I finished. The bands and the fans were great. One church group happened to play my favorite song near the end of the route - a great pick-me-up on a not-so-good run. Only complaint - watch out for the GU packets. One volunteer was opening them up before handing them out. I did not know and stored it for later... what a mess! Read the information packet you are given, review the map and go to the expo. Doing that, I did not have any problems after the race - found everything I needed and moved through pretty quickly. As a side note - my kids loved the fun run. They had some great stuff for the kids to do while I was running and got a "real" medal. Best of all, it was free. | |
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B. G. from Cincinnati
(2/13/2011)
 "more of a half marathon" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Akron is okay if you aren't concerned about a fast finishing time. The inclines from miles 15 - 21 will eliminate any chance for a PR. Also, miles 3 - 8 have numerous ups and downs. There are several flat/downhill miles in Akron so there might be more difficult marathon courses out there. This seems to be a race with the emphasis on the half marathon and the 5-person relay, with a full marathon added to it. At the starting line about 70% of the runners were entered in either the half marathon or relay. There is nothing wrong with that. But many runners might only be running one marathon in the fall and may want to BQ or obtain a PR; they won't want to waste that effort on a slow course. If that's you, then the half marathon in Akron would be a great fitness test before attempting an October marathon. | |
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C. W. from Ohio
(12/7/2010)
"Best small race of the year" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 7 marathons since September, and this is still the most well run of the bunch. I have run larger fielded races (Columbus and Philly) as well as smaller-sized races (like Akron), and a small Cincy half marathon. Akron is still the most well organized of the bunch. The Brooks jacket is a great treat for the marathon runners, while the half and relay runners get a tech shirt that is nicer than what runners of the full get at major events. This will certainly be a race I return to next year. | |
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J. M. from Cleveland, Ohio
(10/24/2010)
"Great race, great swag!" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was an unexected surprise. It was so well organized, with a good course, great volunteers and great stuff. I loved the Brooks jacket and headband! | |
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S. B. from Columbus, Ohio
(10/13/2010)
"Well-organized, but a brutal, hilly course" (about: 2010)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ran the 2010 Akron Marathon. Was hoping to BQ but knew that was probably unrealistic considering the course. Around mile 16 my quads started to cramp from all of the hills. It was painful from there on out. That being said, this is a very well-organized event with tremendous fan support. Everything about the race is organized and well thought out. Really appreciated the frequent aid stations, including 4 completely separate GU stations. I don't recommend the shuttle from the hotel since you have to catch that at 4:50 a.m. Better to drive yourself down there and find a place to park. I stayed at the Courtyard Marriot (not a good breakfast - no bananas?!). |
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