Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

May 18, 2024

Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) Runner Comments

Back to Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) Information & Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.3

Number of comments: 105 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 > ]

Frassinelli John from Nashville, TN (9/22/2004) "Nice and shady on the trail" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The race/parking/post race were all well organized. If you need a crowd to cheer you on and get you to the finish this is not the race for you. No one in the town seemed to know there was a marathon even at the hotel we stayed at less than one mile from the start. I did enjoy the course. It was well marked and had good friendly support. I think all the race staff did a great job.
S. C. from O'Fallon, IL (9/21/2004) "A Nice Experience" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a well organized but pretty low-key event. It had a good number of participants - enough so I was never running alone, but not so many that I felt crowded. The course is nice. There are a couple hills, but nothing killer. I thought running 2 loops would be boring, but there's a welcome comfort in knowing exactly what's ahead when you get tired. Running on a dirt surface for about half the distance was nice on the feet. Finishing inside the family arena was unique, but I think I would have preferred finishing outside and having more room in the arena for the post-race food/celebration.
Dianna Rockwell from St Louis, MO (9/20/2004) "My Third Time!" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the half in 2002 and this was my first marathon last year in 2003. I just finished running it this past weekend for 2004 (my official fourth marathon to date!). A lot of changes were made that I liked! I liked ending in the St. Charles Family Arena -- lots of places for friends and family to hang out while they wait for me to finish! I liked the minor course changes, though I would have liked a clock and/or someone yelling out times in a few spots (I only noticed a clock at the halfway point as I started the second loop). The folks who organize the race are amazing -- but it would be cool if more folks cheered us on (though I would say that there were tons more people this year as compared to last year). I loved the one themed water station that I saw (Indians/Lewis and Clark theme?!). I like the posters I have gotten each year -- I usually hang them up in my cubicle at work! Parking was better this year though I wish there was a spot for people just to drop folks off (my fiance got caught in the parking lot and couldn't leave for an hour or so). BUT -- a friendly race! And as a soda drinker, I appreciated the Diet Pepsi waiting for me at the end (free coupon with entry). Flat course and quite scenic! The trail used happens to be a favorite running path of mine anyway! I suppose that this marathon will always be my favorite since it was my first! And the folks at Fleet Feet have always been so helpful in helping me buy the best shoes for my feet!
M. W. from Zionsville, IN (9/20/2004) "Small race/Treat you well" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 5th marathon, and the best orginization I have ever had. Loved the fact that you received water, drinks, food whenever needed. Not a lot of spectators, but the ones that were out were worth it. Loved jumbo screen in the Family Arena showing your finish. Very neat race to run!!!
robbie Allen from Louisville KY (9/20/2004) "Meduim sized, flat course and a good value!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran the 2004 new and improved run. It was a good medium sized event. The course is easy. So flat it is almost boring. I like to run in cities so I was bored. The past starting line parking lot issues that were reported here looked to be better, but bottom line: Folks need to show up early. If you miss the race because you showed up only 5 minutes before the start, it is your fault! (probably 1/2 marathoners :)) The indoor finish was great. So were the indoor bathrooms - no port-a-potties! Finisher's medal design is great, it just needs to be bigger! The whole organization was very good. It would be a great race if it actually ran through somewhere other than a suburban river trail. But it is a value. Pros: excellent organization, manageable size, cheap price, service with a smile. Cons: a bit boring, cheap medal, no finisher?s promo, lots of 1/2 marathoners.
J. H. from Chicago, IL (9/20/2004) "Nice job in 2004" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 In contrast to the previous runner's posting regarding the 2003 marathon, I had a very positive experience in this year's event. This is a race that has seen dramatic growth in its limited 3-year existence and it seems to be coping well with it. The course itself is a two-loop affair with the half-marathoners dropping off after the first loop. While approximately half of each loop is run on roads, the other half is run on a shaded (and protected from wind) crushed gravel path with overhanging trees. Lots of aid stations, volunteers, and a memorable finish in the arena in St. Charles. The only hiccup in the entire day may have been the parking/traffic situation before the start. They are working on this and it will undoubtedly continue to improve next year. This is a good destination marathon with both the sights of St. Louis and the history of St. Charles able to be explored. Overall, I thought it was a very well planned and managed race and one that I will recommend to others in the '50 States' club.
Iam Waytooslow from Illinois (9/20/2004) "Pretty darn good I'd say" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 First, hats off to all of the volunteers. Thanks a lot for coming out and supporting us. All runners should switch gears some days and be a volunteer. Also, hats off to Fleet Feet. Overall you guys put on a top notch race. No expo or pasta party, but a very affordable entry fee, decent shirt, poster, medal, etc. The best aspect was the perfectly placed aid stations and plenty of porta-johns. I loved running on the Katy Trail. Perfect grade, excellent surface, great shade. Not too crazy about the concrete or the bricks. Change that and I give the course a 5 star review. One big hill but at least it wasn't too long and the downhill was an great boost. Loved the finished line inside the air conditioned arena. I also made use of the pools of ice water that were devoid of water bottles to soak my tired dogs. Thanks! Thanks again for all your efforts. Overall, I would have to recommend this race. Good one for a PR or BQ attempt. Happy trails.
George Jackson from Chicago, Illinois (8/25/2004) "Lots of room (and need) for growth." (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 Did not like the organization. Before driving several hundred miles from Chicago, we confirmed with one of the race organizers that we could register on the morning of the race. When we attempted to do so, we were met with nasty attitudes. Two women in particular refused to believe that we had spoken with anyone and flat-out refused to allow us to register--even with cash. We finally located the person to whom we had spoken and he was honorable enough to confirm his directive for us to 'hop in the car and drive on down. It will not be a problem, just get here early,' which we did. We should have stayed home. I ran nine marathons in 2003, and this was the worst. There was sporadic placement of mile markers, with many missing altogether. Adding to the problem, there were no clocks or people giving splits on the entire course; only the halfway/finishing clock gave a time. To top it off, the medal was the cheapest that I have received in all of the races that I have run, including shorter distances. It is the only medal with a sticker for the year of the run. Give me a break! It was not all bad. The course was nice, even with the two loops. Keep the hills because the course is otherwise flat and uneventful. Be a bit more creative, however, and take out the hills (or at least part of them) at the end. The post-race events were wonderful. Finally, when someone drives hundreds of miles to run your race, try to be more pleasant, understanding and TRUSTING!
S. B. from United States (7/12/2004) "Wish more spectators would come out!" (about: 2003) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This is a good marathon, I've run it twice, and plan to do it again in 2004. The course is fairly flat and it isn't very crowded, which is nice so you don't have to try to run around people to keep up your pace. I would warn future runners to get there early because last year the traffic was so backed up that they had to postpone the start of the race. Other than that though, everything else was a positive experience. Nice weather, and good support.
S. M. from Kansas City, Missouri (4/27/2004) "GREAT 1st TIME or EASY EVENT!" (about: 2002) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lewis & Clark Marathon (MO) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Ran the inaugural marathon in 2002 and ran the half in 2003. St Louisans are now lucky to have a great marathon in the spring AND a great marathon in the fall. Enjoyed the historic downtown section, the tremendous finely crushed gravel and shade of the Katy trail and was even energized by the hills on the south end of the course. Spectators are sparse in areas along the course but there were ample aid stations and great shirts! Prefer single loop or point to point courses but for the price, this is the best marathon deal around!

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 > ]

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use