Apr 29, 2024
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☰
Grand Rapids Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Grand Rapids Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.0
Number of comments: 329 [displaying comments 31 to 41]
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J. H. from USA
(10/21/2014)
 "Amazing race top to bottom!" (about: 2014)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my 3rd marathon and it is by FAR the best organized and fun marathon and RACE I've done. It's the perfect size. The course is beautiful, one semi long but not very steep hill earlier on in the race, amazingly energetic volunteers and great crowds in spots. I PR'd by almost 5 minutes this time around. I'm a huge fan on this race all the way around and even though I promised my wife I'd take a break from marathons, I think I'll need to come back for the half at least next year :-) | |
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G. D. from Lewistown, IL
(10/21/2014)
"Beautiful route and well organized" (about: 2014)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very good route and great marathon experience. I broke my toe 5 weeks ago and my training came to a halt. But I had registered for this marathon and ran it anyway. People were very supportive along the route even though my time was very slow due to the lack of adequate training and broken toe. Great experience for a guy from central Illinois!! | |
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D. S. from MI
(10/21/2014)
"Awesome Race!" (about: 2014)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 1st time running the GR Marathon and Don Kern puts on a great race! Don keeps you updated with his weekly emails and Don knows what runners want with from his own running. For being a smaller marathon, it has a big time feel from the get-go as the fans do a hell of a job cheering on. And when there aren't fans, it is okay because you are running the trails and have the beauty to push you on. Don also has numerous aid stations and they are never to far apart. Look forward to #2 of this race in 2015. | |
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A. G. from Columbus, Ohio
(10/21/2014)
"Beautiful, fast, and extremely well organized" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I've run 6 marathons now and this is by far my most favorite. I've ran 3 majors and I honestly think that the organization for this race is better and more meticulous than Marine Corps. It's a fast course and it wasn't boring. I met two other women on the course and we all pushed each other to Boston Qualifying times. We had never met before. It's just that awesome of a race. I may be a little biased because I'm from Michigan but I've moved away and came back for this race and will continue to do so every year! | |
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J. M. from Cincinnati, Ohio
(10/21/2014)
"My Favorite Race!" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Yesterday was my first time running the Grand Rapids marathon, and I have to say, it has been my favorite race so far (12 halfs and 7 fulls under my belt). Not only did I PR, but I took 11 minutes off my previous PR. The course was stunning, the volunteers were friendly, and the shirt and medals were fabulous. I am now encouraging all my running friends to race with you guys next year. Thanks for a great time! Kudos to everyone involved! | |
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I. G. from Caledonia, Michigan
(10/21/2014)
 "Best first half marathon course!" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first half marathon and I could not have asked for a better race! The course was mostly flat, the organization was great-it was easy to pick up my packet on Saturday and for my family to 'follow' and cheer me on throughout the course! The crowd was great at cheering us on and the director of the race was there at the finish line to congratulate us, this was a fantastic experience for me! Thanks to everyone for their hard work in putting this great event together and to all the volunteers that made this possible. | |
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c. n. from Wisconsin
(10/21/2014)
"Wonderful experience!" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 There could not possibly have been a better day to run a marathon. The weather was darn near perfect, the course was (mostly) beautiful decked out in fall colors, the spectators were boisterous (if a little thin in spots) and the volunteers gracious and welcoming. The course is a nice mix of doable hills and long stretches of flat. My only quibble about the course is that the last 3 miles are kind of ugly and not particularly inspiring when you need some inspiration most. There were very few spectators in the last two miles until you were nearly at the finish line. Spectators are not really numerous anywhere on the course, but the ones that were out were enthusiastic. This is NOT a race for someone who has to have constant crowd support. There are some pretty lonely, although quite lovely, miles. Overall a wonderful day. I nailed my splits and got my BQ with a minute and change to spare. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good day. Thanks for such a wonderful experience. | |
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Dave Oosterman from Grandville, MI
(10/21/2014)
"Pure Michigan - Beautiful!" (about: 2014)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the half this year after doing the full last year. The venue is fantastic, the fall colors were at peak once again. For sheer beauty, this should be on everyone's destination marathon list. | |
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Y. S. from Orleans, MI
(10/21/2014)
"1/2 Marathon, fast and fun race!" (about: 2014)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed this run, a mostly flat course, a few hills but not too much difficulty. Beautiful fall colors along the course. Great spectator cheering. Race staff were friendly, helpful and always cheerful. This is a must for anyone! | |
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A. W. from Ann Arbor, Michigan
(10/21/2014)
"Love the GR Marathon!" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After reading all of the great reviews, my expectations were high, and this race did not disappoint! There were many supportive emails sent by the race director prior to the race, confirming all of the major and minor details so runners had little to worry about. The access to the YMCA before and after the race was very helpful. The course was flat and beautiful and many people came out to cheer. There were plenty of aid stations and the volunteers were fantastic! It was literally one of the best race experiences I've had. |
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