May 17, 2024
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☰
Fargo Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Fargo Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.4 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 4.6
Number of comments: 388 [displaying comments 361 to 371]
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Tim Looney from Tampa, Florida
(5/18/2005)
 "Awesome Inaugural Event" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Hat's off to the race promoters and the friendly people of Fargo for a fun and fantastic marathon experience. The course was cleverly thought out, integrating most of Fargo's (and Morehead's) civic highlights into a picturesque and relatively flat path. The early tree-lined neighborhood streets and the park trails were definitely favorites. Coming from Florida the snow/rain and cool temps were actually nice. The tropical-force winds were another story, but definitely enhanced the adventure; and put me in the right frame of mind for the upcoming hurricane season!! And considering the conditions, the fans - in number, spirit and in voice - were nothing short of amazing. (Special thanks to the folks at mile 18 who all but cleaned and pressed my discarded race jacket for me after the generously let me dump it in their yard for a post-race pick-up. THAT was above and beyond!) Great medal but very disappointing T-shirt. Appreciated the efficiency of the bottled water but the 'dentist's rinsing cups' of Powerade need to get bigger. In hotter weather this would have been a major problem. And, yes, the exposed aggregate concrete streets from 21 on were a nightmare on tired legs. Other than that, though, savagely good job. Jerry Lundegaard would be proud. Yah! You betcha!!! | |
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Z. A. from Minneapolis,MN
(5/18/2005)
"Flat and Fast" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was 32 degrees, windy and rainy, but this was the most enthusiastic crowd I've seen in quite a while. PR course if the weather permits. | |
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N. H. from Colorado
(5/18/2005)
 "One of the best in USA" (about: 2005)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon was simply outstanding, especially for us 6-hour folks. No detail was overlooked, making it the only decent marathon in North Dakota for us 50-staters. (Contrast that with Bismarck where all details were overlooked). | |
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R. H. from Twin Cities
(5/17/2005)
"Awesome Marathon" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Thank you Fargo for a well organized marathon. Everything about the expo and pasta meal was easy for the runners. The lefsa was a great treat. By staying at the host hotel, my party did not have to leave the hotel until 20 minutes prior to the start with about a three-block walk. The cool weather was preferred over a hot day without a doubt. Despite several turns, they were all well marked with sufficient volunteers. The water bottles were better than cups since I could carry it for a ways and drink as needed. The park at the south end and the stretch along the Red River was my favorite part of the course. Many of the volunteers along the course thanked me for running the race, and the spectators were very supportive (although a bit low in numbers). This will change as more residents learn about the gem of a race they have. It was so nice to go right into the Civic Center after crossing the finish line where we could warm up, get our drinks, food and showers. In January, I ran the Vegas Marathon, which has years of experience, but they could learn so much from this brand new marathon. Whether you are after a Boston qualifier, a PR or just a fun marathon, I recommend this one. | |
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S. S. from Seattle, WA
(5/17/2005)
"Excellent Race!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I would highly recommend this marathon to anyone. For any marathon (especially an inaugural event), the organization was superb. Can't control the weather so you can only make the best of it. Race-day morning, we woke up to some rain mixed with snow and very cold, cold temperatures. But, it was the high wind that really took its toll. The course was very flat. In fact, this could be a good PR course when the weather cooperates. In place of any hills, the headwinds gave us a good challenge. A good portion of the race was run right into those winds. Fortunately, we turned south after mile 20 and had the wind at our backs for the final 6 miles. If you still had some energy, it made for a strong finish. For the travelling marathoner, I thought the course gave a good tour of Fargo. We ran through a variety of different neighborhoods (older and newer), as well as some nice historic buildings in the downtown area (i.e. the Fargo Theater). One of the most scenic parts of the course is through some of the beautiful park areas and paved trails in Fargo. The people of Fargo were extremely supportive. Even with the cold temperatures and windy conditions (they are certainly used to it), they came out in full force to cheer on the runners as they passed through the neighborhoods. This is a very friendly community. Definitely add Fargo to your calendar for a May marathon. It is worth the trip. | |
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Daniel Roach from Hawley, Minnesota, USA
(5/17/2005)
"Unexpectedly great race!" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was apprehensive about running a local race due to unpredictable weather and consistent wind but I stand corrected mostly due to phenomenal planning and execution by the race committee. The weather was cool and damp but much better than hot and sticky any day. The 20+ MPH wind was not really a factor due to the careful planning of the course, which kept you protected and scenic areas for most of the race. I was surprised at the number of fans throughout the course with some familiar faces popping up over and over making the course seem almost comfortable and friendly. There were ample water stops and the overall organization was excellent. My only recommendation would be a few less turns in the last 6 miles and trying to stick to blacktop over the concrete streets. This would be a great 1st marathon for a number of reasons including the size of the race, amount of fan support, and overall cost of the weekend including travel and lodging. My hat is off to Mark and his crew for setting the bar so high at the inaugural event. | |
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D. N. from Eastern Iowa
(5/17/2005)
"Great Race, Excellent Support, Enthusiastic Fans" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I wasn't sure how the day was going to go after waking up to snow; however, I was pleasantly suprised by the turnout of spectators. This being my first trip to Fargo, I would have to say that I definitely would consider a return trip. This course will give up fast times if your looking for a Boston qualifier. It was all that was advertised and more. Outstanding job! Fargo and the organizers should be congratulated! | |
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S. L. from Rochester, Minnesota
(5/17/2005)
"Awesome inaugural event!" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Fargo knows how to do it right! From the expo, pasta feed, and speakers, to the start on the beautiful Main Avenue Brige and the stellar course highlighting the best of both Fargo and Moorhead, it was hard to believe it was the first-time for this event. And the volunteers were topnotch; you would think they had done this before. Spectators were amazing considering the rain, wind, and cold. I'll be back next year! | |
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T. Wright from St. Cloud, MN
(5/17/2005)
"BRRR... Kudos to Organizers/Fans!!!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Scheel's Fargo Marathon far exceeded my expectations for a first-time event!! The weather was BRUTAL (temp 36, NW winds 24 mph, with gusts to 31!). But the race can't control Mother Nature in the Northern Plains in May. It was very well organized. From the pasta dinner, to the start and finish areas, to the speakers (Dick Beardsley), a job well done! Nice job of incorporating as much of the river 'valley' into the course as possible. Cool finisher medal! Would have liked to have seen a little more colorful finisher shirt. "WOW" to the spectators who froze to cheer us on!! Thank you!! Loved the part through NDSU campus. Flat course. Despite the weather, I qualified for Boston!! I have already recommended the race to several of my friends next year as precursor to Grandma's Marathon in Duluth (my personal gold standard). Thank you Fargo-Moorhead, I will be back and I am bringing friends!! As stated above, Fargo is easy on the wallet too! | |
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M. K. from Holly, MI
(5/17/2005)
"Fargo Folks make up for Bad Weather" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Fargo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Although the weather was unseasonably nasty, this well-organized and staffed marathon was an excellent first-time event for the folks of Fargo. I suspect there would have been more fans out if the weather were nicer, but those that ventured out made up for the thin ranks. The course was flat, scenic, well marked and well stocked. |
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