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Houston Marathon Runner Comments

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Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 365 [displaying comments 321 to 331]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 31 32 33 34 35 .. 37 > ]

 

C. M. from Chicago, IL (1/26/2003)
"Thanks Houston for a great PR!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was the perfect marathon for someone looking to PR. I have run Chicago twice before and although I loved each of my experiences there, it can't compare with Houston. What a difference it makes to have room to maneuver in the race and to feel like you won't destroy your goal if you have to stop and use the bathroom (as I did).
The race was very well organized and the fans were amazing. And the weather was perfect -- high 30's/40 at the start and about 55 when I finished at 11:30. It was great to stay warm inside the convention center before the race.

I only have 2 complaints. The first is that the runners have to climb about 20 stairs to go 'up and over' the finish line in order to exit the convention center. That is just cruel to people who have just run 26.2 miles! And the second complaint is that the t-shirts are low-quality. (my husband's has already ripped after the first washing) Maybe instead of giving 2 t-shirts (one for participating and one for finishing) they should just give one nice t-shirt that lasts!
All in all, this was an amazing race. We'll be back next year!
 

b. m. from Dallas, TX (1/25/2003)
"Must Do Marathon!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run 7 marathons and I must admit that the HP Houston Marathon is by far the most organized marathon I've run. In comparison to New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Portland (4 of my prior races)..the Houston Marathon surpasses all of them in my opinion. Although the Houston Marathon doesn't have the 'history' that the Boston Marathon has, the number of spectators of the NYC marathon, or the glitz and glamour of LA, in terms of organization, spectator support, and just overall friendliness ...Houston can't be beat. (in general) On top of all that, the air was actually fresh in Houston for once!
 

K. J. from Houston, TX (1/24/2003)
"BRILLIANT!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon and it couldn't have been more wonderful! I am now a marathoner at heart and have this marathon to thank for it. I was a bit disheartened by the staggering of the water stations (each 1.5 mi instead of 1 mi), especially towards the end of the race. The volunteers at the 21.5mi water station were superb and very supportive. I'll do it again next year!
 

H. H. from Houston, Texas (1/23/2003)
"This marathon was awesome!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


First, I did not run the whole marathon, I did the half. ( I don't want to take away from those who did it!) This course was wonderful, the weather was awesome! The volunteers were great and the crowd support ROCKED! Way to go Houston!
 

G. T. from Seattle (1/21/2003)
"Great Marathon " (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was a wonderful marathon. The organization was great with excellent support from the community. I ran a number of marathons and this one had the most cheering fans. It seemed like every radio station in Houston was out on the course providing a wide variety of music. The tracking system worked great and provide my wife an accurate time for my finish.
 

R. W. from Tulsa, Oklahoma (1/21/2003)
"A HUGE SUCCESS!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was only my third marathon, but despite my relative inexperience, it is obvious that Houston knows what it is doing. The organization and course were great and the fan turn-out and enthusiasm were outstanding. I would recommend this marathon to anyone, but the enjoyment is far greater if you run a couple of poorly-organized-and-spectator-less races in other cities first. Thank you Houston!
 

W. K. from Katy, Texas (1/21/2003)
"Excellant, will definately run again" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon and it was a great experience. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because I have nothing to compare it to. The course was nice and flat, the aid stations were all over the place. Spectators were incredible. There were many spectators passing out drinks and fruits. I'll definately run this one again next year.
 

s. v. from Sunnyvale, Ca (1/20/2003)
"Awesome" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I just finished the Houston Marathon, the course, support and organization was awesome. Of the 4 marathon/ half marathon events I have participated this one is the best. The course is flat and should be a must for anyone looking for a PR.
 

C. M. from Pensacola, FL (1/20/2003)
"Entertaining all the Way!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my 27th marathon and Houston has to be my all time favorite so far. Can't say enough good things about the organization, course and especially the crowd support. The Hoopla Committee did an outstanding job! (I hope to get something like this going in my area of Florida.) I was able to take 20 minutes off my usual finish time due to the constant motivation of the crowds and fellow runners. Even though I am working on completing a marathon in all 50 states, this is one I would consider repeating many times over. Thanks, Houston, for such a good time!
 

D. T. from Houston, Texas (1/20/2003)
"Loved it! I'll definitely do it again." (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon, so I don't have anything by which to compare this experience. But I had such a wonderful, fun time, that I can't wait to run another marathon. The volunteers were enthusiastic and helpful, there were plenty of potties and aid stations along the course, the food after the race really hit the spot. The race started on time, and everything seemed well run and orderly.

The course took us through a variety of Houston neighborhoods, and it was fun to tour them on foot. And I was sure glad that the course wasn't too hilly. A lot of people warned me about the Westpark overpass, but it really wasn't so bad.

The crowd support was amazing. I didn't expect to see that many people coming out to cheer us on. I could tell that some people really make an event of coming out to cheer on the runners. It made me feel good to be surrounded by so many enthusiastic supporters.

There was a lot of entertainment: Elvis impersonators, dancers, a band, and so forth. It was never boring.

This experience has given me a renewed appreciation for my city, and I am more enthusiastic about my running than ever before. The hp houston marathon is a great race for any first timer, as well as veterans looking to PR. I'll be back.
 

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