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May 19, 2024

Rochester Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.3

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.9

Number of comments: 164 [displaying comments 71 to 81]

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B. S. from Burkittsville, MD (9/22/2007) "Great course and crowd." (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rochester Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a good run and a great excuse to come back and run in my home town. Overall, I found the course quick but challenging. Like at a lot of others (with cool temps and downhill slopes for the first few miles), I came out too fast. I missed my goal time by a hair in the end, but it was a mental lapse - not course difficulty - which tripped me up. Like one of the other posters, I really got re-charged by the folks with jug and coin noisemakers! Post-race massage was a very welcome treat - with no waiting for an open table! I will be back next year for sure.
P. N. from New York City (9/22/2007) "Favorite Course" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rochester Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my 5th marathon in 2007 and by far my favorite. The course was near perfect. I heard comments prior to the race that running along the canal path (big chunk of the race) was boring. If you are looking for NYC crowds, perhaps you will be bored, but for me, running along a historic, shady canal path, through little villages was perfect. I will definitely do this race again and again. I was using this race as a long training run for another marathon in a few weeks and therefore tried to maintain an easy, relaxed pace. The course was so favorable, however, that I still was only 7 minutes off of my PR. The only negatives were the chip pick up at the finish line coupled with the long bus lines to the start. Rather than waiting for the bus in the cold, I walked to the start (about 3/4 of a mile), which turned out to be a perfect warm-up. One other thing: The Gatorade-type drink that was provided along the course was clear in color and several time, when I asked a volunteer for water, I was handed a cup of the Gatorade-type drink instead. It would make sense to switch to a colored drink so that runners and volunteers can differentiate.
Alan Marciano from Spencerport NY (9/22/2007) "Gets better each year" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Rochester Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What a great day. Everything was perfect. Increased crowd support from previous years was a pleasant surprise. Race Committee was very responsive to my needs. Over 2000 runners this year. Guaranteed, numbers will continue to grow as word gets out about this one. Can't wait until next year.
M. M. from East Rochester, NY (9/20/2007) "Great, Small Marathon" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Rochester Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Excellent small marathon. Organization was spot on with only one exception. I didn't understand why the timing chips were not provided in the packet pick-up or at the start line. Runners had first to stop at the finish line to pick up their chips, and then make their way several blocks over to the start line. This wasn't any big deal; it just appeared to be a little unnecessary. The course was scenic and well marshaled. The gravel portion of the canal path was a welcome change from the asphalt. This is a course that is fair and can produce a PR. I train alone and typically run in smaller events that don't tend to have large crowds. So I am not the best judge of fan support. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the number and excitement level of the fan support. Granted, most of the crowd was located at the relay points and finish line. Still, they were significant numbers and they were loud. The relocated finish line turned out to be a vast improvement over finishing inside the stadium. The finish line area was lined with people and at that point the support was welcome. The post-race food was plentiful, and what one would expect. All in all, well worth the $50. I would run this again.
B. D. from Fairport (9/20/2007) "First-time half-marathon - great race" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Rochester Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first half-marathon and I really had a blast. Water stops were plentiful, crowds were very supportive - cheering sections all along the way. I really like the e-mails that Fleet Feet sent out leading up to the race that kept participants well informed and also got us psyched for the race. Packet pick up was convenient, and the emails gave great directions to packet pick up and to the race start, letting us know where we could park, etc. I loved that Fleet Feet tirelessly announced all names as we crossed the finish line, that made for a really great finish to a long summer of training and really personalized it! I also loved the bag drop so that we didn't freeze as we stood in line for chips and the shuttle buses - that was VERY appreciated! The only negative part was that chip pick-up was in a different location and the shuttle bus line was extremely long - giving some last-minute stress to the start. Many people opted to walk to the start rather than wait in the shuttle bus line. Perhaps next year the chip pick-up could be done at the site of the start? My goal is to run again next year because I really had a great time at this race!
R. H. from Rochester, NY (9/19/2007) "Great volunteers, but food stations were random" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Rochester Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 What a perfect day to run through our beautiful city. I loved the course and the fan support throughout. Several people that lived along the course set up their own informal water stations, which was fantastic. This was my first marathon, so not knowing what to expect I probably planned more and relied more on the map than I should have, which brings me to my only complaint. The Gatorade (which was supposed to be PowerAde) was very sparse. I was also expecting gels at approx. mile 10, 15, and 20, which was not the case at all. They had them around miles 5 and 7 and then not again until 15, with very little Gatorade/PowerAde in between. I unfortunately did not take one at 7 because I was expecting to see another one somewhere around 10. It made the 10-15 mile stretch much longer than it needed to be. Other than that, I absolutely loved the entire experience! The drop bags were also a huge help, since it was super cold at the starting line. I thought that was very well organized.
G. W. from North Syracuse, NY (9/19/2007) "Outstanding!" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first marathon of any type and it was a full marathon. Rochester did not disappoint me. I thought the entire program - from expo and packet pick-up to post-race party - was outstanding! The volunteers were all cheery and smiling, and the fans and cheerleaders at all stages were so supportive that I couldn't help but get a big grin on my face. Plenty of food and drink post-race!! Great number of water stations. The live band was really cool!!! Course was beautiful, with a superb finish! Thanks to local police for their support and keeping runners safe. The last 4 to 5 miles were brutal, but, hey, for my 1st marathon, I expected that and wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you all. I'll be back next year.
M. L. from Webster, NY (9/19/2007) "First Half-Marathon Was Awesome!!" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Thank you to all who put this wonderful event together! I had a great experience - from the expo to the finish line, it was very organized! The volunteers were so supportive and helpful, the fans were enthusiastic, the scenery was gorgeous, and the list goes on. I targeted the half marathon as my first marathon experience (I started running in May '07) and I truly must say I've been bitten by the running bug after this event and will definitely be back next year... running the full, I hope! Thank you, Rochester!!
B. A. from Rochester, NY (9/19/2007) "Chuck the Chip" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Rochester Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Overall great race. Really appreciate everyone's efforts. It's usually a thankless job to organize one of these. Two pet peeves, though: 1. Start on time. No excuses. 2. Timing chip. Give it out at packet pickup or don't use it. Having to go by Frontier Field and then stand in line to shuttle to the start JUST to pick up a chip is ridiculous. In fact, next year if the chip set-up is the same, I'm going to forget the chip. Why do I need it? I have my watch. I know what I run. There are no mats on the course. And I dang sure am not going to need it to claim any prize.
S. C. from Minneapolis, MN (9/18/2007) "Great Potential - Overall Great Experience" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rochester Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Good: Fans and volunteers were fantastic. Water was ample, but Gatorade was sparse. "Definitely Needs Improvement" Category: Not receiving chips with packet pick-up like every other marathon I have run - insult to injury when we had to pick up at Frontier and then make our way to the start (race was actually delayed due to late shuttles).... This is an easy fix. Question: Did the course seem long? My computer showed 26.9 miles (probably wrong, but my time reflected a longer run as well). Curious to hear what others think.

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