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Leading Ladies Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Leading Ladies Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.2
Number of comments: 59 [displaying comments 51 to 59]
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beverly bethart from Nashville, TN
(8/23/2006)
 "a spiritual retreat for women who run" (General Comments)
50+ previous marathons
| 2 Leading Ladies Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I picked this marathon last year in my quest to complete 50 states. I had never run in a women's only marathon/race and knowing that it was the first year for this event, I had my doubts about it. I had a goal to complete all 50 states in 3 years and had missed running at Brookings, SD in May. This was my last chance to check off the state of SD - it was state #40. I had a deadline of November 6 to complete the other 10 states in 2005. I had also not registered for this marathon - thought I had - and was unable to arrive on time to pick up my racing number. Elaine is the most superior race director that I have ever met - handled the problem with ease. I arrived late the evening before the race & my goodie bag/race number was waiting for me. This year the goodie bag was just as lovingly packed full of things for female runners as it was in 2005. It's comparable to a Christmas stocking, only much larger. I don't need to add comments about the rest of this marathon for the other comments on this site reflect how awesome this marathon is!! This event has become a spiritual retreat for me as there is nothing but beauty and love felt and seen - not only in the canyon but from the people/volunteers, and most of all from Elaine. As Elaine starts the race each year in the evergreen forest, and as I glide down the Spearfish Canyon, I feel like a dove of peace returning to her as she awaits for all the runners at the finish. Upon crossing the finish line, a male volunteer immediately gives you a hug and special words as he walks you to the end of the chute as if the two of you had just completed a lovely waltz. Then he gives you a red rose and another man gives you a lemon-scented hand towel and places the finisher's medal on the end of a pink ribbon upon your neck, thus finishing the final act of the Leading Ladies Marathon. This marathon is so special that I want to keep it a secret for I hate large marathons and this event is going to become huge as each woman becomes part of the "screen play" and tells the "secret" to fellow girlfriends and female relatives who are runners. Thank you Elaine for all that you do and will do for female runners!! Thanks for empowering/inspiring each of us!! | |
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S. G. from Philadelphia, Pa
(8/23/2006)
"There is no race better than this" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Leading Ladies Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Race director Elaine Doll-Dunn has created a unique and fabulous women's marathon. The beauty of the Black Hills, the dedication of supporters, and the superb organization make this an unmatched experience. This was my second time in Spearfish for this run, and the magic is just as strong. The downhill course is very hard on quads, which makes soaking a bit in the ice cold stream at the end a must. The roses handed out to each finisher aren't bad, either. Indeed, it's hard to pick out features here, as there are so many details to admire. This year's pre-race events, just to give one example, included a writer's workshop. If you are a veteran or a first-time marathoner, this is the race for you. Make the effort to get to South Dakota. It's worth it! | |
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A. Y. from US
(8/21/2006)
 "Beautiful Race, Gracious People" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 A big thank you to Elaine and her fellow organizers for creating this spectacular event. One could not ask for better scenery. Hoping that the accolades from finishers will encourage more participants each year. The few spectators that were there were great. It was always wonderful to meet and greet the bicyclists who were on their way up the course. Great job to organizers and participants alike! | |
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K. P. from Missouri
(9/6/2005)
"Spectacular first-year effort!!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Has all the makings of a great marathon!! Great organization, spectacular scenery - I saw kingfishers and multiple deer while making the gentle descent through the conifers from Lead to Spearfish. It has got to be one of the fastest summer courses around; not too steep so the expected quad issues never materialized. Weather was near-perfect in 2005 (48 or so at the start, dry, and still). Not for you, though, if you're the big-city marathon type. I prefer the smaller marathons where the personal attention to detail is apparent! This race can only get better and better. Thanks, Kathrine Switzer and Elaine! | |
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C. S. from Richmond Hill, Georgia
(8/23/2005)
"Most beautiful marathon I have ever run!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I prefer small marathons, and this one is the best to date. The first 6 or 7 miles made me think gnomes or fairies were playing in the fields along the course. The remainder of the course was beautiful as well. A well organized race and nice extras on the course and at the finish even for a slow runner like myself. If I lived closer to South Dakota, I would be back every year with out a doubt. My legs hurt for 3 days after the race from all the declines. I was, however, able to finish the Grizzly Marathon Saturday after this marathon and it is a close second to this race. Thanks for a great day! | |
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M. S. from The Cheese Curd Capitol of Wisconsin
(8/20/2005)
"This was a wonderful run!" (about: 2005)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Everything about this run was awesome: * Great organization! (Thanks Elaine!) * Kathrine Switzer (VIP) was unforgettable! * Volunteers at the aid stations were very appreciated! * Medals, roses, and amenities at the finish were very, very nice! * I liked the race course signs! ('If this was easy, they'd call it football!' Good one.) :) | |
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D. I. from Gainesville, Florida
(8/18/2005)
"Fantastic organization, incredible scenery" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a show! I am not a local and have only done one other marathon (Disney). This marathon was a much smaller scale than Disney, but every bit as well organized! I was VERY impressed and had a BLAST! Great support...at the aid stations and on bikes. The scenery was amazing. The weather was cool and crisp...the sky endless blue. They were very 'walker-friendly.' I'm a walker, but Elaine and Kathryn Switzer (speaker) were both at the finish waiting to congratulate me. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive, perfect second marathon. Thanks to all who made it happen! Keep up the good work! | |
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M. H. from SD
(8/16/2005)
"Perfect day for a perfect course" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Well organized with the little added touches. Great speaker and the chocolates were awesome. Great expo and nicely-spaced water stops. Plenty of food for everyone. | |
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A. Y. from S.D.
(8/15/2005)
"Fantastic!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Leading Ladies Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 OK, this race is in my neck of the woods, so I may be biased, but consider the facts: 1) a fast, downhill course 2) very scenic surroundings 3) no crowds, but plenty of deer, birds and natural beauty to spur you on, not to mention the guys at the aid tables and on bikes patrolling the course 4) well stocked aid stations, regularly spaced 5) hands-on attention from a well-organized race director 6) great pre-race speaker/easy packet pick-up/2 lovely truffles in a box 7) in addition to classy medal, a long stemmed rose and a moistened, lemon-scented towelette at the finish line 8) more than enough food at the end, bagels, muffins, fruit, yoghurt and chocolate (I ran San Francisco this year, can you tell?) 9) neat awards 10) incredibly interesting & supportive running companions! |
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