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May 2, 2024

Grand Island Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Grand Island Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 3.9

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 71 [displaying comments 61 to 70]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

K. T. from Wisconsin (12/5/2006) "Beautiful Race!" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Absolutely beautiful scenery, and a fun race. However: check-in staff was unfriendly, they used Heet for sports drink (that stuff is horrid), and there was a long wait for the ferry after the race. Also, having medals only for prize winners was disappointing. The race shirt was a very nice technical shirt! Otherwise, it was gorgeous and the run in the rain was worth it.
Tim Looney from Ann Arbor, MI (9/19/2006) "Thanks Jeff" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Big thanks to all the volunteers and the race director for another nice day on the trails. Not much to add that hasn't been said already. I love the course and look forward to returning next year.
Paul Munck from Wisconsin (8/8/2006) "An uplifting experience." (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Island Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this course last year and came back for more. We got MUCH more, including a drenching thunderstorm that converted my shoes to two-pound blocks of water and mud. I fell just once, on a slick downhill stretch. On an island with limited access, there were no spectators apart from the fantastic aid station volunteers. The run was mostly a solitary one in the great outdoors, which is an enjoyable contrast to my other yearly marathon (Chicago). Jeff did another great job organizing the buses, boats, volunteers, etc. I hope he gives us the gift of arranging a third annual GITM.
S. H. from La Jolla, CA (8/7/2006) "A fantastic day" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Island Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The temp hit 100 when we left Minneapolis the day before, but we were relieved to have a cool start. The organization of the race was excellent once again. I always wondered what running a marathon in a rain storm was like. Once you realized you were going to stay totally soaked, and that the forest canopy was protecting you, and that the temperature was perfect, then it was great. Thanks to all for a great experience.
J. K. from Gaylord, Mi (8/6/2006) "Single track, shaded, cool, island marathon!!" (General Comments) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Grand Island Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon is awesome. How many marathons in July can boast a 60-degree temperature start every year? Single track and two track trails, shade, great organization. This marathon has it all.
Dave Sloan from Wilmette, IL (8/3/2006) "Run this race!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Although I've raced on trails before, this was my first trail marathon, and what a blast! Despite the weather (and maybe because of it) this turned out to be a great day. The organization of the race was first rate - no hiccups catching the pre-dawn ferry to the start - and the course was absolutely beautiful. Although just off the shore of the Upper Peninsula, this island seems remote. The cliffs that surround the back of the island are spectacular. All throughout this race, you are reminded that God is an amazing Creator. Now to the weather: The thunder started about 4 miles into the race and the lightning and heavy downpours a short time later. The rain seemed to last through most of the race for me, and created some muddy conditions on the trail. I had been worried about potential hot weather, and we got drenched. A double bonus - a cooling summer storm and an excuse for going slow! The forest provided such great cover, I never felt the storm posed a threat. And not to forget, the volunteers at the aid stations were tremendous. Thanks for a great event.
M. Z. from Minnesota (8/1/2006) "Great course, well organized." (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 A beautiful trail run (even in a thunderstorm). Well organized from the packet pick-up to the ferry ride to the aid stations, to the ferry ride and bus ride back to the hotel. As you can imagine there were not many spectators, although those that were there were wonderful. The volunteers at the aid stations deserve a big round of applause for standing out in the rain for most of the day. I do plan on coming back. Ps. If I had to do it all over again, I would try to stay at the Holiday Inn Express.
A. A. from Michigan (8/1/2006) "Unorganized!!" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 The island is, I am sure, beautiful... when not full of mud, lightning and thunder. Race conditions stunk, with slips and slides, twists of ankles and hips, and sliding down mud hills. When I finished, they handed me one banana and filled my water bottle from a pitcher; I almost passed out from lack of food. Had to wait for a boat to take me to the mainland, and that took forever!! Plus they left people out on the trails! The sweeper left, the timer left and all they did was put the t-shirts down with a banana and left a pitcher of water! Thanks a ton! Not!
J. A. from Lake Zurich, IL (7/30/2006) "Spectacular in every way!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon course is on a small island off the coast of Munising, MI. We had a thunderstorm just after we started and we were wet most of the time. The mud was not disappointing. It was not the most technical trail, but the rain and mud made it more challenging. The views were beautiful. The hills were not steep but sometimes continuous. There was a descent to the beach, along the beach and back up to the trail - this was a treat. The runners, without exception, were very friendly. The volunteers were great and most helpful. This marathon is a "must do" for those runners who like unique experiences - not a PR course!
Rick Straughen from Utica, MI (4/16/2006) "A must for true trail marathoners" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you enjoy trail marathons, you have to do this one. It runs the outer loop of Grand Island and the views are amazing. The trail had very good footing, and it was surprisingly faster than I thought. Don't expect any PR's, but the nice cool breezes help you to deal with the hills. The course goes through remote areas of the island, so don't expect a lot of spectators. I have run seven marathons, including Chicago and Boston, and this one is by far my favorite. After finishing, take a nice dip in Lake Superior.

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