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☰
Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.8 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 3.3
Number of comments: 52 [displaying comments 41 to 50]
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j. m. from Mill Creek, WA
(7/15/2012)
 "do not sign up for this race..." (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Before me. I want to be sure I get in next year. Race sold out at 400. What can be said, 26 miles through incredible scenery, losing 100 ft/mile. Waterfalls too numerous to count, several high (100+ ft) bridges, friendliest competitors... did I mention the tunnel? About half the racers were maniacs, which is always a good sign. Course is on an old railroad grade in the mountains, so there were limited spectators (which I like). Volunteers at the water stations were fantastic as always. I wouldn't put it up with Yakima, but if you do this, you will not be disappointed. | |
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Scot Heisdorffer from Davenport, Iowa
(8/15/2011)
"Warning: This race is going to grow fast!" (about: 2011)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am deeply grateful to Brian and to the entire race crew for a job extremely well done. I've run 56 marathons (Boston 12 times) and Brian's marathon is/was my most memorable. I ran it not for time, but rather for the scenery. As a result, I would like to nominate this marathon as the world's most scenic. This is a perfect race. Thanks again. Scot | |
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K. M. from Victoria, BC
(8/4/2011)
 "Loved this race, will be back!" (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was an excellent race and I'll definitely do it again. I took about 17.5min off my previous best time which itself was an 11min PR at Yakima in Apr! It was quite hot but there were lots of shaded areas to recover in. When the breeze kicked in in some shaded parts it was like wading into nice cool calm water! The rocks near the start were a little bigger and more jagged but either I didn't notice it later on or the course surface got finer. Had a little bit of a fight or flight response in the tunnel that helped contribute to the PR I think! Starts getting foggy in there with everyone breathing so much, kinda spooky with the headlamp! Course is a nice gentle downhill with some flatter bits. I often have IT band issues but no problems with this one (later they were a bit cranky though), biggest downside was the aching in my quads for a couple days after but it was well worth it. Only gave it a 3 for the fans as it was pretty isolated but those that were there were awesome, especially at the finish line, all sorts of cheering for every runner! Would completely recommend this marathon! Hope I can get in next year before it fills! | |
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D. J. from Longmont, CO
(7/27/2011)
"Beautiful fun marathon" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This has to be the most beautiful of any marathon I've run. The lush, dense, green forest is to your right and left the whole way. And NO CARS! The tunnel was really a groovy addition to this race- it was very dark, cold, and damp, but a lot of fun. You literally can see the light at the end of the tunnel from about two miles away. The self-serve aid stations were great but there should have been one more about two miles before the finish line. Since it's downhill the whole way, you cannot train enough for the downhill. My thighs are still real sore two days after the marathon. Even though the surface is firm crushed rock, little sharp rocks do tend to get into the shoes from time to time. This is one marathon that I wouldn't mind doing every year. | |
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J. R. from Atlanta, Georgia
(7/26/2011)
"Great Run" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a GREAT small run. The race was very well organized and Brian did a great job communicating what to expect and actions for us runners to take to be ready for the run (I am from Georgia and the head lamp/flashlight was a definite need). The tunnel is at the very first part of the race and was VERY COOL to go through. I was drenched coming out of the tunnel because of the dampness (not heat...it was very cool in the tunnel). There were several bathrooms along the race which were very good. Most drink stops were self-service which did slow down race time but with the course being downhill, it really didn't matter that much. This race is definitely one you can get a PR on. I LOVED the course, very beautiful scenery and kept us runners interested. The area is beautiful and very close to lots of activities (as long as you love the outdoors). I say this is a definite 'do-over.' | |
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C. B. from Corpus Christi, Tx
(7/26/2011)
"Best course and scenery of any I've run." (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course is beautiful, scenic and fast. I PR'd by 10 minutes and it was warm at the end. I gave fans a four because the volunteers, cyclists and hikers on course were great! There are no other fans. If you enjoy running in solitude, you will love this race. The race director does a fantastic job. | |
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C. S. from Portland, Oregon
(7/25/2011)
"Great small marathon!" (about: 2011)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a great race to run in! The course was beautiful and peaceful with lots of views of surrounding mountains. The very gentle, steady downhill made it an easy PR course without too much extra toll on your muscles. If you're looking for lots of crowd support, this probably isn't the race for you, but it was very well organized for being such a small, inexpensive race. Volunteers were all very friendly! Beware of bugs the bugs, it's a good idea to use bug spray for this race! | |
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D. S. from Seattle
(7/25/2011)
"beautiful and fun course" (about: 2011)
4-5 previous marathons
| 4-5 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For someone who grew up in the woods and ran in high school this was a dream course.I loved the mossy center of the trail (so soft)Perfect weather yesterday and enough support. I was all by myself for mile after mile just smelling the trees and enjoying the birds. The tunnel was a new experience and just fine, never ran in a race with a light before but worked well. Lots of polite runners! | |
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P. P. from Spokane, WA
(7/25/2011)
 "Great PR opportunity" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great small feel and friendly marathon. Beautiful day. Easy start. Fun tunnel experience. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Very gradual downhill though some areas didn't feel downhill at all; especially last 3 miles. Hesitated to give the course 5 stars because you occasionally hear freeway noise that is pretty loud, but how many places can you run with NOT any cars on the trail, surrounded by trees and streams and mountains? Not much opportunity for spectators unless you count a few hikers, bikers & rock climbers. Hit my PR time goal after trying for 15 marathons so it must be a good course for that since I certainly have not been getting either younger or faster. | |
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S. C. from Portland Oregon USA
(7/24/2011)
"Best Course" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What a great run. Everything on their web-site is spot on. BUT, they don't tell it all. Some sun exposure in the first 1/2, but past mile 18 you are nearly in the shade the entire time. Very excellent course. NO CARS !!! NEVER. Tunnel is fun and 'cool', in both respects. Nice to check a bag after the tunnel. Great support there. Self water stops worked excellent. Lots of us hit Personal Records. My PR before this was 3 years ago and 16 marathons ago. The team that puts this on in fantastic. If you want to do a beautiful course with some nice solitude, but with a great support team ... do this one. the course is gravel so you might consider gators. I didn't and didn't get my first real rock in the shoe until mile 23. But it is a concern. Scott |
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