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☰
Minneapolis Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Minneapolis Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 3.8
Number of comments: 76 [displaying comments 31 to 41]
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S. W. from Minneapolis, MN
(6/22/2010)
 "Good marathon but needs changes" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I ran the Minneapolis Marathon for the first time this year and Team Ortho does an outstanding job of promoting the event and the cause it supports. I generally enjoyed the event; however, the course and some of the organization both need work. Because the half and full start at the same time, and due to some of the roads being far too narrow, something needs to be done to avoid the congestion in various portions of the first 3-6 miles. The most disappointing aspect of the race is the lack of split timing at standard markings like 5K, 10, half and 20 miles. There was no runner tracking, which has become common in larger races. Overall though, it is an event worth running, but Team Ortho needs to make a few changes. | |
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B. S. from Hillsborough, North Carolina
(6/11/2010)
 "A GREAT RACE!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the half, and as previous posts have mentioned, it is hard to say anything bad about this race. The organization is top-notch, with one of the most informative websites I've seen. The logistics are great, with the race start, finish and expo at the same location - ideal for out-of-towners. Also, you can take the light rail from the airport to downtown for only $1.75 - you can't beat that. Also, the finisher medal is fantastic - one of my favorites so far - and hats off the volunteers at the water stations for wearing rubber gloves. This is a small gesture that I'm sure gets overlooked all too often; but for me, that attention to detail goes a long way - thank you! The only negative comment I can make is that there was very little food or water at the finish. What little there was you had to walk a good distance in order to get to, and even then, there wasn't much at all. My only suggestion is at the very least to add some bottled water at the finish. Otherwise, this is one race I highly recommend. Great job to all of those involved. | |
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Jerry Baron from Hillsborough, NJ
(6/7/2010)
"Great job, Team Ortho, on a wonderful marathon" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was very impressed with the overall quality and value of this marathon. There was plenty of water on the course, and many high-energy volunteers, spectators and happy runners. It was a nice touch having names on race bibs. Only negative comment: I did not find the food at the end. | |
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M. O. from NC
(6/7/2010)
"Great Minnesota Marathon" (about: 2010)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon was a great marathon that was easy for people traveling from out of state. Everything was well organized from the minute I registered, and the "perks" were outstanding! I was impressed to come home with a great finisher's jacket, technical tee, hat (for registering early, I believe), and nice medal. Normally I don't comment on medals, as they sit in one of many shoeboxes - however, this one was different with the stained glass features. It might have to find a spot outside of my shoeboxes. Everything was all in one urban environment and locations were well-organized. Fans were great. We ran along the bike path, but the community seems very active, and everyone shared the path when need be and views were lovely. Only thing I tend to not care for: the course was shared with the half marathon people, which made the first 9 miles crowded, but that could just be a personal thing. I prefer to have them on their own course, as there were many of them and they tended to run 3- or 4-wide. Plenty of water along course, and there seemed to be a great number of fans. A few tiny hills, but nothing major. This was a great marathon - I can't really say anything bad about it. I'd come back if I ever want to do another marathon in Minnesota! | |
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J. L. from Duluth, Minnesota
(6/6/2010)
"Great training run for Grandma's Marathon" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Minneapolis Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Just got done not too long ago running my second Minneapolis Marathon, and they sure know how to put on a fun event. Easy to get to, and very encouraging volunteers. Your first name and home town are on your bib - nice touch. I know I'm a nitpicker, but why no dates on the medals or shirts? I LOVE my 1996 Grandma's Marathon shirt because that was an amazing summer and run for me. Having the date is cool for when you want to look back. Volunteers and crowds were great! The other runners were kind of snotty and had the elitist "Minneapolis attitude" ("don't talk to me; don't look at me"), which I don't care for, but I wasn't there for them. I'll see the crowds next year! I love this new way of welcoming summer! | |
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S. S. from Houston, Texas
(3/5/2010)
"Good marathon, but course has some problems." (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The marathon was generally well-organized. Considering the first-year status of the race, it was very good. The course had some poorly marked sections and some runners went the wrong direction. Portions of the race were far too narrow for the number of runners. It created congestion around the midway point. The course was relatively easy until the constant uphill of the final mile. | |
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M. A. from Atlanta, GA
(1/6/2010)
"Great race, great medal!" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I flew in from Atlanta... I always like races I don't have to rent a car for. Flew in and took the train to a stop just a couple blocks from the host hotel - very nice! The start is quite close to the hotel - that was great. I just ran the half for this one, but Pacer Jim was fab while I ran with him. That last hill at the end does hurt, but other than that, a pretty fast/flat course. The best half-marathon medal and shirt combo I've gotten, and the medal also outshines some full medals (I have 6 half and 6 full medals). Well done race - amazingly glitch-free for a first running. I took them up on the early bird special and registered for the full this coming year in 2010. Well done!! | |
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M. H. from Minneapolis, MN
(10/28/2009)
 "A decent first time" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I had run several Team Ortho events and signed up for the Monster Dash Series and decided to go for the full marathon. I ran a couple of training runs with the Team Ortho group, which were fantastic. Great way to learn about the course and to meet some other runners. I'd highly recommend doing those. The course was nice, with a good view of the river and through some woods, which added something, though the fans were limited at many spots. Having the hill right at the end is a terrible idea, but not sure where else to put it if you are using that for the course. Outside of that I liked the course. There seemed to be enough water on the course - and HEED, which I didn't mind. They provided that on a couple long training runs, so I was used to it at that point. My only problem is the plastic cups. I'd recommend paper as it's easier to drink out of while running. The end of the race was a mess though. I finished and got my medal and there was one table of some cookies and water. I was then told to go farther down to get more stuff. About a quarter-mile away was another table, with cookies and fruit and water, but not much else. There was no one else around from Team Ortho directing people to go anywhere. There was no indication that runners had to go to the depot for more goodies and their finisher's jacket. As my car was parked in the opposite direction, and no one was directing people where to go, I ended up heading home thinking jackets were to be mailed. Later did I learn that the jackets were at the depot. I've attempted to contact those in charge at Team Ortho and they have been terrible at responding to me. To start, why are you having people who just ran 26.2 miles walk over another mile to pick up a jacket when you had the medals right there at the finish, especially when many parked in the opposite direction? Also, if that is what you are going to do, please post someone near the end directing people where to go. Overall, the race was nice, but Team Ortho has failed on customer service. I've enjoyed several of their races, but this is one time they missed the mark. | |
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Adam Martinez from Champlin, Minnesota
(7/15/2009)
"Organized, Fun" (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The first quarter of the marathon is very scenic, with plenty of spectators. There are a few times that you cross over the river and it's very scenic. The middle part is secluded on trails under a lot of trees. The last part is very full of spectators. There was plenty of stuff to drink, and I was surprised by the salted nut rolls and banana halves offered around the half-way mark. A few spectators gave me Jolly Ranchers near the end. This was my 1st marathon, but it exceeded my expectations. At the end, I was given my medal as I crossed the finish line, then offered Oreos, potato chips, cookies, etc. I'm very grateful for the organizers. Personally, I wish we would have got a shirt instead of a "jacket." The medal is pretty cool though. I would recommend this to anyone in Minnesota who wants to run a marathon, but I haven't run the Twin Cities Marathon yet... so I can't compare the two. | |
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B. K. from Bloomington
(6/19/2009)
"one word: AMAZING!" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race was nothing short of amazing. Being the inaugural race, it appeared to go off without a hitch! The planning and coordination were flawless, which is more than I can say for many other races I've partaken in! A beautiful course in a beautiful area of the city makes for a great race! With some solid hills on the course, I found this to be a great race to start testing my weaknesses for the summer racing season. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this race for beginners and experienced runners alike! |
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