calendar icon May 2, 2024

Minneapolis Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Minneapolis Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.1 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.4 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 76 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

 

T. T. from Cottage Grove, MN (6/16/2009)
"This race exceeded my expectations." (about: 2009)

3 previous marathons | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was the inaugural race for this event, and, frankly, I expected more glitches. There were lots of friendly volunteers, the expo was very good for a first-year event, and the amenities on the course were excellent. I especially liked the inspirational quotes. After the race, most of the runners hung out with their friends and family by the river, eating the great post-race food and soaking up the sun and ambiance, so they missed the outstanding post-race music back at the expo. It would be nice if the bands could play nearer to the finish line.
 

Kelly Hamrick from Oakdale, Minnesota (6/12/2009)
"Kudos to the Inaugural Minneapolis Marathon!" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I was proud to be a part of this inaugural event. It was well organized from start to finish. I especially enjoyed participating in the training groups leading up to the race.
If I could change one thing, I would elect to run clockwise through Fort Snelling. I would much rather run up the 50 or 60 yards of the steep hill rather than the several miles of gradual uphill grade on the other side. I heard other runners share this observation as well.
 

D. B. from Maplewood, Mn (6/11/2009)
"A very fun marathon to be a part of." (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I thought it was too crowded for the first 3 miles or so, with the half and full starting together. It was very difficult to maneuver through. There were plenty of water stops and porta-potties (thank you). Some of the course around Fort Snelling was not clearly marked. There was also a fee for spectators in Fort Snelling. Wonderful spectator support. The finish line was confusing, as there were two mats. Very nice expo. Looking forward to 2010.
 

M. P. from Virginia (6/11/2009)
"Well-organized, multi-surfaced, beautiful event" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Great experience for a first-time visitor to MN! My stay at the Depot was fabulous - late check-out, great food, extremely convenience, wonderful service. I found the race to be well-organized, and was thrilled that water stops were pretty frequent and always well-stocked. The volunteers were friendly and encouraging. Despite the hills, the course was enjoyable due to the varied surfaces and beautiful, interesting surroundings. I enjoyed the motivational quotes along the course as well. I was in a hurry afterward so I don't recall much about the food - but I loved the finisher's jacket!

There were some issues in the last several miles related to sharing the bike path with cyclists. As a back-of-the-pack participant, I was on the course later in the day when recreational use of the park and paths increased, and I overheard numerous comments regarding proper use of the paths. Perhaps better communication and/or course marking would be helpful. Oh, and just maybe hold off on renting those 4-person pedi-vehicles until after the race closes? (Great for a funny race story, though!)

There was a lot to like about this event!
 

Rashed Saud from Minneapolis, Minnesota (6/10/2009)
"I had a lot of fun running the half-marathon." (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Organization was great. Spectators were very encouraging. Course was excellent.
 

M. B. from Eden Prairie, MN (6/10/2009)
"Great, well organized, mixed terrain run" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The organization of this race was excellent. The team put a lot of work into making sure as many runners were familiar with the course as possible through the weekly training runs. There were no surprises with the hill at mile 25, and who doesn't like a hill at that point in a marathon? The enthusiasm of the spectators and volunteers made this a great race and one I would do again. Beware of warmer weather and potential for cramping - learning point for next time. Nice change of scenery to go on the trails for a while.
 

Danna Culhane from Seattle (6/10/2009)
"Great for first-timers" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my first half-marathon, so I was pleased that it was so well organized. Questions could be answered and information easily distributed on Facebook. Plenty of water stops, little or no waiting for the porta-potties, and great views during the run. The only trouble came for my family and friends, who were confused about where they should go to see the run and ended up just waiting at the end.
 

M. L. from Minneapolis, Minnesota (6/10/2009)
"The most organized inaugural marathon." (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Everything about this marathon was smooth, well-organized and flowing with positive energy. Even though I had a very tough race day due to personal difficulties, I was still able to appreciate how beautiful the course was, how kind the water teams, course marshals and law enforcement were, and how great the gear and medals were. The focus was completely on the runner and how to make that day a day to remember for each and every runner. I will never forget being told by one of the police officers, "You can do this! One more hill!" Runners of all levels and styles were present, and all seemed to be enjoying themselves and creating for themselves a memorable experience. I freely recommend this marathon to runners of all ages and ability levels. It will be a day to remember forever.
 

Malee Johnson from Minneapolis, MN (6/10/2009)
"Very well-organized, beautiful course!" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Minneapolis Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first half-marathon, and what a great experience for a first-timer like me! The event was extremely well-organized and inclusive. The course was beautiful, and I appreciated the varying terrain - it kept things interesting! The shirts are even terrific - finally a race-day shirt that I WANT to wear! I will definitely be back for more.
 

J. N. from Chanhassen, MN (6/10/2009)
"Beautiful course, great organizatino" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This half-marathon was run on a beautiful, yet challenging course. I would definitely run this race again. The organizers were very thorough, and provided the runners at all levels with a good event.
 

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