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May 10, 2024

Cleveland Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 3.9

Organization 3.9

Spectators 3.3

Number of comments: 295 [displaying comments 51 to 61]

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N. P. from Cincinnati, OH (5/20/2012) "Below Average for the Size" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cleveland Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 For the size of the race, it was slightly below average at best. The start line is ok...large enough but not enough signage and volunteers getting first timers to the proper area. Also, for a race of 20,000, spectators should not be permitted in the start area. It just creates too much crowding and unneeded chaos. The fact that parking was $8 for the expo is absolutely ridiculous. It is not optional to pick up the bibs, and totally crazy that it costs $8 to park in order to get them. The course was average, not great or terrible. The roads are pretty bad, but it can be expected for Cleveland, I suppose. My biggest complaint is the water stops being completely unorganized and unable to handle the needs of the runners. 2012 was HOT, and several water stations completely ran out of water and Poweraid. Ran out. Had nothing to give. Not to mention the stops were too far apart. Races of this size should offer water every mile, and on both sides of the road. Lastly, if you are considering the full, know that you will be alone. I was signed up for the full, and because of temperatures I ultimately decided against it today. I just wasn't having a good time, and then once I saw literally a handful of full marathon bibs, it was a little de-motivating.
g. d. from CLE (1/29/2012) "good marathon that needs help to become great" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Cleveland Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Nice view of the city until the last 13 where things get lonely. Great change was that they let us change and stay warm in Browns Stadium before race (which really helped broom situation). Also nice down hill finish. My one big complaint was that on a rainy cold day, they ran out of the silver thermal blankets after the race because they had handed them out to the 10K PEOPLE AND SPECTATORS!!! R U KIdding me...unforgiveable. Within 2 minutes of finishing me and numerous others were trembling with hypothermia.
T. D. from South Central Kentucky (11/4/2011) "Very well done." (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Cleveland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I liked the expo, I liked the medal, I liked the aid stations, I liked the shirt. Course was FLAT by my standards. I did not like the pot holes(Cleveland winter to blame for that). I did not like not getting a blanket. I nearly froze walking back to the hotel. The start was crowded due to the narrow street. Bad day for bands :(
A. R. from Powell, Ohio (9/9/2011) "Nice PR course with poor organization" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 This is a great PR course although I didn't get one. From mile 17 is relatively downhill and along the lake shore line. Perfect to kick it up for a fine finish. The weather was cool at the start with light drizzle soon after we began. The start at the Brown's Stadium was nice so as to have bathrooms & warm place to stretch out but the congestion to get to the start was overcrowded with non runners/spectators. Nice to have mylar ballons for the pacers but come on...at least BE on pace. The 4:00 hours pacers (there were 2) were horrible. One would speed up while the other drop back to make sure everyone was with them. It was like a wild car chase. Eventually dumped them after mile 8. And oh did I mention there were several groups of walkers at the STARTLINE? What a mess to run around them while they were walking 3 a breast. Once the half marathoners left the course it was smooth sailing. Having wasted too much energy dodging walkers & following erratic pacers I pulled back on pace and coasted for the next 5-8 miles. Actually had a great time just enjoying the scenery. Not many specatators but then it was raining. Finished the last 10k as one of my fastest in any marathon I have run. Too bad they ran out of mylar blankets for us 4:20 marathoners. Cold rain & wind but no mylar blankets? Someone's head should roll for that miscalculation.Post race goodies were fair to say the least. Water, chips, banana, think maybe a plain bagel wrapped in cellophane. Medal was cool as heck. Swinging guitar & psychedelic strap (yep, it really did have 2010 on it for the 2011 race) but truely one of my favorite race medals ever. With improvements i.e. proper corraling & elimination of walkers start and adding healthy post race food with mylar blankets for all runners at the finish, this could be a GREAT marathon.
J. B. from Central Ohio (5/30/2011) "Improving Marathon Experience" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Cleveland Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 It seems like the race is improving each year. I ran it first 20 years ago, and returned this year. Columbus and Cincy are the midwest standards in my mind for race organization, so Cleveland has it's work cut out, but did pretty well. Good expo, starting line way too congested. For example the 3:45 pacer, 4:00 hour and the 4:15 guy were just yards apart at the start. Water stops need to be spread out better, and coming off Columbus 2010 with at least 100 music acts I was stunned at the comparative lack of music along the course. I would make this a major goal for a 'Rock and Roll' city. Also mile markers need to be even more visible. They do take you through the some nice parts of the area, but it still feels like a lot of concrete.
P. C. from Ohio (5/29/2011) "How do you run out of mylar before the 4 hours" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Cleveland Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I long for the days of the Revco Marathon. Easy start...no barriers to keep all the riff raff out of the way of runners...and race directors that look at what the odds of major weather changes during the day might be. How do you run out of mylar blankets before the 4 hour group finishes? This is a major city and should have a major marathon. It has potential...I just hope the race directors listen.
L. G. from Lynden, ON (5/27/2011) "Cleveland Rocks!!" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cleveland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 As a tourist I was very impressed with Cleveland - a very clean downtown with lots of interesting bars, restaurants and attractions. This race had an interesting mix of scenery; elegant homes, eclectic neighborhoods, downtown, waterfront and a large beautiful park. What impressed me most were the spectators! Despite bad conditions people were out in all the neighborhoods, plus priests outside the churches and a high school band. I'm used to running Toronto-area marathons where most of the city is mad that roads are closed and the cars stopped at intersections are laying on their horns. But when I passed intersections in Cleveland I heard "happy honks" cheering on the runners. Of the seven marathons I've ran in five different cities, this was the most spectator support I've seen. Areas for improvement: the start line needs more organization and clearly marked starting gates. They could use signs to show where the bag check area is. The mile marker signs could be more obvious. Quote a few potholes along the course. And the medal ribbon saying '2010' could be disappointing to some people. Overall, I loved my Cleveland experience and will be back. Oh, and The Chocolate Bar martini bar was a great place for a few post-marathon recovery drinks!! Try the peanut butter cup martini.
G. C. from Flatwoods, KY (5/27/2011) "Good race, room to improve" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cleveland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my first Cleveland and 7th full or half. I really wanted to like the race, but it just did not stack up well to others I have done. The course is as flat and well marked, and the fans were decent for a cool misty day. There were no huge problems, just a collection of minor things that left a bad taste in my mouth. The goody bag had lady's product for men and women. It is a big enough event it needs corrals, it took a good 3 miles to sort out. For a cool wet morning they only had mylar blankets if you went to the medical tent. The 2010 logo on a 2011 medal was disappointing as well. Not a horrible event, just kind of blah. I understand they have been improving each year, so hopefully they will continue to make strides.
S. D. from Akron, OH (5/24/2011) "Loved the start/finish by Browns Stadium" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cleveland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This course gives you a chance for a PR if the weather is good. Mostly flat, well marked with plenty of aid stations. I gave it 4 stars only because of the long stretch between miles 14 - 20 get a little lonely (plus a headwind) but I really enjoyed the run along lake Erie and I loved the new start/finish by Browns stadium! Gear check, bathrooms, and massages were all inside Browns stadium - very cool. Considering the cool drizzly weather, there were a good number of spectators. Parking was not a problem if you arrived before 6. Packet pickup was easy and the Expo was nice, but it was quite a ways from downtown. I highly recommend this for a spring marathon although training through northern Ohio winter can be a challenge!
R. M. from Pickerington, OH (5/22/2011) "Typical Cleveland weather, but great organization!" (about: 2011) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I only had the pleasure of running the 1/2 marathon this time around, but from what I saw, it was a great race! I have to say that the BEST idea they had was to open Cleveland Browns Stadium so that participants could use the restrooms and warm up in the gear check room. If they could continue that tradition, it would be a wise idea. The weather was 'typical Cleveland' but it turned out to be great running weather! Excellent crowd support in the first half - the towns represented really seemed to embrace and welcome the participants! I'd like to get some feedback on the second half, as this race is on my 'possible 1st half marathon' list.

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