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May 6, 2024

The Santa Rosa Marathon Runner Comments

Back to The Santa Rosa Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 4.0

Spectators 3.4

Number of comments: 53 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

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

M. W. from california, USA (8/25/2013) "The paved trail was in poor condition" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 The Santa Rosa Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The trail is incredibly narrow. Does not accommodate at all for the amount of runners squeezing into it. Couldn't open up until mile 6. Paved trail is in need of serious repair. Too many walkers in with half marathoners and unable to pass.
C. S. from Albuquerque NM (10/17/2012) "Good Race, but prepare yourself" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a race that we came all the way from the Southwest to do. We enjoyed the people and the race, but the course itself is a little misrepresented. Not that it was terrible, but do not come with the false sense of security that you will PR or even BQ by running this race. The race itself was not necessarily boring, just crowded at certain spots (like miles 2-4) which resulted in some bottlenecks amongst the front runners (I could only imagine what it was like further back). There are about 5-6 miles of dirt trails which do pound the body and make it tougher than explained. In addition be prepared for some weird turns in the race that if it weren't for the people yelling and screaming for you to turn, you would get misdirected. The last two miles come from the dirt back to paved trail and you don't know whether to thank your lucky stars or curse the gods. All in all it was worth the trip and I am glad I know what it's all about, I just won't run it again. No harsh criticism, but if you do run it, prepare yourself adequately.
New York from NYC (9/12/2012) "Roop With Some Poop!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I love Santa Rosa, the town itself and its people however, the marathon was a little let down to be honest. At the Expo, I found out that they mixed up my bib with the half-marathon bib. I asked for the registration record to make sure that I signed up for 26.2. A girl told me 'It will be fine because you have the proper chip to record your time.' Really? how do I know that for sure? The bib says 13.1! Great cheer by the SRHS and the finish line festivity area was OK however, the course... it was not great. With all of the runners, it was pretty dusty and what bothered me the most was the dog poops. I have never seen dog poops on the marathon course ever in my 6 years of running. It was not just a few, I think I saw at least 4 to 5 of them in the different spots along the roop. With the wrong bib I was wearing and the fact I had run zig-zag to avoid the poop, I decided to finish my marathon short and just did one loop instead of two. Over all, it was not a pleasent experience. I will go back to Santa Rosa again but I won't run the marathon next year.
J. G. from California (9/10/2012) "No as flat as advertised" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 While this is by no means a hilly course, the race director was constantly sending out emails referring to 'no elevation gain'. The course does two 13.1 mile loops the first half of each loop is a roughly 100 foot decent, your 7ish mile stretch back however you're climbing back up - while on the last 7 miles of 26.2 you feel any sort of ascent. Beside the false info on the elevation gain, the electrolyte being provided was changed without notification, which could be a big deal for some. The course it self was rather pretty. Very few spectators but perfect running weather and nice scenery. The hard pack won't slow you down much but it is not fine gravel, you do have to worry about avoiding larger rocks.
s. s. from Boulder, Colorado (8/31/2012) "Nice small town race; recommend with caveats" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I picked this race after evaluating what seemed like dozens and dozens of potential marathons. I picked it because I wanted to BQ with a small and logistically easy race during the Summer, but with hopefully cooler weather and was at sea level. If this is what you are looking for it may well be the race for you. But as marathons go, it's probably not for everyone. I've run a wide range half and full marathons (14 halves and 4 fulls). This was the second small marathon I've run (and the second time I traveled for a marathon). I needed a 3:45 to BQ and ran a 3:40:42, so I can't complain. The mild weather (50s and cloudy) really helped and the course was flat, but I have mixed feelings about the course layout, and that's a big factor in one's enjoyment of a marathon, right? The course IS scenic, but yes, it is also pretty boring and lonely as most of it is on a bike trail. There are pastures, vineyards and a creek beside the trail, but the scenery didn't change much and much of the time you spent watching where you were going (especially on the gravel) rather than the scenery. What was annoying were the number of times you'd have to go up a short hill (a hairpin turn) off the bike trail and cross a bridge to go to the other side of the bike trail. They say it's a double loop, but that doesn't quite capture the course as it didn't feel like a 'loop' but multiple out and backs. Study the course map if you aren't familiar with it. The bike trail was a mix of paved and large gravel surface (it's not really dirt). That was OK with me, but I train on dirt so I didn't miss the roads. It also means there are very few spectators (even where the course goes on city streets at the start, mid point and end). Some may not like that you run with the half marathoners who finish in the park where the full marathoners have to veer off and do the 'loop' a second time. When you enter the park at the marathon finish the chute is on the grass and it's a short distance so good for the final kick. They even called your name after the finish, a nice touch. Because the race was so small it was a breeze finding family. I was handed a water bottle at the finish and really nice medal along with a reusable bag. I'm sure there was food around, but I had to leave to catch a flight home. Overall, I'd recommend this race if you are looking for a small well-organized race with easy hotel, parking, transportation and expo logistics, as well as a good shot at great race weather. If you favor roads, spectators and excitement this one may not be for you.
N. F. from St. Louis, MO (8/30/2012) "Awesome marathon" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Wonderful race. This was my second full marathon and happy we did it. Everyone was super friendly and cheered you on as you ran. Now the trail is not covered with spectators, but the areas that are knock it out of the park. I have never had any strangers cheer me on by my name but in Santa Rosa they did. It was amazing and my husband and I loved every minute of this marathon. Fast, fun course. We will be back next year:)
J. B. from CA (8/29/2012) "Just Okay" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 There were a number of race organization problems (unclear locations and directions, vague prize structure, blocked off entry to actual race start, etc) and I would definitely not call this a 'fast' course! The course itself is pretty dull...Yes, it goes past a handful of vineyards, but mostly it is just a gravel road alongside a dusty creek. And, oh dear, SO many 180-degree turns!! Horrible! Most of these turns resulted in bottlenecks...And the start is so terribly crowded (1500 runners crammed into a very narrow walkway) that getting into any kind of decent pace for the first 2 miles is impossible. I don't really care that much about spectators, but with the exception of near the start/finish and on the overpasses, there really weren't any. I wouldn't recommend this race/course if you're looking for a fast time. But for a vacation type throwaway race, it's okay.
A. K. from Los Angeles, CA (8/28/2012) "Fantastic Small Race" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 20+ marathons, including biggies Boston/LA/Honolulu and many small (less than 500) and trail marathons. This is one of the best for a lot of reasons, though like every race, is not for everyone! Course: Double loop, out and back, FLAT, some sidewalk, some asphalt, some hard pack trail. If you are ok with these surfaces and do well on a track-like course, you will love this course - I did. I loved breaking it up into chunks and treating it like intervals at a track workout. There were no problems at the start with crowding - only 1000 or so in the half and full combined and the first half mile is on a wide street so it spreads out - it's a little congested when you first enter trailway but actually it's good because it keeps you from going out too fast. Weather: PERFECT - 50 degrees and overcast throughout - apparently, this is normal. Water Stops: About every two miles, water/gatorade, most of the stops are manned by the Santa Rosa HS XC team - they get a big donation to their program for providing volunteers - kids were great and you're helping young runners. Registration/Pick up: Easy, expo small Post-race: Pancake breakfast and each runner was given a shopping bag to fill up as much as you wanted with local produce for FREE - tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, celery, apples, oranges, bananas - there were four of us from my running club in LA so we filled our bags for my family that lives in SR :) The family includes three current members of the SRHS XC team btw. Awards: Three of our group won age group awards and the award was a nice bottle of wine with a SR Marathon label - great idea. Staying there: Our hotel was .2 from the start. Seriously, it took like 5-7 minutes to walk down the path to the start line, several hotels are right there along with many restaurants, a great running store, etc., couldn't be easier. Other: They asked runners to bring a jar of peanut butter to expo in an attempt to collect 1000 jars to donate to the local food bank - wish more races would do stuff like this. Oh, and you may have noticed on this website, that they have the highest percentage of BQ's of all marathons.
Amin Naeini from London (8/28/2012) "Boring Marathon" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I have done 6 marathons so far since last year around the world and with no doubt Santa Rosa was the poorest one in sense of course, first aids, facilities and atmosphere. There was a time on the course you would not see any marshals for about 5 miles to look after runners in case of emergency. The medal they gave me after finishing a full marathon was broken and I found out after the race when I got back to the Hotel. I came to Santa Rosa all the way from UK and expected more from the race organisor but i was completely wrong in terms of health and safety of the race and also the service they give to all poor runners. After the race there was a long queue with only 2 guys to give a massage to all these runners with stiffed legs and muscles!!! I am also a 36 years old MALE but they put my name as a result category for a FEMALE and that is shocking for the organisation. I never recommend anyone to do Santa Rosa Marathon, half marathon or any race in there. I have a lot more to say but let's cut the long story short that I had a very bad experience in Santa Rosa Marathon and completely disappointed of the race organiser. Amin Naeini (Male marathon finisher from England!!!!)
J. P. from California (8/28/2012) "A marathon for runners" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Santa Rosa Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I very much enjoy and prefer smaller marathons that focus on the runners. This one did. I am a trail runner and not a fan of urban mega-races. The SR marathon was a fun event, low key, and once away from the start area it was pretty much a runner to runner affair - everyone was freindly, the course was scenic, well marked, with good aid stations. I did not mind the dirt sections. The course is very flat and did not offer much opportunity to change pace or posture. The out and back layout was good for those looking to pace themselves toward a goal such as Boston. A small, friendly, well organized marathon - I can recommend it to others! Good coffee too.

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