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☰
Sunburst Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Sunburst Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.7 
Organization 4.1 
Spectators 2.9
Number of comments: 197 [displaying comments 71 to 81]
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N. T. from southeast michigan
(5/1/2009)
 "Small but great!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Sunburst Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This would be a great first-time marathon. It isn't overwhelming with people, but it has a great course and is very organized. There was GU, water, Gatorade, and Vaseline every few mile throughout the course (every 3-4 miles). I brought my own, but it was not necessary. The finish is awesome!!! The runners and race volunteers are mostly from the Midwest. They are all very nice and friendly and supportive. I found the course to be very pretty. | |
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C. B. from Lansing, MI
(10/13/2008)
 "Hot and humid - anticlimactic ending" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Sunburst Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I cannot blame the heat and humidity on the race organizers, but if you are used to cool runs, the 2008 was not the race for you. The course itself was very nice, but had idiosyncrasies. At one point, the course lead the runners 200 meters into a parking lot, presumably to make up some distance. The crowds were sparse, but I prefer less crowds. My biggest complaint was the ending at Notre Dame Stadium. I entered the stadium at the same time as all of the 5K and half-marathon runners and walkers. The finishing gate was crowded. I don't want to be elitist, but a full marathoner should not have to compete with a 5K walker for refreshments. Another complaint is with the choice of host hotel. The host hotel refused to extend check-out until later. As a result, I had to check out of my hotel at 5:30 in the morning, and I had no place to shower and rest after the race. | |
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N. P. from Royal Oak, MI
(7/7/2008)
"Very pretty course - pleasantly suprised" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Sunburst Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first full marathon, but of all of the races (1/2 marathon, 10K) that I have run, this was the prettiest course. I don't understand how other runners were confused on this course because I felt it was clearly marked. I actually liked running all around the neighborhoods because it kept me focused on where the next turn was rather than than how many miles I had left. The aid stations were fully stocked with a variety of flavors of GU, and there were people with Vaseline as well. The people of South Bend were very nice and supportive, but the fans were few and far between. This was good for my family because they were able easily to find me TWELVE TIMES during the race. I didn't think the weather was bad at all. The Marriott is at the start line and they didn't mind at all if we checked out late after the race. I would definitely pay the extra money to stay there again for the convenience. The ending was awesome and I don't even like Notre Dame. I would do this again. It seemed very low maintenance - no lines for anything. | |
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Derek Opperman from Granger, IN
(6/10/2008)
"Sunburst... getting better each year." (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Sunburst Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was the 5th time I have done the Sunburst Marathon. Each year, it seems to get a bit better. The course was solid this year, better with the addition of the River Walk in Mishawaka and the new pathway along the river in South Bend. Finishing at Notre Dame Stadium is always fun. This year, I ran with my wife (her first marathon) and we were towards the rear of the race. Even though we were not among the first through the aid stations, they were well stocked with water and Gatorade, gels, bananas, etc. Medical staff on the course (on bikes and at aid stations) were very, very helpful. Packet pick up is a breeze, but I would like to see some more out of the expo. Also, they used to offer different shirt colors for marathon runners, but again this year, we had the same as everyone else. A technical shirt option would be fantastic. Finisher medals are small, but nice. Fans along the course are few and far between, but those who are out are very supportive. Overall, I would recommend this race if you like smaller races, as it can get spread out a bit. There are a lot of sections where you face oncoming runners, so that helps. Be prepared, though; it can get very hot and humid in South Bend, Indiana at this time of year. Hope to see you out there on the start line in 2009! | |
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J. Z. from Kalamazoo, MI
(6/9/2008)
 "Mixed feelings about Sunburst" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Sunburst Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 As I read through the various reviews of the 2008 Sunburst, I realize why there are some very good and bad reviews for this race. I was expecting the worst based on prior years' write-ups, but I was pleasantly surprised at the course and the finish line and water stop organization. The little extras (like the cold towels and the fruit cups) were GREAT! But the confusing out-and-back turnarounds shows room for improvement. Overall this is a great race and sounds like it's getting better each year. My recommendation would be to add more of Notre Dame's campus to the course. The finish line is the best and is not to be missed. | |
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P. M. from Alabama
(6/6/2008)
 "One of the best!" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 3 Sunburst Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third Sunburst since 2001 and I have to say that it was solid then (2002) and continues to improve each time that I run it. I LIKE the fact that there are other running events going on as we travel the course. This shows the commitment of the sponsor to get the community involved in healthy activity and also provides a cheering crowd for us marathoners. The weather was warm, but the volunteers and staff were ready to take care of us. I think the little tweaks in the course and the addition of the new Riverwalk section show the commitment of the Director to the marathon event, even though it probably represents the smallest part of the all the races. I appreciate the quality of this event and will be back! | |
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Carl Johnson from Eagle Mountain UT
(6/6/2008)
 "Scenic Sections, but Course Poorly Marked" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Sunburst Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The course had its moments - the sections along the river were scenic, shaded and enjoyable. There were also a couple of sections in well-heeled neighborhoods that were pretty. And entering Notre Dame stadium through the tunnel with the fight song blaring was pretty cool. However, overall I don't give it good marks. There were too many loops back on itself and the mile markings were atrocious. I only ran the half - but since there were twice as many runners in that race as for the full, you would assume there would be mile markings for it; there weren't - and initially it was very confusing since the marathon DID have markings, but they were not aligned with those for the half. Similarly, there were only a couple of electronic signs providing the race time along the entire course, making pacing a difficult task. Was also not impressed by the pre-race expo, the post-race food or the finisher's medal; all left something to be desired. Fan support along the course was pretty much invisible and there were certainly no indications before the race that South Bend was welcoming runners with open arms. I do give the race volunteers kudos - most hydration stations were well-manned and helpful (although one of the first ones was short staffed and there wasn't water or Gatorade available and ready to everyone as they ran by). Hey - at least the rain stopped and the weather, though a bit humid, was not bad. | |
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M. E. from South Bend, IN
(6/5/2008)
"Much to improve on for 2009" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Sunburst Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This really is not a bad race, nor is it a great race. I have run this event for 12 years, and this was by far the worst experience I have had. First off, no goody bag other than your race bib and some fliers for other races. Second, the marathoners get no special recognition whatsoever. At least give them a tech shirt. The course itself during the first 10 miles had inaccurate mile markers and some were missing. I hope some kids were moving the markers the night before because any other reason is inexcusable. Lastly, be ready for some rude Notre Dame ushers once you finish. These old men need to lighten up and realize some of us just ran 26 miles. I really felt like punching one, if I had had any energy left. But it is a good race; just some minor problems that can be easily fixed. I do recommend it for all, but be prepared for heat. | |
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Daisy Aburto Martinez from Valparaiso. IN
(6/5/2008)
"Super organized and caring staff!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Sunburst Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was worried about running this marathon since the comments were negative about the organization and the high temps. I am very glad I did run it as my Indiana marathon to join the 50-state marathon club. Everyone from the start to the finish was very nice, supportive and ready to assist you in anyway. All 24 water stops were stocked with water, Gatorade, gel packs, etc. Medics on bikes keep a caring eye on us. It was very hot and humid from the start, but that was out of their control. The course was nice, threw the parks and around the River walk. The finish at Notre Dame football stadium was SPECTACULAR! I was one of the last finishers and I still had a great welcome by the spectators, volunteers, and cameraman. They announced my name as I finished and greeted me with my medal, a wet cold towel and plenty of food and refreshments. My favorite was the cups of watermelon, grapes and cantaloupe. The only thing to complain about was the high temperature and humidity. Thank you to everyone who helped me finish this extremely HOT and HUMID marathon; I couldn't have done it without your organized staff. Very challenging but rewarding! | |
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H. W. from North Bethesda, MD
(6/4/2008)
"Very nice small marathon" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 My comments will be a bit different because I was the last runner through the stadium. I'm normally a slow runner but the weather really got to me so that's why I wasn't running my best. But... the course was nice and flat. The water stops were plentiful and manned by wonderful, nice, smiling people willing to stand in the same heat and humidity as the runners for hours. The med escorts were wonderful gentlemen - checking up on me - and the police were great too. When the 10K, half, and marathon people merged, that was a bit crowded, but the spray paint sunbursts helped lead the way. No complaints here, and I recommend it highly. Thanks for a great race, Sunburst. |
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