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Apr 28, 2024

Marquette Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.4

Organization 4.9

Spectators 3.7

Number of comments: 35 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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E. P. from St. Louis (9/11/2011) "Well organized Marathon" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a very well organized marathon and the people who put it together are fantastic. I heard from a number of other runners who also praised the organizers. The scenery was very nice and the volunteers are great. I had no problems with traffic or getting as much water as I wanted. The majority of the race is on a bike path and you would be wise not to go out to fast (which I think the majority of us did that day). There are a couple of good sized hills at the beginning and end of the loops. The hill at mile 3 and 16 is gradual but it takes you up a 175 foot elevation. It was'nt bad the first time around but it was difficult for me the second time. The hill at mile 25 was too much for me. It is only about a 100 foot elevation but it is steep and I was running on fumes at this point. Overall it was a good experience and I would recommend it if you like small marathons. A special thanks to Nancy Bailey who did a great job putting this marathon together.
M. T. from Boston, MA (9/8/2011) "Excellent, Low Stress Race" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run a number of very large races where you are truly just a number. In this race, the organization and extras provided are better than bigger races and have the attention to detail and the perosnal interaction associated with a small race. Unlike the stress of a big race with needing to there hours early, lines for 'necessities' and unfriendly over-competitive people. This race offers comraderie, plenty of facilities, lots of extras with cookout and awards banquet, and lots of voluteers to help. I really enjoyed Marquette, the race, the course, but most importantly the race director and the organization and attention to detail. Also got to meet a Masters Champ while there! (so there is comepetition if you want it). The loop course is nice, but there is a killer hill at mile 12/25. You might get a PR, but I would not qualify this is fast and flat. That is the only minor drawback.
D. W. from Wisconsin (9/8/2011) "Well organized and friendly" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm glad I made the trip up to Marquette. It was a beautiful course, perfect weather, well organized. Thanks to all the volunteers!!
K. R. from Newberry, Michigan (9/8/2011) "Organized, great course, lots of fun!!" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon. The overall experience was fantastic. The event was very well organized and the course was beautiful. I appreciated the updates that were emailed out the weeks before the race. They were very helpful and encouraging. The band members that were set up throughout the marathon was a nice touch, especially the drummers near mile 26. They actually helped me pick up the pace. I am already looking forward to next year. Thank you all who helped put this event together. You did an outstanding job!
C. B. from Marquette, MI (9/8/2011) "A perfect taste of what makes Marquette special" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have ran in the Marquette marathon and half marathon in both of the two years (2010 and 2011) that it has been going. I must say, not only is this a well organized race, but truly a well organized weekend experience. I have been fortunate to see the event nearly double in size from 2010 to 2011 to include last minute Boston hopefuls from all over the country and even the world. The race course is a two lap course on a paved bike path that takes you through parks, through downtown Marquette and along Lake Superior. It is a fast yet slightly challenging course which is a key factor in the high 2011 Boston qualify rate of 19.6% and high level of competition the race attracts. As a local resident of Marquette I feel like I am on a vacation during the weekend of the race. It is great to see how many fans, and participants there are for such a small town. I also get the opportunity to show off the town and play 'tour guide' to runners from out of town. It's always great to see the positive feedback from the out of towners. I would recommend staying in town a day or two after the race. The post race awards ceremony/after party is a great time to celebrate with other runners, meet the friendly locals and spend a saturday night out on the town with the rest of the NMU locals. Use Sunday to recover, Immerse yourself in the active culture by exploring the natural beauty of the area.... if you have enough energy left try kayaking on superior, hiking one of the many mountains overlooking marquette, eating at one of the many local resturaunts or meet up with your new friends from the weekend. Believe it or not, by Monday you will begin to recognize many faces as you visit local establishments. The Marquette marathon weekend always reminds me of why I am proud and lucky to live in Marquette.
E. N. from Fargo, ND (9/8/2011) "Wonderful city, organization, & RD!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Nancy is one of the most kind race directors I have come across in 15 or so marathons so far. I arrived late Friday evening (I didn't realize packet pickup was only Friday evening until all the hotels were booked up in the area. I came to find out I could have picked up my packet Saturday morning :S) without a hotel and she made sure I would have a place to stay that night..FOR FREE!!! What a wonderful person! The only reason I give the course 4 stars is because of the double lap for the marathon but there is so much to see it really isn't that bad running it twice to see what you missed the first time. The volunteers were great, very enthusiastic and proud of the event. The fan support from the town could have been stronger but the volunteers almost made up for it. All in all, I believe this event is destined for substantial growth with the beautiful area, strong support of volunteers, and unparalleled race director.
T. J. from Wisconsin (9/7/2011) "Very well organized" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The marathon was very well organized. The people involved were very friendly. The town of Marquette is beautiful, and I would recommend this marathon to any runner.
T. O. from Texas (9/6/2011) "Great Local Race" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The committee that organized this race - now in its second year - gets two thumbs up!! Very friendly check in, great frequent e-mail updates, terrific volunteers. The course was a little more challenging than the 'flat and fast' they stated in their summary, but it was either a nice bike-path or a groomed trail (just a couple miles of trail in total) and the view of Lake Superior never got old. Lots of volunteers at the numerous water and aid stations. This two loop wasn't well-lined with spectators (I think I saw maybe a couple dozen in total) but the station and road crossing volunteers cheered you on as you passed by. The event shirts were great, the medal could use some design work, but since all profits went to the local high school you have to love the community support!! Overall a great local race that will only get bigger. One strong recommendation - the HEED was tough to drink ..recommend another sports drink for the runners next year!
E. D. from Boston, MA (9/6/2011) "A truly Superior marathon on all accounts!" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marquette Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race weekend exceeded my expectations on all accounts, due to the welcoming town of Marquette and the dedication of the race director and her team. The two-loop certified course is a pretty good Boston qualifier: slight rises, but no major hills; frequent well-staffed aid stations; protection from wind and sun for the majority of it. Transportation around Marquette is cheap by cab, and free if you're up for walking a mile or two. I found a great value hotel for the three nights, within walking distance of downtown. The morning busses were prompt and friendly. Hardly any lines at the porta-potties before the race. There were people cheering and a few bands scattered throughout the entire course. More importantly though, is the attitude of the people in the town. The race director was kind enough to go out of her way to help me when she had much race prep to do. I had two separate locals offer to drive me from the airport to my hotel (there was no cab stand). I spent the remainder of the weekend with new friends from downtown. On Sunday night, 5pm-empty, don't miss Blackrock's fresh brewed beer and live music. I highly recommend it. (I also highly recommend drinking more than 1 small cup of water/electrolytes at each aid station.)
C. N. from Bishop, CA (9/6/2011) "Awsome and very scenic course" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Marquette, MI first of all is beautiful and running through Presque Isle Park was mysterious; saw alot of squirrels. Alot of hills, some rolling/steady. I was hoping for the split clocks, but there were none. Perhaps that could be added in the 2012 race. Not alot of people were too happy with the 'Heed' energy drink along the course. It was way diluted and tasted like sugar water. Most people train with gatorade which seems to work very well. Last leg of race is a good stretch of down-hill to help with a strong finish. Hats off to the volunteers and the race director!

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