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May 13, 2024

Sioux Falls Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Sioux Falls Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.9

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.5

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

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

S. H. from Minneapolis, MN (9/8/2013) "Pretty good race, but a few areas to improve" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this year's race (today) and there were many things the organizers did well. First, the packet pickup was in a convenient location. However, I would recommend adding parking instructions and inform runners when there are events being played at the adjacent stadium, which made parking somewhat tricky. Second, the start area with the bag drop was really convenient. Third, from mile 20 on they had water stations about every 1/2 mile. And on a hot day like today that was great. Fourth the volunteers were great! All along the course they were supportive, friendly and willing to go the extra mile (e.g., I needed Vaseline, b/c I was chafing and I asked a volunteer at mile 17 if they had any. They didn't, but the volunteer found some and when I passed by her again at 19 miles she had some for me. THANK YOU!) There are a few things I would recommend that they improve. First, there were no marked first aid stations along the course. In today's heat and humidity, as I mentioned above, I was one of many people severely chafing. It would have been nice to see first aid tents about every 4-5 miles staffed along the course. Second, while there were plenty of water stations from 20 to the finish, there weren't enough leading up to that. There was one station roughly every 2 miles. In heat like today, they should have been every mile to mile and a half. Lastly, the shuttle service at the finish back to the start was inexcusable. I won't belabor the point, b/c I believe they are aware of the issue. The suggestion would be to have 3-4 shuttles running continuously. What I think makes this a race worth running and returning to are the people of Sioux Falls, the volunteers and many of the spectators who were willing to help someone who was wilting in the heat.
Curt Metzger from Mansfield, Texas (9/13/2012) "A flat fast course." (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 SF Marathon was all I expected from reading reviews. Wanted a course with cool temps to BQ. This mostly flat course is that. The price was right starting at $70. Volunteers were friendly and plentiful. A well put together race. I would prefer paper cups to plastic at aid stations, but that was only complaint. Sheraton was right by start and walking there was so much nicer than having to rush in traffic. Packet Pickup was at Scheels Sporting Goods. It was easy and the volunteers there were helpful. Overall, Sioux Falls puts on a good event. I would run this again and bring my family along to enjoy what the town has to offer.
T. J. from Fitchburg, WI (9/10/2012) "Well organized" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The marathon was well organized and the water stations were plentiful. I also enjoyed the city of Sioux Falls. The downtown area was very clean with great bars and restaurants.
Richard Daymont from Northfield, MN (9/10/2012) "A wonderful day of running in Sioux Falls, SD!" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The folks who organized the Sioux Falls Marathon did a great job. Great organization, wonderful volunteers and the spectators were outstanding cheerleaders...a first class marathon in a first class city!
J. P. from Sioux Falls, SD (10/7/2011) "Well run marathon" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 As a home town runner, I must say this is nice marathon with just a few hills to negotiate over the first half of the course. Keep in mind that there is minimal crowd support during much of the race, but what is lacking in numbers is more than made up in enthusiasm. If they revert back to the mult-purpose trails that have been detoured because of construction between miles 19-23 the last several years, the last portion will be shaded and much cooler.
M. M. from Guilderland Center, NY (10/1/2011) "Terrific small race" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have nothing but good things to say about this race. The organization was exceptional. Great to stay in the Sheraton and walk to a very nice stadium starting line. Truly enjoyed a course that varied from wide open spaces to parks to downtown to a nicely shaded path. Volunteers were numerous and enthusiastic. Results were posted almost immediately. A great marathon experience.
d. c. from chicago (9/17/2011) "Great small race" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Sioux Falls is a nice small city and the people are very friendly. I would highly recommend this race - well organized, easy transportation, nice people, decent shirt & medal, and flat course. The second half got really hot, but much of the run was along a shaded path, which really helped a lot.
d. d. from ohio (9/13/2011) "nice place nice race" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 the registartion was easy in and out, the start was nice location, the course was rolling hills to mile 9ish then flat around the airport full sun, scenic run by the falls park, last few miles were on a well shaded but uneven trail, finish medal was a medium size and patiotic for the 9/11date, aid was good with many supporters every where.
B. H. from Winnipeg, MB Canada (9/13/2011) "Beautiful course on an equally beautiful day!" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The sun was just coming over the horizon as the race started at 6:45. It was a lovely course with mostly gentle ups & downs. A nice variety of open fields, city centre, Falls park and then into the shaded area of riverside parks. It was well marked. The volunteers were great although the last two water stations were really tight spots. It was hard for the runners to get through the area. Some improvement needs to happen to change the problem. Water cups could be larger as well. The officers did a great job of keeping the traffic out of our pathway. They even took the time to encourage me along the way! Not my fastest race but a great one anyway!
Lee Choo-Kang from St. Louis, MO (9/12/2011) "Potentially fast course" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Sioux Falls Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A well coordinated small event (358 runners for the full marathon). I liked the separate start times for full and half marathoners. Also the course was designed in a way that there were few half marathoners still on the shared portion of the course. Down sides of the course - (1) long open portions with no protection from wind or sun (2) loose gravel on section of street that could have been swept up. Aid stations were adequately spaced. The little plastic cups though were not easily squishable on the top so one could drink while still running. Recommend organizers use paper cups in future. Cheer stations were few but some were great. I really enjoyed the hawaii theme kids group and the patriotic group with a band and American flag waving. Runners need more of these dynamic kids along the course. Website could use a course profile. One was promised but never appeared. I wrote organizers for one and never heard back from them. At the end of the race, I was handed a bottle of water and a bottle of 'gatorade' from two separate volunteers. Some how the gatorade bottle fell but the volunteer made no effort to pick it up for me (bending not an easy task after running 26.2 miles). Sheraton was very convenient to stay. Walked to the start 15 minutes before gun time. Overall I recommend Sioux Falls for anyone needing to check South Dakota off their list.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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