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☰
Indianapolis Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Indianapolis Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 3.1
Number of comments: 157 [displaying comments 151 to 157]
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A Runner from iowa
(10/22/2001)
 "Nice...but room for improvement" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The course is two separate out and backs. The first half through Fort Benjamin Harrison area and surrounding neighborhoods and the second half through a State Park and then down a long Parkway. The out and back course made it seem like there were more participants since I was always in contact with other runners. The downside to the course was that their were very few good spots for friends and family to meet up. The organization for the most part was excellent. There were 21 water/power ade stations but it would have been nice if the power ade was consistently at the same spot at each station instead of being in the front in some and in the middle or back at others. The biggest disappointment was the Fan Support. I realized coming in that this was a small marathon (600 Full, 1200 Half Participants) but there wasn't even much passing interest of what was going on even in the neighborhoods. I was very disappointed that the local newspaper (Indianapolis Star) didn't even have a small article on the race the following day to at least mention the winners...There is a large running community in Indy, over 20k runners support the largest half marathon in the U.S. every spring...It would be nice to see some of that enthusiasm carry over to this fall event. | |
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A Runner from London,UK
(10/13/2000)
 "thoroughly enjoyable" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my first race, as well as my first marathon, so I have nothing to compare it with, but I was very impressed with the excellent organisation and also with the beautiful scenery during the second half of the marathon. There was little crowd support, but plenty of encouragement at all the water stations. The course was mainly flat. The only thing that spoilt the day for me was that the taxi-cab which I had pre-booked to collect me from the race failed to turn up and I stood around shivering for 45 minutes waiting for him. It was then difficult to find a phone to call for another one. The result was that I missed my flight out of Indianapolis and the subsequent connections and ended up having to take a 5 hour (very costly) cab ride in order to get back to Quebec where I was crew on a flight the following day!! I imagine that the majority of participants are local and arrive in their own transport, but I would recommend anyone without a car to choose another event! | |
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A Runner from Washington, PA
(10/10/2000)
"Fast course, surprisingly scenic, enjoyable run" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This race is a good choice as a Boston qualifier. The course is mostly flat and fast, but has a few early hills to keep things interesting. The multiple out-and-back layout was a plus; despite the relatively small field (415 marathoners), I was always in contact with runners who were either coming or going. The name 'Indianapolis Marathon' is a bit misleading, since it is run mostly in the Lawrence area. Would like to see a full-length marathon through the streets of beautiful downtown Indy, but with the huge 500 Festival Mini already in place that does not seem likely. | |
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A Runner from Frankfort, KY
(10/9/2000)
 "Very enjoyable run" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It was cold at the start, but I didn't notice it after mile #3. The organization was very good. Plenty of water and Powerade and, yes, port-a-potties! The course was relatively scenic and flat (with some gentle hills). I ran a 3 min/2 min jog/walk ratio and finished comfortably without hitting the wall. Good event for a novice. I plan on doing it next year. | |
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Ollie from Peoria, Illinois
(10/8/2000)
"Smaller, low key, but well organized and pretty" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a smaller race which runs on two seperate out and back routes. A much larger half marathon starts concurrently, and a 5K starts 10 minutes later. The start was reasonable; one can get into their pace rather quickly. You run some in a park and then take an out-and-back course through neighborhoods. Aid stations were numerous; 21 in all! In fact, I started to take water at every other station rather than at every station. Traffic control was excellent. And the second half of the course, which runs out and back mostly through a state park is very pretty. Lots of room to run, and there were enough runners to keep you company. There was a 400 m stretch (each way) on the out and back from the half marathon point which was run on tricky gravel, but we were warned in advance about that and this is likely to be only a feature of the year 2000 race. The course was rather easy; almost as easy as Chicago. Though the day was breezy, the trees and houses gave reasonable protection from the wind. There were a few minor hills, but nothing serious. There were not many spectators, but most of the runners were very supportative of one another, as was the support staff. A 'hamburger, hotdog and potato salad' meal was given to the runners. My only complaint: there was no gear check; that would have been a nice addition. Otherwise, a very well organized race over a pleasant course! A good place to try for a PR, in my opinion. | |
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A Runner from Bloomington, IN
(5/30/2000)
"Flat and pretty, but lonely, marathon" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 In 1999, I ran this marathon as my first. The organization of the race was terrific and the volunteers were extremely supportive and helpful. It rained the entire race, which meant that the typically small crowds were nonexistent, which made for a lonely race. There were around 350 full-marathoners and 900 half-marathoners. Both races were run concurrently, which kept things busy for the first 13 miles. The second half of the marathon, although much more attractive, as it runs through a state park, was quite lonely. It was rare that I had another person to run with. Post-race food and festivities were slim, particularly for a vegetarian. This was both a wonderful first marathon for me (small size meant I placed for my age group, I proved I am capable of sustaining such a race without partners, great support, etc.) and a bad first choice (lack of support & excitement). The course is a good choice for a Boston qualifier as it is flat and uncrowded. | |
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A Runner from Champaign, IL
(5/19/2000)
"Scenic, generally flat course with good support" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Fabulous scenery and only one major hill. The course is well staffed. Not many spectators. The expo is rather small, but the goodie bag and t-shirt are nice. Indianapolis is a great city to visit so the trip is well worth it for the marathon (or half-marathon). |
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