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Apr 27, 2024

Seven Bridges Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Seven Bridges Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 3.8

Spectators 3.4

Number of comments: 44 [displaying comments 31 to 39]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

wendell schultz from Chattanooga Tn. (10/22/2012) "Great Race" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 If you want to run a fun beautiful Marathon..this is the race..not alot of people to cheer you on..but very scenic..the 2nd half is the best..hills were not bad.
B. J. from Murfreesboro, TN (10/22/2012) "Great Town, Beautiful Course, Poor Organization" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 The course was beautiful along the river and over the bridges in Chattanooga. The spectators along the way were great and very inspirational. There were plenty of water, gel, poweraid stations along the course. There were parts of the course along the river-walk that were not marked at all. The organizers could have prevented this by adding small signs with arrows or solicited more volunteers for the event. These were complaints from the previous year that were not addressed or ignored. There are also steps on two parts of the course. When asked by one of the members of the race organization team how they could make the race better I told him they should find a way to eliminate the steps. His only reply was 'Move to Florida'. It was disappointing to be asked for feedback and get this type of response. It would also have been nice if they would look to provide some sort of sports drink at the end of the race. All in all I would run the race again. With a few years of growth and if the organizers listen to the runners this race will be great.
w. o. from Georgia (10/21/2012) "Great run through an amazing town!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course is really amazing! The iron bridges, the meandering river, the morning mist hanging over the valley, the scenic RiverWalk, the picturesque town. I attempted to follow a pacer, but developed stomach cramps around mile 18 and had to run/walk it in. But through mile 17, my pacer was spot on with each mile - a living metronome! The medal and the t-shirt are artfully designed. The volunteers were cheery, helpful, and seemingly well-prepared (especially the group around mile 23 - they screamed for me like I was winning! Thanks!) The course was well-marked and safe. There weren't many spectators, but it didn't matter - the scenary was enough to keep me going. The expo, packet pick-up, and the finish line were well-organized; the volunteers were able to answer questions and offer advice. The ONLY small piece of constructive feedback I have for this race was the website/app were not very helpful. I don't think it was updated more than once in the months leading up to the race. I kept checking to see if it was sold-out and to see if there was info about road-closures or a more detailed maps (that might show actual water stops or porta-potty locations). About a week before the race, they did post some info about the pacers, but not much useful that I could really plan with. But please understand that this feedback is totally over-shadowed by the amazing race itself. Chattanooga and the 7 Bridges marathon rock!!!
M. S. from TN - Tennessee (8/21/2012) "Will run this again!" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a first year race, and it went very well. The start was a little confusing to most I think, it was dark and no one knew what was going on, but the finish was awesome!!!! It had a small town feel, and the volunteers were great!! The aluminum water bottle at the finish line was great, and the communication months prior was great, the directors actually answered the facebook posts immediately and returned e-mails!!! That never happens! The expo was really small, so for first timers they didn't get to experience the expo-hype and pre-race excitement of a big city marathon. The city was great to run through and the course was scenic and not boring at all! Am planning on running it again this year for their 2nd annual marathon! Drinks along the course were plentiful, t-shirts nice, and the only thing would be to have the date on the medal. Overall, can't wait for it again! Hopefully the weather will be exactly what it was last year, PERFECT!
R. N. from TN (11/11/2011) "Good course, great people, bright future" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 My wife had mentioned Chattanooga as a potential vacation spot and I was looking to make up for a poor performance in my last marathon, so finding this first time event was ideal. We had a great time with both the race and the tourist attractions. Some people would want the expo to be bigger, but I don't care too much about them one way or the other. The technical shirt is great (mine seems true to size) and I really like the aluminum water bottle too. The medal may the nicest I've ever gotten at a race. On course support was very good - offerings went well beyond the standard water/sports drink/gel packet. Some of the volunteers could have used a little more training in how to manage and deliver cups, but that was a very small issue. Their attitude more than made up for their inexperience. There weren't a lot of spectators along the way, but the ones that we passed were very enthusiastic. There was plenty of parking race morning and plenty of food and drink at the finish. The course itself was very nice and mostly flat. Rises to the bridges were pretty much all of the hills. As others have mentioned the section to get in the dam was a bit boring, but the rest of the course - especially the bridges - had beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains which were starting to show their fall colors. The later portion through the park gave me a bit of a mental break, which was nice. I ran with a pace group most of the way, which kept me within 30 seconds of my target the whole time. Kudos to the runners willing to go to the effort to help those of us still trying to master the marathon. There were only two things that I can think of right off that need to be addressed - the start and finish line management. Actually, I'm not sure there was a start line, as I didn't see one marked. Others standing around didn't seem certain where it was or how we were supposed to line up. When they started announcements, it was difficult to hear what was being said. Hopefully next year they'll add a well marked start, with chip timing mats and a better speaker system. The first issue with the finish is that there didn't seem to be a timing clock. That was a first for me, as every race I've done - big or small - has had one. The second issue was the failure of the timing system, evidently due to a loss of power. This prevented results from being posted when they were supposed to have been. It took quite a while for them to get things straightened out, but thankfully they did. A battery backup on the system should be a must for next year. All in all, the 7 Bridges Marathon was a great event and I look forward to running it again in the future.
H. D. from Georgia (10/22/2011) "INAUGURAL race, great city." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I don't want this to come off as this race has no potential or I wouldn't run it again, but you definitely felt the inaugural status. It was not one of the better races I ran but I would run it again, in a heartbeat...so far, the race directors seem receptive to constructive criticism and I expect they will use it. I was running this race easily and not racing it so I know my personal experience is not coloring my views. I ran this race because of Chattanooga. Chattanooga is an awesome city and it did not disappoint - I ran over from the hotel, but saw tons of parking on the way and no back up of traffic. That's nice for anyone who has ever been stressed driving in! You could pick up race morning or two days before, which gives you plenty of chance to see the city, or double up with a nearby ultra the day before for you Maniacs out there! The medal clearly had a lot of thought put into it, with a custom ribbon. (Designed ribbons are always a nice touch.) The shirt was nice, and contrary to a previous reviewer I found it true to size, if not a little large. Start - Where was it? They need a start banner.Most people were confused as to where it was,if there was a mat for the chip, etc. The pacers I saw were not very consistent on the proper pace. I would be careful viewing my watch if I was following one as I've seen better elsewhere. Marathon pace to too fast isn't that big of a difference. My half and marathon race paces are only 20 sec/mi difference. Pacers shouldn't really finish faster than a minute faster over the whole race, and that's pressing it, in my view. When racing, I'd personally rather no pacers than ineffective pacers, though others might feel differently. They did have pacers there and, having only seen a few during my race, the others might have been better, and I know pacers are volunteers doing it out of the goodness of their own heart. I still watch that in races that offer them. The course - was very cool to go over the bridges. The highway was quite boring and ugly. Not sure if there is a way to avoid it while hitting the bridges, and it was amazingly flat for the area. I ran the previous day and saw just how many hills we could have hit. The last 7 miles through the park was wonderful. They absolutely need more portopotties on the course, for until we enter the park (plenty of real restrooms after that point, and so close to the finish anyhow.) A couple stairs early on caught me by surprise. Not many, but still a shock while running! Made me laugh. The expo was small. I don't really care about that at a race. Most they could really add would be a running store booth with assorted types of gels/blocks to sell, but am not really concerned with that myself. At least it was superfast to get in and out with your number! They do need to specify on the site that 'Outdoor Chattanooga' is a store. My GPS took me to a large park, and I walked around expecting tents! Almost no spectators. It's a small race though, and first year. They could try to attract some of Chattanooga behind the race, but it was so small and you can't expect constant cheering in such a small race. Perhaps some signs put up in future years to compensate? Still, perfectly average for the size race. I hope they fix some stuff in the future, but I would still run it again. It would not be my choice if I were very limited as to races I can run, there's even ones this time of year closeby.HOWEVER, that might change in the future, some of the seeds are there.
T. M. from Chattanooga, TN (10/19/2011) "First time jitters...." (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I was very excited when I heard Chattanooga was having a marathon. The race overall was a success. There were some obvious things that will have to change for next year. First one would be the communication at the beginning. No one knew where the start line was. Very lonely after the half split off. But, a hometown marathon.
Wendy Stewart from Memphis, TN (10/17/2011) "Great inaugural marathon w/few glitches" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 For a first time race, the directors did a terrific job. Results are yet to be posted which is upsetting quite a few people, but I can only imagine the pressure the directors feel. Here are the highs: great city and many different races to choose from- kiddie k, 5k, 1/2, and full- the whole family can join in, scenery beautiful once you get on the bridges or on the riverwalk (highway not so pretty), shaded areas, so many water/fuel stops on the way, real bathrooms all along riverwalk, beautiful park to finish in, great food at the finish line- we even got an aluminum water bottle instead of a plastic bottle at the finish, and super friendly volunteers! Things to work on: website has little information, no tracking of runners, no bag check, course a little confusing on some of the turns (need more orange arrows), little crowd support, very limited expo, cheap technical shirt in smaller than true sizes. The start line was not clearly marked nor was it easy to find the finish line. Need more porta potties at the start and along the first half of the course. Though there is little crowd support, family and friends are able to drive all along the course to find you in various stops. The weather was perfect for this time of year. Once the small glitches are worked out, I really hope to see this race grow. Chattanooga has much to offer! A great city with so much to family things to do! I would do this race again.
B. B. from Jacksonville Beach, FL (10/17/2011) "Quaint race with room to grow" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Seven Bridges Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this race because I had some friends running and thought it would be fun to road trip to Chattanooga. I have had negative and positive experiences with inaugural races, so that did not dissuade me from doing this race. About the race: the start line was somewhat ambiguous. I mean, it kind of adds to the mystique, but I really like to start my Garmin at the right time. The course was so so lovely in parts and went through some charming areas of the city. However, I'm sure in an effort to cross seven bridges, we were forced through some less pretty areas of the city, most notably a straightaway that seemed endless on a nondescript highway. What was so positive about the race was the organization in general. The course was well marked and the roads were properly blocked. I felt like there was a significant buffer between me and the traffic. Also, I cannot say enough about the aid stations. They were well stocked with water and sports drink, as well as some other luxuries like pickles (!!!), m&ms, pretzels, Reeses, Coca Cola, Vaseline, etc. A marathoner was clearly on that committee. I fully plan to be a streaker at this race and come back year after year. After an excellent start, this race can and will be amazing.

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