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May 6, 2024

Mayor's Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Mayor's Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.6

Number of comments: 127 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

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B. M. from Atlanta, GA (7/5/2007) "Scenery was great toward the end of the race" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I participated in the 1/2 marathon. The course was around the perimeter of the airport, closest to the air cargo area (in Earthquake Park). Nothing much to see there and the jet fumes were not helpful. I did not like the unpaved portion of the course as there was large rocks in the area. We had to contend with the locals riding bicycles on the course as we passed through Earthquake Park. The mosquitoes were terrible in the one-mile, wooded, unpaved section of the course. We could have done without this area. Signage should be improved as several 5-milers ended up on the 1/2 marathon course due to the lack of course signage. Medical stations were spaced too far apart toward the end of the race. The hill at the end of the course was tough - too tough - and something I have not experienced in my 4 previous races. The pasta dinner at the museum was not organized properly because there were no written instructions included in the race packet - I had to ask around at the expo to get time and location of the dinner. It started at 5 p.m. but the food was not available for the lst seating until about 5:20 p.m., with the next seating starting at 6 p.m.
C. B. from Denver, CO (6/28/2007) "Tough course, but loved it!" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The weather could not have been better - 50's and overcast. I was planning for rain, which never came thankfully! The organization of this race was excellent. Although there weren't a lot of spectators, they were enthusiastic - especially for us TNT runners. The gorgeous scenery took my mind off the hills and seeing a moose run down the opposite side of the road between miles 4 and 5 was amazing. If I ran this race again, I would do more hill training. I knew there was a big hill at 25.5, but was not prepared for the hills along the 8 miles of trails.
G. R. from Canada (6/28/2007) "Great mix of trail and urban running" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What an inspiring course! The 15 miles of dirt-packed trail and bike paths resembled one of those running dreams where you twist around corners and go up and down little hills, but somehow, it seems effortless. The hard part was 4 miles on gravel of very large stones. I was wearing racing flats - ouch! Good thing it was only 4 miles. The organization was terrific - nice friendly atmosphere, seamless organization, easy pickup, bus transport, enough porta-potties, aid stations at just the right distance, efficient clothing drop off and pickup, quick posting of results. And Alaska - you gotta go there at least once! Glaciers, bergs, wildlife...
A. B. from Corpus Christi, TX (6/27/2007) "Great Experience" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed it. The scenery is great and the course was good. Miles 10-14 were a little hilly with a rough trail, but otherwise it was nice, being mostly downhill or flat from mile 15 on. The fans and volunteers were great, and I had a pretty big crowd cheering me on at the finish line. Saw a black bear about mile 16, which was cool. Again this was my first one, but for me both the course and support were awesome and I would definitely recommend it.
N. T. from Annapolis, MD (6/27/2007) "Alaska... not my favorite" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 9th marathon, and there were definitely pros and cons. If you are looking for a small, well-run race this is a good option - but be prepared for a loose gravel trail (the tank trail) for about 5-8 miles. You are largely on a bike path during the entire race. This is awesome and beautiful near the end of the race when you are winding around the Alaska Pacific University campus. However, when you start on one around mile 1, it is extremely congested. I was annoyed at the time, but it may be a good thing for folks who tend to go out too fast. I was too worried about turning an ankle on the grass outside the paved trail, so immediately decided not to sweat it and passed people as I could, careful not to expend too much energy. At mile 7 you start on the tank trail, and after one mile on it I was wondering, "When the heck am I going to get off this?!" I had been known that there would be a trail portion. But I had imagined it would be like trails I was familiar with, which are predominantly hard-packed dirt/sand with gravelly bits and rocks everywhere. This trail, at least the first 6 or so miles of it, was all loose gravel. Bigger pieces than you might think, and they dug into your feet with each step. You could see everyone trying to stay on the winding tire treadmarks, where the gravel was most firmly packed. That winding was some extra work, and there were spots where the tire marks weren't much different from the surrounding area. The result was (1) my feet started hurting WAY to early in the race (mile 8), and (2) I was unable to enjoy the surrounding beauty, as I was just staring at the ground, carefully choosing my steps. Eventually the gravel gives away to the kind of trail I was expecting - hard-packed dirt with some rocks/gravel. I still had to look down occasionally, but was finally able to enjoy the surroundings. Around mile 14 the trail narrows, which wasn't an issue near the back of the pack where I was (but I imagine it would be for faster folks, trying to pass, etc.). This narrow section made it feel like you were on a hiking trail (and indeed we probably were). This was my favorite part of the course. My understanding is that the whole of the trail (starting at mile 7) used to be that narrow, but that recently it was widened (and perhaps then also covered with the much-hated gravel). I gave the course a 3 because it was mostly flat. There is a wicked hill in mile 25, so save some juice for the end. Otherwise, most of it was flat to downhill (from my perspective, having most recently run Big Sur which is a very hilly marathon). Other than in mile 25, any inclines were short. I gave the spectators a 5 because (1) there were more of them than I expected, and (2) when they were there, they were amazing. I think 1100 out of the 3300 participants were with Team in Training, so it was a sea of purple at times. TNT stashed cheerleading pods around the course. Oftentimes people complain that they only cheer for their folks in purple. Not true on this course, where I was cheered on by nearly every group of TNT supporters out there. TNT definitely made up the majority of spectators. The volunteers were wonderful. They were enthusiastic cheerers, but there was something about them that was also very relaxed, low-key. They offered oranges and pretzels at every aid station, in addition to water and Ultima (which I don't recommend and didn't take on course). The oranges and pretzels were an important part of the marathon for me. I agree with the person who commented that the finish was a bit anticlimactic. Actually, first it was mean, and then anticlimactic. I mean it in that you get to the high school where the finish is, and you see an arch of balloons - but that is NOT the finish, the finish is about another 200 meters away. Thus, don't focus on that set of balloons and start kicking. I thought that was mean because everyone knows the balloon arch goes AT the finish. I was running with a TNTer at that point, and her coach gave us a heads up. I crossed the finish line and was filled with the familiar (for me) feeling that I needed to immediately sit down. So, as I approached the chip-takers I let the guy know I needed to sit down on the very nearby bleachers. He followed me over and asked if he could help get my chip of my shoe. I said yes, and thank you - as this is a normal part of a marathon finish. So, I was stunned to learn from my friends that they had to take their chips off themselves. Perhaps we are spoiled, but in my experience at every other race the volunteers take chips off for you. This is key for two reasons; (1) it's a bad idea to bend over and let your head get below your heart (good way to pass out), and (2) to keep your head above your heart you need to squat down - and that's not an easy task after 26.2 miles (or even after 13.1 miles). I hope that the race organizers will explain this to volunteers working the chip-removal area for next year. It is a small issue, and a very large issue at the same time. It's one of those little things that make a big difference. I did see a moose on the course, which was very cool. I'd heard about a bear cub, but didn't see it myself. Only in Alaska...
T. K. from Miami, FL (6/26/2007) "Beautiful scenery! But unfriendly organizer..." (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The course was beautiful as we expected. We didn't know that a big part of the course was on loose gravels. But nonetheless, it was fun and challenging. The weather was also perfect! There weren't a lot of spectators because we were running through the woods for the most part. But I gave it 5 stars because those spectators that showed up were really supportive and friendly. But here's why I would not come back or recommend this race to other runners: The organizer did not allow us to use our own ChampionChips. I did not know what was the reason behind that, but all of my previous marathons (16) allowed me to use my personal chip. What made it worse was that when I went up to ask about that, the guy in charge was pretty mean about it. The race finish was very anti-climactic for marathon runners. Marathoners joined up at the end with other runners (I think it was mostly half-marathoners) and run into the finish line together. So, you don't really feel the rush because you feel like you are just a slow half-marathoner and people are not really cheering for you. Yeah, I understand that you are racing against yourself when you run a marathon, but I'm sure most of you understand what kind of a boost it gives you when the crowd cheers for you at the end of the marathon, right?
S. W. from Houston, Texas (6/25/2007) "This was a well-organized, scenic marathon." (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 There is no doubt that Saturday's cool and cloudy weather increased my enjoyment of this race but the peaceful beauty of the route would be as refreshing whatever the weather. Winding through the foothills of the Chugach Mountains and along Chester Creek, the route is almost entirely on trails. Although a little more hilly than I had anticipated, this is one of the most enjoyable marathons I have run. The volunteers were friendly and efficient and, despite being few in number, the spectators were enthusiastic and encouraging. A very well-organized race.
D. M. from Lubbock, TX (6/25/2007) "Ourstanding in every way" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run 24 marathons. The outstanding course, organization, travel opportunity, and start time (8:00 a.m. instead of the usual 7 or 6 most starts "enjoy") make this one the best marathons I've run. The course is almost exclusively on bike trail, with a midsection on a "tank trail" that is mostly gravel. I heard horror stories about that trail, but they were exaggerated. The weather did cooperate. Two days before, the temps were in the high 70s. Two days after and it was raining. But on race day, it was a high of about 60, slightly overcast, and I think relatively normal for Anchorage this time of year. I can't say this is a must-do race because of the travel; but, if you are inclined to visit Anchorage and Alaska, this is an excellent reason.
K. M. from St. Louis, MO (4/23/2007) "Beautiful course, a great experience" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Scenery is outstanding and the fans were remarkable. Running through the bottom of the mountain range was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing a moose along the trail was pretty cool too.
Ray Naussedat from New York, US (7/3/2006) "a great experience" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It was my third marathon, but again, in a totally different vicinity. (I did NYC and New Las Vegas before.) As a foreigner, these trips are also perfect to get to know more about the country. So the course in Anchorage was not really comparable to what I did before. However the course was beautiful - especially in the morning. Right after the start, you will run on a bike trail facing the monumental and beautiful mountains in front of you, and again we had luck with the weather - it was just amazing, the sun already covered the mountains! Yes, we saw a moose after about 1 mile, frightened by the runners.... The course is hilly but not too bad; be prepared for a dirt track between mile 7 and 17. For a personal record time it is probably not the right course. But if you prefer a less crowded field not comparable to the big-city marathons, then this might be your race. I just felt a little bit lonely between all these TNT runners... :-). But anyway, everybody gets support. The organization is outstanding; here I just want to mention the pefect bus transportation for the runners from any hotel to the start - and back to your hotel from the finishing line. It took fewer than 30 minutes, and they cover pretty much any hotel in the Anchorage area. It was also the first trip to Alaska for me and my girlfriend, and we really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and met nice people! If you can combine the race with a vacation, it is highly recommended.

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