Apr 27, 2024
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☰
Phoenix Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Phoenix Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.4
Number of comments: 47 [displaying comments 41 to 43]
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W. C. from Peoria, AZ
(3/3/2013)
 "Good for 1st year of the marathon" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Phoenix Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a well-organized race, with wonderful volunteers. (Tip: try to pick up your race packet early the day before because traffic on the freeway builds up quickly and the running store where the pickup was located was packed). Shuttles to the start on race morning went off without a hitch. Enjoyed the announcer's patter in the Usery Mountain Park at the waiting area, and the fireworks and bagpiper were a very classy touch. It was a warm day (low 55, high 84, not much shade on the course), so I'm not sure all the campfires were necessary this year, but I have asthma and smoke is one of my triggers. The first half of the race through the Usery Mountain area is enjoyable. Miles 1-3 are fast downhill stretches, then miles 4-6 are almost entirely uphill, with another rise around mile 7 for good measure. Make sure to take it easy on the downhills-my quads were definitely feeling it by mile 15! There are issues with traffic control the 2nd half of the course, which is very much flat/downhill but travels through business/residential areas in Mesa. Runners are coned off to run on the right side of the road- running with the traffic-and I was not prepared for the rudeness of the drivers. I was almost sideswiped around the 12 mile mark by a car whose driver was arguing with a policeman controlling an intersection-the policeman yelled at me to 'go go' across the intersection and the driver still almost screeched into me. Then just after mile 17 a car barrelled out of a business and nearly struck me. Unfortunately my asthma flared up and I never fully got it under control, so I ended up walking the last 6 miles (a big thanks again to the supportive volunteers who could tell I was having a rough day). I wish the city of Mesa itself were more behind this event and that there were spectators other than volunteers/family and friends of racers. I'm wondering if the organizers could reroute the 2nd half next year so the course is more walker/runner friendly? Only other negative, which is also not under the race director's control: hotels in this area surge in price around the date of this race. The host hotel my husband and I stayed at was extremely convenient to the bussing area but overpriced-and we booked nearly a year ahead of time! | |
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Mark Gershman from Scottsdale, AZ
(3/2/2013)
 "This race will grow fast!" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Phoenix Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race (and the half and 10K) all sold out early. By the way they do things, it will sell out going forwardeven if they increase capacity. This is a good event; plain and simple. Lost Dutchman and this race are THE races to run if you're considering an Arizona race. Entry fee was very reasonable. Packet pick-up was a breeze and sorta a mini expo/festival. Race shirt is a Nike tech tee. You also get a nice nylon bagalso used for your drop bag. Volunteers are VERY friendly and helpful. Race day parking and buses are VERY organized. Volunteers everywhere. At the race start, they have heaters, mini bonfires, music, water, Powerade, and last-minute essentials. The race starts on time. The first half is almost all downhill (esp. the first 6) but there are some hilly stretches that actually help you by using different muscle groups and also keep you from flying through the early miles. The second half is almost pancake-flat with a nice downhill at 25 to the end. Water stops were a little scantespecially given the warm weather (in the 70s) but they were manned with very friendly folk. Finish line is full of energy. The medal is substantial. Post-race food is VERY, VERY abundantincluding beverages, protein drinks, popsicles, breads, chips, etc. Once you leave the secured area, there's a whole other set of tents and vendors handing out other food, goodies, etc. Very much like a carnival. Bag retrieval is very quick. It's obvious that they staged this as a family event; mission accomplished. There are few spectators on the course but the ones that were there plus the race staff and patrol officers were all clapping and encouraging runners. All of these elements are missing in the Rock 'n Roll marathons. It was refreshing to see that the race director and committee paid attention to all the little things and did so with a smile. Race results were up before I got home. This was my 70th marathon so I've seen what works and who delivers the bare minimum. This race has a bright future and deservedly so. | |
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L. M. from Iowa and Arizona
(9/28/2012)
 "Super experience" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Phoenix Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was only offered as a half marathon so my comments refer to that race. Flat to down hill most of the way. Very scenic. Excellent organization from the busses to the start, the MANY blazing fire pits to keep us warm and excellent post race party. Packet pickup was small and given the sprawling Phoenix area it would have been nice to get packets day of, rather than day before, to save an extra trip...especially since the bussing area was so organized with little congestion. It would have been easy to get your packet, run it back to your car then board the busses. I plan to do this every year. |
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