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May 2, 2024

Ann Arbor Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Ann Arbor Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.3

Organization 3.5

Spectators 3.4

Number of comments: 36 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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Mark Matthews from Michigan (6/20/2012) "Big House, Big Run, and the Ghost of Shakey Jake" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I loved the feel of the event. The start at the big house, the runs through state stree, main street, through campus. The ducking in and out to the parks, including Gallup and the Arb, were very nice. The finish was great to have pizza and chairs to sit at. Lots of race officials were there. The crowd was sparse, but I expected that, but they were at sections which was very much needed. The parts I didn't like: Don't have an expo at the mall. It was terrible. I needed body glide and there wasn't a drop to be found there. In general, going to a mall to pick up a marathon bib just isn't right. There were definitely a lot of stretches done just to get the needed number of miles in, and this meant some weird course tangents on some barren area. Specifically, miles 4 to about 7 or 8. I actually didn't mind the briarwood portions, which many complained about, since it was flat. Yes, the hills caused tons of carnage. Pace group leaders finished by themselves. Overall, I just loved seeing the city through the eyes and minds of one in the throes of a marathon, and let all the memories sink in. I saw the Ghost of Shakey Jake, and smelled the left over fumes of hash bash smoke from years ago. This marathon is going to need a catch to keep going, since most folks simply won't have the same desire to run as I had, but I have nothing but kind words for the director, and, in fact, went to the expo looking to find him and send my gratitude. Run The City is a great catchphrase, the parks and streets full of history and life, and as runners hear from other runners they may jump in. The challenge of the hills, and the inevitable cry for a Big House finish are some things that can make it a growing success in the future. Unfortunately, the mayor came out the day after and already called it too disruptive. Maybe he can start training now, and run it in 2013, and change his whole tune.
D. S. from Dayton OH (6/20/2012) "Not too shabby for a coming-out party" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a very nice effort for an inaugural race. There's room for improvement but I'll put this down on my list of races I'll come back to run again. THE GOOD: The course was a hilly challenge....loved it, just wish it was 25 degrees cooler. Would have liked to see some of the scenic parts along Geddes or around campus used to better effect and seen less out-and-back. The mile 25-26 out and back leg has to go away, as does the mile around the mall. The volunteers and the police doing traffic control were among the best I've seen. The hydration stations were well spaced and well organized. The finish area was comfortable and well put together and the post race vittles were good. No issues with parking from my perspective. THE BAD: The crowd support was lacking...I know the students were probably gone and it was hot as blazes but still....very quiet. Props to the guy with the wig and the cowbell. He tried to make up for the volumes of silence by himself. The medal is 'meh' and the expo needs work. Get it out of the mall! Where was the post-race beer? THE UGLY: No porta-johns at the start...really? Dozens of us just chose the co-ed woods. A half mile walk up and down hills to the nearest porta-johns was not a shining moment, especially when there was a parking lot where a row of 20-30 would have fit right next to the starting line. Nice job for a first attempt! Cooler temps would have made this a better race but that is beyond the RD's control. Some tweaking and this will be a first-class small-medium race. I will be back next year.
Z. P. from Pittsburgh, PA (6/20/2012) "Nice town, fairly enjoyable run." (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall I enjoyed this race. I wasn't in the greatest shape for the hills or the heat, but that comes down to being my fault. I actually liked the out and back portions more than I expected because it gave me a good feel for where I was with respect to the pacers. The part around the mall was a bit rough, but then again after mile 20 everything starts to run together. Throughout the course, and definitely at the start, there were not enough porta potties. I would also have like to have seen some vaseline at a couple of the water stops. Also, some fruit during the race would've been nice. At a certain point Gu just gets tiring. The finish line was great, with a nice crowd, a misting tent, and heaps of food. Overall, it was a great inaugural event, with some small improvements that could be made. I will definitely consider coming back !
L. R. from Florida (6/20/2012) "WARM DAY; HILLY COURSE" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Good thing it was cloudy or the day could have been worse. It was warm from the start and got warmer. There was plenty of water and powerade and even GU at three stops. The volunteers were great! I really liked the water stop with the girls in the hula skirts!! The course was hilly as expected. They should change the course in a couple of places, the steep uphill trail section could prove disastrous if it rained heavily and the lap around the mall. The mall lap was boring and there was a lot of people in cars who were not thrilled about runners. There must be more rolling, scenic, hilly sections you could use instead! For an inaugural marathon, the organizers did a great job. The only real problem was the porta potties at the start. There was not enough of them.
A. M. from Ann Arbor, Michigan (6/20/2012) "Exceeded my expectations; great inaugural run!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A beautiful, scenic run through a diverse course, including park pathways along the water, university landmarks, and the heart of the city of Ann Arbor..I was impressed with the organization, especially for a first marathon. There were plenty of well spaced water/gatorade stations and 3 GU stops spaced nicely before the water. It was a warmer day with some challenging hills and hydration was well addressed and taken seriously. The time and effort that the organizers put into the run was obvious. I am sure small things will be tweaked and improved, but again this was amazing for a first time event. Pacers were available, and course marshals were plentiful to direct runners. You could really get a feel of Ann Arbor throughout the run. Ann Arbor is an amazing city to visit with plenty of great restaurants and other activities, from canoeing on the Huron River to many cultural events and museums. I will run this one again!
Kamran Talattof from USA (6/20/2012) "Great Event" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The 2012 inaugural Ann Arbor Marathon was one of the most organized races I have ever done. I found it a little hilly (but not too bad), hot, and humid all causing to run it nearly an hour slower than my PR. But, overall, I enjoyed the experience tremendously. I will certainly do it again if I can. Here are some more specific observations. Aspects that made this inaugural event so perfect: The Ann Arbor Marathon's Organization was excellent and everything was well planned and well executed. Aid stations were excellent with many nice and dedicated volunteers. A2 course was beautiful; particularly, Geddes, Arboretum, and Fuller Park areas as well as the University of Michigan Campuses; indeed a nostalgic expedition for me. There was plenty of food, sport drinks, and water afterward; I mean plenty. Despite being the first marathon in A2, a good number of people showed up all along the course to cheer; what a nice crowd. The course includes many hills but none of them was a major uphill; with some additional training, they are manageable. Organizers returned my two email inquiries immediately. It is for charity. Aspects which need improvement for next year: The number of out and back segments can be reduced by allowing the runners go further on Huron parkway, Eisenhower, or somewhere else. There were five of them in this year's course. Holding the event a week or more earlier for the sake of the weather; it was a little hot and humid this year (organizers should not really be concerned that the A2 marathon is close to the AA-Dex 10k or any other race. Marathoners always choose 26.2 over other distances. Some runners care about the expos, and I trust Ann Arbor's next year expo will be larger and held in a larger space. Kamran Talattof
T. E. from Southwest MI (6/20/2012) "Wonderful event - very well done!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 You would never have guessed this was an inaugural marathon. It was well done from start to finish! The course was gorgeous - through campus, some residential & some parks. Very pretty & the changing scenery helped it go 'faster'. The only down side was the mile through the mall parking lot - might not have been as bad if it wasn't at mile 22 :) Water stops were frequent & volunteers were energetic! Spectators were great also & many had sprinklers out. The course was hillier than I expected, but all of the hills were certainly 'runnable'. Packet pick-up & pre-race organization & communication were top-notch. Overall, a very, very well done event! I would certainly return to run this again!
J. B. from USA (6/20/2012) "Ann Arbor Marathon" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 First of all the people of Ann Arbor were great. The volunteers and police did a great job. The nicest people I have come across in the 15 states in which I have run a marathon. Some room for improvement: Not enough porta potty's at start area, course was horrlbe. Too many out and back sections and too many concrete roadways. A final thought: would it too much to have the University of Michigan open up Michigan Stadium for bathroom use and a finish at the 50 yard line instead of a finish on some club sports field?! Ann Arbor is all about football. Open up the 'Big House'!
A. S. from Georgia (6/18/2012) "Tough course great city" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great city, terrific small race, outstanding aid stations and fantastic spectators on the road. Really tough course with long pulls. The hot weather and high humidity did not help either.
K. M. from Michigan (6/17/2012) "Room for improvement" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ann Arbor Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 Inaugural race for this event, so I'm trying to be less critical. I have high hopes and believe it will get better. The good: Friendly staff, volunteers, etc Great post race food Nice tech shirt Easy and cheap parking at AA Pioneer and access to their restrooms Well placed aid stations The bad: Seemed a little disorganized No start/finish- finish in different location Very little crowd support Open to traffic is normal, but people in Ann Arbor apparently get up early- there is car dodging. A hike to car after race. Faster marathoners will have to dodge half-marathoners. Course was weird- a lot of doubling back, momentary confusion on which way to go a few times, mile markers hard to see. Lap around Briarwood? I get it, not all scenery can be a home run, but with the twists, turns, parks, and even buildings to see in AA, I would think they could better than this. Seemed to be a severe lack of porta johns at the start and a half mile away from the starting line? Glad I didn't have to go, but this was the only thing I found really unacceptable in the race. Neutral: Hilly- conquerable for first-timers, but not ideal. Runners at or over 200lbs, watch out. :) The time of year- fathers day, and heat (humidity the real problem this year) The takeaway: Good, not great. A decent local race, not worth traveling more than an hour for as of yet. there are so many races on the calendar this time of year, this one will need to make a bigger splash if it wants to compete. I'd consider doing it again, but not ready to make it part of the regular rotation yet. I would focus on trying to improve the course itself more than anything. As usual, thanks for volunteers, police, medical, and city of AA for putting up with us.

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