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Whitefish Point Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Whitefish Point Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.4 
 
 
Number of comments: 22 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

D. S. from Michigan (6/20/2014)
"You'll feel Welcome in Whitefish!" (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Whitefish Pt. is a little out of the way considering most Michigan marathons but there is plenty of enticement meant to encourage runners to visit this scenic part of the UP. This is a very straight-forward 'honest' event & course. To keep the registration low, the race emphasizes being personable rather than extravagant; a handshake at bib pick-up and a handshake at the finish line. But that being said, there is a difference between modest and cheap and I was pleased that Whitefish didn't cut the corners on the course support (served Gatorade along with some snacks and provided a Gu gel in the goody bag). It's a casual race and they will look after you no matter what your pace. The course itself is a mostly shaded out-and-back with a couple short detours and although the road wasn't closed, traffic is light. With 50 or so runners, it thins out quickly and it's just you and the morning birds. This event supports the local community and I highly recommend staying a couple nights in one of the many cabins along the lakeshore and exploring the region. The finisher medal and cotton T-shirt were OK, but I wonder if the finisher medal could have been something more unique or regional? Something modestly handcrafted since there are plenty of local theme options; lighthouses, shipwrecks, driftwood, birds, agates, even mosquitos.
 

K. A. from PA (6/18/2014)
"great organization throughout" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


From the pre-race instructions to the finish line, this was a very well-organized marathon. The RD went out of his way to welcome everyone to the race. It was nice to see someone care so much about the runners and follow through with expectations. This marathon has some unique aspects to it, but everything was clearly communicated ahead of time so there were no surprises. The volunteers did a top-notch job. If you like a small race without the crowds, you'll love this one.
 

Dave Maddix from gaylord mi (6/17/2014)
"Fantastic!!!!" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Very small. Scenic, flat, almost perfect conditions, great for a person wanting to pr, or the person that just wants to finish. You can take as long as you want. Spectators: fabulous, encouraging. Kudos to the man that sang the national anthem.
 

R. R. from Rockford, MI (6/16/2014)
"Wonderful experience!" (about: 2014)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was an awesome race! Well organized, beautiful course, friendly and helpful volunteers, and an RD who is willing to go above and beyond to provide you with a great race experience. I got my BQ on this course, it's as flat as can be. It was a pleasure to get to run this race and meet these fine people. Well done, Rob!! By the way, there really weren't many spectators, but I gave 5 stars anyway because those volunteers couldn't be more enthusiastic and cheerful, in spite of the mosquitos!
 

D. T. from the UP (2/25/2014)
"Beautiful course in a charming, serene setting" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was a fast, gorgeous, tree-lined, and shady course course in charming small town setting. The course was a well-marked out and back, and next year it will be certified. Rob, the race director, did a great job of organizing this inaugural race; he was very accommodating and quickly, thoroughly responded to questions. The cost, at $35.00, was quite reasonable. Packet pick-up (day before or morning of) was smooth and easy. There weren't many spectators (fine with me!), mainly volunteers; those who were there deserve a '5' for cheerfully persevering and manning the aid stations for hours, despite all the mosquitoes. The mosquitoes weren't bad while running, but bring bug dope for before and after! All in all, a gorgeous, low-key race, and an enjoyable experience in Paradise. Thanks, Rob!
 

D. B. from Nashville, TN (10/16/2013)
"Scenic area" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Thrilled participating in this small town charm inaugural event. Race director was wonderfully welcoming to all as were many in the town. Course was basically out and back. Small areas of gravel hard packed dirt but most was along road not traveled by many. The drive to Paradise was beautiful stopping along the way touring lighthouses. Most beautiful sunrise I've seen race morning! I enjoy small marathon events as they offer so much more and this one certainly did not dissapoint! Loved sharing in this inaugural marathon. Hope to see it continue!
 

A. W. from Wheaton IL & Marquette MI (7/8/2013)
"Excellent inaugural race" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 1  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


The UP of MI is a beautiful place. This course only got 1 * because of the 68 marathons I ve run many honestly were gorgeous courses. I like small races, few spectators and good volunteers! WP had all of this!! Rob did a superb job organizing and I prefer to support these kind of events. You talk w the RD, you meet the locals and you spend your money w the independent businesses. Stay at the Magnusson Grand Hotel. It is the nicest by far place in town! Plus the RD works there! Eat at the brewery at the falls well worth it! A couple days in town and you will have seen most of it.
 

Nancy Broadbridge from Birmingham, Michigan (6/20/2013)
"Flat, fast, scenic and serene" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


If you're looking for a fast, inexpensive, small and beautiful marathon, the Whitefish Point Marathon will not disappoint.

Thanks to Rob Klein for all his hard work in making this inaugural race a success. From my perspective everything went smoothlyeasy packet pick-up day before or morning of race, start right on time, accurate easy-to-spot mile markers, good signage on course, plenty of well-stocked aid stations and friendly volunteers, and lots of finish line refreshments served indoors. The marathon course is tree-lined and shady almost the whole way, following the shore of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. Traffic was minimal and not a problem as the road had a bike path on which to run. There was only an occasional spectator and I ran alone most of the way, but I liked the peacefulness of being surrounded by naturea welcome contrast from big-city marathons.

Paradise is small, but there are plenty of restaurants and places to stay. My husband and I got a cabin on the bay. This area of the Upper Peninsula is truly one of Michigan's gems. After the race we visited Tahquamenon Falls State Park. And don't miss the Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.
 

n. b. from michigan (6/19/2013)
"flat,lonely,inexspensive,lots of trees" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


If you like to run alone with no distractions either from the spectators or the runners and low cost, then this race is for you. I myself run a lot alone so it wasn't too bad. Organization was great but with 25 runners how could it go wrong. The only people on the course were the volunteers. Hats off to them for standing around hours with millions of mosquitoes. The runners were not bothered by them. The route was tree lined and very flat. You could get a PR in this race. The weather was great, shady, no breeze and in the 50's. Best of all the cost $35. I'm going to try it again next year.
 

Tim Gonyea from south rockwood, michigan (6/18/2013)
"a gem in God's country...." (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Whitefish Point Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


If spectators are your thing, you might want to skip this one (the occasional moose may watch you run by) But if you want to enjoy a quiet, beautiful run in God's country, don't miss it. Great job guys!
 

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