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Apr 29, 2024

Athens Marathon (Ohio) Runner Comments

Back to Athens Marathon (Ohio) Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 77 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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T. T. from Tampa, Florida (4/22/2011) "Awesome experience for a first timer" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my first marathon. I didn't need crowds and hoopla; I just wanted to experience the distance for the first time. The weather was perfect. The course was as fast as you will find in any race, and was very scenic. The aid stations were bare minimum but the people working them were awesome. Members of the OU XC team were very encouraging and helpful, as were all the volunteers. The track finish was great. I'll be back; this has to be one of the best-kept secrets of all marathons. Very low hassle factor in all areas. Overall, a great day in a great place.
R. B. from Tinley Park, IL (4/17/2011) "Great Little Race" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I decided to run Athens, Ohio because last October I ran the Athens (Greece) Marathon. It's all about karma. I ran the full, and my son ran his first half marathon. We both had a great experience, and I would recommend this race to anyone who likes the small-town (college) race atmosphere. The course is an out-and-back on a flat, paved, bike trail. There were not many spectators, but those who were there were very supportive. (I score on quality, not quantity.) Another very nice feature was the hotel rate. We stayed at a Hampton right in town, and did not get taken to the cleaners (as has happened at Grandma's). I would definitely do this one again.
L. H. from Cleveland, OH (4/4/2011) "Great first marathon course" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I think the flat course of it was perfect for the first timer. Most of the participants are half-marathoners, so after their turn around, the crowd was really thin and you were pretty alone. That being said, water stations were always well stocked with Gatorade & water every 1-1.5 miles throughout the marathon course (many of the stations even had oranges or bananas). The 'cheering' crowds consisted mainly of family & friends who moved along the course to cheer on the people they knew, but they cheered for strangers like me as well. The finish was inside the Ohio University track, where they announced your name as you made the 1.5 laps around the track to the finish line. April in Ohio is a hit or miss weather wise. I got lucky this year (rain and cold the day before) but sunny throughout race day w/temps that started in the 30's (felt much warmer with the sun) and ended around 50F.
E. P. from Florence, KY (4/4/2011) "FLAAAAAAAAT" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This course makes Florida look like Colorado. Seriously, who knew you could fit 26.2 miles into an otherwise hilly environment. There were no hills to divide the leg action. (My calves have never been so sore. That hotel jacuzzi felt real good!) The medical staff at the finish were authentically interested in the runners' well being. The Kids' Race was cancelled without notification because 'plans fell through', thus the not-5 star organization rating. I was bummed because I couldn't have the special father/child picture of us holding up our medals. * The crowd was sparse but encouraging. * The drink stations were perfectly spaced and stocked. * The long-sleeved, blue technical shirt (the 1/2 was black) is one of the nicest tech shirts I've received. It doesn't mention 'marathon AND half marathon' like many tech shirts do. * The food (pizza) was gone by the time I finished (~4 hr). Pizza sounded real good at the time too. *The scenery would be gorgeous if there were leaves on the trees. Otherwise it was one no-leaf tree after another next to a river/stream/swamp.
John Fenton from Norwood, Ohio (4/4/2011) "Good, low-key race with a fast course" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Some aspects of this race are fantastic. Some aspects of the race are so-so. The lack of meaningful and consistent mile markers is appalling. Overall, though, I had a great time and ran a huge PR. Pros: 1. Fast course. 23 miles of it through the woods on the flat bike trail. 2. Reasonable registration fee. 3. Chip timing. 4. Cheap but modest pasta dinner. 5. Prize money. 6. Nice stadium/track finish. 7. Friendly race organizers and volunteers. Cons: 1. Not much information on the website. (I'm still not sure what I won as 3rd overall finisher and top master.) 2. * Mile markers are a complete and total mess! * Many were missing or hidden. And on the way back, they turned into 14.1, 15.1, 16.1-markers, which is less than ideal, but could be forgiven if they were all visible. I believe the Athens Track Club is taking over race organization next year, so I expect the flaws may be corrected while the positives will remain.
n. d. from fresno oh (4/4/2011) "sufficient" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 this was a rather boring course, but the terrain was flat. bananas/oranges at almost every aid station which i really appreciated since i had not been feeling well the day before and could not eat and was really hungry right awaythe food probably saved the day for me! it was my new running buddy's first marathon and the ONLY thing we really were disappointed in was the medal. get rid of the glass mug at the finish and speed the money on the medal. after months of training and pushing through til the end, it was a big let down for her...not one she will proudly show. i know, i know, some people don't care- they have so many, but for OH's oldest marathon, i would like to see a more attractive finisher's medal.
K. K. from Ohio (4/3/2011) "Beautiful course" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 First time in Athens. Beautiful course - loved the scenery. Only two things I would say: more porta-potties AND it would be nice to actually have aid at the aid stations. Vaseline, BioFreeze or even sports tape would have been nice to get a hold of after 20-plus miles. Other than that, a great run!
Akemi Fujinuma from Kentucky, USA (5/9/2010) "Beautiful, Serene, Small-Town Marathon" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Athens Marathon (Ohio)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I personally love this marathon, which offeres a flat/fast course, beautiful/serene surroundings, very inexpensive entry fee, a nice long-sleeve shirt, cash awards for open and masters winners, mugs for age group winners, medals for everybody, water/Gatorade at the aid stations, water/pizza at the finish, etc. They announce your name when you are finishing the race (one and a half loops at the OU track), which was very energizing to me. You'd love it if you love nature, solitude (especially after the half-marathoners turn around), your own PowerGels/bars, few participants (500+ half and fewer than 200 full), and the attention during the last split. You wouldn't love it if you need a lot of spectators or music bands, beer and bagel at the finish, water/Gatorade at every mile, and pre-race convention. I made a PR in this year's Athens Marathon by cutting 9 minutes, and qualified for the Boston 2011... for the first time! I love the town of Athens, its people, and its marathon!
Brad Pruim from Grand Rapids, MI USA (4/15/2010) "Beautiful course... but bring your own water." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This marathon is set up for half marathoners. Aid stations were every mile and a half on the way out, but once the half marathoners turned around, aid stations were sparse (every 3 miles) and people running the stations stood about 5 feet apart so you couldn't grab two water/Gatorade cups unless you wanted to stop. At one aid station I had to pick the water up from the table myself. This marathon should start earlier! I slowed a lot in the second half even though it was downhill and expected to passed, but I guess everyone was dehydrated. Great course, but 75 degrees at finish with little water on the course causes dehydration and cramping... unless you are a camel. Prettiest marathon I have ever run. Well managed! I did easily qualify for Boston.
R. C. from Pittsburgh PA (4/12/2010) "beautiful race, beautiful weather, beautiful city" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Athens Marathon (Ohio) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A great, small-town marathon. I highly recommend it if it's your first marathon or you're trying for a PR. I got mine, and thought I was going to get my dream of under 4 hours, but I fell apart at mile 24. Still, I improved my time by 8 minutes. It had been 1,272 days since my last marathon, and Athens was my 12th. Best marathon for the money; the race was organized very well. I didn't expect so many half marathon runners, but after their turnaround point, us marathoners had the course to ourselves. I was totally impressed with the City of Athens itself, a very clean, beautiful city. I am seriously considering relocating here. Congrats to Athens; I'll be back.

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