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May 2, 2024

Glass City Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Glass City Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.7

Number of comments: 234 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 23 > ]

R. P. from Sylvania, OH (4/27/2016) "First Marathon, lots of fun" (about: 2016) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon (second year trying). I had so much fun as I took it all in from early at the starting line to reading all the signs and taking in the wonderful scenery. Even though I hurt from not getting all my training done I am looking forward to doing this again.
C. S. from Grass Lake, MI (4/27/2016) "Mostly great... except for the traffic cones" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I've heard a lot of great reviews of the Glass City Marathon... and am disappointed. The marathon was great for 22 of the 26.2 miles... but there were about 4 miles that were awful. These miles were running in the bike lane of a busy-ish road. There were traffic cones along the bike lane, but cars still zipped by too close. We ran with traffic, so didn't see cars coming... only heard them, and then felt their wake as they passed. The usual Finish Line was under construction, so we didn't finish in the Glass Bowl... but finished in the parking lot. On the flip side, the shirts were GREAT, and packet pickup well organized. The weather was perfect, and the people were friendly.
M. K. from USA (4/27/2016) "Low Key, Good Course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Glass City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Overall, Glass City is a relaxed and fun event worth running. The race starts and ends on the University of Toledo campus which is located in the northwestern part of the city. The location facilitates both access on race day and inexpensive lodging. This year, the start and finish were moved due to construction in the stadium (the usual finish). That move resulted in some logistical challenges at the start. The bag drop was a couple blocks from the start and went smoothly. There were not enough portapottys and they were located in front of the start (near the bag drop) so runners walking to the start could not enter the corrals in the correct area. Even with a 10 min delayed start many runners were not ordered according to pace, which resulted in a congested first 1-2 miles. After that, everything went smoothly. The course was well supported with plenty of (mostly gentle) turns and just a few elevation changes to keep it interesting. Some miles after the half point are on open roads but this did not seem unsafe. Some roads along the course did have significant potholes or other uneven surfaces (hard winter?). The last 5 miles or so are on a straight rail-to-trail paved path where the water stops are not as close as one might want them if the weather would have been much warmer. The finish line area was efficient and the post-race area was great with lots of food, drinks, beer (2 free for runners) for everyone, including spectators. Race swag was nice. The 40th anniversary finishers medal looks great. There was also a beer mug (gotta have something to put your 2 free ones into). Awards looked minimal, a glass plaque, that you had to wait for even though it was not customized in any way. Forgot the expo. This was very good for a smaller race. Easy, close and free parking. Well attended and some really good vendors. Might be time for bigger quarters given the crowd size but it worked.
e. c. from Burlington, Ontario (4/27/2016) "Well run event." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Glass City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Finish line needs work. A long straight finish would be better. Not much space at water stops. They could be situated such that you could run through the stops. They assume you are getting liquids. Pacers should run even splits. The 3.40 pacers decided to bank several minutes. Would have been nice to know. I would have been better without them (my fault for not asking about strategy!) Terrific giveaways - great value! Starting the full and half 10 minutes apart would limit road congestion too.
G. B. from Sylvania, OH (4/27/2016) "Beautiful course with tons of spectator support" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Glass City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Love this race. The only negative I have is the parking. It's unclear where half marathon participants should park. The marathon parking lots were closed, so you couldn't leave. That should have been communicated better.
K. R. from Mentor, Ohio (4/27/2016) "Overall great race! (was my first though)" (about: 2016) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The only bad thing I would have to say is the 4 mile long path before the finish (up to mile 25). There were hardly any water stops & ZERO bathrooms. that was definitely the worst part of the race, felt like it was never ending.
D. F. from Ohio (4/27/2016) "Race Improvements for 2017" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Glass City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I think you should consider having at least 10 porta potties at St. Ursula instead of just 4. Many people seem to need to use the restroom at that time and it would speed up the process. I would consider closing the East bound side of Brint Road as the bike lane isn't wide enough for two people to run side by side and not get hit by a car. Hopefully the City of Toledo will fix their roads as the start of the race was bad with the potholes on Bancroft.
C. L. from Columbus, OH (4/27/2016) "A fast, cool course with lots of swag and support." (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I registered for Glass City 2016 for a Boston attempt (I got it!). GC is a fast course, with a few turns and runs through metro parks. The weather was about perfect for an Ohio April day. LOTS of volunteers and water/Gatorade/Gu stations. LOTS of swag (I'm not 'into' that, but it's nice when you get it). I'd definitely run it again. It starts/ends on UT's campus, which is very accessible. Not too much crowd support that I noticed, but I wore an iPod and 'was in the zone' for the race.
K. P. from Perrysburg, Ohio (4/27/2016) "6th time running GCM" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Glass City Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You guys do a great job with volunteers, course, expo, getting information out! Start this year was definitely different. I wasn't sure if I would like the change of the finish not being in the glass bowl. actually liked how close all the spectator where at the finish! I certainly sped up at the finish to finish strong in front of so many spectators! It was awesome! Also - love love love the BIG medal!
K. H. from MI (4/26/2016) "Mostly flat, lots of turns" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Glass City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Very tightly packed at the beginning of the race; hopefully when the start line is moved next year there will be room to breathe. Good volunteer support, especially at the many turns. Medal is huge - would prefer something smaller.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 23 > ]

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