May 5, 2024
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☰
Avenue of the Giants Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Avenue of the Giants Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 3.2
Number of comments: 68 [displaying comments 61 to 67]
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A Runner from New Jersey
(11/12/2001)
 "Great Course, in both beauty and function" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 25th or so marathon, and immediately a favorite. The course is fast, two separate out-and-backs through the redwoods; the first leg is slightly uphill, the second loop is flat. With turnarounds at 7 and 20 miles, it was easy to track one's place and the progress of other runners. The scenery is stunning with the narrow road winding through giant redwoods. Spectators are light, and even with 660 runners, at a 3 hr pace I was alone most of the last 12 miles. The race management was very competent, and my only suggestion is that they give three-deep age group awards rather than one, and issue some better finisher's certificates. I would recommend this race for anyone wanting a relatively small, low key and fun experience in early May. Generally the weather is cool, but the last hour was warm and sunny in 2001 and the direct sun exposure is more than one would expect through the tall timber. | |
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A Runner from Phoenix, Az.
(10/19/2001)
 "Like Running in Paradise" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This has got to be the most beautiful course in the world! Not the easiest but the most beautiful. I thought I was being conservative going out but not conservative enough. The up and down hills of the first half and then the gradual climb until 20 took everything out of me and left nothing. Even though I was in the worst pain of my life (other than childbirth) I couldn't think of better surroundings to be in. This was my fifth marathon and the most challenging. If you want unaparalled beauty and aren't worried about a PR this is the race for you. At times the forest sounds made me think I was in a tropical paradise. The only sounds were far away birds squawking and the quiet, peaceful silence. No spectators to speak of but who needs them in this type of surrounding? One of the most amazing places in the world and a runner's dream. | |
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(shannon) from Stamford, CT
(10/11/2001)
"great race!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The course is breathtaking. I didn't get tired of looking at the trees or the panoramic scenery around the Eel river. (even stopped to take pictures- can you tell I'm not elite?). The course is simple but tough, especially when you hit the start line again at mile 14, but have a 20k to go...it's intimidating and tempting to stop! I stayed in Eureka and I must say, the drive to Redcrest is beautiful. Once again, pictures were taken! The t-shirt is awesome, the organization was great, the spectators were lacking, but we were in the middle of the forest, so I didn't expect any anyway - there were a few who ventured out from their campsites. Post-race was okay, I love pbj and they had plenty. It's not french cuisine, but it's perfectly what you need after a long run. A must do! | |
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A Runner from Alexandria, VA
(7/24/2001)
 "Everyone gets a medal!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Course strategy: The course is 'L' shaped, 7 miles west and turn around and go 7 miles east, then go 6.1 miles south followed by 6.1 north. The first 7 miles are uphill and will drill you into the ground if you're not careful. I EASILY took 15 seconds off my pace from mile 7 to 14. EASILY. Save a little for the South/North out and back, you'll need it. One area is a pretty cambered on the South/North stretch, but it doesn't last long. Course beauty: The course is absolutely beautiful. I thought I would be sick of looking at trees by mile three, but I just couldn't get over these mammoth wonders of nature that have been around for approx. 1,000 years. Besides being nice to look at, they provide some killer shade for 75% of the race. Perfect for sunny days. Observations: -Water stop crews were very friendly and enthusiastic. -Get there early (AT LEAST 90 minutes early) to avoid delays in getting a parking spot. I did and had NO problems, others didn't and they were not happy. Gripes: -EVERYBODY got the same finisher medal (10K finishers, marathon relay, and us). Pretty bogus. -Finish line lacked some luxuries (food, water, etc.). There was water, but it was very warm (they had a sports drink, but it was even warmer) and the food was less than intriguing. A sponsor DID have popcicles though. Yippee! I finished around 50th, so I can't imagine what the 600+ people behind me had. Luckily, I always bring my own food and cold drinks. Overall impression: Kinda pricey for what I got. If it wasn't for the course, I'd never recommend it. Don't expect a PR, even though I'm happy to say I had one :o) | |
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A Runner from San Francisco, CA
(6/29/2001)
"Very tough race mentally" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my 5th marathon and definitely the toughest to finish. The two-loop hilly out-and back course is challenging both physically and mentally. The loops make you feel like you've done a lot of work and not gotten very far. The first 5 miles or so are almost entirely uphill, draining your energy for the rest of the race. There are almost no spectators to cheer you on because the roads are closed. And the beautiful scenery is so unchanging it's like staring at one gorgeous postcard for 26 miles--no new sights to help push you along. But I'm damn proud to have earned that medal, which is the prettiest one in my collection. Stephanie | |
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A Runner from Fort Collins, Colorado
(7/31/2000)
 "I definately want to do it again -- great!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my first marathon. I'm not an elite runner at all. FANTASTIC SCENERY. I don't think the view or temperature, or fans could be better. It rained a little the whole time but it wasn't cold. Some gentle hills and lots of windy road - which is great when you are in pain because you can't see mile long stretches that you're wondering how you are going to complete! It's a must do marathon if you like nature to take your mind off of the pain. It wasn't too crowded either. Get there early however, to park and pee. | |
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A Runner from San Diego, CA
(6/18/2000)
"Old-growth redwoods, Eel river below, forest mist" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first marathon. Magical misty morning and cool weather, running under a canopy of amazing redwoods and gazing down upon the snaking Eel river. The folks were kind and very supportive, especially for those in the back of the pack (myself included). After mile-20, I lost myself in the surreal beauty surrounding me and forgot the pain. Only a few small hills and plenty of fresh fruit and smiling faces to encourage along the way. Full of the north coast spirit! Can't say enough about this incredible race... |
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