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Apr 29, 2024

Lake Geneva Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Lake Geneva Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.9

Organization 2.9

Spectators 2.3

Number of comments: 73 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

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L. K. from Chicago, IL (5/15/2007) "VERY DISORGANIZED!!" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This was the first time my husband and I ran this half marathon. The packet pick-up was disorganized and shoved in a small space. On race day there was not one indication of where the start line was! There was NO spectators. I felt like I was running a neighborhood 5k. The course was nice for the first 5 miles, but out in the middle of nowhere for the rest of the race. NO miles markers anywhere!!! The hills were killer. Over all very disappointed and won't run in again.
K. C. from Milwaukee, WI (5/15/2007) "Nice little marathon" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I liked this marathon. Yes, you run out in the country for a large part of it and, yes, the hills from mile 16 to 23ish are horrendous; but I really enjoyed the rest of the course. The part I didn't like was the organization. The race needs to be marked more clearly. I almost got lost at mile 20, luckily the nice lady running near me steered me in the right direction, thanks again whoever you were:). Also, in the hardest part of the course mile 16 to the end there was 2 water stations, just not enough. More water stations and better marking and this would be a great race. I hope to do it again next year.
W. S. from Elmhurst, IL (5/14/2007) "Great Race - but 'Buyer Beware'" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Going into this marathon I had read the posts on Marathonguide.com. I heard about the lack of organization and crowd support and etc. Still I registered for this marathon and I had a great time. Why? Because I knew what I was buying and it was a fair price. A marathon for $ 50. What a deal. Yes, there was little organization and there could be some improvements but let's not try to compare every marathon out there to the mega marathon that ask $ 100 + for registration and have 40,000 people register. It is a world of difference. Our expectations should adjust accordingly. I had a great time. It was technically one of the most challenging marathons I have run (last 10 miles)and the some of the odd course layouts (yards) just made the adventure more wild. Good times diving in Lake Geneva at the end. Cold yes, but so refreshing.
B. S. from Hawthorn Woods, IL (5/14/2007) "Enjoyable hilly race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I arrived at 6:30 am and parked for free on a side street one block from the hotel where registration was located. No lines at all at packet pickup, very smooth. There was a very helpful lady at the course map answering questions. Race started right on time with a blast of a boat horn. Nice touch. It was a beautiful day for a marathon. The first 2 miles are nice along the east shore of Lake Geneva. Miles 3 thru 13 are out in the farm country. The real race begins around mile 14 when you get into Fontana. There is a huge hill coming out of Fontana, then numerous smaller ones all the way to the finish with the exception of a small stretch on the lakefront. The 22-mile euro-marathon looked interesting because it sticks to the lakefront, unlike the full marathon. The course makes a lot of turns so you need to watch for the small arrow signs and paint on the pavement. Often I was running with no other runners in sight, but had no trouble sticking to the route. Mile markers were mostly all there, a few were missing in the 20-25 mile range it seemed. This is a small fun marathon with hills on the second half. I had no trouble with the organization of this race which seems to be a common complaint in past years. The medal was small and in a design of the state of Wisconsin. Nothing special. No food at the finish line, only water. Adequate water stations throughout the course. Only one station had any food that I saw (bananas). Carry your own gels! No fans to speak of, but if you want fans, run Chicago. I thought this race would follow the lakefront more. It really only did for about 4 miles out of 26.2. The rest of the race the lake is not in view. I may run the euro next year to stay by the lake.
T. L. from USA (5/14/2007) "Worst marathon EVER!!!!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Race was poorly organized. Not enough water stops and people at the water stops were NOT helpful at all - some did not even know what mile marker they were at. Neither I nor my running group will never participate in this race again - COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME AND EFFORT!!!!!
Brad Necker from Berwyn, IL (5/14/2007) "NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I was supposed to run the euro 22 miler. The map I was given at the registration desk was in black and white and nearly indecipherable. It supposedly outlined the 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, and full marathon only, the euro 22 miler was missing. I couldn't make sense of any of it. Mile markers were unclear and water stops weren't where they were supposed to be. After about 5 miles there was a sign pointing the euro runners toward a path that dead-ended at at the lake and a fence blocked the way we suspected we were supposed to go. We climbed rocks to get to the street and before we knew it, we were out in the country and a long way from the euro route. Our only option was to run the 1/2 marathon or the full, I chose the full. The course was non stop up-hill and it kicked my butt. I hated it and loved it at the same time. This isn't a spectator course and it isn't glorious, it's for serious runners out to accomplish a serious run. I started along the lake and went out to farm country where cars whizzed by at 60 mph. I ran back to town where the hills were so tough I didn't see one person that was able to run up them. Eventually we ended up back at the lake where we ran through millionaires' front lawns. You can tell they aren't happy about the race because maybe 50 or so left their soon-to-be-installed piers blocking the path. I heard countless curses shouted by other runners as they tried to maneuver around them or trampled through mud or up and down stairs. The course (though at parts is beautiful) is almost unbelievable. After 23 years of this race being run, it's almost hard to believe how poorly organized it is run. As long as you can go into it expecting the worst (as I did after reading reviews on this site) it's still a good time and I am a better runner today after having run it yesterday. I would recommend it for anyone who is serious about running and is looking for a real adventure. Don't do this one for your first marathon. On runner told me that this was his first marathon and that he was so discouraged by the course that it would be his last.
J. B. from Madison, WI (5/13/2007) "Beautiful scenery.... A lot else to be desired." (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 In some ways I do appreciate this marathon. I loved the diversity of the landscapes (farm fields, lakes, neighborhoods, trails, horse gables, etc.) however I have little else positive to say. There were small mile markers, which would not pose a problem if there were course marshals on the course directing traffic. I did not see a course marshal or first-aid center the entire course. Many of times I was on a road with no one in front of me, behind me and no visible markers. The walkers began at 5 a.m. (which was my case) and we didn't have a rest stop until mile 12! When I got to mile 12 and asked if I could get water or Gatorade, the organizer of that station said, "We were told not to set up until 8 a.m. (3 hours after the walkers began, mind you) and this is really intended for the runners!" That was very disheartening. I will never do the Lake Geneva Marathon and although I liked the beautiful, serene scenery, I will not participate in the future.
R. S. from USA (5/13/2007) "Beautiful but tough" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 This was my 39th marathon and definitely one of the toughest. The marathon route was pretty and scenic, although there were stretches that were very rural (but nice). Aid stations seemed too far apart (especially in the last 6-8 miles when you need them the most). I really enjoyed the course for the most part, but the hills in the last half were a killer. At the halfway point, I was wondering why many had said the course was tough. The city of Lake Geneva is beautiful. I'm glad I made the trip. If you're looking for a marathon with lots of perks, organization and fanfare, this is not the one.
David Siegfried from Yorkville, ILLINOIS (5/13/2007) "Awesome Small Marathon with KILLER HILLS!!!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Lake Geneva Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is my first time running this marathon. The first 1/2 mile there is a nice hill, but that turns out to be a small one compared to the ones later in the course. There were times we ended up on the lake path behind houses on the lake, and I think it was a bit dangerous. Otherwise it was a great, challenging course. There were many friendly volunteers and spectators. I think I ran 8 miles in the first half by myself. The only complaint was not enough recovery food at the finish. I would recommend this marathon if you're up for a hilly adventure and not trying to get a PR.
K. A. from Rockford, Il (5/12/2007) "I enjoyed the course (very pretty), but bad org." (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 We did the walk marathon, and we arrived at 4:30 to get our sweatshirts and numbers. There was a guy sitting in a car in a small parking lot, and nothing telling us who he was! And we couldn't get a chip; they were out! So everything we accomplished wasn't even counted and our name aren't anywheres on the finish line! But we did finish it and are glad that we did! It was our first. I also thought there could have been more porta-potties and water.

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