Apr 28, 2024
Current Year Results
Results Search
Biggest/Best Boston Qualifier
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
2021 Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
2011 Results
2010 Results
2009 Results
2008 Results
2007 Results
2006 Results
2005 Results
2004 Results
2003 Results
2002 Results
2001 Results
2000 Results
☰
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 61 to 71]
|
A Runner from Plainfield, IL
(6/12/2002)
 "Pretty but tough course, room for improvement" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Lake Geneva Marathon was my 5th marathon in 5 months--I am attempting 12 marathons in 12 months. This was my 11th marathon overall, and I have run a variety of them from the huge urban marathons (like Chicago), to smaller, more intimate marathons. This was of the smaller variety. My comments echo those of other runners. The last several miles of the marathon were just plain dangerous. The rain, combined with running through yards, around unassembled piers, through landscaping, and with no organized support in the last several miles made for a difficult finish (marathons are tough enough at the end without these other factors). No one can control the weather, but the race director could have made better use of the volunteers that they did to help out at the end of the course. At one point between miles 24 and 25, I wasn't even sure I was still on the course. This course was the most scenic of all of the marathons I have run, and on a non-rainy day, the hazards at the end probably would not have seemed as bad as they did. If I were to ever run this race again, I would make sure the weather is going to be good THAT DAY, and then do same-day registration. Nice attempt at a decent marathon, but definitely room for improvement. Next month: Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN Last month: Lakeshore Marathon, Chicago | |
|
A Runner from Louisville, Kentucky
(5/18/2002)
"Change the Course!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The course was scenic and the country running was fun. Only one serious defect: the last few miles of the course were not well marked, had poor footing (paving stones, etc.), and obstacles. We ran across people's yards! Probably will not run it again unless the course is changed. | |
|
A Runner from Wisconsin, US
(5/16/2002)
 "More organization please" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I ran the 25k portion of this race this year (2002) and I can echo most of the comments from other runners that have already been posted. My particular complaint involves the finish for the 25 k. Three of the races, the marathon, euro-marathon, and 25 k all converge near the finish for the 25 k race. Poor signage for the finish led me to miss the end and over run the course with longer race runners, by about a quarter of a mile, having to cut back through parking lots and playgrounds to get to the finish line. The course itself was very scenic, but very lonely. | |
|
A Runner from Schaumburg, IL
(5/13/2002)
"Miles 21-23 a crime against the sport" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Miles 21-23 MUST be changed to ensure safety of runners. Aid stations were spaced dangerously far apart for that stage of the race, surfaces varied from grass to mud to garden paver stones, path was blocked with unassembled piers, and the presence of any humans, let alone fans or safety support personnel, was nearly nonexistent. Had you an injury during that stretch, you may have had 1-2 miles to walk for ANY sort of help. Weather is no one's fault, but the response to it must be improved if runners' safety is of any priority. Forget the picturesque mansions; runners need a good surface and help in those miles! | |
|
A Runner from New Berlin, WI
(5/13/2002)
 "Scenic - nice people - poor transportation" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Did the 25K run. Run was scenic - mostly rolling farmland. Volunteers were great. Route not always well marked - occasionally 'dodging' cars. Biggest problem - return from 25K to starting point - had one bus - waited about an hour in 45 degree / rainy weather after having run the 25K - not fun - should have run 2-3 busses. Not many spectators but enthusiastic - weather didn't help. | |
|
A Runner from Naperville, Illinois
(5/11/2002)
"Not a marathon I'd recommend to anyone." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This race has a lot of areas which need improvement. There was no traffic control and many times we were running out in the open where we could have been prime targets for drivers who were not paying attention. After the 25K ended, the mile markers were non-existent. None of the volunteers at the water stations (what few there were) were accurate in their knowledge of where we were. The marathon course took us down to the lakefront path, which was not clearly marked and, at this time of the year, dangerous because all the homeowners have their equipment out ready to set up their piers. The course itself was very poorly marked and at times we were unsure if we were even on course. It was a horrible rainy day, which was obviously no one's fault, but all the above didn't help the situation. The areas marked for the restrooms had only one porta potty apiece!! All in all, a bad experience!!!!!!!! | |
|
A Runner from Chicago
(1/15/2002)
"great course, solid support and organization" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 My thoughts on the beauty and hilliness of the course echo those below. Regarding support and organization, as a runner in 2001, I experienced none of the complaints mentioned by the 2000 runner, and thought it a very well run, small race with plenty of aid. One other note: The start is concurrent with the other, shorter-distance racers, so don't get caught up in the pacing of a 10k-er! Most of the racers you are with at the start are running the shorter races. Fans are supportive, although understandably sparse. | |
|
A Runner from peoria, Illinois
(5/13/2001)
 "Very Low Key, scenic, challenging" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I ran the 2001 version of the race. First the negatives: the price ($40.00) seemed a bit steep for a course which featured minimal traffic control and some unstaffed aid stations. And, there was a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) stretch along the shoulder of a moderately busy highway (there were cones, but these cones were almost on the gravel). But: 1) this race offered chip timing; hence almost instant results 2) there were several races to choose from (5K, 10K, 25K, 22 mile cross country race) in addition to the marathon 3) the course was the prettiest I've ever seen and 4) the course was just plain interesting. There were hills, an occasional flat spot, pristine wooded areas, a golf course, an observatory, lush, green farm land, sleepy neighborhoods, small towns and some scenic lake-front areas. In addition, the last 1.2 miles (2K) were on paths and trails around Lake Geneva. Yes, there were hills and most of these came after the 25K mark (where that race ended). So, pace yourself well, and don't be decieved at the first part of the course! It gets harder. If you like being coddled, this is NOT the race for you. Traffic control is minimal (but adequate), some of the aid stations are unstaffed (but the aid stations were more than adequate; one every 2-3 miles) and spectators were sparse ( but very enthusiastic). But, if you enjoy a challenge and the company of friendly but competitive runners, you'll love this race. Three notes: there were finisher's medals at this race and I thought that they were good ones. The post race pasta/salad meal was good, and the race made arrangements at the local Y for use of the showers. ollie | |
|
A Runner from Batavia, IL
(4/7/2001)
"Great course, but you gotta do your hill work" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a very scenic course in a beautiful portion of southern Wisconsin. If you enjoy running along a lake and out into the countryside with dairy farms & rolling hills, you'll love the first sixteen miles. However, if you neglect some serious hill work in your pre-marathon training, you'll probably be cursing yourself on the challenging hills leading up to Yerkes Observatory. Lake Geneva can definitely be a fun midwestern marathon if you've prepared well. | |
|
A Runner from Rockford, Il.
(3/31/2001)
"Always a great time, Always tough!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I have always run the 25k which starts with the marathon. The city, sights, accommodations and restaurants of the area make it great for the family. If you can run the 25k your ready for any marathon to follow. A great training run. If you got the energy you can keep going for the marathon, if your in the marathon and can't you can stop at the 25k. Either way the sweat shirt is great! After 6 runs, I look forward to this every May I can get to it. Its hilly and challenging. Hats off to the marathon finishers of this one. That is one of my goals. |
© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC
