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☰
Med-City Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Med-City Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 3.8
Number of comments: 65 [displaying comments 61 to 65]
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Bob Musselman from Plymouth, Minnesota
(5/26/2003)
 "Great training run for Grandma's" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a smaller regional race of about 400 runners through some very nice parks, riverside paths, and country roads, but includes 6 miles or so through non-descript commercial areas. In 2003 there was construction along the path which required running some distance through soft construction paving dirt, and skirting construction machinery. Generally though, a beautiful course through forests, farms and along rivers. There was very good support for a small race with water and Gatorade every 2 miles. The course is very flat, except for a few ups and downs as the riverside paths coursed under roadways and back up to embankment elevation, 20 feet or so each time. Crowd support is sporadic; there are groups of up to a hundred spectators, then almost nobody for a mile or so. Because there are so few runers and not much traffic, if you've got someone there to watch, they can easily drive along, checking on your progress every few miles or so, if you plan ahead. Out of towners enjoyed great rates ($59) at the 4-star Radisson which sponsored the race, and which often serves millionaires from around the globe who are in Rochester for treatment at the Mayo Clinic. There are shuttles to and from the start/finish, but it's only a 15 minute walk anyway. And there is adequate parking near the start/finish, and a YMCA a block away which offered shower facilities for those driving in for the day. I enjoyed the race as a training run for Grandma's, 4 weeks away. But others may find it a good race to attempt a PR (or Boston qual) because of the flat course, cool weather, and low runner density. One disconcerting feature of this race is the combination of 2- and 4-person relay teams on the same course at the same time. Because marathoners are running with relay runners, there is a lot of pace differential. You think you're keeping an even pace, then suddenly 2 or 4 runners blow past you and you wonder if you're slowing down. Then you guess that those faster runners are fresh relay runners entering at mile 7 or 13 or 20, but you're not sure. For those used to finding other consistent pace runners, this run can be frustrating. The path is convoluted in places as well, and there are two stretches of out-and-back parallel course, which may bother a few runners. Helpful volunteers and a mostly beautiful course make this an excellent regional marathon. | |
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A Runner from Iowa
(7/22/2002)
 "great first marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Very runner friendly marathon, especially for the first timer. I had a couple of nervous, niave questions in the weeks prior that were immediately responded to from the race director. The whole set-up was very convienent and accommodating. The course was flat, the weather cool (maybe a little windy) the scenery was diverse enough to remain interesting. Water was plentiful and support at the conclusion of race was terrific with blankets, food and fluids. The most impressive thing was the volunteers at the water stations. I felt pretty humble but extremely grateful when I came to the stations manned by 10-15 local fire fighters and another with 15 or so army national guardsmen. If you can, make sure this race is on your calendar, even if just a training run for a larger marathon later (I met a few runners doing this). | |
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Ross from Olathe, KS
(5/30/2002)
"Loved it!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I thought this marathon was great. The course is very flat with a nice route through city and country sections on roads and bike trails, with views of rivers and lakes. I was towards the back of the pack and there was always plenty of sports drink and water available. Volunteers and police stationed at all the right places to ensure traffic control and runners staying on course. Got a nice polo finishers shirt and a nice medal. Better crowd support than I anticipated considering the marathon size. A tremendous value for the entry fee. | |
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A Runner from Minneapolis suburb
(4/3/2002)
 "I've run it twice & really enjoyed it" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This organization really tries hard to insure a good run. The course is interesting and consists of everything, city, woods, lakes, & music. It's small (700) so you can park close to the start/finish. The 2001 finisher shirts were embroidered polo shirts. I'm going back! | |
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A Runner from New York, New York
(6/12/2001)
 "my first marathon" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I liked most of the roads that were chosen for the race, but I didn't like the fact that I had to wait for 5 or more minutes for a train to pass. I wanted that waiting time to be taken off from my net time, or it shouldn't be that way. I also didn't like the quarter mile of cross country. I think races should be consistent on the race courses. They should be completely pavement, or cross country. Overall, it was a nice experience finishing this race for the first time. |
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