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Adirondack Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Adirondack Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.8 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.4
Number of comments: 160 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
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D. J. from Brooklyn, NY
(9/27/2005)
 "Superb in every way" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I cannot recommend this race enough - you should run it. It is in easy weekend driving distance from the whole Northeast. It is great for many reasons and types of runners - runners who want a challenging and varied course rather than a contrived 'fast-flat' course, people who want a gorgeous run in magnificent surroundings, and any mid-packer who doesn't want to feel swallowed up anonymously in a big event yet who wants quality support and organization - in fact this race was the best I've experienced in those categories. I PR'ed here (3:45) after having run 3 NYCs, Twin Cities and Mystic Places (CT). So while it's hilly, I wouldn't be scared off - I would just train for it. The race-day key was to run cautiously through mile 12 or 13, to speed up a little for the next 8, which are pretty flat along the beautiful lakeshore, and then to just hang in there coming back up the last 6 or 7 with their long gradual inclines. Those were hardest for me, but perseverence got me through. (Drive the course to preview the hills. I think 4-6, 10 and 11 were the toughest climbs but even the topo map, while accurate, can't match a preview.) Prior posts if anything understate what a great weekend this is. I felt like royalty the whole time - volunteers from packet pick-up remembered me and chatted at other times during the weekend, the pasta dinner is very, very nice; the small expo is efficient and all you would need or want; and they even threw in a free dinner Sunday at 4. And the race director asked me afterwards how they could make it even better; I couldn't think of a thing. From a pure running standpoint, everything is superbly thought-out and supported. There's water and sports drink every two miles (and each mile after 20) with volunteers telling you which is which. The race is small enough so you can hit your pace essentially right away, and you'll have no delays at the water stations unless you choose to walk a bit. Miles and 5K intervals are clearly and accurately posted, and there's extraordinary support from legions of voluteers plus locals who come out to watch. They close the roads and have more law enforcement and EMT support than probably even exists in the local county. Then you finish and there are medals, space blankets, and a humongous and varied feast (fruit including cantaloupe and grapes as well as bananas, homemade brownies and cookies, tons of yogurt, bagels with cream cheese, coffee/cocoa/tea/water - you name it). At the same time it's so small (206 official finishers listed on website 2 days after race) that it's really a tranquil, idyllic run along stunning forest-lined small blacktop roads, then along lakeshore with views of mountains all along. There are plenty of spectator-free stretches but they're not too long; soon you always come upon some nice, caring, enthusiastic folks even out in the more remote parts. Re: training for the hills - I just ran hill repeats at least once weekly during my build-up, basically seven times up a one-third mile hill at a tough pace. I got in one 18-miler and three 20- to 21-milers, one of which was quite hilly. I maxed out at around 42 miles per week. That proved sufficient. | |
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J. H. from Lee Center, NY
(9/27/2005)
"AWESOME" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run the half for the past three years and had such a terrific time. This year I did the whole thing and the first half is tougher but it is the best, scenic 13 miles. I absolutely loved it. The people are just great; they make you feel so welcome. I look forward to next year. | |
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D. D. from New York, New York
(9/27/2005)
"This is the one to run!" (about: 2005)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. The course is set in the Adirondack Mountains and goes around the perimeter of Schroon Lake. Amazing views of the lake with the fall colors of the mountains for the backdrop. Along the way volunteers actually yelled your names to personally cheer us on! Small-town marathon with first-class organization and support. | |
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F. M. from Syracuse, NY
(9/27/2005)
 "Be prepared!" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The first half of the marathon is a truly humbling experience, not to be attempted at full marathon pace, unless you want to crash and burn half way through. Before running, I strongly advise adding some serious hill repeats to your training. Apart from the many hills (one of which could have used a Sherpa guide), it was a very relaxing run around a beautiful mountain lake, with easy access, ample course volunteers, and good crowd support. If the sun is out, you may even wish to swim in the lake afterwards. | |
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T. M. from Edinbora, PA
(9/26/2005)
"Challenging course" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is a hidden jewel amongst marathons! Organization is excellent. Pre-race dinner is exceptional. Course is challenging, beautiful and scenic. Train on hills - very hilly 1st half. | |
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R. H. from Vermont
(9/26/2005)
 "Already looking forward to next year...." (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first try at a half marathon after 5 fulls in very very very big cities and thousands of runners. This was by far the best of them for so many reasons. The 'vibe' this whole event put out was the best. I am a proud back-of-the-packer, and you would have thought I was in a tight race for the overall win the way the people were cheering. Quaint, wonderful, friendly town with people that remember your name and 'appreciate your business'. I stayed through the entire awards ceremony even though I wasnt about to hear my name...because I didnt want the weekend to end. Congrats to everyone is Schroon Lake, and see you next year for sure! | |
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m. m. from Castleton
(9/26/2005)
"The organization was outstanding!" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I stashed my gatorade along miles 6 and 10 of the half-marathon. I could not believe my great good fortune...they already had gatorade at every mile marker!! Bathrooms were never an issue. The race organizers thought of everything! I only wish they would open up the half-marathon to more people. I personally know of 5 who were shut out! Great half-marathon for me with some delicious food at Flanigan's afterwards. | |
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P. E. from NY
(9/25/2005)
"The scenery, the people, the cookies!!!!!" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Adirondack Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the best race! I ran it for the first time last year. This year (today) there was perfect weather. The homemade chocolate chip cookies at the end - great touch! I went with my best friend of 33 years!! She ran the full - I the half. We both agree - the people there are the best! It might as well be family yelling for us - they make you feel so welcome!!! A very personal race that is so relaxing!!!! Love it!!! | |
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A. R. from Morris, New York
(8/7/2005)
"Challenging course and awesome scenery!" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Adirondack Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run many, many marathons throughout our country and even two in Japan. The Adirondack Marathon is one of the best! The volunteers are real people and they are concerned about all of the runners. Schroon Lake is such a quaint little town and we always have our family reunions in Riparius. The Adirondack Marathon is a personal favorite. Make sure to train on HILLS before attempting this one!!! | |
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J. W. from Syracuse, NY
(11/16/2004)
"Best and most scenic marathon in the US!" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a spectacular course! Everything about this race is great: nice small expo, a wonderful pre-race dinner, friendly people, and the course goes up and down through very scenic woods and has gorgeous lakeside views of Schroon Lake. The hills during miles 4-12 are challenging, but beautiful and shaded. Miles 12-20 are flat, giving your legs a chance to recover for the rolling hills on Rt. 9 to the finish. In many ways, I found the course easier than Boston: you hit the hills early when your legs are fresh while Boston's are 16-21. It is possible to run a PR on this course if you train properly. This was my fourth marathon and I beat my best time by almost 3 minutes, and Boston time by 13 minutes. To quote a recent newsletter article I wrote about this marathon: "I like the trend of marathons starting to spring up in beautiful destinations: Mount Desert Island, Maine and Big Sur, California to name a few. The courses aren't flat, but the scenery makes it all worth it. These races (and this race!) are why many of us run (the challenge, the exhilaration, the sense of accomplishment) and are presented in the best possible running tradition - unsurpassed beauty in a challenging and unbelievable gorgeous course." I encourage you to try one of these races, you'll be glad you did. |
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