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May 7, 2024

Adirondack Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.8

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.4

Number of comments: 160 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 5 6 7 8 9 .. 16 > ]

M. S. from New York (10/7/2010) "It keeps on getting better!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Adirondack Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the third year that I ran the half-marathon, and each year the race gets better! The course was changed this year to go through the Word of Life campground. The scenery was fantastic and the students who came out to cheer were fabulous!
Ryan Olschefskie from Connecticut (9/28/2010) "My first marathon and the course was beautiful" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Adirondack Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course was beautiful and challenging, but fair. The volunteers did a great job before, during and after the race and plenty of food/drink was available afterwards. Massages were also available, which was great. I would recommend this course to anyone who truly appreciates their surroundings when they run and gains gratification from completing a challenging course.
L. S. from Saratoga Springs, NY (9/28/2010) "Half-Marathon: Not as difficult as I expected!" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Adirondack Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first half-marathon and the ADK Half is an EXCELLENT choice. The hills from miles 7-8 weren't as bad as I thought they'd be... just train a little and they're fine. Going around the lake (miles 1-4) even felt slightly downhill - a great way to start off the 13.1! The spectators were terrific, a few giving me tissues out of their pockets when I desperately needed them. I got there early, parked feet away from the finish line, and hardly waited in any lines for anything. The number of trooper patrols amazed me; there must have been 40 police officials in total!
M. D. from Northeast Kingdom, VT (9/26/2010) "Challenging; well organized; enthusiastic support" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Adirondack Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a lovely way to spend a weekend. The whole event is impeccably organized I'm really impressed with how logistically with-it these people are. From the catered dinner the night before to the post-race massages, these folks run a first-rate event, especially in light of its small size. The course is fun... in a split-personality kind of way. The first half is ridiculously pretty, and also hillier than probably most people would wish for. The second half is much flatter, with long, mellow, rolling grades, but also less shade and fewer new things to see on a moment-by-moment basis. The crowd support is great. There are places where it's kind of thin - rural areas specifically - but where the people are, they are seriously encouraging. The volunteer turnout is amazing. I had a great time.
J. M. from Saratoga, NY (9/24/2009) "INCREDIBLE" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half-marathon and loved every minute. I ran Disney in March and I liked this one 10 times better: Beautiful views, wonderful volunteers and spectators. I can't wait to do it again in 2010. Maybe the full this time!!
Just a runner from the nyc area (9/24/2009) "The. Friendliest. Marathon. Ever." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Adirondack Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am so glad that I decided to drive up six hours the night before to do this. The pasta dinner was delicious. My dog was waiting for me in the car and they were kind enough to move me up in the line at the restaurant so that I wouldn't keep him waiting for too long. I really appreciated that gesture, and the fact that that no one in line behind me objected. In fact, they all agreed the dog should not have to wait! The packet pickup on race morning was a breeze. My only suggestion is that if you must pick on race morning, you should arrive as early as possible. I got there by 7:30 and it was fine but just a few minutes later it became a bit crowded and the lines to the restrooms were long. This race is beautifully organized, and they have the best, most knowledgeable volunteers. For example, there is an abundance of water stations, and one at each mile after mile 20. Increasing the number of stations just when we need them the most is a brilliant idea. Also, I believe that each of the water stations offered Gatorade, and several offered fig newtons and other snacks. Again, a very thoughtful touch. Another big plus: there were several porta-johns along the course, which was surprising (for such a small marathon) and much appreciated! The food and festivities provided at the finish were great. And the view of Schroon Lake was magnificent! I don't know why more people don't do this race; it was an experience that I will always remember. The kindness of the volunteers was the best part. P.s. I should also mention that this was probably the most physically challenging race I have done. I don't live (or train) in a hilly area, so be prepared. Still, I would do this marathon again in a heartbeat.
p. n. from costa mesa, CA (9/23/2009) "This IS a beautiful marathon!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Adirondack Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 23rd marathon, but first Adirondack, and it truly is one of the most beautiful. Between the fall colors and sparkling lake, you can't ask for much more! This made my list of beautiful marathons along with Ottawa, Cape Cod, Catalina Island, Vermont City-Burlington and Assisi, Italy. Spectators were very light (one star), but those present were mostly wonderful volunteers (five stars, thus the three-star rating for fans). If I still lived in NYC, I'd consider coming back yearly; but now I'm in SoCal, and we have beautiful marathons along the beach. Plus, this city girl likes the big, diverse party that you have with NYC (ran 5 times) or LA (did 8 times). There's nothing like a big-city marathon that you can do a prayer run through! One suggestion: I wouldn't start the half-marathon until the top finishers of the marathon have passed through their halfway mark. I felt bad for the top marathon finishers who got lost in the crowd of slower half-marathoners. They should have been acknowledged appropriately for doing double what the halfers did. Or, start everyone together, so if a marathoner doesn't think he/she can do the whole thing, he can stop at half and still get a medal. A big hit was the pre-race pasta dinner at Word of Life for only $12.50!! Absolutely great pasta and desserts... and I'm a foodie! Also, wonderful people serving the drinks. Cool wind jackets; a nice change from t-shirts or even tech shirts. Thank you, and God bless you!
J. C. from schenectady ny (9/22/2009) "A Race That Lives Up To The Hype!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Adirondack Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I waited too long to get into the half-marathon this year. Last year I did the half and loved it. I thought that I would do the full marathon as a training run for fun. I was told that the first half had a few hills, but I thought it goes around the lake so it can't be too bad. It was like a roller coaster! The scenery was beautiful and the course was shaded for the first half. During the second half, the sun is at your back and not in your face. Like everyone else will tell you, the volunteers are tremendous - true Adirondack hospitality. The show is worth it. Check it out.
Wayne Brownell from Jericho, Vt. (9/21/2009) "Spectacular in all respects." (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Adirondack Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Needless to say, Schroon Lake is my favorite place on the earth. I have run the half here three times up till now. The organization and effort that everyone in this community puts forth is so evident throughout the race; it is so unbelievable. From all of the volunteers who staff the water stations and the finish area, to the state police who keep us safe from the traffic, to the community (which allows this to happen this one special day and comes out to cheer us on), to the many rescue personnel along the route who provide for those who may need it, all I can say is A GREAT BIG THANK YOU. I would recommend this race to anyone who wants to experience camaraderie on the course and come away with a sense of accomplishment. Along that line, I would also like to thank all those who I had the opportunity to chat with during the run and after. I hope you all have fun and success in your future endeavors. It was a pleasure to meet you all. As for the course, prepare for hills. I would recommend this race as a tune-up for anyone looking to qualify for Boston. Do it as a long run; slow down and take in all the beauty and friendliness of this great community. Again, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MAKE THIS EVENT SO SPECIAL. I promise you, if you run this race, you will never forget it and might even fall in love with it enough to return and run it again and perhaps enjoy it even more.
Michele Schmidt from Chittenango, NY (9/21/2009) "First Half-Marathon" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first half-marathon EVER!!! What a beautiful course and what friendly volunteers (love them). It was very exciting, especially when we heard the drums coming around the corner - VERY COOL!!!! I can't wait to go back next year and do it again!!! You should all give yourselves a pat on the back because you did a great job!!!

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