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May 17, 2024

Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.5

Organization 4.8

Spectators 4.0

Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 11 to 17]

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K. B. from Hastings, MI USA (9/30/2014) "High energy, low pressure marathon" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I signed up for this marathon last minute. My plan was to do it for 'fun' and as a 'training' run for the Grand Rapids Marathon. The day was perfect other than a brief mix-up with my GPS taking me to the wrong place for the start(I could not come night before to scope everything out unfortunately). The darkness & slight drizzle didn't help but with the collaboration of a few other runners in the same situation we made it to the start line just in time. The event volunteers checked us in quickly and efficiently. In no time we were headed to the start line. I was going to go out conservatively and just enjoy the miles with some fellow runners. The course consisted of repeating loops and I wasn't sure how I would feel about repeating them over the miles but I LOVED IT!! It was great seeing the same spectators, the aid stations were perfectly placed and the slightly rolling, beautiful course was so enjoyable it made it easy to get into a comfortable running rhythm. In fact knowing exactly where these things were on the course allowed me to gain confidence with each successive loop. A nice unexpected surprise was the addition of a friend who was brought to me by a race coordinator and he was allowed to run with me for encouragement for loops 4 & 6. That gave this race a small-town feel but with the organization of a well run big race. The post-race beer, shirt & surprise gift of Don's book just added to the excitement of completing my first BQ! I truly believe this marathon shouldn't be a last minute effort to get to Boston but rather a must-do marathon on your race list!
R. M. from Michigan (9/29/2014) "Awesome volunteers and excellent organization" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a small race but it was clear that a veteran race director was behind it. Organization was top notch from the pre-race emails to the packet pick-up to race day and the after party. Everybody there was on a mission to run a Boston Qualifying time and it was clear. Some were concerned about the fact that it is a looped course but I found this to be perfect for hitting a specific time. You knew what to expect in the course, you know where the aid stations were, and it allowed you to bring your own water bottle. This is a fantastic race if you are looking to BQ.
S. S. from Howell, MI (9/28/2014) "Qualified!!" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Very organized. Someone even gave me tips as I ran! Amazing support. Grade A. Last year, ran the Canton Marathon in Ohio for the last chance qualification. Would run this race again and would recommend. Only thing I missed in this marathon was pacers. Luckily, I meet two ladies in the 40-44 age bracket that motivated me along! Course brought back memories from the Ground hog day marathon...
Ken Gaida from Sterling Heights, MI (9/27/2014) "Don should rename it 'BEST Chance' BQ.2" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want to have the BEST chance at a BQ, you have to run this race. I cannot thank Don and his GREAT team enough, who set up a perfect 4 mi loop within the VERY nice Millenium Park in Grand Rapids. It allowed my 'team' to really work together, blow away our BQ goals and set huge PR's. I also want to thank the Fulton St. Pub and Grill for the great Spagetti dinner at packet pickup and awesome selection of brewery beers to order while I waited to sign up for Boston after the race.
Eric Strand from St. Louis (9/27/2014) "Perfect BQ Course and Race" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Expected a boring hamsterfest due to the 4.1 mile loop course but it really turned out to be as close to perfect as you can come if your goal is to qualify for Boston. The loop has one gentle roller which provides your legs with a little bit of variety and the course itself is really beautiful. One fun thing about this race is that just about everyone ends up running with a small pod of other runners shooting for a similar BQ goal times. I ran with a couple others shooting for 3:30 and we really helped keep each other focused and motivated. The finish is awesome because you have so many runners who have given every ounce to reach their goals...bodies litter the finish area and people are either really ecstatic or really bummed. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. I entered at the last minute after noting that the date of the race offered the possibility of qualifying for both 2015 and 2016. Since I enter a new age group in 2016, I actually had two different BQ goals to shoot for...a 3:30 for 2015 and 3:40 for 2016. Ran a 3:31:38 which was probably about 10 mins faster than I deserved due to my fitness level coming off of the Leadville 100 sufferfest 4 weeks before. The course, the support and the perfect weather get the credit for the extra 10 mins and a 2016 BQ. AND GREAT LOCAL CRAFT BEER AT THE FINISH TO HELP CELEBRATE AND/OR COMMISERATE! Grand Rapids boasts of being the beer capital of the U.S. and I am now a believer.
E. D. from Hudsonville, MI (9/26/2014) "Great FIRST Marathon" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 My Dad thought it would be great to do a marathon this year since he turned 60 and although I am a busy Mom of four I have always wanted to do a marathon so thought this was the perfect opportunity. Being that it was my first marathon I did not expect to qualify for the Boston however the course seemed very pleasant and flat (perfect for a first timer) :) I found the loops comforting as I knew exactly what to expect and the course was beautiful! Everyone was super friendly and it was very well organized. I might have been one of the slowest out there but still felt like a champ when I crossed the finish line. Couldn't have asked for a better first marathon experience!
K. M. from Boston, MA (9/19/2014) "Wonderful opportunity to Boston Qualify" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was by far the smallest marathon/race I have ever been a part of, but it was also one of the best. From registration to finish and post-race party, Don Kern and his staff were more than prepared, something you can not take lightly. The pre-race pickup was well organized at a central spot. Then, the morning of worked very smoothly, with an easy start and great location. While the race is loops, these are some of the prettiest loops you will ever run. These loops helped keep you in check throughout your marathon, and kept you encouraged as you knocked off the miles. The two water stops were in great locations, with every possibility for hydration and GU, and they even offered the possibility of bringing your own bottles. If I'm ever looking to BQ in the fall again, you can bet I'll be back!

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