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Apr 28, 2024

Humboldt Redwoods Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Humboldt Redwoods Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 4.4

Spectators 2.6

Number of comments: 31 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

L. T. from Eureka, CA (7/21/2009) "Run in Nature" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon in 2007; I had run the half in 2006 as my first half. I love this run - I love the course, the weather, the volunteers, everything. It's not FLAT, but it's not hard either. It's not a big-city race, so there will not be a lot of cheering. It is well organized and the views are beautiful. I will run it again!
G. T. from Florence, Oregon (5/2/2009) "Amazing! Great memories for a first-timer!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 As a Northwest hiker and runner, I chose the Redwoods Marathon course, as I figured this would be the ultimate combination. I wasn't disappointed and absolutely LOVED the course, except for the lumpy, bumpy road of the second half. The Giants even offered the optical illusion of going slightly downhill instead of the slow uphill around MP 18-20. I am a solo runner, so the lack of crowds and abundance of nature was perfection. Having this as my first marathoning experience gave me the desire to do another, yet I doubt any other marathon will compare to the memories I hold of this one.
V. B. from Cincinnati, OH (12/3/2007) "Rough Race..." (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is a not a flat course; the second half is up and down, in and out, and it is in my opinion a tough course. It is a very beautiful course - the redwoods are spectacular. The course is different because it is up and back you can see who is in front of you and who is behind you. A little better detail about the second half would have helped me in training for the hills and badly paved road. The volunteers are very nice and helpful early on. I wouldn't know how they are at the end since I didn't see any of them. Nobody to cheer you on; if this is something you are looking for, bring your own cheering section and then some. The shirt is cool and so is the medal.
Eddie Hahn from Rancho Cucamonga, CA (11/11/2007) "Mid-Size Destination Marathon" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The marathon definitely has a home-town feel. The packet pick up, hosted by the Six Rivers Running Club, was conveniently located next to a Redwoods National Park visitor center. The packet included the race number and pins. A map of the race and start location was available for viewing. The home-style $7 spaghetti feed proceeds benefited the volunteer fire department at which the dinner was held, and provided generous portions. The race amongst the trees held up to its billing - I spent more time looking at the trees to my left and right than I did monitoring the paved road we ran on. (The first half was closed to traffic the second half had controlled traffic.) The Boy Scout troops and their den managers did a great job of organizing the aid station stops. The second half of the course runs through about 5 or 6 miles of open terrain, with fewer or no sequoia trees. Although a bit of a surprise, it didn't detract from the overall beauty of this amazing course. At the finish line an announcer called off finishers' names. Orange slices and electrolyte drink were the post-race fare. This is where we were awarded our long-sleeve, brown, bird logo-ed finisher's shirt. Incidentally, shirts were handed out race day, and if one didn't finish, I was told the shirt would be awarded regardless. The shirt represented the three races held - 1/2 marathon, 10 KM and marathon. The finisher's medal has an eagle on it. The designs of both the shirt and the medal are nature-oriented and original, although I kind of expected something with a giant sequoia tree on it.
D. P. from Minnesota (11/4/2007) "Great scenery, but challenging course" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Running among the redwoods is the highlight of this marathon. The organization was great - no frills, but everything necessary for the average runner. The second half was challenging with a hill climb for about four miles to the turnaround at 19.5. The cool temperatures and constant shade from the redwoods were definitely a plus. I combined the marathon with a vacation and am glad I did. It was generally the off-season, so crowds were at a minimum and the weather was perfect for running.
S. H. from Orange County, CA (10/29/2007) "Not a Big-City Marathon" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I guess it was OK if you like trees.... Amazing course; running through a redwood rain forest was fantastic. Not too easy, but not that tough either. Just don't go out fast thinking it will be like a flat run on smooth pavement. The rough road and elevation changes on the second out-and-back will make you wish you had started a little more conservatively. Highly recommended. Great small-town organization and support. Would like to come back again.
A. W. from Santa Fe, New Mexico (10/26/2007) "The most amazingly beautiful marathon" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon. I ran it at a nice slow pace and finished 4:01.30. I enjoyed being out there with the giants and they were inspiring. I am going to try and return in May. I loved it.
P. B. from California (10/24/2007) "Recommended!" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a well organized race in a beautiful setting. Very few 'hills', if you can call them that - the first half is very flat - although as another poster mentioned the second half has a rough road with potholes etc. The first half marathon goes out and back 6.5 miles along the Avenue of the Giants, then the second half goes out and back for another 6.5 miles (down a different road). Not a lot is laid on for the runners post race - just some oranges, bananas, Clif bars and water - but I didn't expect much from this small, rural marathon. It may have been that there was a lot more for the 5k and half marathon runners that finished earlier. The few supporters and volunteers were very enthusiastic and encouraging. The long sleeve shirts were good, though they had run out of my size by the time I finished (under 4 hrs....I think the 5k racers must have snagged them all!). If you don't need all the additional stuff that accompanies the larger marathons, and are happy to run a small, simple secluded race then I highly recommend this marathon...just bring your own fuel for afterwards.
H. V. from Southern California (11/18/2006) "Stunningly Beautiful" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 If you have the opportunity to run this marathon, you must add it to your schedule. The course is stunningly beautiful (the 1st half in particular). Running amongst the redwoods is so amazing that you have to remind yourself to watch the road and not just gaze at the trees! Not only is the first half incredibly beautiful, but it also feels like you are running on a slight decline both ways on that out-and-back part of the course. The second half is not quite as beautiful, the road on that portion is not as well maintained (potholes, rough surface, etc.), and the aid stations are a little scarce. The race organizers are the friendliest and most accommodating I have ever interacted with. Although I only had to travel from Southern California to run this marathon, it would have been clearly worth traveling across the country for. You need to give this marathon serious consideration!
A. S. from Belmont, CA (10/25/2006) "Beautiful course, perfect weather!" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Humboldt Redwoods Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon, and I picked it because I knew I would love running in the beautiful redwoods. And I definitely did! I had read that the course was relatively flat, which I must say I COMPLETELY disagree. However, the hills were not too bad, just rolling for much of the race. If you are looking for spectators for support, this is not the race for you. I am sure all runners this year were happy to have my mom and dad cheering everyone on at miles 11 and 15. Any other spectators were found at the start/finish/13.1 mile point. The Boy Scouts were great and all runners were really supportive. Even without spectators, the trees must have inspired me because I was really pleased with my time! One more thing...the weather in Humboldt is so moderate, which really helps with your time. It was cool for the entire race, but not too cold. I would definitely do the race again!

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