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Towpath Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Towpath Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.7 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.2 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 201 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 12 13 14 15 16 .. 20 > ]

 

D. F. from Middletown, Ohio (11/2/2007)
"Very Walker-Friendly" (about: 2007)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


I'm a walker. I'm always very concerned that longer races will not be "walker friendly." I was assured by the race organizers that "no one will be left behind." Thank you for making the walkers feel welcome.

One suggestion that I would like to offer: Don't have the half-marathon walkers start an hour early; only the marathon walkers need to start early. The course is open for the marathoners for something like 6 hours and they run the same course at the half. Why do I suggest this? Because when I was dropped off at the half start, my boyfriend (who was running the full) had the most difficult time driving back to the marathon start because the early walkers were taking up one side of the road and the other people coming to the half start were taking up the other side of the road. He did make it by start time, but not as early as he would have liked.

The water stations were numerous and the volunteers were encouraging and friendly. Any turns or turnarounds were well marked. There were numerous facilities and plenty of water at the start.
 

J. E. from Sharpsville, Pa (11/2/2007)
"A great experience in a wonderful place" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was a super opportunity to run in an incredible environment. I was not overrun by the multitudes, but the crowd and fellow runners were all supportive and the experience at the finish line was great including the music! I now understand why friends who live in the area have so much pride in the Towpath.
 

Tom Solomon from Cleveland, Ohio (11/2/2007)
"Great course, great race" (about: 2007)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was an excellent race. The traffic-free route was well marshaled, and the water stations were excellently staffed during the hot, humid conditions. Many thanks. I look forward to next year's event.
 

E. D. from Columbus OH (11/2/2007)
"A nice race!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Take away the record heat, and this was a great race. I was hoping for a PR since the course is flat, but the heat prevented such things. The only good thing about the heat was the beer at the finish really tasted good. I appreciated the well-marked turnarounds, and the different starts so that the marathoners and half-marathoners didn't have to squeeze together at the start. Also, on the second part, you did see the half-marathoners, which was a boost. The scenery was nice. I will consider doing this one again.
 

Brad Wojno from Akron, Ohio (11/2/2007)
"The COURSE (Towpath) is the reason to run this one" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


I love the towpath and the giving, soft surface provided by the packed limestone gravel path. Not sure if it would have been the same had it been wet. Organization seems to be going through some growing pains, but I imagine the problems in this year's race will be fixed in the next.
 

J. H. from Akron, OH (11/2/2007)
"A runner's course!" (about: 2007)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


For those out there who like to run just to run... who like the trees, the birds, the sound of your feet on the ground... THIS is the race for you! No rock bands, no over-the-top hoopla, no "Bud Girls," etc. Just a very nice, friendly, happy way to run a marathon. My wife and I will definitely be back next year!

THANK YOU!
 

V. K. from cleveland, ohio (11/2/2007)
"beautiful fall run!" (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The course is gorgeous; unparalleled in terms of beauty. The leaves are changing, the route is scenic, etc.

Nice surface if you have injuries - i.e., crushed limestone.

Not a lot of crowd support due to the size of the race being smaller than larger-scale marathons, and due to the trail route not allowing for a lot of crowd support. I found the people who ran it though to step up and be more supportive of each other; more so than I experienced in the Cleveland marathon where there is more crowd support.

Water and Gu stations were totally reliable.

The Arby's sandwiches at the end are kind of gross. Different food that is more sensitive to vegetarians would be helpful. Also, the hot tub thing is really gross.

The shirt is cool....

Great experience!
 

B. V. from Clawson, Michigan (10/31/2007)
"Will be back next year" (about: 2007)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Loved that I chose this marathon for my fall season.
Things that were great:

Flat, scenic PR course:
Great support from volunteers and spectators, small field, and a good, small-town atmosphere. When I had to leave early I was given my award with no questions.

Things that could be better:
No more Arby's at the end. I ate it, but it was because I had no other choices. Also: Small medal. I know that it was for trail preservation, but it could have been a little bigger.

Overall I loved it and next year I am coming back to try and win.
 

v. r. from ohio (10/29/2007)
"A Must-Do Marathon!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Towpath Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Getting away from the hustle and bustle of road marathons is always a great experience, and if you are looking for the greatest race to fulfill that need/want, then you must look no further! Not too many spectators along the way, but the natural beauty of the national park is all you will need!
 

Jim Daigneau from Calgary, AB, Canada (10/17/2007)
"Scenic, friendly, enjoyable and well-organized!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my 11th marathon and first one in mid-80's F, sunny & HUMID weather...was a bit apprehensive about that, however, shouldn't have been! Organizers were well prepared, provided a scenic, flat (and shady :-)) marathon course with lots of support throughout including a post-race beer garden. Can't say enough good things about the friendly vibe to this race and desire to provide a quality race experience for all participants. Enjoyed the flat and scenic course and visit to NE Ohio. Area is close enough to Cleveland/ Akron/ Canton areas to tie in visits to both NFL & Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fames and still maintain your taper. GREAT job all and wishing you ongoing success with this event in future. Ran Toronto Waterfront Marathon the weekend prior and enjoyed this one even more!
 

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