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☰
Towpath Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Towpath Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 201 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
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T. T. from New York, NY
(10/27/2009)
 "Beautiful and quiet race" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course is beautiful and flat. The expo is a bit lame, but it has the general stuff you'd expect (free samples, cheap GU, and local shops). The race has tons of fluid stations, and someone even had a big tub of Vaseline and was giving it out (on a stick). I agree with others that the finish is short, but the post-race food (bagels, fruit, drink) was plentiful and easy to get. I've had better, but this is a pretty inexpensive race so they have to cut somewhere! My own complaint, and kind of a silly one, is that the medals aren't really fancy at all. I ran Akron last year and just got a kick out of that medal. This one is a bit on the simple/bland side. This is a great race for someone who trains alone/runs alone, and can just go out and run. I live in NYC, so it is hard to run "alone," but I train alone and found this course gave me a similar feel. I did use headphones just to have a little sound, but that was not necessary. People are friendly and talkative. The race organizer is great too! I emailed with several questions and I always received a prompt and complete response. | |
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H. B. from Denver, Colorado
(10/27/2009)
 "Great race for beginners and veterans alike" (about: 2009)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Flat, beautiful, gentle course. The volunteers and organizers were wonderful. Plenty of support! Gorgeous time of year with the leaves changing. This is a superb choice for those runners looking for a smaller race. Not a lot of spectators on the entire length of the course, but more than enough aid stations and plenty of volunteers. I highly recommend it. | |
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D. Z. from Alabama
(10/25/2009)
"Pretty course - interesting history" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 If you're looking for a small race that is pretty, this one's for you. Flat, fast course - not many spectators because of the course, but plenty of aid stations and good surface. I drove over nine hours to run this race and would do it again. I got burned out at the big races; there are just too many people. The smaller ones are just more fun, but you don't have big expos or crowds. | |
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T. F. from Davenport, Iowa
(10/25/2009)
 "A very scenic, flat course without pace runners." (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was one of the flattest marathons I have ever run. The autumn colors of the trees were beautiful. At times when people were running in both directions on part of the course, it was a little crowded. I was able to run a Boston qualifier, even though there weren't pace runners. If you are looking for a PR or a Boston qualifier, and can do it without pace runners, this marathon deserves your serious consideration. | |
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J. G. from United States
(10/15/2009)
"It's your own personal hell, but it's beautiful." (about: 2009)
50+ previous marathons
| 2 Towpath Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was the prettiest race I have ever run... through the woods, but on wide, packed trails/roads. Very few spectators; you can run your own race at your own pace. My thanks to the organizers and the volunteers; all are friendly and helpful. Do this one at least once; you will be pleased. | |
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Jerry Tietz from Chicago suburbs
(10/13/2009)
"Ouststanding course - well run and friendly" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is an absolutely beautiful course. The towpath is great on the legs. It is very well run. Everyone I met was friendly and helpful. Numerous trail heads and parking lots allowed fans to travel to see their runners. The host hotel was very accommodating for the runners; they opened breakfast early and gave everyone a late checkout. | |
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D. S. from Columbus, Ohio
(10/13/2009)
 "Should be on everyone's to-do list" (about: 2009)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great race and experience. I will be back each year and expect this marathon to go on a long time. Very well organized with enthusiastic support. Just an amazing course to run - so beautiful. Almost makes me want to live in the area. | |
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A. K. from Morgantown, WV
(10/12/2009)
"Cool path, if that's your thing" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I really enjoyed this marathon. However, if you're someone who needs lots of spectators, doesn't like trees, or loves cement, then this probably isn't the race for you.... | |
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J. N. from Michigan
(10/12/2009)
"Beautiful course; organization needs work." (about: 2009)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran the 10K, and my husband ran the half. I'll second the porta-potty comment, as I was one of those standing in line when the gun went off. My gun time was a full 18 minutes slower than my actual chip time. While running to catch up, I turned right when I was supposed to turn left, running past a race volunteer and a police cruiser (with an officer behind the wheel) who let me and my very obvious race bib make the wrong turn. You can make the argument that I should have been responsible for knowing the course, and I agree on one level. But I sure wish the volunteer and cop that I ran past had yelled, "Hey, you're going the wrong way!" That would have saved me a lot of time. Also, after running a mile off-course and starting 18 minutes later than the gun, I discovered that all of the aid stations along the road had packed up and gone. In essence, my race was unsupported. I saw a volunteer in a white van, picking up cones, who was very kind and reassured me that I was, indeed, on the right track. If it had not been for him, I would not have known. Thank goodness I had brought my own hydration. That said, the day was still enjoyable. The course is scenic, flat and fast. The host town should be named Cute As A Button, OH. Believe it or not, I will return... but I will be sure to have a course map AND some toilet paper. | |
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H. F. from IL
(10/12/2009)
"fabulous marathon" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Towpath Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Thank you to the organizers, park rangers, police, and volunteers for a wonderful marathon. It was well organized, with plenty of water, HEED, Gatorade, and food (except for gel at mile 24). The hot tub at the finish was great for recovery. Be sure not to have any valuables in drop-bag because they are left in an unattended area at the finish and you just go pick it up from the ground. I highly recommend this race, staying at the Richfield Super 8 (great value, and friendly staff) and dining at the Richfield Family Restaurant two doors down (which had the best burger and fries ever, as well as breakfast all day). |
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