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May 21, 2024

San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas Runner Comments

Back to San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas Information & Reviews

Course 3.3

Organization 3.5

Spectators 2.6

Number of comments: 122 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 13 > ]

G. B. from San Antonio, Texas (11/13/2007) "Underwhelming for San Antonio" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The "expo" in a hallway was my first clue that it was going to be a long weekend. The weather forecast was the second. It is unfortunate that a city like San Antonio couldn't have produced a better marathon. The course left a lot to be desired. It immediately departing the downtown area and eliminated both spectators and vantage points. Unfortunately the runners were left with miles and miles of nothing except heat and humidity. The bright spot of the weekend were the numerous fluid stations. There may actually have been more volunteers along the course than spectators. Good job to those in the orange shirts! I'm really hoping that the 2008 Rock N Roll crowd will elevate this event to meet this city's full potential.
D. P. from Houston, Tx (11/13/2007) "Great organization; great sights!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americass COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This marathon was true pleasure to run. A personal favorite course, you run through downtown San Antonio, King Williams historical district, past all the missions, and then along the San Antonio River to arrive at the floor of the Alamodome. A great thrill. It was a warm day, and hats off to the race: water stops were well stocked with water, Gatorade, and gels, and the farthest point between them couldn't have been more than a mile. The course is very peaceful, as it is a small race very little crowd support, but I love the tranquility that comes with this course. Race premiums were nice - a tech shirt and medal. I will be sad to see this race go, as this was its 2nd and last running. In 2008 the Rock n Roll Marathon series comes to San Antonio to replace this current marathon. The bar has been raised significantly from the days of the nested loops; I just hope the RNR can keep the spirit of the race, and for those who love spectators, the RNR should bring plenty!
c. b. from alice, tx (11/13/2007) "If only it had been cooler" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I had heard how improved the course was and wanted to experience it before the race grew in size. That is especially true now that Rock and Roll is on board. I ran with a spirited 3:40 group through 16, and then took off on my own to try for my 3:35 BQ. I really noticed the heat from there on and hit the wall at 22. The 3:40 pacer finished on time, by himself. Very few negative splits in this race. I loved the course, but worry about congestion as the race grows. I thought the most enjoyable portions were after the half-marathoners turned around at 9 miles. The aid stations were often and well manned and the finish in the Alamodome was great. Plenty of food and drinks were available at the finish area and the big screen allowed us to see our friends coming in so we could cheer them at the finish. I felt this was a well run race that offers an excellent chance to BQ. It is a shame the weather came off so warm. My main concern is the course's ability to handle 2-3 times the number of runners in the future.
R. R. from Rio Grande Valley (11/12/2007) "My first marathon" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 For my first marathon, it was quite the experience. It was lonely after the 1/2 marathoners turned back, and there was too much of the park. Thanks to Team in Training for their support team throughout the race.
I. M. from San Antonio, Texas (11/12/2007) "Plenty of fluid and aid on a hot day. Nice job." (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americass COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 While the packet pick-up was a bit chaotic, we could not have asked for better support on a hot fall day. With high humidity and temperatures that reached the mid 80's, fluids and aid stations were vital. It seemed like there was one every mile or so and you could always tell the water from the Gatorade. Course was relatively flat and had some very scenic parts. All in all, very well done, though it was more enjoyable last year when it was cooler.
Glenn Ray from Cypress, TX, USA (11/12/2007) "Better Organization, but Hotter Weather!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americass COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my second San Antonio Marathon and it was noticeably improved over last year. Unfortunately, it was unseasonably warm (66F at the start, 81F by noon) and conditions were more difficult for runners. First, the criticisms: 1) Chip timing: The organizers changed from ChampionChip to IPICO, but didn't notify registrants like myself who registered early and entered a ChampionChip number (I own a ChampionChip). This made for some confusion race day morning. Fortunately, I was able to get my new chip about 20 minutes before the race. 2) Mile Markers: I missed several mile markers on the course, probably because they were less than 4 feet tall and too close to some of the fluid stations. 3) Mile Marker Distances: I loaded the course on my Garmin 205 in advance and ran tangents religiously, yet found that most mile points were more than 1-2% long (all manually lapped). Points in the downtown area are predictably erratic, but the remainder of the course should have had no issues. Now the good points: 1) Excellent fluid station support: The race organizers really stepped up to the challenge of the heat by ensuring that the stations were well-stocked with water and Gatorade. GU was available at nearly all the latter stations as well. I had no issues hydrating during this race, even in the heat. 2) Better spectator turnout: The weather certainly brought out the spectators this year and they were definitely more supportive than last year. 3) Much-improved finish: Last year, the finish line was too far into the Alamodome, making the area past it very congested. This year, the finish was shifted by about 100 feet, making the post-race flow much better. Chip removal was quick and getting food/massages/photos/shirts was much better! 4) Excellent medal and technical running shirt! The participant shirt is also very nice. 5) Great course...again! Subtle changes were made to the course, but they did not adversely affect it. I personally like the River Path portions of the course (lonely maybe, but serene also). Even the two wooden footbridges on the return portion were interesting. The Missions of course are the centerpiece and are amazing to see. I would have liked to have run better, but considering the weather, I'm glad to have participated before the Elite Racing and the RnR Marathon takes over next year.
j. v. from The Great State of Texas (11/12/2007) "Great route! I'd clearly do it again!" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Okay if I am going consider a race I want to know the five biggest items about the race. The weather was warm...very warm, and has been several times before...the race is about a month too early for being that far south and to have a high probability of cool weather. The race has hot food, and plenty of it, beer, fruit, a finisher's shirt, a race shirt, a small expo, TONS of well stocked rest stops The course is pretty much flat...a few transitions from different areas give you a bump, some minor grades, but basically pretty flat...at least no major climbs. Support was great...no spectators to speak of despite running through magnificent neighborhoods...a 32 year old race with no local support??? Not sure what is wrong with the people of San Antonio as this is a great race! I'd clearly do it again. Okay, I seldom repeat any race...ever. I'd do this race again! I've been down for the race twice before actually. This time it was a great course, still a good city, and still well supported (by the organizer and his volunteer staff, not by the local residents). You run by wonderful homes...the police were fun to talk to and they were at every intersection! We had hot food at the finish, an indoor finish, ran by many missions, down a lovely path along a creek...I guess a river for Texas. We were able to walk everywhere in town ... literally. We never drove our car. The Alamo, River Walk, the race, the expo, Market Center, everything was walking distance, especially with the great weather! Okay too warm to run well in, but great for spectators and for being a tourist! This is a good race to go to...very easy to do, very well done, and in a fun city. This is the best course that they have done...they have really found a keeper this time!
J. S. from Mission TX (11/12/2007) "Fantastic! Look forward to running it again." (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The marathon was well organized from start to finish. There was no confusion as to where to go, everything was clearly marked. Plenty of water and people to cheer you on throughout the race. Fantastic job! I have marked it on my calender for next year.
B. S. from San Antonio, TX (8/7/2007) "Wonderful - Thanks, Team in Training!!!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americass COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This year, 2006, was so much better than 2005! Only thing I would change is advertising so more people come out and cheer. The purple people (Team in Training) were great! I loved seeing them all over the place - heck, it made me want to be one of them! Thank you, you guys and gals! Advertise more and you will get more spectators and runners.
M. G. from San Antonio, TX (7/14/2007) "Lonely; dead fish; no beer" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 San Antonio Marathon-Marathon of the Americas COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I'm used to being one of the only people on the road during training runs, but during a race I look forward to the crowds and energy. Please take notes from the Race for the Cure; the energy is incredible. I realize it would be tough to stretch that out over the entire 26.2 miles, but I didn't even feel it in the first 3. Also, very intimidating when the 1/2 marathon folks turn around and you aren't even 1/3 done!! Very lonely after that. Thanks to Team in Training (which I was not even a part of) and a few parents/spouses! Quite bummed they ran out of beer by the time I got there!! Whether you come in first or last you should have the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishment! Maybe running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville spoiled me by having bands and cheerleaders throughout, but this race had little fan support (surprising considering we're a fun town and like to celebrate) and a whole lot of nothing going on in the middle 15+ miles of the race!! Other than the dead fish.

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