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Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.1 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.3 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 75 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

 

J. K. from Georgia (1/12/2004)
"Nice small marathon" (about: 2004)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


This is a very small marathon with a somewhat larger half-marathon, both of which start together. The loop course, which is run twice for the full marathon, is flat with a few gentle rolls and one significant hill at 10.25 (and thus again at 23.25). While certainly not highly scenic, much of the course has a pleasant rural character and the surface is generally pretty good.

Aid stations are every two miles and all offer water and Gatorade; some also have orange sections and perhaps a few other food items, but I was just interested in fluids. All miles are well marked and measurement seems accurate but splits are not called. This is a good event for those who aren't into the hype of mega-marathons and don't need a big crowd. If you're faster than 3:15, be prepared to go it on your own the second loop.
 

J. B. from Auburn, AL (1/12/2004)
"An enjoyable small race" (about: 2004)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


This was a very enjoyable and well organized little race. The museum was open and set up to accommodate the runners before the race so you could stay warm right up until the start. The bathroom lines were never too bad, and there were porta-potties with almost no line available outside. The race course itself was mainly flat with only a few short hills - definitely a PR course. I thought the course was well marked and had no problem finding my way. Water stations were every 2 miles as advertised, with Gatorade at several of the stations.

Post-race, there were plenty of baked goods to munch on, with food and chairs set up in the museum. Trophies were given to the top three in overall, masters, and age group categories, so I think nearly everyone got an award. Sweatshirts and medals were quite nice.

The only negative about this race: There was only one porta-potty on the race course, so most runners were having to use the bushes.
 

Ronald Bucy from Bridgeport, West Virginia (1/11/2004)
"This is a 'must do marathon' for all runners." (about: 2004)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Wow! What a nice marathon. The marathon staff was well organized, extremely nice, and made my day. The course is great for all levels of marathoners. Well staffed water stops, nice facilities to start and finish. This was my first visit and completely enjoyed the experience. I sure can't criticize anything and the weather was fantastic. I sure know what southern hospitality means now!!!

Thanks for a wonderful weekend.
 

Ivan Levinrad from Savannah, GA (1/11/2004)
"Worthwhile marathon to run " (about: 2004)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This is a marathon for those that enjoy a smaller race. the organization is excellent, the volunteers are all extremely friendly. It has a small-town feel. The sweatshirt [fleece-lined] is lovely - a nice touch. the medals and trophies are very nice too. The course is a double-loop with very little support but interestingly enough I found it very pretty, different and peaceful. The occasional plane taking off added some interest and excitement. Prepare for the cold wind on the route - if you dress appropriately you will be fine. The museum is definitely worth visiting -maginificent and interesting.

THANK YOU ORGANIZERS - WELL DONE.
 

runner girl from Midwest (1/29/2003)
"Small race that provides......." (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


I ran the race in 2003 and I was confused by Eric's comments who ran the same race. Thought I would add my 2 cents to clarify confusion.

1. There were restrooms other than the ones in the museum. There were porta-potties outside and signs stating there were other potties in another hangar.

2. The course was well marked. There were plenty of cones out there directing us were to go. There was only one spot in the race that I noticed on the 2nd loop that I wasn't sure of where to go, but then I remembered what I did on the 1st loop and I was fine.

3. At the conclusion of the first loop around the base, I was directed where to go with no problem.

4. Yes, the awards were advertised to be presented by a WWII veteran. I think he handed out the awards for races other than the marathon, but he was not feeling well so that may explain why he wasn't there for the marathon awards. Give the guy a break, he is 95 years old.

I enjoyed my race although the cold and headwind was a bugger. The sweatshirt is a nice touch as we get so many T shirts. For $35, I felt I got my money's worth- well stocked aid stations every 2 miles, food at some aid stations on the 2nd half, porta-potties along the route, post race food and drink (suggestion: have some warm soup and forget the sweets), sweatshirt, decent medal, well marked course, and nice awards. Thanks for a good race volunteers!!!!
 

R. R. from alpharetta, GA (1/18/2003)
"Where is my name in results?" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


I ran the race, turned in my time card for 4:03:00 and did not get my name in the official results?

The race was well organized and I had a good time. I used the day as a training day in my schedule for other spring marathons. The course was flat, the weather was cold and windy.
 

K. G. from Iowa (1/15/2003)
"Loved It" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


After reading the comments last year, I was a little bit concerned but I had a GREAT time. I found the course very well marked. I wondered about the size of the paint shop that provided all of the cones and the mile markers were in fact that ...one every mile and VERY easy to see. Water and gatorade at every stop and fruit and treats on the 2nd time around. John Hunter, the three men in the two pickups that gathered the cones, tables and chairs behind us slow guys, the two men who were waiting for us at the finish and the two ladies that were in the museum at the end were the most obvious of a great crew of volunteers and were in there for the long haul with those of us at the back of the pack. I enjoyed the museum and enjoyed meeting General Scott that AM and am sorry to hear that he was not feeling well later in the morning. Fans per se were non existent, however after 10:00 AM or so the base seemed to come alive a bit and I was proud to see the fine men and women would guard and protect our country as they went about their daily lives and took the time to smile or wave at an old marathoner. I want to thank the base commander and the Museum Of Aviation for allowing me to take part in this event. I also wanna send up a huge 'ATTABOY' to Rick Waite at the Houston Wellness Center for letting a couple of marathoners from the upper midwest get a refreshing shower before heading off for a long drive home. I would encourage any 50 Staters and others to consider this event. Get there early the day before and enjoy the museum. I enjoyed the southern hopitality.
 

Eric Nelson from Brunswick, GA (1/15/2003)
"So Much Potential...." (about: 2003)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 1


Having a marathon on an Air Force base on a Saturday morning is really a great idea. The base is quiet and the opportunity to use it is ideal. It is too bad the organizers don't take advantage of it!
There were NO restrooms provided by the organizers at the starting area and ALL the runners (marathoners, half marathoners, marathon relay teams etc) and volunteers were limited to the one in the museum. The course was poorly marked at some points as it appeared they used approximately a dozen or so traffic cones for the entire course to let runners know which way to go and vehicles know there might be runners on the road. At the conclusion of the first loop around the base there was a lot of confusion and lack of direction for the runners.
The weather was very cold and it was nice to be able to stay indoors from the wind until it was time for the race to start. Spectators were non existent but no problem as who has cheering crowds when you're doing you're long runs anyhow eh? That is part of marathoning...
The awards were advertised to be presented by a WWII veteran however, two very ladies who were volunteers did the honors instead. No big deal but don't 'advertise' one thing then do something else which is probably the best way to sum up this marathon.
 

B. D. from New Mexico USA (1/13/2003)
"No water trouble in 2003!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I was a little worried about the water situation when I saw the comments from previous years, but all of that was fixed for the 2003 version. There was plenty of water, cups, and Gatorade at all of the stops when I went through. The weather was nice and cool, with a bit of a cold wind on the front part of the loop. Everyone was very friendly. I think that every female who ran the marathon won a trophy! Mine was over 18 inches tall.
 

A Runner from NORFOLK, VA (6/25/2002)
"What Fans?" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


Won't blame the weather for my race results, or the management. If you want a lonely run around an airfield this is the place for you. The water stop crews got out of their cars when they saw someone coming. Nice group of people putting on the event, but lacked many amenities of other races, ie: GU, gatoraid
 

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