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Marathon Details - Marathon-to-Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IA > Marathon > Marathon-to-Marathon

Marathon-to-Marathon & Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K

location icon Marathon, IA USA    calendar icon  June 10, 2017    calendar icon http://www.marathon2marathon.com




Name: Joyce Lehman
Address: P.O. Box 262
Marathon, Iowa 50565
Phone Number:  (712) 289-2246
Fax Number: (712) 289-2146
Email: Email the organizers
 
 
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Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 76 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

 

T. H. from Trabuco Canyon, CA (6/12/2017)
"The Final Marathon 2 Marathon" (about: 2017)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Marathon-to-Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


It was a warm and windy send off for the 22nd and Final Marathon from Storm Lake to Marathon Iowa. It was a record turnout with runners from over 35 states and an estimated over 30 Marathon Maniacs for a festive atmosphere. The relatively flat road course with long straights was well marshalled by race officials and medical staff in vehicles. The few spectators which were the aid station volunteers were very supportive of the runners. There was plenty of ice during the second half when temperatures approached 90 degrees with winds at 20-40 mph. It was mostly a tail wind all the way to Marathon. It sounds like the race director, Al Pierce, did a masterful job over the 22 years in this small iconic race in rural Iowa. Thanks for a memorable day which served as my 29th state in my quest for 50 states.
 

K. V. from Kansas (7/12/2016)
"Mostly flat course, great small race." (about: 2016)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Marathon-to-Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


I ran this to qualify for Marathon Maniacs, and working for my 50 States.

Small race. The race started in Storm Lake IA, and runs to Marathon. Storm Lake is a great town. Amazing food, great people, lots of community support for the race. The course is all in the countryside. If you like running out in the county, this is perfect. The only down side, is that due to the fact you are running out in the country there are very few people along the way.
It was hot, and humid this year, and the temp was in the 90's pretty quick after the start. The race officials were driving along the race with a water jug, making sure everyone had what they needed between the scheduled water stops.
 

M. H. from St. Louis MO (7/2/2016)
"Great Home Town USA Race" (about: 2016)

1 previous marathon | 1 Marathon-to-Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first full marathon.

Temperatures were way above normal with the temp at start time 76 and four hours later 88-90.

Race staff and volunteers did a wonderful job in keeping runners hydrated and safe with the extreme temperatures.

Having showers available at the finish was a big plus. The lunch that was provided for participants was also much appreciated.

I stayed at the Storm Lake Super 8 hotel and walked to the starting line, the hotel also started the breakfast service at 4am so runners could be ready for the 6am start.

The course was extremely flat. Spectators were spread out due to the fact you are running in rural Iowa.
 

M. K. from Chicago (12/10/2015)
"Fantastic small town marathon" (about: 2015)

2 previous marathons | 2 Marathon-to-Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


So I've done this marathon twice now, so I figure I would give my opinion on this race. There are several pro's and con's that I think come with running this race. As far as a small town marathon goes, this is about as good as it gets. There is a very friendly small town feel about this marathon and they make you feel very comfortable and create a create community atmosphere that will make you want to come back for more. Packet pickup is pretty simple; with the exception of it being in a different location last year due to some construction. The course is pretty boring due to the fact that you are running through rural Iowa highways with corn on all sides as well as very few spectators, but the few spectators are very enthusiastic and love cheering you on. This is a fantastic marathon to do if you are trying for all 50 states, or looking for a nice small marathon. It's a great course to BQ on as the course is flat throughout with only a couple of slight uphills that are basically irrelevant. The weather has been nearly perfect the 2 years I have done the marathon. Would absolutely recommend this marathon to beginners or veterans. Please feel free to ask my any questions if you have any about this marathon!
 

SARMO Jon from KY (6/14/2015)
"Great low-key marathon" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Marathon-to-Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Ran Marathon to Marathon in 2014 and in 2015. Point to point course that is fairly fast with some rolling hills. Temps both years were in the 60s. 2014 had a strong cross and then tail wind the last 10 miles. 2015 had a slight cross/tail wind but was a bit humid. Great conditions though for a mid June race. The course was open to traffic but there were hardly any cars on the roads and the police/volunteers did a great job blocking traffic at all intersections. I ran mostly near the middle of the road to minimize the slightly canted road. You can park at the start and then be bused back from the finish. The finish offers good post race food and shower. This year I had a support crew that followed along the course so we drove back. There is not a lot of crowd support as it travels through farmland and the population of Marathon, Iowa probably doubles on race day. Overall, this race is a great, no frills marathon. About 250 full/half/relay runners. The cost is very reasonable. If you want to run a fast marathon and are good with the no frills race, this is for you. if you need raucous crowds, an obnoxious medal, and hundreds/thousands of other runners then this race is not for you. Ran it in 2014 for Iowa as a 50 state, ran this year to get a BQ but missed by a few minutes. I still highly recommend it.
 

J. S. from Quincy, IL (9/15/2014)
"Brutal Wind Made My Marathon Challenging" (about: 2014)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Marathon-to-Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I loved that this marathon went from point to point. The day of the marathon, it was forecasted to storm (severely with hail and possible tornado) so I was worried about the marathon canceling. However, it went on and there were dark clouds with strong winds. The race director warned us that the race may be canceled at any point there is a severe weather threat. The winds made parts of the course REALLY difficult. It would push me sideways and I was at times running against it. I had to completely forego running the pace I wanted, but there's nothing I could have done about that with the weather. It was scary at times seeing all of the dark clouds, but in a sense it made me run faster because I wanted to finish and accomplish a marathon in the state of Iowa. Fortunately, the race was called off shortly after I finished. I was relieved to have finished in time, but felt really bad to those who didn't. I hope everyone made it out ok!

I was happy to be able to see my wife and son to be able to cheer me on at multiple points in the race! My only complaint would be the course directions for the spectators and runners. Other than that, I would recommend this marathon for anyone looking to complete a marathon in Iowa for their 50 states or just to run.
 

K. Y. from Versailles, IL (6/20/2014)
"Iowans are SO Friendly!" (about: 2014)

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


I'm just starting my quest for 50 states, this race was my 5th and so far my favorite. It's a small town race which makes packet pick up and parking easy, and the individual attention given to runners was wonderful. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming I felt like I was running among friends instead of complete strangers. Aid stations were plentiful and there was a lot of fruit on the course, including watermelon! The course was mostly flat with gently rolling hills and a good tailwind for most of the last 1/2. Not too many spectators as you are on rural roads but the ones that were there were enthusiastic and creative. My favorite sign on the course said 'Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa' which prompted my friends and I to visit The Field of Dreams on our way home which I also recommend. :)
 

J. E. from KC MO (6/16/2014)
"Nice job!" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Marathon-to-Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This is a bare bones, logistically simple, friendly marathon. Very easy for your support team to follow along. The Super 8 in Storm Lake was very runner friendly including early morning breakfast, walk to the start line, and late check out. The race started on time, the aid stations were really well organized and the finish line area was great meaning efficient and welcoming. I cannot count the number of times I was thanked for coming to Iowa to run. Nice job!!
 

B. K. from Kansas City, MO (6/17/2013)
"Well done in all aspects." (about: 2013)

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


Storm Lake is a nice little town for a pre-race day. I think it's a constant grade with slightly ascending or descending but sometimes not even noticeable. IF it's windy or really hot and sunny this could be really tough. Nice omelet and pancakes after and good conversation. Pretty hardcore runners not elites but a small group of runners who are very passionate. My kind of marathon. BQ'd.
 

J. B. from Lees Summit, Missouri (6/10/2013)
"Well organized,no frills event" (about: 2013)

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


This is the perfect event for a no frills, well organized opportunity to qualify for Boston!
The staffers and supporters are wonderful people.
The course is clearly marked and well staffed.
The atmosphere is peaceful throughout the run.
The fees are reasonable without all the glitz.
Plus I BQ'd.
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

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