"Last Chance for Boston" Marathon

For those of us looking to stretch our distance in February, this is a solid option. Full marathons at this time of year are hard to come by in Ohio, so hats off to the promoters for putting this together every year. Logistics were easy. Race hotel and registration were right at the start line. Plenty of parking was located right next to the start line and the area made for easy arrival and departure from the race site. The volunteers were great and enthusiastic. Race organizers were on the course the entire time and put on a good event. Water and bananas were waiting after crossing the finish line. The course is, as others have mentioned, a one mile loop run 26 times. This made it easy to leave a supply bag at a point near the start/finish line with gels, drink, etc., and gave spectators an opportunity to see runners over and over for support. The only thing to keep in mind is that this makes the course congested for quite a while, and those 104 left turns can really take a toll on your Achilles and ankles. Overall a good event that was well run at a time when there aren't any other options in the area.

There aren't many marathons in this part of the country in February. So hats off to the race directors for offering some longer distances this time of year. Second time I've run this marathon. Pros: The easiest logistics you'll find at a marathon. The host hotel, and a couple of others are right on the course. Roll out of bed 10 minutes before the start! Not many other marathons can claim that perk. Pancake flat course. One mile loop means no looking for porta potties or the next water station. Plenty of parking. A simultaneous 5k, 10K and half mean you're never lonely on the course. Organizers and volunteers were very friendly. Cons: The course is really congested until the 5kers and 10kers are off the course. Understand the race organizers have to make money, and they aren't going to do it off of a half and full marathon in Ohio in February. If you're looking to run a marathon pr, know that you'll spend a lot of energy dodging people in the first several miles, no matter your pace. I felt like I was on mile 7 when the crowds thinned. Also, a one lap course means a lot of turns. There are four 90 degree turns on the loop. Post race food is a little thin, I had cold pizza and granola bars. Overall, this is a solid and unique race that I would recommend for anyone looking to get in some distance over the winter. Nice job Warm up for Boston!

Nice, flat race. Some people don't like running a 1 mile loop, but it was fine for a half marathon, which is what I did at this race. I didn't do the full because of the 5 hour time limit. I liked the half because even though it is a small race, and few spectators, you get to see them every mile! The water stop was great... the volunteers were vying for your attention and wanting to be the ones giving you water or Gatorade. The food at the end could have been more - that part was inadequate. Especially, for the full marathoners. I went down to where the food was supposed to be and there were NO drinks and a handful of pizzas... I appreciate the pizza, but where was everybody? Also, the finish line was pretty well dead at 4:30 time-frame, and the volunteers had left. I wouldn't have wanted to do the full because of this. I think they should have had people stay longer. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this race. I really loved the volunteers and the flat course. The weather was perfect this year, and that was a bonus! The other thing I loved was seeing friends (old and new) multiple times on the course. Everyone was friendly and encouraging. Exactly what I like in a race! I would definitely do this one again, as the half. Unless, they had folks stay longer, I'm not sure I would want to do the full.