Marathon Details - Prairie State Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IL > Long Grove > Prairie State Marathon

Prairie State Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

Long Grove, IL USA

~~October 6, 2018~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.allcommunityevents.com/fall_marathon/psm_home.html

More Info:	News
Results:	2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact Organizer

Name:	All Community Events
Address:	2355 Robert, 60073
Phone Number:	224-757-5425
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 3.9

Spectators 2.6

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Number of comments: 31 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

M. S. from West Dundee,Il. (4/13/2017) "Above average small field marathon." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I thought it was a great smaller marathon and a great alternative to Chicago. There's not a lot of spectators to cheer you on, but that wasn't a problem for me. I liked running past the finish at 18 miles. It told you that you had a little more work to do, and marathons are never easy. I thought it was great for what I paid for.
C. G. from Chicago, IL (11/17/2014) "Awesome if it's what you're looking for" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Ran the full, and mainly I'd just say know what this race is before you go: The scenery is gorgeous, the spectators are few & far between, you will be by yourself often, you will run right past the finish at mile 18, and you will face a long journey to a turnaround at mile 22 with some hills on the way back. Organization was great, and though the shuttles were a bit of a pain (and the ride to/from farther than I expected), I get the need to do it that way. This is a contemplative race that will have you testing yourself mentally and physically and you will not have throngs of people cheering and ringing bells. That said, I kind of liked that, and I felt great finishing. Recommended.
C. K. from Illinois (10/15/2014) "Decent small marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Course was absolutely beautiful with woods and lakes and vistas. Adequate aid stations and porto potties. Very flat with just enough turns to make it interesting. Saw gels around mile 9 but didn't see any at later miles. Maybe I just missed them. For this size race spectators were decent. Small number of participants made the organization a snapeverything right in one spot at beginning and end. Post race refreshments were lacking. There were bananas and granola bars and a few bottles of water that I could see. There turned out to be grapes too but they were still in containers and stored under the table where you had to dig them out if you wanted them. Got the idea we weren't supposed to touch them. I wasn't starving so it didn't affect me too much but it would have been nice to have a little more something for those who had worked up an appetite. Medal was decent. To nitpick, it would be nice if it had the full date on it instead of just the year but no biggie. Would run this again and recommend it based on the course alone.
B. E. from Glenview, IL (10/14/2014) "Beautiful fall foliage - small course" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Having decided to run a marathon a little later in the game, Chicago, Milwaukee and most others were sold out. This was my 6th marathon so was OK with little to no hooplah. The idea of having limited spectators wasn't a huge drawback for me. Pros: - Stunningly beautiful course especially this time of year where all the trees are changing colors - crushed limestone the majority of the time is easier on the legs (2 days post marathon and I'm barely sore) - fairly easy logistically, especially if someone can drop you off at the start line. Gear check is a snap! - well run small race and all runners just generally seemed to be very nice! - although course not closed, never ran into issues with having to slow down due to bikers, walkers, etc. - garmin registered 26.21 miles - you won't really run over on this one like you will in larger marathons with many turns - good value for $$ - ample water stations, and LOVED that the accel gel offered twice! Heck, only one gel offered in Chicago. Cons: - I know it's small, but would have loved pace groups for popular times. Maybe they could just give some free entries to people willing to commit to a certain pace - crushed gravel may slow you down a bit (this is debatable) - limited spectators. I ran pretty much alone the last 5 miles and barely saw spectators except at mile 22, the turnaround point - could have used one additional water stop in very late miles... maybe like mile 23 and/or 25? - Having to park at Lake County Fairgrounds was a bit annoying. Worked out fine, but would have loved to just park at start line like others could do previously. Pro & Con: - a little bit hillier than I expected. This is both good & bad. No crazy hills, just much of the course is a little up/down and I'm so used to pancake flat Chicago.
B. S. from Illinois (10/12/2014) "Decent Half, Very Weak Full...." (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Decided to make this my first marathon after doing the half in 2013. In hindsight I should have done Chicago. This was a bare-bones race with mediocre/poor organization and just a fraction of the excitement felt at bigger races. The remote parking several miles away with shuttle busses was a major hassle. Last year we could park just steps from the start line which was nice. The course is definitely scenic but there were no pace clocks and it wasn't closed to bikers which was dangerous. Once the half-marathon runners turned around at mile 6.5 it felt much like a training run as opposed to a race. The biggest blunder was at the 9-mile turn around that wasnt staffed or marked! Many runners ran right past it. Very little excitement at the finish and the food left for the marathoners was awful. Medal was very average. They should scrap the marathon and just focus on the half.
G. K. from Chicago, IL (10/12/2014) "good but could be better" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was a very nice trail course: smooth, well maintained crushed stone, that ran through a variety of landscapes, with magnificent fall colors on some trees. Signage on the course was good, with one glaring exception: the turnaround at Mile 9 was not marked as such. I was running alone and ran past the turnaround; returning to course I found others who did the same thing. Adequate water and sports drink along the way. Parking on remote lot removed a huge plus for this race from previous years. The bus service was slow both going to start and return to parking. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. Medal was nice; shirt OK; food at finish spartan at best.
A. B. from Chicago (4/26/2014) "Great, well-run trail marathon near Chicago" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I loved this race. I'm from Chicago and have run the Chicago Marathon many times. I wanted to find a smaller race within driving distance that would be low-key and offer me a fresh experience and this one fit the bill. First of all, most of the race takes place on the Des Plaines River Trail, which is a beautiful crushed limestone trail that runs though forests, meadows and over streams. The trail is well-maintained and is not technical at all. It's easy on the legs and there are large stretches that are in the shade. It has to be one of the prettiest places you could run in the Chicagoland area. The group that puts it on, All Community Events, does a great job. They run a lot of races in the area, most of which are runners' races with small fields. This marathon has a small field, too, with maybe just over 1,000 running it most years. The whole thing is just so easy logistically. You can literally just park next to the start line and get out of your car and line up. I suppose if there are drawbacks, they would be that there are few opportunities for spectators to cheer because it's on a trail. But it's just not that kind of race. And the course has some rolling hills, so if you're looking to BQ, this may not be your first choice. That said, I ran a PR on it.
B. D. from New York, NY (11/4/2013) "Easy to deal with" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was the smallest marathon field I had ever joined, but it was so nice - park 100 yards from the start/finish, run the race, drive home. Pretty course, nice turf, a real delight. Not much crowd support, but that can be a mixed blessing. The hooded, long-sleeve tech shirt they gave out is worth the price of the race. This is the perfect race to use as a training run.
M. K. from Chicago, IL (10/25/2013) "The most 'Illinois' that a race can get." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 If you're from the mountains or the coasts and you don't think Prairies are beautiful, then this course may change your mind. Autumn in the mid-west is on display. Crushed limestone trails, creeks, forests, tall grasslands and the Des plaines river all make for a great course! The only negative: you pass near the finish line at miles 17-19 which makes for a bit of a psychological challenge.
l. d. from michgan (10/15/2013) "high price for low key eent" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course was good on the joints. My complaint was that it was high priced for what you got. There required no police nor blocking of roads. You got a tech shirt, no goody bag, finish medals were lackluster and age group and overalls got the same medal-just said winner on it. There was not much to eat to replenish afterwards- just bananas,grapes, and granola bars. I'm all for a low key event, but then charge accordingly.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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M. S. from West Dundee,Il. (4/13/2017) "Above average small field marathon." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I thought it was a great smaller marathon and a great alternative to Chicago. There's not a lot of spectators to cheer you on, but that wasn't a problem for me. I liked running past the finish at 18 miles. It told you that you had a little more work to do, and marathons are never easy. I thought it was great for what I paid for.
C. G. from Chicago, IL (11/17/2014) "Awesome if it's what you're looking for" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Ran the full, and mainly I'd just say know what this race is before you go: The scenery is gorgeous, the spectators are few & far between, you will be by yourself often, you will run right past the finish at mile 18, and you will face a long journey to a turnaround at mile 22 with some hills on the way back. Organization was great, and though the shuttles were a bit of a pain (and the ride to/from farther than I expected), I get the need to do it that way. This is a contemplative race that will have you testing yourself mentally and physically and you will not have throngs of people cheering and ringing bells. That said, I kind of liked that, and I felt great finishing. Recommended.
C. K. from Illinois (10/15/2014) "Decent small marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Course was absolutely beautiful with woods and lakes and vistas. Adequate aid stations and porto potties. Very flat with just enough turns to make it interesting. Saw gels around mile 9 but didn't see any at later miles. Maybe I just missed them. For this size race spectators were decent. Small number of participants made the organization a snapeverything right in one spot at beginning and end. Post race refreshments were lacking. There were bananas and granola bars and a few bottles of water that I could see. There turned out to be grapes too but they were still in containers and stored under the table where you had to dig them out if you wanted them. Got the idea we weren't supposed to touch them. I wasn't starving so it didn't affect me too much but it would have been nice to have a little more something for those who had worked up an appetite. Medal was decent. To nitpick, it would be nice if it had the full date on it instead of just the year but no biggie. Would run this again and recommend it based on the course alone.
B. E. from Glenview, IL (10/14/2014) "Beautiful fall foliage - small course" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Having decided to run a marathon a little later in the game, Chicago, Milwaukee and most others were sold out. This was my 6th marathon so was OK with little to no hooplah. The idea of having limited spectators wasn't a huge drawback for me. Pros: - Stunningly beautiful course especially this time of year where all the trees are changing colors - crushed limestone the majority of the time is easier on the legs (2 days post marathon and I'm barely sore) - fairly easy logistically, especially if someone can drop you off at the start line. Gear check is a snap! - well run small race and all runners just generally seemed to be very nice! - although course not closed, never ran into issues with having to slow down due to bikers, walkers, etc. - garmin registered 26.21 miles - you won't really run over on this one like you will in larger marathons with many turns - good value for $$ - ample water stations, and LOVED that the accel gel offered twice! Heck, only one gel offered in Chicago. Cons: - I know it's small, but would have loved pace groups for popular times. Maybe they could just give some free entries to people willing to commit to a certain pace - crushed gravel may slow you down a bit (this is debatable) - limited spectators. I ran pretty much alone the last 5 miles and barely saw spectators except at mile 22, the turnaround point - could have used one additional water stop in very late miles... maybe like mile 23 and/or 25? - Having to park at Lake County Fairgrounds was a bit annoying. Worked out fine, but would have loved to just park at start line like others could do previously. Pro & Con: - a little bit hillier than I expected. This is both good & bad. No crazy hills, just much of the course is a little up/down and I'm so used to pancake flat Chicago.
B. S. from Illinois (10/12/2014) "Decent Half, Very Weak Full...." (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Decided to make this my first marathon after doing the half in 2013. In hindsight I should have done Chicago. This was a bare-bones race with mediocre/poor organization and just a fraction of the excitement felt at bigger races. The remote parking several miles away with shuttle busses was a major hassle. Last year we could park just steps from the start line which was nice. The course is definitely scenic but there were no pace clocks and it wasn't closed to bikers which was dangerous. Once the half-marathon runners turned around at mile 6.5 it felt much like a training run as opposed to a race. The biggest blunder was at the 9-mile turn around that wasnt staffed or marked! Many runners ran right past it. Very little excitement at the finish and the food left for the marathoners was awful. Medal was very average. They should scrap the marathon and just focus on the half.
G. K. from Chicago, IL (10/12/2014) "good but could be better" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was a very nice trail course: smooth, well maintained crushed stone, that ran through a variety of landscapes, with magnificent fall colors on some trees. Signage on the course was good, with one glaring exception: the turnaround at Mile 9 was not marked as such. I was running alone and ran past the turnaround; returning to course I found others who did the same thing. Adequate water and sports drink along the way. Parking on remote lot removed a huge plus for this race from previous years. The bus service was slow both going to start and return to parking. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. Medal was nice; shirt OK; food at finish spartan at best.
A. B. from Chicago (4/26/2014) "Great, well-run trail marathon near Chicago" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I loved this race. I'm from Chicago and have run the Chicago Marathon many times. I wanted to find a smaller race within driving distance that would be low-key and offer me a fresh experience and this one fit the bill. First of all, most of the race takes place on the Des Plaines River Trail, which is a beautiful crushed limestone trail that runs though forests, meadows and over streams. The trail is well-maintained and is not technical at all. It's easy on the legs and there are large stretches that are in the shade. It has to be one of the prettiest places you could run in the Chicagoland area. The group that puts it on, All Community Events, does a great job. They run a lot of races in the area, most of which are runners' races with small fields. This marathon has a small field, too, with maybe just over 1,000 running it most years. The whole thing is just so easy logistically. You can literally just park next to the start line and get out of your car and line up. I suppose if there are drawbacks, they would be that there are few opportunities for spectators to cheer because it's on a trail. But it's just not that kind of race. And the course has some rolling hills, so if you're looking to BQ, this may not be your first choice. That said, I ran a PR on it.
B. D. from New York, NY (11/4/2013) "Easy to deal with" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was the smallest marathon field I had ever joined, but it was so nice - park 100 yards from the start/finish, run the race, drive home. Pretty course, nice turf, a real delight. Not much crowd support, but that can be a mixed blessing. The hooded, long-sleeve tech shirt they gave out is worth the price of the race. This is the perfect race to use as a training run.
M. K. from Chicago, IL (10/25/2013) "The most 'Illinois' that a race can get." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 If you're from the mountains or the coasts and you don't think Prairies are beautiful, then this course may change your mind. Autumn in the mid-west is on display. Crushed limestone trails, creeks, forests, tall grasslands and the Des plaines river all make for a great course! The only negative: you pass near the finish line at miles 17-19 which makes for a bit of a psychological challenge.
l. d. from michgan (10/15/2013) "high price for low key eent" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Prairie State Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course was good on the joints. My complaint was that it was high priced for what you got. There required no police nor blocking of roads. You got a tech shirt, no goody bag, finish medals were lackluster and age group and overalls got the same medal-just said winner on it. There was not much to eat to replenish afterwards- just bananas,grapes, and granola bars. I'm all for a low key event, but then charge accordingly.

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Marathon Details - Prairie State Marathon