Great way to get ready for spring (about: 2011)
Course: 4
Organization: 5
Fans: 2
N. S. from Hopkins, MN (2/13/11)
50+ previous marathons
I'd never done an indoor marathon before. Since it was a little more than an hour from my home, I used it as part of my training. Organization was perfect except that the website could have had more updates. The track had a nice surface once you got used to it (some quick turns and even a hill you saw 120 times). I only needed one rest stop, since I passed it 120 times. No skimping on runners' needs; great volunteers kept the Gatorade (full strength) flowing, GU was always available, and we had access to full bottles of water. Temperature was a perfect 50 (or so) degrees - with no wind (ha!). The facility is used for motorcross, so it smelled a little like exhaust, but that wore off (or I got used to it). They were playing great 80s tunes the whole time, and if they got too boring, the crowd would grumble and the DJ (the race director!) moved the music along. They kept track of where you were through the announcer and a projected screen. We got an awesome tech shirt (with a pocket - very cool). Too often races care more about the race than the racers. or the top/elite runners are treated well and the rest of the field are "the masses." Here I think everyone running was treated like a star... and that was something really special! Anyone who loves just to run (i.e. doesn't need the crowds and the fake glitz), and especially anyone who lives in the upper Midwest should pay attention to this run (especially with the way airfares are going up). Great job, guys - and thanks!!
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