calendar icon May 19, 2024

Marathon Details - Adams County Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OH > West Union > Adams County Marathon

Adams County Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

location icon West Union, OH USA    calendar icon  September 24, 2016    calendar icon http://www.adamscountytravel.org/Adams-County-Half-Marathon.shtml




Name:
Address: 960 Wheat Ridge Rd.
West Union, OH 45693
Phone Number:  606-831-3260
Email: Email the organizers
 
 
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Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.0 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 4


 

R. K. from Midwest (9/27/2015)
"Love the Amish but not the Comfort Inn" (about: 2015)

50+ previous marathons | 3 Adams County Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


I run six marathons a year (did the half at this one) and nearly all start on time. This one was 10 minutes late because of a water stop not being ready. Lame. Next year's goal: start on time.
It's great to see so many Amish volunteering - at the start and finish and at some of the aid stations. I wish some would run - as they do in Pennsylvania races.

In my marathon travels, I've stayed at hotels ranging from Microtels to Hamptons and I rarely have a bad hotel experience. But recently I've had two bad stays in Comfort Inns. This was one of them.
Against my wishes, I was upgraded ($10 more a night), though it seemed like a downgrade. The a/c didn't work (high cool was not cool at all), no HBO, week-old fruit in the breakfast area, torn and worn carpet throughout. In-room wi-fi didn't work. Ice machine didn't work. The place needs serious remodeling. I've stayed at better Microtels for half of what this dump charges.
With two strikes against them, I will probably stop staying in Comfort Inns. Years ago I stayed at a local place here - the Murphin Ridge Inn, which was great. It's also close to the start.
 

Karen Michelsen from Toronto, Canada (10/3/2014)
"Well organized friendly event." (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Adams County Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The inaugural Adams County Marathon provided an opportunity to experience the Amish culture.
At the expo, several Amish sheds were used to store the race kits. The race kit was amazing.
The Amish community prepared the food at the BBQ pre race dinner. An auction took place at the same time during dinner.
The hilly course was a two loop route. There was no time limit. It was very scenic. The couse was shaded in some areas. It ran along part of the 1863 Johns Hunt Morgan Heritage trail and through the hub of the Amish community. All the decorative mile markers were handmade too.
The Amish community managed their own aid stations and exceeded expectations in terms of number of aid stations and what each aid station provieded. If something was missing from an aid station they would call for someone to get the item and drop it off to you while your were running. Signs were seen encouraging EVERY participant using their first and last name. You felt part of the community.
Each finishing medal was handmade. It was a large flat wooden weaved basket. It was signed by the family who made the medal. The ribbon was hand made too. If you like finishing medals this is a must have medal.
An earlier time would have been nice since it got very warm. The day quickly warmed up to 82F. The organizers are considering an earlier start time for next year's event. There was no large crowds of spectators and the Amish community were silent in their support. I was surprised how many people from the community came to watch or assist at this event.
 

L. K. from Mason, OH (10/2/2014)
"Amish baked goods & difficult hills" (about: 2014)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Adams County Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was the first year for the Adams County marathon. In previous years it was a 1/2 marathon and 5k. After seeing their booth at the Cincy Flying Pig expo and the wonderful hand crafted medals, I immediately signed up. I've never visited Amish country, so this was my chance. Here are the particulars:

It consists of a 13.1 mile loop that you run twice. You go through an Amish community just north of West Union, OH.

Forget about a PR or BQ, the hills are very difficult, but scenic. So, settle in and enjoy the scenery. It was the first time I ran with horse & carriages on the course. FYI, there is the occasional horse droppings on the course. Not a problem if you're paying attention.

There are plenty of aid stations. Some are too close to each other, but I didn't have to run long to get fluids.

The course isn't shut down for the runners. There is some light traffic that goes around you. However, there was an officer that patrolled the course to keep everyone safe.

The overall female and male winners each received large Amish made woven picnic baskets with small quilts. Those who placed in their division received large bird feeders.

There were only 30 finishers. I think we started out with 35, but I'm not sure. Most people ran the 1/2 marathon or 5k.

Very few spectators, but the volunteers at the many aid stations were cheerful and helpful. Big spectator events aren't my thing. Small intimate events like this are right up my alley.

Miss Louvina, the race director, is great. She really wants everyone to have a positive experience. Toward the end, they had someone driving the course to make sure everyone was okay and hydrated.

It started at 8am. I would like to see it start a little earlier to help beat the heat later on.

Saw the most glorious sunrise on the way to the start line. Amish country is gorgeous.

All medals are hand crafted with the signature of the family that made them on the back.

Pre-registered runner have signs made for them and strategically placed at the hardest hill of the course to help distract your suffering. Great personal touch.

Amish baked goods from Miller's bakery at the finish line! That alone would make anyone want to run 26.2.

Even though our numbers were few, I see this marathon growing in time due to word of mouth and it being such a unique experience. The course is brutal, but we all left happy. I don't mind it being 2 repeated loops of the 1/2 marathon course. Some others might disagree. The Amish were wonderful as were all the volunteers and folks that put this together. I'll be back for sure.
 

Bob Kroeger from Cincinnati (9/29/2014)
"Quaint country race" (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Adams County Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


This is primarily a half-marathon - with a 5K and a marathon tossed in. I ran the half last year and the half this year. It benefits the local Amish community and features adults and children at the aid stations in traditional Amish garb: girls in long dresses and bonnets, men in white shirts, suspenders, and straw hats. Quaint and memorable.
Course is hilly but scenic, going through Ohio farmland - barns, Amish homes. But, and this is a big but, traffic flows both ways. Don't wear headphones. Last year I saw a runner ahead of me, tuned into his ear phones so much that he didn't hear me when I yelled - a car going fast nearly hit him. Most drivers are courteous but some are in a hurry.
Wooden medals and awards are handmade by Amish. Last year they were made, signed by Amish children who made them, which was touching. Maybe they'll return to this format.
Bright orange tech shirt was stunning. I will wear it. I wear the Flying Pig shirts for sleep only; they're ugly.
Also, they need a monitor at the turnaround. Easy to cut the course, which most would never do.
I run mostly marathons, but this half is special. Love Adams County. Shop at Millers or Keim markets - Amish furniture, etc.


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