calendar icon Apr 19, 2024

Marathon Details - Hogeye Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > AR > Springdale > Hogeye Marathon

Hogeye Marathon & Half Marathon, 4-Person Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K

location icon Springdale, AR USA    calendar icon  April 20, 2024    calendar icon http://www.hogeyemarathon.com




Name: Tabby Holmes
Address: P.O. Box 8012
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone Number:  479-000-0000
Email: Email the organizers
 
 
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Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.3 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 37 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

 

Douglas Larsen from New York , New York (5/26/2021)
"The One for Arkansas" (about: 2021)

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


Downtown Springdale is a great choice with a spacious covered outdoor spot for the bib pickup and start/finish area. Nice touch providing disposable rain jackets in anticipation for the wet forecast the next morning. Expo was postponed until the following year, and the Covid precautions were reasonable and well-executed. The loop course was extremely well-marked, volunteers provided guidance at tricky intersections, and the Springdale Police provided respectful friendly support while giving more than ample car clearance at all major intersections. The sporadic crowd supporters were very enthusiastic despite the rain, and aid stations were frequent and well-staffed throughout, and as already mentioned, the stretches of the course along the greenway are spectacular. There are several long grinding inclines, but no real hills. As for a good hotel with a leisurely 2 pm checkout, consider The Graduate Hotel in Fayetteville that offers this for a small upcharge; nice small outdoor pool too. Smart professional branding is evident with the festive new dancing swine logo on the high-quality shirts, sleeves and on finisher medals. Tabby, thank you for your prompt responses to my messages and your personal touch throughout this event, making it among my favorite and most recent of 30 races.
 

D. Z. from Alabama (4/18/2017)
"Great new course" (about: 2017)

50+ previous marathons | 3 Hogeye Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I really liked the new course - it's still hilly but it IS N.W. Arkansas. Starting in downtown Springdale was a breeze and there were plenty of water stops and volunteers on the course. A lot of the course is on bike paths which is really nice.

I really don't understand why this race has had negative comments - this was my 88th marathon and I didn't see anything wrong with it.
 

J. S. from Minnesota (4/1/2015)
"Great Potential" (about: 2015)

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


Beautiful, rolling course. With the exception of downtown and around the lake, I wasn't too impressed with the town, but the course was really wonderful. A few prominent hills (most notably around mile 2-3 or so and one small one just before mile 26 that probably seemed much worse than it actually was). Several miles were run on the trail system which was impeccably maintained and beautiful to see an amazing lake view and waterfall, however because it was around the lake and within the woods, spectators were near nonexistent during these miles and pretty thin still otherwise, especially for a college town. The weather was amazing this year (around 40 to start, pushing 70 to end) but I thought it would have made a lovely Fall race since we ran under a canopy of trees that hadn't yet budded and would have been breathtaking in the Fall. Not to mention a little shield from the sun would have been nice!

The aid station volunteers were all absolutely wonderful and attentive, including some manned by the college guys that really made the race worth running! While a few even had extensive amounts of 'real' food and snacks - very well stocked! - some I noticed had a difficult time keeping up just with beverages even with thinned crowds.

The host hotel was okay - no continental breakfast and the restaurant wanted $6 just for a croissant, so it was a hassle finding something to snack on race morning. They gave us no hassles for a late checkout on our two rooms. Extremely convenient, short distance to the start and finish lines and expo was right there, so getting around for the sake of race-related activities was absolutely excellent.

Some folks complained about the time it took to get results and there apparently was a little snafu with late registrants actually getting registered, but I had absolutely no problems registering about 3 or 4 months ahead of time. I also think it is completely reasonable to wait at least two days to get official results (and, quite honestly, find it amazing they can accurately get results in that amount of time as it is). Overall the organization was very good, although I will admit there was some confusion with a new chip timing system that entailed tying two thin, long microchipped plastic pieces to each of your shoes. These did not bother me while running although I can see how they did to some others. We apparently were supposed to return these, although that was not clearly conveyed and I, among many others I have learned, did not know that until after we have traveled home.

The medals were large, pretty, and well-made. The age group awards were cute blown glass pigs. Pig snout souvenir at the end was neat. Post-race food was typical fare, nothing special. Plenty of music, spectators along the finish line, massage booths, and places to go afterward including some pretty unique, eclectic shops and eateries. Race-day photos were very good. Participant shirt was tech tee, ran a bit large, not very attractive at all.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this race. The course was such that it never felt daunting. At this point I would say I could give or take doing it again. A few small changes could make this an amazing event!
 

C. M. from Arkansas (3/30/2015)
"Great organization in a great town!" (about: 2015)

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


The race went off without a hitch, which means the race was well organized by the director, staff, and volunteers.

I lived in Fayetteville for three years. It is such a great town, which is one reason I wanted to do come back and run this race for my second marathon.

You couldn't ask for a better location for the sponsor hotel (The Chancellor), start line, and finish line. Downtown Fayetteville, Dickson Street, and the University of Arkansas campus offer plenty to fill the hours the day before the race, all within walking distance of the Chancellor.

The trail around Lake Fayetteville is the highlight of the course (about six or seven miles). That portion of the course is beautiful and serene. I loved starting off downtown and running by the fraternity and sorority houses on Maple Street. The only real downside to the course is running down the access road by the interstate, which probably can't be helped due to the city layout.

There weren't a whole lot of spectators and their enthusiasm was a little low.
 

S. B. from Conway, AR (4/1/2014)
"Awesome marathon! Beautiful course!" (about: 2014)

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


This was an awesome run for me! I have done the half twice (2012 & 2013). The weather was perfect this year but you never know what you might get...it's Arkansas. The course is beautiful!!! Especially the part around the lake. It's long and not a ton of spectators but it's peaceful. I experienced last years race when they ran out of medals and they very much redeemed themselves this year! The medal was awesome even though it was new design and I had my doubt about it. Course support was GREAT!!! Water stops galore and the organization of the entire event was fabulous! I commend Tabby and her committee for a well put on event! After last year and even the terrible weather in 2012 this years race was top notch in my book. Be warned though it is hilly and there is a big hill at the end of both the half and the full but there is a nice down hill into the finish! Race shirts are always awesome for this event! The only negative I have is check out time at the hotel. We stayed in the host hotel which I don't usually do. The host hotel is VERY nice and you literally walk out the front door, take a left and you are at the start! However, when I inquired about check out, the hotel would only extend us until 12. It takes me sometime to run a marathon, even with the early start (1 hour before) I finished a little before 12. I really wished I could have gone back to the hotel and showered. Maybe 1 0'clock would be a more reasonable time. I can't imagine many people are done before 12 nor are that many people checking into this particular hotel on a Sunday. Overall, great experience. Great volunteers which all runners know a race can't be done without fabulous volunteers! Thank again Tabby for another awesome race! I swore I wouldn't do this one again(hills) and this year came back and did the full..HA! Glad I did! I'm now a marathon maniac thanks to Hogeye 2014!!!
 

C. C. from Owasso Oklahoma (3/30/2014)
"Really great race" (about: 2014)

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


So I've read a lot of the negative comments from others in the past. I saw none of those issues in the 2014 race. The course is wonderful, the water stops plentiful, and there are enthusiastic volunteers and spectators everywhere. This is the first time I've ran it, but would have no hesitation in coming back. Great local hometown feel. Great job to Fayetteville and the race committee.
 

A. D. from New York (4/23/2012)
"Wonderful Volunteers on a T-storm Day" (about: 2012)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Hogeye Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The marathon staff at the expo was seriously concerned about cancelling the marathon due to tornado activity a few miles away in OK and KS. They went ahead and had it and I was amazed that so many volunteers showed up and gave out water while torrential rains came down from the 3rd hour onward. There were few fans except for volunteers and relay runners, but I gave spectators a 5 because of their enthusiasm and because it was a very humid/rainy day.

Water stations seemed to be about 1200 meters apart. The only thing I would change is to add a 'next water stop is 2.x miles away at the waters stops before 12M and the one at 14M in both directions. I imagine that many runners like myself were skipping waters stops and found themselves stuck between these two stops.

Things you might want to know: This is the hilliest urban non-trail marathon that I've ever done. Hogeye refers to a town in AR where the marathon originally went and not to the Razorbacks. Some of the trail feels more like sidewalk than asphalt, so be prepared for some pounding.
 

B. D. from KANSAS (4/17/2012)
"Nice Job Fayetteville!" (about: 2012)

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


There were more drink stops in this race than in any marathon I have ever run in. I learned some lessons in topography, meteorology and psychology with this one! The beginning of the race tends to be down hill the end of the race tends to be uphill. Better leave some mojo for that. Very pretty course. Organizers can be very proud of that. People were very friendly...someone gave my buddy a rain jacket when it started to rain...people were kind to cheer even when the weather seem about ready to go south on us.
 

C. S. from Rogers,AR (4/16/2012)
"LOTS OF WATER AND DIRECTIONS GREAT!" (about: 2012)

2 previous marathons | 2 Hogeye Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran this course once before and they did not have enough water. This time it was great! Had water, Gatorade, and even a few beers. It was fantastic, volunteers helped stop traffic, show you which way to go. Everyone was so helpful and friendly! Great Job! putting this on this year! Much Better! Thanks!
 

T. P. from Lees Summit, MO (5/15/2011)
"Not impressed" (about: 2011)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Hogeye Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 3


know I should find nice things to say before blasting this race, but unfortunately I can't.

1. The entry fee to get an oversized shirt and NOTHING else was not worth it.

2. The course was not well marked at certain places. The lack of organization at the relay stops was ridiculous, clueless relay runners in the middle of the course without any idea that marathoners were coming through.

3. Food at the end was minimal at best.

4. But the absolute worst part: lack of chip timing and understanding of the finishing rules. The woman who finished second - according to the posted marathon results - only ran the half marathon, though she signed up for the full. I coaxed the race director into verifying this - which she did - and determined I was correct. Then, the woman who had been running in second place collapsed before finishing. Fire Dept personnel put her on a stretcher and wheeled her across the line. The race director awarded her with the 3rd place overall. Not so fast - you can't be assisted across the line and be awarded a place finish. After numerous emails to the race director pointing out the rules of USATF certified courses, she modified the results.

Needless to say - not at all interested in doing this race again.
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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