Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

May 11, 2024

Race of Champions Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Race of Champions Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 50 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

A. R. from New Ashford, MA (2/20/2011) "Small, friendly race, with a challenging course" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 First of all, my comments come with a big disclaimer: the 2010 race was run in near-record heat, and this made things VERY challenging. I signed up for this race because I wanted to run a spring marathon, and this was close to home. I knew the course would be challenging, but it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. The course is really three different courses. The first 10 miles or so consist mainly of a series of laps around a beautiful reservoir in the woods, surrounded by trees and hills, with plenty of shade. The surface is ideal here, kind of a packed dirt/cinder trail. Even though this is a VERY small marathon, in this part you're always near other runners (although, if you're like me, some of them may be faster runners lapping you). If your support team walks out to the reservoir (it's in a park and there are no paved roads there), they can see you at least three times here. The second 10 miles are run on roads that are fairly scenic, on rolling hills through nice areas of suburban homes and small farms, with a few spectators scattered here and there. It looks like this part is really downhill-dominant on the elevation map, although I don't remember it feeling quite as much so at the time. Then the last six miles are really difficult. In this part, you're running on the side of a highway, the scenery is a lot less inspiring, there is little shade and spectators are almost nonexistent. Oh, and it's all uphill. It felt to me like the last six miles were all uphill, with the last two miles severely so, but I see on the elevation map that you don't really start going uphill until about the 22-mile mark, and there is a slight break in the climb before the extreme climb to the finish. I live in a hilly area and do a lot of training on hills, but the finish to this race really killed me. Now, to be fair, as I was running/walking this part, the temperature was approaching 90 degrees, which is obviously very atypical weather for early May in Massachusetts. I (and just about everyone else there) had trained through the winter and early spring in cold weather, and for most of us, it was at least 20 degrees warmer than any day we had experienced yet that year. So nobody was setting any records that day. I feel like I need to go back and try this one again on a day when conditions are better. The good parts about this one: It's easy to register - I did so the day before, at the running store affiliated with the race, and the people there were very friendly and helpful. The entry fee is quite reasonable. The small size of the race promotes a sense of camaraderie. The party at the end was very nice, with what looked like good food (alas, I didn't try it because I was still feeling sick from my heat exhaustion). If you plan it well, your support team can meet you at multiple points along the course, as parking and traffic are definitely not a problem. The first part of the course, around the reservoir, is very nice. I kind of wish the whole race consisted of laps around the reservoir, but I guess it would get a little boring, and I'm sure that in a race like this that's been around a long time, they want to keep the traditional course.
J. T. from Walled Lake, MI (10/21/2009) "Loved this one!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I chose this marathon based on the date and my location, working in northern CT at the time. I loved it. The loops around the reservoir were so peaceful and pretty. The climb towards the end is tough, and I'd recommend trying a flatter course for your first time, but if you're experienced with marathons, or know you can get in some good hill training beforehand, I'd recommend this race unreservedly. I even placed third in my age group, and won a pair of shoes (and I am not even in the ballpark of a fast runner, it's just that there were only four people in my age group, so I only had to beat one). :)
E. M. from TX (3/29/2009) "beautiful, but challenging" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a tough marathon for 2 main reasons: few people run it, and there is a long uphill finish. BUT the reasons to run the race totally outweigh that! It is a gorgeous route around a pristine reservoir. The fans, although few, yell for everyone and are so supportive. The aid stations are exactly where you need them, and the medal and t-shirt were great too. It was hard, but more than worth it! I'll be back!
t. d. from Western MA (5/6/2008) "Beautiful Small Marathon" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great marathon. I have done big and small marathons, and this is great. Great water/Gatorade helps, as do the cheering and scenic country roads with little traffic for many of the middle miles. There is a "challenging" (hilly!) uphill finish, but it doesn't spoil the overall event. Get away from the crowd; come to Holyoke!
Steve Pepe from Bedford,Ma. (5/5/2008) "Well organized, scenic course and great buffet!" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I've run a lot of marathons, big ones and small ones similar to Holyoke. Holyoke marathon ranks in my top 10. The course was very scenic, running around this reservoir for the first 9 miles. Then through some country roads with rolling hills, doing a big loop and ending with a 1 mile climb to the middle of Mt. Tom. The Gatorade was always there just when you needed it, and I was most impressed when I saw the catered buffet with chicken, meatballs, salad, potato salad, cold cuts bake beans and more. And as another comment I just read before mine stated all for just $40.00 and a medal too. I'll be back next year.
R. A. from Massachusetts, USA (5/4/2008) "This was my first marathon, and I loved it!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I read only a few reviews before doing this race. I didn't want the reviews to spoil it for me, or make me change my mind. I didn't think I'd be doing a marathon this spring. I decided after doing the Eastern States 20 miler at the end of March that I was ready, but of course it was too late for Boston. I looked online, and found this race, and chose it because of the timing, and the proximity to my house. I think there was maybe 50 people who did the race on a cool, raw May morning. The rain stopped about a half an hour before the race, and we were off. The first 9 miles or so, were on a dirt, crushed-rock path around a reservoir. The race volunteers were awesome! There was water and Gatorade stops every two miles. The course was flat around the reservoir, a few small rolling hills before the finish, and an uphill finish. At the end of the race, volunteers drove you about a mile back to your car, and they had a buffet waiting for you. Oh, a t-shirt and finisher's medal, and all for $40!!! I wanted my first marathon to be Boston, but I'm glad that I did the Holyoke Marathon as my first. I think this may be on my calendar again next year!
S. C. from Massachusetts, USA (5/15/2007) "Outstanding Marathon" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The marathon exceeded my expectations. I expected a much worse final six miles based on some of the comments I read and the last mile or two were definitely tough, but otherwise it wasn't as bad as I expected. The volunteers were terrific - and I had no problems with getting lost - always a concern. I fully recommend this marathon to anybody who hasn't tried it.
G. D. from Brookline MA (5/7/2007) "Two races in one + great food afterward" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Race one: I loved the reservoir loop(s) Nice packed dirt surface with trees shielding you from the breeze. Race two: a new england roller coster of uphills and downhills, nothing horrible until the last 1.5 - 2.0 uphill miles. If this were a bigger race, this ascent would have a name like 'Show-Stopper' or 'Mt Tom's Revenge' - Ouch. Save some gel for the end - You won't see any blimps - you won't get run-over by the 'Lance-Cam' - you won't see 50 people dressed like Elvis, but you will get a nice buffet afterward. Nice medal too
W. P. from Manchester, NH (5/11/2006) "Impressive course and organization" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The comments from previous years were accurate and helpful. The course is scenic, tough, and well designed. The laps around the lake kept the legs fairly fresh for the tougher miles on the road later. The organization and volunteers were impressive for a small marathon (about 120 finishers). Great food afterwards, and plenty of aid stations along the way (all with Gatorade and water) - especially during the last few tough miles. I ran with some great people that seemed to show up unexpectedly from ahead or behind, which was very supportive and unexpected - especially after 20 miles when I thought I would be all alone. Spectators were not numerous, but they get 5 stars because the ones that were out there and the volunteers were really there for the runners. Many I saw every couple miles, which helped make the time and distance fly by. Equally good was the lady doing gardening out by the road and handing out a case of bottled water at about mile 18. A nice treat during a tough part of the race for me. Overall I would recommend this race. Run your hill workouts first and this will be fun. A great time of the year for this race in a good location for many to easily get to.
K. N. from Kansas City, MO (5/8/2006) "Great Course and Superb Volunteers" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Race of Champions Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I originally picked this race because it was in May and I needed a race in Massachusetts for my 50-state journey. (I am too young to qualify for Boston....at least with my marathon times.) I could not have been more pleased. The course was beautiful (especially around the reservoir) and the rolling hills were not extreme. Well, the hill up to the finish is definitely a challenge. The last 1-1/2 miles definitely got one's attention. The police protection was fabulous and the volunteers could not have been more delightful. The water stops were perfectly timed and I believe gel was even offered at some. All-in-all a great experience. One, and only one, negative comment - the hotel I selected (Economy Inn) had an 11:00 a.m. check-out and apparently would charge another $10 for each additional hour you wanted to stay. Ridiculous price for the condition of the hotel room. I didn't expect it to be 4-star, but geesh. There are PLENTY of accommodations nearby - I just picked the closest, which was a mistake.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use