calendar icon May 9, 2024

Tri-Cities Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Tri-Cities Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 62 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

 

M. S. from Kent, WA (10/27/2009)
"Great small marathon" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was truly an enjoyable marathon experience. From the pain-free on-line registration to the fabulous and convenient host hotel (what better set up than to walk out of your hotel room to the start/finish line?!), to the expertly organized race on a beautiful and flat course, this exceeded my previous marathon experience in every way.

PROS:
-Affordable price
-Host hotel with great rates and located at start/finish line (also with late checkout)
-Beautiful/flat course
-Upbeat and encouraging volunteers
-Announcement of name/age/place of origin as you cross the finish line
-Good selection of food at the finish line
-Nice medal
-Great shirts

CONS:
- No GU or other supplements along the course
- No finish line pictures

I definitely plan to run this marathon again.
 

B. H. from Eureka, MT (10/27/2009)
"Great Marathon" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Tri-Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I look for small marathons and this was the best of three so far. Scenic course had the added benefit of being almost flat; three bridge crossings bring you through all of the Tri-Cities; adequate aid stations and plenty of food and beverages at the end. I'd be happy to pay a little extra for chip timing.
 

T. M. from Atlanta (10/27/2009)
"Nice Course, Well Organized" (about: 2009)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Tri-Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The race was very well organized, from packet pickup to the logistics on the course. The aid stations were excellent. Plenty of fluids. The amenities were very nice. I would highly recommend this course. Great fall colors, nice weather and nice experience running along the Columbia River.
 

A. B. from Idaho (10/25/2009)
"Flat, fast, fun" (about: 2009)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was a great little race overall. The course spends enough time on the Columbia River that it's surprisingly scenic, especially given the fall colors.

Pros:
* The Shilo Inn is a great host hotel, with very affordable rates.
* The shirts were hands-down my favorites ever, with funny references to the Hanford Nuclear Reserve nearby.
* FAST course! I PR'd by 12 minutes.

Cons:
* NO food on the course. I could have used a banana at about mile 17.
* No results posted at the end.
 

J. B. from Billings, Montana (10/30/2008)
"An Enjoyable Course" (about: 2008)

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


I really enjoyed this race; the course runs along the Columbia River, mostly on trails. There were not tons of fans out, but the ones that were there were great... and so were the volunteers. I could have run a fast time on this if I had not run the Oregon Potato Marathon the day before in Umatilla, OR.
 

P. J. from Layton, UT (10/27/2008)
"Great course; excellent small marathon" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Tri-Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Really enjoyed this marathon. The course starts adjacent to the hotel parking lot, making the run exceptionally convenient. The out-and-back course offers runners an opportunity to view the race leaders and to familiarize themselves with the last half of the course. The course is relatively flat and fast. It mostly runs adjacent to the Columbia River, providing spectacular views. A first-class event, deserving of a prospective marathoner's consideration.
 

S. O. from Spokane, WA (10/27/2008)
"Small, well-organized marathon" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Tri-Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I really enjoyed the Tri-Cities Marathon this year. I ran it once in 2004 and just missed qualifying for Boston. That year there was a fairly strong headwind, which slowed me down in the last 10 miles. I ran it again in 2008 and was able to shave a couple of minutes off my previous time and qualify for Boston. The Tri-Cities Marathon is a great course for runners, like me, who do not like big crowds. With plenty of room to run and places for my family to meet me and cheer me on, I was able to run 20 minutes faster at Tri-Cities than I did at Portland. My two training partners also did well at the Tri-Cities Marathon, qualifying for Boston and getting PR's at the same time. Compared to the big marathons, Tri-Cities is also reasonably priced and starts right outside the hotel. It is great to walk out the door and run without having to stress about parking and getting a good start. I will definitely do this one again.
 

R. C. from Monroe, WA (10/27/2008)
"Great marathon! I loved it!" (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Tri-Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I'm so glad I chose this one! The race was well organized and the people were all very nice! The course was perfect; it was nice and flat for the most part, and so very beautiful! The weather was fabulous; it was a little windy at times but not too bad at all! I am looking forward to running again next year!
 

D. M. from Eatonville, WA (10/27/2008)
"Great small race" (about: 2008)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Tri-Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Very well put-on small race. Race finish was in the parking lot across from my hotel room! Can you say, "Convenient!?!" Course was a mix of roads, paved bike trails, bridge crossings, and a bit of running on dirt/gravel connectors that mostly ran along both side of the Columbia river. Not too many spectators, but those attending were boisterous. Some headwinds hit on some miles (9-11.5, 18-24), but not too bad. Aside from that, perfect weather and about the flattest marathon in WA. Don't expect an expo, but everything else was well done. Can't say enough about how much I loved being able to roll out of bed and stumble 100 yards to the start line on the road just outside of the hotel parking area! No porta-potties issues because I had my personal bathroom in my room! Plus, an automatic 2 p.m. late checkout (after the 1:15 p.m. awards ceremony)? Genius!!! Great small race to run at least once! Plus, a sub-3 PR!
 

L. A. from San Diego, CA (12/4/2007)
"Great fun in Washington state!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Tri-Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I really do enjoy a well put together, small marathon. The weather and the course were perfect! I took the early start, and met some wonderful people along the way. This is definitely a race to bring your own cheering section, as there weren't many folks along the way. Even though I don't run much in cold weather, it was perfect for me, and I ended up feeling great, and with a PR!
 

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