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May 19, 2024

Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) Runner Comments

Back to Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) Information & Reviews

Course 4.1

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.6

Number of comments: 51 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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David Taylor from Dawson, Illinois (11/26/2005) "You Want Scenic and Well Organized?" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 ...Then this is a marathon for you. It is hilly and smallish in number of participants, but under the careful directorship of Steven Uhl, and with well trained volunteers, this one surpasses all expectations for its size. The few spectators are enthusiastic and encouraging. I agree with all of James Skibo's 10/18/05 comments (except for some of the elevation changes - check the elevation chart on their website very carefully because this is a challenging course, regardless). The race organization and scenic course through the Sioux City area makes it all worthwhile, though. If you can, check out the world's largest family-owned ice cream factory's museum and fountain - Blue Bunny in nearby LaMars. You also can get some free at the excellent post-race party/awards (yum). One last positive point: The half marathoners start at mile 13 to allow us long-haulers our own pace.
P. H. from Sioux Falls, South Dakota (11/5/2005) "Sgt. Floyd died here, and I almost joined him" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I love this course! I entered this race because of the critical reviews here and feedback from acquaintances who have run here previously. Yes the course is hilly but I knew this in advance and trained hills every day, all summer. I needed the challenge. Ironically, I cramped up real bad on one of the flattest stretches on the course, about one mile past Stone Park, and never recovered. What followed was a six-mile death march to the finish line, an experience unlike my prior four marathons. I'll do it again. Here's why: 1. Great organization. The race director is a veteran runner and very experienced marathoner (check the bio), and that translates into a lot of attention to details. 2. Great support. Aid stations every mile. Most had a carb drink in addition to water; a few had fresh fruit slices, gels, licorice, etc. Volunteers were great. Traffic control was top-notch: thumbs up to the SCPD. 3. Convenience and value. Walked from my hotel room to the starting line in less than 2 minutes. Indoor pre-race facilities for registration, bathroom, warm-up, etc. Parking is no problem. The race offers free shuttle service before and after the race. Free pasta dinner to all marathon runners. Nicely engraved finisher's medal and lots of post-race refreshments 4. Redemption. I need to run those last six miles again. On my terms.
S. F. from NW Arkansas (11/2/2005) "First-timer could have used more company." (about: 2005) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Course showcased area well. Had fun. Could've used a bit more company during the run but didn't want huge crowds. I guess this was a pretty good compromise. Starting line hotel made morning preparation easy. (Walk across the parking lot.) Check-in, course markings & water stations all worked.
B. S. from Iceland (10/29/2005) "A very well organized run" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Thank you for a good race. I came all the way from Iceland to run this run. The people is so friendly, that I felt like I were at home with my family. The course was very beautiful, like a golden necklace and the volunteers were the diamonds and pearls on that necklace. Three times, I felt a little lost, but I´m sure the organizer is working on that for the marathons in the future. Congratulations, you've done a great job, and thank you again for a good marathon.
R. T. from Arlington, VA (10/20/2005) "Definitely worth the effort" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want a big race with millions of people, Siouxland isn't for you. If you think Iowa is one flat state, Siouxland isn't for you. If you want a well organized, well planned marathon with a kind-hearted dose of Midwestern friendliness, Siouxland IS for you. While too many marathons today are in the business of big bucks and mega-fields, Siouxland is what every marathon should be - a delightful experience. This is a race that treats each and every runner as a part of an elite field. From the well-stocked and plentiful fluid stations to the enthusiastic people stocking the stations and located sporadically throughout the course, you will feel like much more than a number. In fact, if you're tired of the big city like I am, you might even consider moving to Iowa. The course, as mentioned, has a few hills. The one around the 15-mile mark will get you if you're not careful. The one at 23 is one of those rise-and-crest, rise-and-crest deals that never seems to end. Once you're over it, it's a gradual downhill toward the finish. Otherwise, the course is pleasant, mostly traffic protected, and quite scenic. Logistically, the race is a runner's dream. Fly into Sioux City, stay at the host hotel in Sioux City (free shuttle from the airport as of 2005), free bus to the start (a 5-minute ride), walk back three blocks from the finish to the hotel. You'll be hard pressed to get a better deal than this. All in all, great place, great race (just include a bit of hill training) and definitely worth a look for those needing Iowa or Nebraska.
K. S. from Ames, Iowa (10/20/2005) "Excellent marathon." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can't add much to the previous poster's very detailed report about this marathon, except to concur with his judgment that the course is challenging (but doable) and the race organization superb. In fact, I wondered how many thousands of orange cones they set out to mark the course and divert traffic as I was running. I highly recommend this marathon.
James Skibo from Cedar Hill TX USA (Dallas) (10/18/2005) "Stunningly beautiful and challenging marathon." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 GENERAL: This is a runner's marathon that is a superbly organized and managed local race that will challenge you, but also reward you with some of the most stunning scenery you'll ever see. Support is flawless. Further, organizers are runners or former runners and they understand the unique needs of runners. They aren't in it for the money. COURSE: The course is challenging and you need to understand that, but it is just scenically gorgeous and worth the effort. I was told the race director used to run the same route as his hill training and I can certainly believe the "hill" part. If you have hill work in your training you'll do fine, but you will get a good workout in the process so be prepared. Also, almost the entire course is concrete with some asphalt and even a little stretch of dirt road. If you think Iowa is flat, think again. This course has a whopping total ascent of 1,736 feet and 1,731 of descent. It starts in Nebraska and ends in Iowa, but most of it is in Iowa. The course is one of the most varied I have ever run and, while difficult, all of it was unique and interesting. I'll describe it in detail. Miles 1-6. These are basically flat and go along the Missouri River and the Sioux River. You'll cross a half mile long suspension bridge across the Missouri River into Iowa. It is a gradual climb and very early in the race so it's no big deal. This has some streets but most is a paved trail that was a former railroad line. It goes through dense wooded areas along the river. Stunning fall foliage. Miles 7-9. These are more trails and streets and start leading towards a series of country roads. Minor ups and downs. Miles 10 to 14. Country roads but all of it has a slight UPwards incline & about 300' of gradual ascent over 4 miles. Miles 14-16. Here the course turns into the Stone State Park. A very narrow two-lane road twists and does hairpin turns through the park as you ascend a bluff. These 2.5 miles go up more than 400' and have some really steep inclines. If you are not too zoned out at the top, there is a jaw-dropping view where you get a 60-70 mile panoramic view out across the rivers and farmland. I didn't catch it while running but saw it the next day when I drove the course to take photos. Miles 16-18. These are a net descent of 350' out of the park and into valleys of rolling farmland and rural houses. I'm not a horse person, but there appeared to be some "high end" horse farms along the way. Miles 18-20. Here you enter the city through narrow residential streets that are heavily canopied with trees. Up-and-down terrain but nothing too steep. Miles 21-24. Just when you think you're in the clear, the course leads you along a 4-lane highway that goes UP & and then UP some more - & 370' to be exact. None of it is steep, but at the very last of the race, you are climbing for almost 4 miles! Miles 25-26. All moderately downhill through the center of the city to the finish line. ORGANIZATION: Basically flawless except for two minor glitches in road markings due to some construction in one part and a missed road sign in another. Those should disappear in 2006. For a small 200-person marathon and 300 others in the half and relays, I was impressed with how tightly they had things running. You can tell when runners organize a race because little things that might irritate a runner just don't appear. Example, all tables had exactly the same order of Gatorade and then the water. You didn't have to wait for anything at any table no matter how late in the race it was. Every single intersection was managed by volunteers and police who truly understood runners and their needs. They even had people at the finish line to interview runners and ask what could be better in the future. What other marathon have you ever run where anyone did that?! They care about YOU. FANS: Given the rural nature of most of the course there weren't many, but those who were there were quite enthusiastic. I run in my own little world anyway and I don't need cheering masses. MEDALS & AWARDS: The finisher's medal is a very nicely executed bronze 2" medallion with very crisp lettering of the Sioux City name, the marathon name, the date, and the marathon logo, which has the Lewis & Clark profiles. I like my finisher's medals, and this one clearly tells people where you ran. Also, it does not have any commercial messages on it. Award plaques for the different divisions are the normal 6x8" wood plaques with metal plate on them. POST-RACE: They have a nice post-race party in a large pub right at the finish line. Tons of BBQ and side dishes & you can pig out 'til you're fully recharged. MISC: The people are fantastic. I went to the awards and missed hearing my name called, so I was clueless that I had won anything. The local paper just gave the winner's details but the results were posted on the web on Sunday. I was staying through Monday so I could play tourist and on Monday morning my co-workers started to call and tell me about the award. I was just an hour from leaving for the airport but I called the race director and asked could I pick it up to take back with me. Fifteen minutes later his wife delivered the award to the hotel! I think that is incredible and speaks volumes about the entire race.
R. C. from Iowa (10/17/2005) "Small but Good" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Ran it on Saturday, October 15th. Absolutely perfect day: Start temperature around 40 degrees. They said it was hilly, and it was very hilly. Miles 10, 14 and 23 had sizable hills and Mile 14-15 was kind of nice at top because there was an aid station and crowd working it was yelling like crazy to get me up that hill. The course, although hilly in parts, was very nice and scenic. Part of run went up the Missouri River with bluffs off to right and crossing Mizzou River from Nebraska to Iowa was pretty cool. Also, nice mix of residential, park-like flat running in parts and more urban areas towards the end was kinda cool. Only major complaint (if it is one) is that it was very small and at times I was all by my lonesome. Maybe if I wasn't so friggin' slow, though, I'd have less to complain about. The crowds were pretty sparse and one pet peeve was the people running the relays (only 5-6 miles at most) were not that supportive (although a couple were encouraging) and I hated it when they sprinted past me (demoralizing) on their 5-mile jaunt. I do give them credit for at least doing something and running is better then doing nothing. The race event was organized nicely. I imagine it is not too hard when you only have about 350 total runners. THIS IS NOT A CUT AT RACE ORGANIZERS. I am merely saying it is probably easier to put it together then say NYC or Boston with 25-40K runners. However, that being said, they did do an excellent job with TONS of aid stations that were fun. At mile 19 one of the local track teams handed out GU packs while announcing your name as you approached. And on mile 23 in a nice residential neighborhood they had orange slices out and the people working the station were hilarious because I was hating it at that point and they were very encouraging as I trudged my butt up that last big hill. They also did a very nice job with traffic control and marking every mile acurately. This kind of stuff is important because even though I was alone for chunks of time, the volunteers and officers were always there to either stop traffic for me or point me in the right direction. I have run Philly/Chicago/St. Louis and Des Moines and this was certainly the most challenging course for me because the hills kicked my arse pretty hard. All in all, if you want to challenge yourself, this is a fun run to run but prepare yourself for those friggin' hills man.
Derek Dippon from Minneapolis, Minnesota (3/3/2005) "Great small-town Race!" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The start was cold in 2004, but it usually should be near ideal. The course was great because of the challenge it posed. Lots of places have 'flat and fast' marathons. This was scenic and memorable. There are some hills that will challenge you and season the accomplishment of finishing and doing well, making the finish that much sweeter. The pasta party was great - and included in the price! Overall, it was a great deal for a race. A post-race party is also included. I showered, changed, and went back to the finish area to cheer on the finishers to the last one. The atmosphere was friendly and better than any big-time marathon. It was a place to relax, hang out, enjoy yourself and make new friends. The volunteers and aid stations were excellent. I was cheered on by name, much to my surprise, the entire race. That was a nice touch. Add it all up... and I'll definitely try to fit this race into my calendar for 2005. Best wishes to R.D. Steve Uhl in continued success.
M. C. from Kansas City, MO (10/29/2004) "I'd do it again!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Siouxland Lewis & Clark Marathon (IA)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 25 marathons, including Boston, NYC, Grandma's, Twin Cities, and Dallas. This marathon, only in its second year, has already overcome long odds and promises to grow in its tradition and participation. Hats off to the great people of Sioux City, Iowa and South Sioux City, Nebraska. The course is challenging, but also beautiful. It is not designed for 'whiners', so if you like to cry, whine, and complain, you'll be better off watching the real marathoners from inside the warmth of your truck. You may not set a PR on this course, but then again it all depends on how hard you train! The pasta party and post-race parties were great, and will improve each year. The crowd support was the best! No, there are not people lined-up 10 deep the entire length of the course (if you need that, then qualify for Boston, or sign-up for Twin Cities.) But the friends, family members, and all others who were on the course really made a difference when it counted! Although I live in the Kansas City area now, this marathon is in my hometown, and I will do what I can to support it each year.

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