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May 13, 2024

Run for the Ranch Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Run for the Ranch Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.5

Organization 3.7

Spectators 3.2

Number of comments: 57 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

J. W. from Springfield, MO (12/19/2011) "Awesome Encouragement and Post-Run Treats!" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Run for the Ranch Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a well-organized race. This was an 8 loop course, and it went better than I thought. The route is flat and the course markings were excellent (even the signs that pointed out bumps in the road!). Post-run pizza was awesome and the medals are beautiful!
R. M. from Indianapolis, IN (12/19/2011) "Overall Excellent Race" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my 5th marathon and my 1st 'loop course marathon' and overall I thought it was great. The loops worked great for me.. The laps went by fast, aid stations were spaced apart perfectly. I thought one of the cool things about the loops is you got to see and encourage just about everyone. From the leaders to the walkers. If I lived closer than a 8 hour drive, I'd definitely make this an annual race.
E. B. from Illinois (12/19/2011) "kudos to Richard Johnson & the OMRR track club" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Run for the Ranch Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 One of the best run marathons & excellent value. Every criticism from last year was addressed (see below): the course was simplified to eliminate many of the turns, the path did not cross over itself, the 5K & 10K was not included this year, and the stadium with its bottlenecks was eliminated. There was still the Xmas music, but much less (and some people enjoy the Little Drummer Boy drumming in their head for hours). Spectators make up for their sparse numbers in enthusiasm & perseverance. Course support included two water/sports drink/guu-stuff stations per loop (3.275 mi). T shirt is tech, very nice design, good cut. The pizza after was hard to digest, but there were also lots of snacks (cookies, chips, peanuts). This race is VERY generous with awards. You don't need to PR to snag a trophy. My last race was a Rock N Roll. Except for the distance, these races couldn't be more different. If you like overpaying for an overcrowded & overhyped race, Run for the Ranch may not be for you. For everyone else, this is a GREAT experience.
E. C. from Iowa (11/22/2011) "New Course in 2011" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Run for the Ranch Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Just wanted to update that the course has changed again this year. There are now only 17 turns per lap compared to 28 turns last year. This is a huge improvement. Also, the route no longer will run at the stadium/track facility. Though the race is not for another month, I plan to run it again and am very excited regarding the change in course layout.
A. D. from Boulder, CO (1/24/2011) "nice small event" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Run for the Ranch Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I had more trouble with the 8 laps than I would have hoped, but that was my mental state, I'm sure. Having the Student Union as the staging area was really nice and the sandwiches from Blimpies afterwards were great. The track portion was always interesting and the Christmas carols were a nice touch. A good choice for Missouri in our schedule!
B. M. from Mid West (12/28/2010) "Beyond Expectations" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Run for the Ranch Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Great event. New course is much better. Being lapped (more than once... maybe three times!) by "Olympic qualifier" runners was actually fun, especially when they cheer you and your running mates on with words of encouragement. How cool is that?!
B. T. from St. Louis (12/25/2010) "Great low key marathon." (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 What a neat way to end the year's marathoning: 8 laps proved not to be boring; weather was just right. I don't really need crowds to cheer me on and it was great to chat a bit with other runners along the course. This should be a "do it" for others wanting an end-of-year marathon.
S. W. from Nashville, TN (12/23/2010) "What a great value this event is." (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Run for the Ranch Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 What a great value this event is. I drove eight hours to support this charitable run just days before Christmas. My 47 events of 2010 include 3 marathons, a 20-miler, 9 half marathons and several demanding trail events. Because of the season and temps I did not expect many volunteers. The races were on the MSU campus. All race staffers were pleasant and very helpful. We registered late and waited for the starts in Plaster Student Union. With the availability of real restrooms and the 26.2 start just out the front door, I was impressed. Before the start the race director confirmed that the course was indeed a loop of something like 3.27 miles. The marathoners would cross the mat 7 times and on the 8th loop exit through the finish chute to the right of the timing mats. On the first pass around the city on the campus loop I noticed no hazard that would be common to a trail run. I would have had to work hard to stub my toe. Every turn or drive crossing was marked well with orange cones and/or chalked arrows. Water and sports drink was handed to me or easy to pick up at the tables. Restrooms were spaced well enough that I did not feel the need to tinkle behind a tree. The course moves to sidewalks when adjacent to heavily traveled thoroughfares. Once around and I was good to go. An added benefit to a looped course is who might run beside you for a few moments. I did not run in San Francisco, Fargo or Pittsburg, nor could I have as an entrant been near an elite runner and Olympic prospect such as Leah Thorvilson (Memphis Marathon 2:40:02), but she passed right beside me more than once... how cool is that? Very inspiring! I enjoyed the spirit of the other runners. There was much jovial banter exchanged. People quickly moved right when passing was spoken. Frequent words of encouragement were exchanged. After darkness settled in there was plenty of light and the course was like running around the block at home. Campus security in roving vehicles was present. Christmas carols were played over loudspeakers in the stadium as the course included a circle of the track. At the finish food was plentiful more than adequate and fresh. We'll all be on a diet Jan. 1st. I received a very nice, true-to-size, short-sleeve technical shirt, and my medal will be mailed to me. What more could a runner want? I'll be back with friends next year.
N. B. from USA (12/21/2010) "Very nice, interesting course; enjoyable race." (about: 2010) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my first half marathon and a good one to start with. The course was in a very nice setting and not boring at all to run. Everyone (runners, spectators, officials) was very nice and it was a fun experience.
Sue Mantyla from Salt Lake City, Utah (12/21/2010) "Eight loops couldn't have been more fun!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Run for the Ranch Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Wow! This was such a fun marathon. I wasn't sure about running 8 loops, but before I knew it, 13 miles had gone by and then the next 13 felt just as fast. It was so fun seeing the same runners and cheering each other on. The spectators were consistent and so excited to see you every time you passed them that they became friends. I loved running into the stadium with the Christmas music blasting and the water station there was a perfect location. The course was just a lot of fun. I ran a PR and qualified for Boston, so you can't complain. The Boston qualifying plaques were a nice touch. It was fun to hang out before and after the marathon in the heated Student Union Building. The free Blimpie sandwich was a nice surprise. Thank you for a great race!

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