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That Dam Hill Marathon Runner Comments

Back to That Dam Hill Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.7 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 36 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

 

Mark DIGGINS from Parkhill ontario (9/23/2016)
"Great race/support/location" (about: 2016)

2 previous marathons | 1 That Dam Hill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


100% I will sign up again. If I could give 6 stars I would. Very well run, perfect place at a great time of year.
 

R. M. from Woodstock, ON (9/22/2016)
"Amazing!" (about: 2016)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was the longest timed race I've done; previous to this I've only done 5K races. I was hesitant about a few things regarding this one beforehand:
1) It's a circuit course and I was afraid it would be boring;
2) I was uncertain of the 'hill(s)' on the course; and
3) I was running alone.

All of my concerns were for nought. The course is just long enough that it wasn't boring at all and the landscape is beautiful and scenic. The bathroom on course (and one just slightly off) was a great advantage although I didn't use it, I'm sure those doing the longer races were grateful.

While it is hilly, it's not unbearably so. The final hill, which ends the lap just before the aid station, is the 'hill' in 'That Dam Hill' and as I got more tired I tended to walk most of it. The other hills are not so bad, and there are a couple good downhill sections where you can take advantage with some additional speed.

Despite my support crew being a no-go on the day of, I made a few friends and even stowed my gear under someone's tent so it would stay dry. Everyone was very kind: the other runners, their support teams, and race volunteers were just amazing.

Speaking of the volunteers, they went above and beyond. The aid station was amazingly well-stocked and the ice bandanas were such a relief after about the fourth loop when it started to warm up.

The long-sleeve t-shirt hoody was a nice touch, quite a bit different than the usual tech shirt.

Overall, it was a great day and I will definitely do it again next year!

Note: the only reason I gave the Spectator portion a 4 is because there weren't really any aside from the support teams for the other runners, but they were definitely nice and supportive for everyone.
 

Joyce Penner from St. Catharines, Ontario (9/18/2016)
"Thought a circuit course would be horrid - nope!!" (about: 2016)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 That Dam Hill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I was concerned that a loop course (19 circuits) was going to drive me nuts, but it made the time fly. The course is beautiful, the spectators/volunteers are delightful and they get to know you as you see them over and over again, and you get to know exactly what portions of the course are your 'give 'er' and your 'torment' sections - I like knowing what to expect.

The organizers take fantastic care of you! As you pass them, they ask you what they can have ready for you the next time you pass them. AMAZING!!

A huge benefit to this race that I've never been offered in any other marathon are ice packs for my neck. Every third circuit or so I'd get a new one to tie around my neck. Such relief! Thank you organizers!!
 

C. S. from Kitchener, ON (10/5/2015)
"Great Course and volunteers!" (about: 2015)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first year running That Dam Hill, and I did the 6h race. I had a great experience! I really enjoyed running the 2.25k laps much more than I would have expected! The organizers and friendly volunteers made all the difference in motivating me and I am sure many others out there. The aid stations were well stocked and people were always cheering and smiling, even the runners.

The course is scenic and flat/fast, good for PRs. I would certainly recommend the experience!
 

S. M. from Ottawa, ON (9/23/2015)
"My 73rd Marathon! London's best kept secret!" (about: 2015)

50+ previous marathons | 1 That Dam Hill Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This race is highly underrated. Not only are the other runners super cool and very friendly, but the volunteers are pretty nice. IT was great seeing runners from the US there since it was a good image for Canada. There are two hills on this pretty course and a couple of real bathrooms. The final hill is quite steep and I did end up walking it. If they do an 8 hour race next year I will sign up for sure. Great food at the aid station and I met some great Canadian maniacs. The hoodie is a nice touch. An inexpensive race with cheaper hotels in the downtown core. Well worth the trip TO runners!
 

B. L. from ON - Ontario (9/21/2015)
"Excellent timed and measured distance races!" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 That Dam Hill Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


A great setting (Springbank Park in London Ontario), very friendly support crews, and a very flexible format  anything from Half Marathon measured distance to 24 Hour timed race. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier as well. The loop-around-the-park format is great as you get to know the course quite well and is certainly a different twist than other races I've done. The field size is quite small and personal  you get to know other runners by name! But not a lot of crowd support  which is the only reason I gave 'Spectators/Fans' a 2. Those spectators that were there were awesome and continually supportive, though. This is a highly recommended race to do _at least_ once, in my books! I'll be back for next year's race and may step up to the 6 hour format.
 

L. C. from Canada, Ontario (9/21/2015)
"Awesome Race" (about: 2015)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I really enjoyed this race, have been in it three years in a row now and I will definitely go into it again next year. The loop is great and has a great scenery.
 

A. M. from Cambridge, ON (9/20/2015)
"Fun and friendly" (about: 2015)

3 previous marathons | 1 That Dam Hill Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


First timed race for me was totally unprepared and got through it with the help of supporters cheering, great water stations and volunteers and great atmosphere. Definitely on my schedule for next year!
 

Teresa Novick from London, Ontario (9/23/2014)
"friendly, fun, scenic and challenging" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 That Dam Hill Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Great course, well organized , excellent aid station, fantastic volunteers, a real washroom on the loop, scenic, no cars allowed! Easily qualified for Boston.
 

J. W. from London, Ontario (9/23/2014)
"An excellent course - many thanks!" (about: 2014)

1 previous marathon | 1 That Dam Hill Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The loop around Springbank Park was an excellent test of perseverance and speed. Beautiful along the river. The Race Coordinators were informative, helpful and excited. The Volunteers were amazing with their enthusiasm and the stations were stocked with everything needed. The results were posted quickly and as a running / walking community - all was supported. I cannot wait for next year's race. Thank you.
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]


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