calendar icon May 20, 2024

Memphis Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Memphis Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 382 [displaying comments 341 to 351]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 33 34 35 36 37 .. 39 > ]

 

b. y. from Illinois (12/9/2003)
"Topnotch" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I ran the half, so I can only comment on the first loop of the course. I thought this was great fun - the course was well laid out and challenging. I was completely impressed with the organizational support including outstanding traffic control from the local police. Finishing at AutoZone Park - their minor league baseball stadium - was a great location to wrap up a great event.

I definitely plan to run this again.
 

H. W. from Atlanta, GA. (12/9/2003)
"Scenic marathon with a lot of potential" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


This was my first marathon and I enjoyed the layout and getting to pass through some of the more historic sights in Memphis. Perhaps I missed the fruit and cookies at the later aid stations, but I never saw any and was really needing it by mile 21. The later part of the marathon is run on roads that are moderately too severely sloped, which was tough on my feet and calves. Crowd support was sparse outside of Beale, Autozone Park and Overton Park, but those who were out there were very spirited. All in all, I was very pleased with the marathon as a whole and the proceeds all go to a great cause, which makes it even more worthwhile.
 

Lynn Moore from Pine Bluff, Arkansas (12/9/2003)
"Set a PR here!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I thought overall this marathon is well worth running. Very well organized packet pickup and expo with enthusiastic crowd support. Several hotels located near the start/finish line areas made it easy getting to and from the race and expo. The course was hillier than I expected, but the cool temps (38 degrees) helped out - although the wind was a factor somewhat that day. I didn't qualify for Boston here, but set a PR and felt great. Excellent traffic control throughout the race. I didn't mind the double-loop course but the rolling hills in the last few miles were a definite challenge. Finishing in the Autozone park with friends and family cheering me on was a definite plus. I will be back! (as Arnold would say).
 

Mike Burke from Manhattan Beach, CA (12/9/2003)
"GREAT, FANTASTIC, AWESOME " (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


My 31st marathon. One of the very best. Totally well organized. Great crowd support. I would recommend it to anyone. Not too much competion from other marathons this time of year either. Especially in this part of the U.S.
 

D. N. from USA (12/8/2003)
"Great race for a great cause" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was a topnotch marathon. The course was not too hilly (however did not match elevation chart), the day was great, and the spectators probably more spirited than any marathon I have done. The only complaint was not a long enough finish line - stopping immediately to take off the chip was tough. Maybe strech it out a bit. Overall, great job!!
 

K. D. from Jackson, MS (12/8/2003)
"Good overall experience" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This was just my second marathon after Chicago in '02. Overall, I thought the marathon was a good experience. It was my first to do a double-loop course, so that was a little challenging. I would have liked the second loop to be more different than the first. There are a number of hotels that are just 2-3 blocks from the start/finish. My family was able to see my twice before the finish by only walking a couple blocks!

The finish in the baseball park is great. It allows the crowd to actually see the runners coming in. Also, running through the Liberty Bowls was neat too. The crowd is scarce in a couple places, but all are very encouraging.

I was told about the rolling hills beforehand but it seemed a little more hilly than expected. Overall, a good experience for my 1st smaller marathon. Would recommend it, but expect a few rolling hills throughout.
 

A. P. from Covington, TN (12/7/2003)
"First-Timer" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Never ran a half marathon before and was not able to train properly due to knee problems. Still able to do the half marathon in under 3 hours. A lot of downhill the first 6 miles. A lot of up hill the last 7.1 but because the first half was so smooth I was able to jog most of it and come out with a pretty good time. The race starts out along the Mississippi River, which is beautiful, and the finish at Autozone Park made me feel like an olympian. They announced you by name and gave you a finisher's medal. My goodie bag and free hat cost almost as much as my fee to enter. Very organized. Supporters were great. Good experience!
 

mark Dabbs from Walsall, England (11/7/2003)
"A somewhat cold mid-winter run, but worth it!" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


Lining up by the Pyramid, I went up to the front for a mile of blazing glory, then settled down to the middle of the pack. The course I ran took us past Graceland and a good photo opportunity for a picture in front of Ole Elvis' pad.

The coldness of December kept you going along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, great finish inside the Pyramid - venue of the Lewis-Tyson fight, a knock-out.
 

G. J. from Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada (7/25/2003)
"Enjoyable experience" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was a very memorable experience for my first marathon, as I travelled from Nova Scotia to run it. The # of participants was great - enough to feel you were in a crowd, but not too many to crowd you out. The spectators, while small in number, were very enthusiastic.
The only complaint I had was my certificate had the clock time instead of the chip time. As a first-timer, I would have liked for my certificate to show under 4 hours, instead of the clock time (4:00:09).
 

gina house from memphis, tn (3/25/2003)
"Great Comeback" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I watched my husband run the last 1st tennessee sponsored marathon in 2000. I was miserable driving the course, much less running it. The st. jude version is top notch. the addition of the half marathon really increased the numbers. the expo & utilization of auto zone park was wonderful. I hope one day the course will take our visitors through more of the historic midtown areas instead of a double dose of north parkway. Also - i would have purchased a logo jacket if it were available.
 

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