"Last Chance for Boston" Marathon - Race Reviews

For those of us looking to stretch our distance in February, this is a solid option. Full marathons at this time of year are hard to come by in Ohio, so hats off to the promoters for putting this together every year. Logistics were easy. Race hotel and registration were right at the start line. Plenty of parking was located right next to the start line and the area made for easy arrival and departure from the race site. The volunteers were great and enthusiastic. Race organizers were on the course the entire time and put on a good event. Water and bananas were waiting after crossing the finish line. The course is, as others have mentioned, a one mile loop run 26 times. This made it easy to leave a supply bag at a point near the start/finish line with gels, drink, etc., and gave spectators an opportunity to see runners over and over for support. The only thing to keep in mind is that this makes the course congested for quite a while, and those 104 left turns can really take a toll on your Achilles and ankles. Overall a good event that was well run at a time when there aren't any other options in the area.

There aren't many marathons in this part of the country in February. So hats off to the race directors for offering some longer distances this time of year. Second time I've run this marathon. Pros: The easiest logistics you'll find at a marathon. The host hotel, and a couple of others are right on the course. Roll out of bed 10 minutes before the start! Not many other marathons can claim that perk. Pancake flat course. One mile loop means no looking for porta potties or the next water station. Plenty of parking. A simultaneous 5k, 10K and half mean you're never lonely on the course. Organizers and volunteers were very friendly. Cons: The course is really congested until the 5kers and 10kers are off the course. Understand the race organizers have to make money, and they aren't going to do it off of a half and full marathon in Ohio in February. If you're looking to run a marathon pr, know that you'll spend a lot of energy dodging people in the first several miles, no matter your pace. I felt like I was on mile 7 when the crowds thinned. Also, a one lap course means a lot of turns. There are four 90 degree turns on the loop. Post race food is a little thin, I had cold pizza and granola bars. Overall, this is a solid and unique race that I would recommend for anyone looking to get in some distance over the winter. Nice job Warm up for Boston!

Nice, flat race. Some people don't like running a 1 mile loop, but it was fine for a half marathon, which is what I did at this race. I didn't do the full because of the 5 hour time limit. I liked the half because even though it is a small race, and few spectators, you get to see them every mile! The water stop was great... the volunteers were vying for your attention and wanting to be the ones giving you water or Gatorade. The food at the end could have been more - that part was inadequate. Especially, for the full marathoners. I went down to where the food was supposed to be and there were NO drinks and a handful of pizzas... I appreciate the pizza, but where was everybody? Also, the finish line was pretty well dead at 4:30 time-frame, and the volunteers had left. I wouldn't have wanted to do the full because of this. I think they should have had people stay longer. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this race. I really loved the volunteers and the flat course. The weather was perfect this year, and that was a bonus! The other thing I loved was seeing friends (old and new) multiple times on the course. Everyone was friendly and encouraging. Exactly what I like in a race! I would definitely do this one again, as the half. Unless, they had folks stay longer, I'm not sure I would want to do the full.

I was training for a marathon in April to BQ, but as I was running 20 mile runs faster than my goal pace, I thought I would sign up for Last Chance at the last minute and BQ there. This was my first shot at the marathon and what I thought would be a boring marathon, was actually an amazing experience. I ended up running a 2:53 and got 3rd place. How cool is that? I was surprised at the kind of people this marathon attracted to the race. There were some big name runners there: Harvey Lewis, Chuck Engle...Wow. What an experience. Although it was 30 degrees and lightly snowing, I ran without my shirt and felt fine..You wont even notice the cold after the first lap trust me. I kind of liked passing people every lap, it gave me that feeling of getting to chase people down and the people I passes multiple times shouted words of encouragement. You really get to know the volunteers after passing them 26 times and they are very supportive and encouraging. I love it. Plan on being there again in 2015, so if you see a 6'9' runner there, just give me a holler...See you there next year.

Running 26 one mile loops for a marathon had intrigued me so I was happy to give it a try. If you are looking for great scenery or variety in a race, this is not for you. But if you want easy logisitics and a flat course, this race is great. The finish line is right at the hotel. You pass the water stop with friendly volunteers every mile. If you need supplies during the race you have access to them once every mile. Since it is a small marathon (69 marathon finishers) there isn't an expo or some of the other things you can get with a bigger marathon. But, if you want to distill your experience down to the possibility of a fast time, give this marathon a try. The average finishing time for this marathon is typically under 4 hours. Other than Boston, I'm not sure there are many other marathons that have an average finishing time this fast. The only downside is that you share the course with 5K, 10K, and half marathon runners so you might have to dodge people occaisionally, but for me it wasn't a big issue.

I completed this marathon in 2012 and 2013 and it is my first repeat marathon. I normally don't like to repeat marathons but this one is so unique I was excited to come back. Looking for a PR/BQ in 2013 I achieved both with a 3:03:58 (taking 20 minutes off my 2012 time!) This race is not for everyone though. Some might go insane running 26 laps around the same loop. I think it can really help you to focus your energy on 'just running.' 2012 and 2013 were both decent weather for Ohio/February. Both days temperatures started in the mid 20s and ended in the low 30s with no sun and just a little wind. Pros - very unique, as easy as 26.2 miles can be - easy logistics (one less stress) - Boston Qualifier - February Marathon -- also a con (weather), but there's not many other choices this time of year unless you go far south - Pizza inside after you finish -- and good warm area to recoup in - Good chance of BQ! It looks as if 33% of finishers in 2013 BQ'd (19/57). That's got to be some kind of record. Cons (minor) - too many people not there for the marathon& there were 100s of participants but only 57 full marathon finishers (2013) the rest of the people out there just make the course more crowded and go slow and take up the inside loop ('On your left!'). It would be nice if the entire race was just marathoners but hey Im sure all those 5K, 10, HM, and relayers really help make this event profitable/feasible. - Expensive -- Cost is comparable to big marathons like Columbus, Flying Pig, and Cleveland. But lets face it -- this takes about the same logistics as a local 5K (that lasts 5 hours) to put this race on. No 26 mile road closures with 100s of cops/volunteers/workers, 100s of port-o-lets, pace cars, convention, etc, etc& - February Marathon :) All things considered this is a great marathon that is what it is & I have made the trek from Cincinnati the last 2 years for this and have not been disappointed. I'm glad to have this race as somewhat local marathon option for me and at a time of the year that isn't too hectic. Nice job guys -- a definite recommendation from me. :)

I ran this marathon on Feb. 27, 2011 with the hopes of attaining a PR. I was very disappointed with the structure of the field. There were a wide variety of people running a wide variety of races - from a 5K to a marathon, from walking to running a relay. I passed walkers happily chatting on their cell phones, walking in the middle of the road, and then was passed by a speedster who nearly knocked me to the ground. There are four 90-degree turns (x 26 miles = 104 turns). The actual running space was relatively narrow. So, 104 times I had to negotiate a turn with people bunched up in front of me and behind me. This improved as the shorter races finished. Unfortunately, dodging in and out of crowds/walkers and negotiating the turns sapped my strength and increased my time. I had my worst marathon time yet in spite of good conditions (cool temperature, no precipitation, plenty of fluids, etc.). I believe that a standard marathon gives a much better chance to PR. Unfortunately, the organizers of this race are trying to add racers at the expense of a quality experience for the marathoners. Oh, well. Live and learn. I won't return to this marathon.

This year I decided to do the half marathon. I really enjoyed the course and the crowd was great. Just a few devoted family and friends. But I didn't like that the officials decided NOT to call out the times or laps. I don't know about you, but running makes me zone out. It was a nice feature they had about this race. I'm sorry it's gone. I won't be back. It was fun while it lasted.

I ran the half-marathon, so 13 laps. The organization wasn't bad at all. Packet pick up at the host hotel was a breeze. There are several hotels within walking distance of the start, which is nice. Weather this year wasn't bad at all, about 40 degrees at the start. The course itself isn't bad, being a one-mile loop. You get used to the course early on, but I didn't like that there were no hills. Even a few small ones would break up the monotony. Also, there are four races (5K, 10K, half, full) going on at the same time. It's difficult to tell who's running what. Spectators were pretty quiet early on, but they picked it up later on. Shirt is fantastic, but the medal is like something you would get at a local 5K. Post-race food was ok: Gatorade, water, fruit, and bagels. Eh. All in all, it was a good chance to get a training run in in the winter. I don't plan on going again since I just saw the course 13 times today.

Running in a 1-mile circle for 26 laps turned out to be challenging. It was very nice race to practice pacing due to the immediate feedback and readjustments. We passed the one fluid stop 26 times. Since runners have different paces, the field changed so often that boredom was not a factor. The surface was good, but it can get cold (8 degrees one year). On 2 occasions the chip timing miscalculated the laps. If you don't count yourself, you may only run 25.2 miles. Great race to PR at if it's not too cold.

This was my 6th marathon and maybe the most fun one I have run. I got to see my mom (my #1 fan) on each lap. Enjoyed being back to the hotel, showering, and eating all within 1/2 an hour of the finish. Compared to big marathons I have run, there was much less hassle involved in this one!

I had a problem with my legs from the get-go! But after I walked a lap and sat down for a few minutes, I got to the awards table and asked where the medical tent was. The gentleman there went over to ask someone. He came back and said that there wasn't any medical tent. He told me that they could call a squad for me if I needed it. I told him that I was dropping out and he cut off my timing chip. I don't know if I would have been able to get back in the run, but I came from Omaha and ran one mile. I wish there would have at least been a volunteer I could have spoken with. Oh well, I'll come back to Ohio, but probably not for this marathon. I liked the loop. The fans where a little quiet for the layout.

You run a mile loop, with four sharp left turns, lots of traffic, and wet pavement. Running near the front of the field, I was constantly passing people. Tough to relax and just run. My two boys got to see me on every lap, and they handed me my gels and drinks. That made it worth doing. Having your laps called out was also cool. Thanks to the ladies with the signs who cheered their hearts out for the entire race. Staying at the host hotel was a great idea. The 2 p.m. check-out gave me lots of time to shower and unwind.

Good race. Just what was advertised. The race company did a great job of clearing the course of snow and ice. The 5K and 10K race would be better run 30 to 60 minutes earlier. There was a lot of traffic for the first hour. The timing and lap counting were perfect. Thanks to the fans for standing out in the cold all day!

I just want to say that I think Premier Races did a great job with this race. It is not about the post-race food or medals. It is all about providing a safe, well supported course that provides a great opportunity to qualify and/or PR. Thanks to the truly dedicated supporters who had signs and noisemakers. You really make a difference. The thought of doing 26 loops is a bit daunting, but it actually eliminates the fear of the unknown during the race, which is quite nice for the last 6 miles. I highly recommend this race for anyone looking to BQ!!!

My first time running the marathon here in Columbus. I felt a little out of place. But I kept my goals in mind. This allowed my to finish the race. I had a great amount of support for my running. I encourage others to take on the challenge.

Be prepared to keep track of how many laps you make or you may run too many or not enough laps. It's a very expensive race for what you get. It's the cheapest medal you will ever receive, although I don't run a marathon for a medal. The food was gone when I finished at about a 3:30 marathon pace.

When I'm old enough to run a BQ time, this is the race that will get me there. I've tried to break 4:30 for a couple of years, but the heat and hills usually got in the way. I've run the LCFB Half and Marathon Relay in the past, but with the favorable weather forecast, I knew it was my destiny to run the full Hamster Marathon. The flat course is marked every 1/4-mile, which assists with perfect pacing. In most races, we mid-packers never get to see the fast folks run. This time, I was thrilled to be lapped (several times) by Chuck Engle and other sub-3:00 racers. Most people respected the RDs request for slower runners to stay inside (to the left) - tho' after 4 hours, it didn't matter so much that the remaining runners drifted right. Although I PRd by 13 minutes, I didn't get a medal - word is that the company shorted the RD by a box of 100. But Jeff's a stand-up guy and I know mine will show up in the mail. Finally - I'll add my deep thanks to the hat/wig lady and her family. They hung in there for more than 4 hours and their enthusiasm was greatly appreciated!

I loved this marathon. This was my second marathon, and I thought this one was great! There was water every lap, so I didn't have to worry about being hydrated or worry about when I would come across the next water station. It was a fast, flat course, and the 1-mile loop was great. I was worried about going around the same loop 26 times, but it was way easier than I ever expected.

On the plus side, I actually like the one mile loop; it helps with pacing and mentally breaking the race up into segments. There were a few spectators who were very enthusiastic and helpful (special thanks to the guy with the megaphone; you really helped). The host hotel is nice. On the bad side, only two porta-johns? Thankfully I didn't need one. Not a very high quality t-shirt and no real race goodies to speak of, which is fine, but at the cost of the race you might think there would be more. And at times the loop gets pretty crowded. Even though they are constantly telling people not to run side by side, you'd commonly encounter groups of runners or walkers four-wide.

My husband and I actually just ran the half as a training run for the Kentucky Derby Marathon in the spring. We weren't sure what to expect, but thought it would be more fun than by ourselves on our usual route. I was impressed with the organization, and the people were very nice and accommodating. We're used to running hills so the flat course was a little bit of challenge. That "using different muscles" thing is really true. I applaud the marathoners because I don't know if I could have gone around thirteen more times. My only concern was that we didn't realize we had even started the race. There wasn't a gun, horn or even audible announcement. We were just standing around and all of sudden everyone around us started to run, so we did. We weren't sure if we had officially started until we crossed over the line. Our first mile was horrible. Thanks to the lady with her two little girls. We loved seeing the new hat each lap around! I also missed out on the third place award in my age group to a girl named Ron. Congrats if you're really a girl, but just had to wonder if that was a mistake or not. Anyway, thanks to Dublin for a fun training run!

It was just as advertised. A race to dig deep into and get your goal done. Based on my 10 years of running, I can truly say, I loved it because I was able to use all the information I gathered over the years to achieve my goal. I have always been a 5-5 1/2 hour marathoner with the desire to be 4:30's. This time I was able to get it done. And that is this race, with the hotel close by, miles counted every time you cross the line, cheering sections in the same spot, as well as the fueling station and congratulations given with ease. I didn't find the 26 1-mile repeats boring because I was there to get the task done. I will go back!!! And as for the lady with the 26 different hats and wigs: Thank you; you made me smile....

I have run the LCFB Marathon 3 times now and I have enjoyed them all. My only concern was that I did not receive a finisher's medal when I finished this year. They said that they ran out of medals and would mail me one; I hope they follow through. I can understand this if I was one of the last few to finish, but I was in the top 40% of the field.

I ran this race without shoes and got a (shoeless) PR. The spectators were amazing and the course was great for me. I had read about how poorly organized this race was, so I was bracing myself for a bad experience. If the race had been poorly organized in the past, there have been some improvements. Lap counters were great, I never had to wait in line for the porta-pottie (which ALWAYS happens at other races), and directions were very clear. The only problem I had was finding out that I would have to wait for my medal to be mailed out to me because they had run out. I know there were a lot of race day registrants, and I understand the logic of not making more medals than you have runners. I'd rather wait for my medal than have them waste medals and have to drive up the fee for next year.

This marathon is exactly as advertised. It is a one-mile loop run 26 times. It is well organized and the people are wonderful. The host hotel is accessible and provides some warmth on a February day in central Ohio. We had great weather for the event in 2009. It is a fast, flat course with no surprises.

There needs to be separation of events between the marathon (to qualify for Boston) and the other events (Relay, 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon). Today's event seemed geared for more of the non-Boston qualifiers as the loop was very congested at several points. It was too challenging to pass people on the corners and through the finish line and aid stations. There should be two different weekends with all non-marathon events on Saturday and one marathon event (women's or men's) on Sunday. This would ensure a better opportunity for both women and men to qualify for Boston or run a fast marathon around a fast, one-mile loop. With two separate events, there could be potential for two successful running expos, which is needed to promote the local area running and health places. The host hotel (Crown Plaza) did a very nice job with the accommodations. Thanks to all of the volunteers, support, police, and the remainder of the crew for making the event as supportive as possible.

The course is exactly as advertised, and the experience is designed to run quickly, keep pace, hits splits, and make your goal. Neither course nor crowd support will get you through, and this race is not for those who simply want to finish. I think the repetition would be maddening. But for those with a careful plan and some running experience, it is exhilarating to be on the money with those mile splits in a way that would be very difficult on hilly or unknown courses. I'm overjoyed with a 14-minute PR!

It baffles me that anyone can complain about this race. It is what it is... 26 laps around a flat parkway. The race was exactly as advertised. The workers were all extremely supportive. I did not qualify for Boston as hoped, but that was my fault. I will be back every year that I need a qualifying time. My hat is off to the organizers of this race to give one last shot at making Boston.

The Last Chance for Boston Marathon is a winter marathon run in central Ohio that was initially run on the last day of qualification for the spring Boston Marathon. Boston has since dropped the cut off date, but this race has retained the name due to the fact that lots of folks still come to take that last shot to qualify. Unofficially it has been reported that a little over 30% of runners in this race qualify for Boston, which puts it only behind Boston itself and Mohawk-Hudson River for qualification percentage. This is a race to run hard, not a particularly fun marathon. This race has two important distinguishing characteristics. First, the first mile has only four feet of elevation change. Second, the first mile is a loop that is repeated 26.2 times. A unique marathon indeed! For most that have not run this race, the route sounds very boring. Indeed the loop does get a bit familiar after ten laps or so, but there are many advantages to the lap course. First, the course is marked with markers every 1/4 mile, which is a big aid in early pacing. Probably the most interesting aspect of the set up is that the entire field of runners is always within one mile of each other. The faster runners are lapping the slower runners so that even at the end of the race, there are folks at all different speeds both passing and being passed. At the end of other marathons these runners would be 5 miles or more apart. The loop also allows the runner to go by friends and family who can support them every mile. I am perplexed at the price of this race. At $65 it costs more than the Flying Pig and does not compare in any way with the schwag of that race and does not close down the streets of the city for a morning. I am also not in favor of the concurrent 5K, 10K and relay that are held along with the marathon and half marathon. Trying to get all of the races started together created logistics problems that put off the start of the race by 10 minutes. Not nice in a winter marathon. Also the runners in those distances are going so much faster than all of the other runners that they completely interrupt the flow of the race. The 2008 race was run with temps in the 40's with threatening skies, but little actual rain. The wind picked up after the first hour of the race and was blowing significantly by the third hour. I started the race with a touchy hamstring that came up to bite me a few times when I tried to push the pace so I coasted in about one hour slower than my PR. I will come back one day only if I need to run a fast time and am limited to running in the winter in Ohio. Otherwise, I would prefer to head to Austin or Myrtle Beach.

After running the 2007 Chicago Marathon meltdown, I wanted to run another marathon to better test my ability. I chose Dublin because it was a smaller marathon for with fewer congestion problems. Also the race start was conveniently just outside the host hotel. The weather was warmer (40's) than predicted and the rain was only intermittent - actually perfect running conditions. It was a bit windy but running mile loops eliminated extended periods of running into the wind. Yes, there was a bit of confusion as the start, but that was minor. I was quickly able to get into a steady pace and ran much better than I thought possible with nagging calf soreness. Knowing where the aid station was was great for getting a drink after taking my gels. Crowd was sparse but enthusiastic. I was actually on a Boston qualifier pace until fading the final 7 miles. Still I set a new PR by more than 23 minutes and broke 4:00 (actually 3:53:56), missing Boston by 8 minutes. My Garmin time was the same as my official time. Post-race food was plentiful and good. I have run in the marathon wind shirt since the marathon and really like it. All in all, it was an enjoyable experience and I recommend it to anyone.

It is what it is... a 1-mile loop course. We all knew that. If you don't want to run it, don't!! As far as the splits, from what I learned, this is at least the 3rd chip timing system they've used for this event, and by far had the best results. Remind me... what other marathon gives you splits EACH mile?! What a fun event. Sure, I ran around people, but they ran around me too. The small-town feel can't be beat, and this race definitely delivered! Oh, and what other marathon gives fresh pizza to all finishers?

No frills, a coma-inducing course, and some occasional crowding along the way, but how did this come as a surprise to some runners? Of the critical comments I've read thus far, the only ones that ring true concern the somewhat disorganized/abrupt start and the fact that a few runners had timing problems. On the bright side, there was plenty of water/Gatorade on the course, tons of food afterward, and it was a 75-yard stagger from the finish line to the host hotel. Even the weather cooperated for the most part. I didn't PR, but you know what? My bad.

I ran my fastest time out of my 11 total marathons in this year's race and qualified for Boston. The organization was fine, although it was a little chaotic at the start. I didn't like the narrowness of the path between the curb and the pylons. There were too many people and I was one of the faster runners who was doing a lot of dodging. This race isn't about scenery, lots of spectators, or big-city fanfare, etc. It's about nailing consistent splits as fast as you can. You'd think running 1-mile loops would be totally monotonous, but it's really not that bad. For those who complain about the course, you should have known better. We all knew what we were getting when we signed up: a fast, 1-mile loop that would allow us to run a Boston qualifier. I found it easy to hit my final three miles after I'd already run it 23x! You know where you are all at points and they even marked the quarters for you to keep pace. I'm glad that last year's comments talked me into running this race. The even better news is that your friends and family can park in the Max and Erma's parking lot and see you 26 times! I do highly recommend for experienced runners who have trained properly and have a shot at a BQ. I recommend doing your tempo work on a track to get you used to running loops. I do NOT recommend this race for first-timers. If you're out there just to finish, there are countless other options to enjoy the marathon experience. I am glad I did this one as it proved I can train through the winter and run a good race. However, once is enough. There's no reason to do it again unless you are desperate for a BQ and cannot get down to one of the other larger marathons in February like Austin or even Tampa. I agree with the comments on the cost: It was a bit pricey for what we got. Medal was cheap and the wind shirts are a joke. All and all, it was worth it.

This was my first marathon. As with everything I do, I always try to make things more difficult than they have to be, and I think the LCFB Marathon did just that. I had an idea what I was getting into. How interesting can a 1-mile loop get? But the continuous jockeying around slower runners in a narrow running lane as well as the several sharp turns each lap really wore on me. The spectators were great, especially Mr. Tambourine and the three ladies near the end. There was also plenty of food. All in all, a good event.

There are no secrets that this is an intimate marathon without the hype and expos common at Chicago, NYC, or Boston. So why all the comments about the entry fee and course? Can't we as runners just enjoy the camaraderie with fellow runners and pay tribute to our training with doing the best we can on the day given (premier sports doesn't control the weather)? Just as important, let's thank the volunteers and race director for even having a marathon available in February with the chance for qualifying! That's what makes this event what it is - LCFB!! This was my 42nd marathon (and yes, I've been to Chicago, NYC (twice), Boston (four times), and a myriad of other big marathons, and I say well done to Jeff and Premier Sports!! It's nice to see people over and over again on the loop course and have the opportunity to encourage fellow runners and walkers. If running a marathon (or the other distances) for the means of a quality medal or grab bag, then apply for some of the bigger races, but please don't diminish what volunteers are doing for us runners. Being able to lace up and qualify in February and still make it to Boston in April is a privilege that others are making possible. Last comment: If I have the opportunity in the future, I will run LCFB again! Thanks to all who supported the event!

I can deal with little to no fan support, I can deal with a finisher's medal that doesn't even identify me as a "marathon finisher" as opposed to a 5K, 10K, or half-marathoner, but what I don't appreciate is an INACCURATE TIME CLOCK, and a race director who told me that "they had an issue with the timing equipment and would be calculating some of the runners' times MANUALLY." I inquired as to how he and they figured on doing this, but of course, no response - not even an apology. This is so very sad, and a huge disappointment for those of us who came out to do one thing - run for Boston. My spouse took a picture of me running across the finish line (confirmed by Garmin), and the race director and his team MANUALLY added 4 additional minutes to my time over and above what the actual time clock stated! How very nice of them to do so. Check out the official "certified marathon results" and one can see for themselves the inconsistencies that occurred. One soul recorded 11-, 12- and 13-minute miles for the entire marathon, but a miracle took place on mile 21 when the runner logged close to 6:00, with the next consecutive miles at exactly 10:00 each. Their website promises: Fast accurate results with splits, chip timing technology that will be used to count laps and show times, and announcements made telling participants how many laps they have completed. Here's what I received: inaccurate results, and laps called when you screamed at the guys huddled around the computer as you ran by. The race director and organizers sold an event that they could not deliver on, and should refund the entry fees to the runners affected by this mess. Who wants to run 26.2 miles and not have an accurate time, or miss a chance to qualify for Boston due to time tracking-issues? Advice to others: If you want an accurate time, then don't do it.

I read the past comments and decided to try it, against my better judgment. The course is terrible, with traffic open to it. You get about a two-foot wide swatch to stay in. I decided to quit after 13.1, as I was sorely disappointed. Not worth the time. Weather also sucked: with drizzle and freezing temps. An industrial park isn't my idea of scenery.