Shore to Shore Marathon - Race Reviews

A beautiful, fun, small marathon - you know it will be a good time when packet pickup is at a winery! There were about 600 runners this year (breakdown per the race director was about 120 for the marathon, 300 for the half, and the rest for the 10k); everyone I met was inviting, unpretentious and happy to be there. The course was beautiful, with lake views throughout. There were a rolling hills to keep things interesting (challenging without being overwhelming; maybe 3 bigger ones). Roads were open to traffic which was a non-issue early in the race, though the steady stream of cars toward the end (and while you run through the main parts of town) was a bit more bothersome. This is especially true as the runners' 'lane' accumulates walkers toward the later portion of the race - everyone was nice and happy to move over, but it just got a bit crowded at times. Still, the crystal clear lake and beautiful vineyards kept a smile on my face. Lots of aid stations, nearly every mile at the end, which were great as the temperatures rose. Not a ton of spectators, but the volunteers were fantastic. It was a great place to spend a weekend and I hope to be back again next year!

The course started at 25 mile creek state park and followed the lake around to the city of Manson. It rained the entire 26.2 miles, which is unusual for Chelan but overall a beautiful course but very challenging due to all the hills. Very well organized with aid stations every 2 miles. Looking forward to making this a new tradition every year!

Beautiful run along the water. Very little pre-race information. I had to e-mail to find out where the race started and the time to meet to get on the bus. No course description on the web site. Thought we were just about done when they send us on a 'detour'. I wasn't ready for that! I'd rather start further out and run 'straight' back.

This was my first marathon. I am from the area, so I thought it would be nice to run one close to home. The course was hillier than I expected. It was also muggier that morning than normal, so that made it a tough run too. Not many runners - only about 50, so I was by myself most of the time. Plenty of water stations, but there were a couple unmanned, so my parents, who came to watch me run, jumped in at a couple of the stations. T-shirts were terrible. Nice finisher's medal, although it was identical to the one given to the half and 10L runners. The course was clearly marked, and the volunteers were friendly. Limited post-race spread after the race. If I do another, I will probably go somewhere else.

I just ran this race and was very disappointed. While there were mile markers this year, the race being open to traffic is a big downside. Plus, zero spectators. It seemed like I was just on a long run all by myself. It was also very difficult to find pasta to eat the night before. This marathon is not supported by the city. The plus side is that the course is beautiful, but that gets old after the first 13 miles that you've run all alone!

I ran this marathon last weekend and thought that it was a great course. If you need lots of people and spectators, this is not the course for you, but if you're looking for a great scenic run overlooking a lake and mountains, this is it! It wasn't completely flat, but all the hills were runnable and actually a welcome change for the leg muscles. Mile markers were clearly marked, and the number of water stations and potties were perfect. An overall great marathon!

I would have preferred lane closures to keep the runners protected from traffic. I'm used to running huge marathons (NY, Boston, Portland, London) and was a bit disappointed that for miles and miles there was no support from spectators. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped us... at water stops, managing intersections, etc.

This is a beautiful course, but the race was very disappointing. I visited this site previously and noticed the comments about there not being ANY mile markers in the race. I thought that would have changed. There were STILL NO mile markers in this race, which made it very mentally discouraging. I have run three marathons and this was my second half marathon. This half marathon felt like a full marathon because I never knew how far I had run or how much I really had left... the lack of mile markers made the run seem to drag on and on! The only thing close to mile markers were at the drink stations - every 3 or 4 miles maybe? These stations had numbers posted telling you how many miles you had left... not how far you had come. I thought this was discouraging. Other than that, I asked volunteers along the way if they knew what mile I was at... and NO ONE could give me an exact number. They all gave me rough estimates ("around 3.5 miles left" or "a little under 2 miles left," etc.). It was very frustrating and discouraging. This could be a good race if they just put up some mile markers, have a few more aid stations, and close off more of the roads (running against ongoing traffic was distracting and dangerous.... I found myself concentrating on the cars going by more than my running or the beautiful view!). Best thing about the race was the post-race food (great selection) and view of the lake.

No mile markers. Also, vehicle traffic was heavy during the race, though it would be easy to close or at least slow down the traffic. Runners were great and supportive, but with no spectators and the water stations every two miles I saw at least one runner hitch a ride in a van. Overall a good course with lots of potential.

Gorgeous hills and mts, easy hilly run more down than up, great volunteer spirit and medal ceremony for all 50 some of us, beautiful tshirt and extra-ordinary medals. Thanks. However: NO MILE MARKERS!! And none of the drink-staff knew where their mile position. And running on the shoulder with no cones and full Saturday morning traffic (trucks and cars) right next to us all except the earliest part of the race--my ligaments ache from holding the same shoulder-slope for many miles. No spectators at all...no mileage assistance...I was told at two waterstops I was at mile 20, and that it was 'all downhill from here' (NOT), and the 'last 1/2' mile was...NOT. Drive us 26.2 miles north of the south-shore state park, close the road for 6 hours, put up milemarkers, have the same great-spirited staff, and this would be a wonderful scenic route. As it is, I can run in traffic anyday. Disappointing but you have so much potential.

A very small marathon that is a hidden gem. Only 52 runners in 2004. The rest of you missed out on one of the prettiest runs I have ever run. Gentle rolling hills in the first half and then flat for approximately 7 miles and one longer hill (maybe 3% grade) for a 1/2 mile between 18 and 19 miles. Volunteers were awesome and the organizers were very accommodating. Traffic for the last 5 miles was a bit of a pain but the shoulders were wide enough to run on to avoid the vehicles. There is a casino about 2 miles from the finish where I lost all of my spare funds that I brought with me.

Course is incredibly beautiful, with lake & mountains. Gently rolling hills & lots of orchards. Runners relaxed & friendly. Weather terrific with temps 47 to 65 & light breeze. Minimal traffic 1st half but a bit annoying 2nd half (but at least the drivers were friendly).