ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon - Race Reviews

Extremely well supported by the college running teams, perfect for avoiding the winter cold and an excellent way to time trial.

I did this race three times. I knew after one race that I was in the right place, indoors on a track instead of outdoors on roads or trails. My car, when I walked out to it to drive home, had accumulated about eight inches of snow during the race. The support of the young ONU runners was great. They always had my lap count and cheered me on. Prior to the event you will receive an email asking what music you would want to hear during the race. They always included some of my suggested songs.

The prospect of running in circles for 4 or 5 hours is daunting, but Jason and his team of counters makes the experience one-of-a-kind. We had an absolute blast this weekend. High level of hospitality and organization.

Finding a marathon in the upper mid-west this time of year - in January - is a challenge. This particular marathon is in the northern part of Ohio, so it was a winter marathon I could drive to. It still took planning ahead to get in. They only allow 40 runners for both the marathon and the half-marathon (as best as I can tell). There were 20 marathon runners; one switched to the half during the race and one injured runner could not, did not finish (DNF), and 16 half-marathoners. So there must have been a few no-shows. The RD got information out to the runners ahead of time, making sure we had necessary information. Packet pick-up was fast and easy. The pasta dinner was at the same place - and just down the hall from where the track was. The track opened at 7:00 a.m. and it was pretty organized. There were tables set up for runners to put their carb snacks and fluids on. Some tables had water and Gatorade that was provided. At least one table had bananas, Granola bars, and chewy Oatmeal bars (probably intended to be post-race food). As runners organized their stuff, the Cross-country Team student athletes - who were lap counters - connected with the particular runner they would count laps for. It seemed well organized. This event had a six-hour hard cut-off. They would not give anyone past six hours to finish. The marathon runners started on the near side of the track and the half-marathoners on the other side. Marathoners had to complete 211 laps! At 7:30, the gun sounded and we were off. It was seeing the same thing lap after lap, but runners did not have to carry anything, and we still had access to refreshments every time around the track. That is one great thing about indoor marathons. They had music playing throughout, but I did not hear one thing that I recognized. My lap counter was a student named Megan, who counted through about 175 for me. Then Kiley took over and counted for the last 35 or so. They did a great job and were encouraging too. The RD and his staff kept track of everybody on the course, and did announcements as runners closed in on their final laps. The staff, volunteers, and students all cheered us on. The medal was actually an acrylic disk with ONU carved into it - different from the more typical medal - and an orange ribbon. The event T-shirt was gray polyester, but the design was all in orange, with ONU and a Polar bear -probably school colors. I know the shirts cost more when more colors are used, but the Polar bear should have been white. Overall, they did a great job with everything, and this is a great indoor marathon for those in the Mid-west with few other marathon choices close to home during the cold of winter. Just make sure you sign up early if you want to run. Once they get to 40 total registrations, they will send your application and check back to you saying the field is full.

I had been eyeing up this marathon for several years and finally decided to register in the Fall. I contacted the race director in September 2015 and he is the University's track and cross country coach. He was very cooperative alerting me as to when registration would open as I wanted to make sure I registered in time since they cut it off at 40 total participants between the full and the half marathons. The prior reviews that I read regarding the marathon were all very helpful and positive but I have a few things Id like to add. Starting with the pasta dinner the night before, it was just fair. While I do like to eat pasta the night before a marathon, I prefer to eat cleaner than what was offered as there were a number of cheesy dishes and cream sauces. I'd recommend finding a restaurant in town instead if thats something thats important to you. The Inn at Ohio Northern was first rate and my wife and I really enjoyed our stay there. Additionally, it was a tremendous value at $99 per night which included breakfast the next morning for both of us. The Inn was also about a 5 minute walk to the sports center which was also a top rate facility. I really enjoyed the quaintness of the gym where the track was located and they also have a very nice sitting area for spectators. The race itself was fun and the track was obviously softer than pavement and easy on the legs. Each runner is assigned a student-athlete to count laps and my counter was a super kid and very friendly. The student-athletes all sat on the inside of the track and cheered each runner as they finished their race. My only other comment was that some of the student-athletes brought in McDonalds breakfasts for themselves and that smell didnt particularly sit well as I was running by while they ate. So if the race director happens to read this, that is something that you may consider addressing in future races. Another area that I think the race director should consider addressing is that there were no post race snacks. I feel that this is very key for runners as I know that some runners like to eat and drink immediately upon finishing if theyre able. I recommend having at least bottled water and snacks such as pretzels and bananas at the finish. I realize this adds to the cost but I'd be willing to pay more of a registration fee for this and my feeling is that most runners would likely agree. Regarding hydrating during the race, the recommendations on the web site are very clear and I would add that I highly recommend bringing your own bottles to use during the race as suggested. There was a table where they kept cups filled with water and sports drink and thats what I used, but in hindsight I think it would have been much easier to grab a bottle on the run which you really couldn't do with the cups since youd inevitably spill some fluid on the track. So I stopped at the each table each time I need a drink and I prefer to keep moving.

This marathon takes place in the tiny college town of Ada on their indoor track. This was a warmer than usual winter, so it did get warm in the fieldhouse, but not too bad. This was my fifth indoor marathon and ranks near the top. The race organizers did a good job with providing food the night before and runners were invited to set up their own aid tables around the track. Members of the track team served as our lap counters and they also cheered us on during the race. I felt sorry for them since they got back from a meet at 1:30 AM and then had to be at the fieldhouse to count for us at 7:00 AM. They were still very energetic though. The only complaints I have about the race were that there no post race food and the signage directing us to the pre-race dinner was confusing. I walked by the room several times. In all, it was a good time. Definitely one you should consider.

Very well organized and everything went off without a hitch. Any indoor marathon may sound confusing and boring, but this race adds lots of details to make you feel special and entertained. Each runner had their own lap counters, splits, pacer for the last few miles, and even a custom poster made just for you. Yes, you do run in the same circle for 211 laps, but the direction change every 30 minutes does wonders. No, the course isn't exactly Big Sur, but there are no potholes or street crossings either.

The 211 laps go by very quickly because of the support and encouragement from the cross country team members who are tracking your laps. The temp was good and the various music choices kept you going. The race is limited to 40 runners so it fills up fairly early.

My ankles did whine a little~but I did NO track training, which I will change next year if I'm fortunate to get registered!

Great small town race that benefits the cross country team at ONU. What makes this race great is the enthusiasm of the kids on the XC team. They make signs for each runner, track your laps, run with you the last few miles. Also, more good stuff: free pasta dinner, and hat or arm warmers in addition to the long-sleeve shirt.

Great run indoors on the field house track of Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. Great management, Great pasta dinner, Great hotel accommodations, Great long sleeve race shirt, Great ONU student athlete lap counters and motivators, Great facility, and Great EMT staff! I am hoping this becomes a winter running tradition for the institution.

I won't be adding much that hasn't been said by others, but wanted everyone to know that all the previous positive comments are still true: if not even better this year! The track is wonderful for those of us use to asphalt and cement (or roots and rocks)and my fears of boredom and confusion were quickly put to rest. The shirt is gorgeous (long-sleeved, tech fabric, good design, zero ads), the finisher medal unique, and everything about the event compares favorably to those with huge budgets, large staff, and many years of experience. The people are helpful and friendly (Thanks Richard and Jeffrey, my terrific counters and cheering squad), the facility is top-notch, and the race itself is one of my favorites (out of 155 I have completed). Don't deny yourself the experience of staying at The Inn at Ohio Northern, which is first-rate!

This marathon takes place during the middle of cold Ohio winters in the tiny college town of Ada; however, the race was held in wonderful conditions of 58 degrees with zero humidity or precipitation. The indoor track was comfortable on the feet and it never seemed boring. The race organizers did a good job with providing food the night before and runners were invited to set up their own aid tables around the track. Members of the cross country team served as our lap counters and they also cheered us on during the race. The only complaint I have about the race were that there was no indication as to standings during the race. Runners were told their lap times, but it was frustrating to be near the leader and have no idea how much gap existed until after they finished. In all, it was a good time. Definitely one you should consider.

This was a first for me - an indoor marathon. I was impressed from start to finish. The pasta dinner was on the infield the night before the race with a nice, catered meal. By the next morning the indoor track was filled with college athletes there to count laps. There was a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The laps clicked off fast and we changed directions every half hour. I was not bored. My legs felt good, except for moderate quad soreness the next day. It felt great to me running in a t-shirt and shorts in January. The 2 college track athletes (Richard and Joann) took turns pacing with me during the last 10 miles. They were great. It was a very nice overall experience for anyone wanting to try an indoor marathon.

This race is held in the small, western, Ohio, college town of Ada in the King Horn Sports Center on the campus of Ohio Northern University. It is held to benefit the cross-country programs there. The members of the team pair up to serve as lap counters for each runner. You will be doing a lot of laps - 211 of them around the soft, wide indoor track. Fortunately, the direction changes every 30 minutes, so it is easy on the IT bands. One problem that became apparent with the race, there wasn't any communication from the lap counters with each other, so leaders were unsure of where exactly their lap position was in the standings of the overall race. The race director recognizes the issue and steps will be taken to address that for next year. The packet pickup was easy on Saturday night and a nice Italian cuisine was provided to runners right in the center of the course (track). For swag we got a nice Brooks technical shirt, gloves and Asics arm warmers. (Didn't need these the following morning, as the course environment was a constant and controlled 58 degrees.) One end of the building had the garage door opened up a bit to allow for additional ventilation. The camaraderie among the runners was quite friendly. Not many spectators (perhaps 50) were present, but the race was broadcast via webcast for all to see. One can stay for a discounted rate at the nearby Inn at Ohio Northern University, which was a very comfortable hotel. Nearest major airport is Columbus (CMH) about 85 miles to the southeast. It was an easy drive up to Ada. The winter outside in western Ohio can be frightful, but the conditions at the Polar Bear Marathon were delightful. It's one to consider should you find yourself frozen out of a slot at another indoor marathon at this time of year.

This was my fifth marathon in as many months and I did not know what to expect running in circles the whole time, but it was not nearly as bad as anticipated. The ONU runners were great; each made a sign for the runner they were counting laps for, and were cheering every lap. Even if you were not their runner, they still knew your name and cheered you on. Many of the ONU kids jumped in and ran laps after the midway point of the marathon, which helped to pass the time very well. The pasta dinner was good, and we actually were given useful things in our swag bad (i.e., arm warmers and gloves) and more importantly, NO ADVERTISEMENTS! it was nice not to have to flip through all the the dozens of flyers to see if there was anything useful just to realize that there wasn't. Boredom was not an issue, as music was playing the entire time and we were asked to submit songs we would like to hear played several weeks ahead of time.

I know that 211 laps around a track indoors can sound intimidating and boring. But not at this event. Fantastic winter run on the beautiful campus of Ohio Northern University inside the field house. What makes this event great are the people who manage it, the students from the cross-country and track teams that count laps and encourage the runners, and the other runners on the track. Stay at the Inn at Ohio Northern University for an outstanding addition to the event. For runners by runners!

The race directors and all of the volunteers from the ONU track and cross-country teams did a wonderful job on this inaugural event. The other comments covered the main points nicely, but I'll add my bit: *It was well organized, pre-race communication great. *The pasta dinner was at the indoor track, along with packet pick-up, and was included in the cost of the event. *The goody bag had really nice goodies (hat and gloves in addition to the tech tee). *The volunteers were FANTASTIC. I really appreciated my assigned counters, Tabitha and Amy, who stayed the whole time to count my laps - and did one lap with me after every mile finished. They were very cheerful and supportive! The volunteers were supportive of everyone - my smile muscles ached from smiling so much! *The set up for fluids worked very well, with tables that surrounded much of the track. And the race directors provided more goodies than I expected. *The music throughout was great. *The electronic message board was also a nice touch, as was the webcam - a couple of my friends actually took the time to watch me! *Changing directions every 30 minutes worked well to avoid any knee problems. All in all, very well done!!

If you're planning to try an indoor marathon, this is the one to start with. From the pre-race dinner (on the track!) to the lodging at the ONU hotel, to the "inspirational" messages on the scoreboard, this was first class. When I arrived at the fieldhouse on race day, I was greeted by two members on the track team (Nic and Nic) who advised me that they would be my scorers for the race. They kept track of my laps, gave me my times, and encouraged me for the entire 210 laps. One of them ran a few laps with me. There were quite a few students in the infield providing support for all the runners for the entire race. Each runner set up his personal aid station at tables around the track, which was excellent. Music was played for the entire time, and the temperature in the field house was kept in the mid 50s. My concern had been that boredom would set in, but it never did. There was enough activity, encouragement and interaction to keep it interesting. My finishing time was very similar to what I run in good weather on reasonably flat courses. I would recommend those looking for some late January marathoning to try this one.

ONU is a first-class facility with a nice, soft surface on the indoor track. The track was not crowded and we had plenty of supplies. The free dinner was nice; the on-campus hotel was close and also very nice; the track team and staff was well organized, helpful and very energetic in their support of the runners; and reversing direction every 30 minutes helped a lot to limit the muscle fatigue from the 210 laps. Special thanks to my lap counters, A and K. You rock!

Kudos to RDs Brian, Jason and Regina for putting on a nearly perfect event. Yes, it is 210 laps, but once you get by that fact, it is an extremely well run and wonderfully fun event. Quite a novel concept: The goody bag actually had goodies in it (long-sleeve tech shirt, gloves, hat, gels) - not just advertising brochures as at other races. Good attention to detail by the officials. There were numerous tables spread throughout the track where runners could pick up a water bottle and place it another table; there was music playing the entire time; there was a live webcast during the event; there was great pre-race communication; etc. Believe it or not, boredom was never an issue (at least not any more than at a "traditional" marathon). My main worry about this event was not boredom, but how would my knees/ankles/hips hold out (I searched reviews of other indoor marathons, and nobody commented)? Other than a little hip pain during the race, everything was fine. Based on how I feel 24 hours later, I would expect that I might need an extra day to recover (quads are hurting more than normal), but all of the joints feel good. One word of advice: bring cough drops or candy with you. The humidity level is low inside the sports center, and I found myself with a dry, raspy throat during the run (not sure if anybody else experienced this or not). Lastly, a heartfelt "thank you" to the fine men and women of the ONU cross-country teams for their support during the race. They counted every lap, came out and ran with the runners, and cheered everybody on for each and every of the 210 laps, despite returning from a meet in the early morning hours. Thank you all so much. If you are on the fence about running an indoor marathon, give it a try and you will be glad you did.

Ohio Northern University put on this event to help fund the cross-country and track teams. A great thing to be able to run in warmth during the Ohio winter. Aid stations about every 100 feet. And, the most energetic spectators I have seen! Great fun and well done!