Erie Marathon at Presque Isle - Race Reviews

The course was perfect, couldn't ask for better. 2 loops as flat as can be. The weather unfortunately is too variable. By the time I was half way into the race the humidity really ramped up. About 550 people did not finish for 2023, I personally did not achieve my BQ but it was weather related. Wish there was more water stops as well. Every other mile seems like a lot until you miss the water station at mile 18 and have to struggle until 20. No frills marathon but locally run so at least it supports the community. Tough to run a local marathon if you are used to bigger atmospheres.

Having missed a BQ time in the spring, I decided to run Erie as a final attempt to get into Boston 2020. What a good decision. The course is pancake flat and easy. Two loops around Presque Isle were perfect. I liked knowing exactly what to expect during the second half of the race. Having water stops every mile was a real bonus as I always felt there was another water stop just around the corner. Water stop volunteers were excellent, extremely enthusiastic and friendly. Early September weather can be unpredictable, and it was a little warmer and more humid than ideal race conditions. But if you're used to training in the heat and humidity, it really wasn't that bad. Really nice medal, race shirt, and bag. If you're looking for a race to get your BQ, you should seriously consider the Erie Marathon. Ended up with a PR and a BQ by over 6.5 minutes.

I loved the super-flat course, pro pacers, and plentiful water stops. No GU on the course, so plan on bringing your own. Everything is extremely well-organized, but park early (5:30-5:45) to avoid traffic-related stress. What the race lacks in pomp and circumstance, it more than makes up with heart. It was inspirational to be around so many BQ hopefuls, and you can tell that the RD really cares about putting on a top-notch race. The water stop volunteers were great, and the few spectators were very enthusiastic. Unfortunately, early September is a gamble, and it was too warm and humid for me this year, but I would love to come back.

I came to Erie looking to PR. I had a BQ already, but I heard great things about how fast the course was. Everyone was right. The course is a quick course for sure. Although you might not like the idea of a double loop course, it was very scenic and beautiful. The weather was decent but humid. There was a nice breeze coming off the water but nothing to slow you down. The only bad part of the course is a hairpin awkward turn right towards the end of each loop. Packet pickup was quick and easy. Water stops were plentiful (13 in all). The only complaint I have is the busing system for spectators to get around the park was lacking. Otherwise, I really liked this race. So many people were here to qualify for Boston, and with the registration opening the next day, it would be hard not to get caught up in to the emotion of many of the runners achieving their lifelong dreams.

This was my First Marathon. If your looking for a low key and very flat marathon this is for you. The course was well marked and easy to navigate. They had water stations at every mile and the volunteers where amazing. They provide a bus shuttle for spectators thru out the time of the race. My family got to see me 3 times and be back at the finish line. My only disappointment being my first was the lack of Marathon merchandise at the packet pick up (this wasn't expo style). The clothing was very random and sizes were random too. It was a bit of a bummer. Also many reviews say what a beautiful race it was. It was mainly trees with a few nice view.

I generally do not like a double loop course, but running through the park was quite enjoyable. It had more of a group run feel than a race. Not a lot of spectators, but more than I expected. Fast, flat course. A race you will like more than you expect. I would like to run here again. Packet pickup was smooth. Buses back to the parking lot were overwhelmed at the finish.

Needed a bigger cushion after running Boston this year. If you like fast and flat courses, I'd suggest this one. Got into Boston yesterday so mission accomplished.

This was my 30th marathon and my 2nd Erie Marathon (2017). I echo A.F. from MD's comments. I'll also add that there is great dedication from the Erie Running Club and the Race Director. I give 3 stars for the spectators because the ones that were out there were very enthusiastic.

Very well run by the organizer and volunteers. Water stations are run by local school organizations and they do a great job!

I signed up last year to get a BQ. I signed up this year because I loved the course, the people, the organization, and the simplicity of a well run race. Definitely a lot of type A runners trying to qualify, but the volunteers take care of the back of the packers too. Easy to get to with shuttle service, not a lot of waiting around, plenty of water stations, beautiful course that is as flat as they come, and plenty of shade. I worried about possible heat issues in September, but I was fortunate both times with cooler temps and a steady breeze. Extremely well run and wonderful staff and volunteers. I've run all the big races and many small ones. This is one of my favorites. A runner's race. Not a lot of fans or hoopla or bands. Just a beautiful run in the park.

This was my 1st Erie and 7th marathon. Course is as flat and as picturesque as advertised - awesome. Organization was extremely efficient and no-frills. Spectators were hilarious and clearly enjoyed being there!

This was my first time running Erie but 5th Marathon. I was a lucky one and was able to achieve my BQ this year. I have nothing but love for this race, the course is beautiful and the volunteers at the water stations looked like they were having a blast. Being a double loop it was especially good for spectators as there are a couple of sections that you can see the runners 4 times.

If you are looking for a FAST course and don't care about spectators - this is it! This was my 34th marathon and if I did this race 10 years ago with the perfect weather we had, I am positive I would have set a PR. It really is Flat like they say. There is one small bridge you go over twice, but it is tiny. I understand that some years have been warmer, but my experience was great. I drove 400 miles for this race and am considering it again next year. GREAT BQ race.

Held in beautiful Presque Isle state park in Erie Pa. The course is a double loop with a hydration stops every mile. The volunteers were great and supportive. The only drawback is plan for at least a 40 minute traffic jam getting to parking. The course is very well separated from traffic and only one sharp turn per loop. The director is a great person also, answering emails personally if needed.

It was a little intimidating checking in for this race as it seemed like EVERYONE had on a Boston Jacket. But was pleased to find plenty of company at my pace for the race. The course is very scenic and very well supported. Crowd support is thin but the water stops every mile are extremely energetic and in competition with each other for your votes. I loved the logistics of this race. Easy to get to the start without travel or parking worries. Bag check and plenty of porta potties right next to start corrals. Finish at same spot. One con for me was the turn around just before miles 13 and 26 was a 180 turn and right at a traffic cross over point, which was well managed but a little chaotic. Overall, I would highly recommend this race to someone even if they are not going for a BQ.

if you want a last chance for BQ, this race is for you! Great organization by the local running club, enthusiastic volunteers, water stations every mile (!), flat two-loops course around a state park on the lake, nicely shaded, and they had perfect weather this year. Most of the crowd were looking for a BQ, I believe almost half qualified. For a small local race, surprisingly many states were represented, along with Canada. The course was changed from previous years due to construction. They ran it clockwise instead of counter-clockwise, and the start was moved much closer to the park entrance. Runners were in the right lane, vehicles in the left (one-way only). I think changes were positive as it's much better to run against traffic than with it. One minor downside were traffic backups at the exit. Also, no pasta dinner this year, but that's not a big deal. Second time running it, second BQ, highly recommended!

The course is as advertised. The race management does not take kindly to any constructive criticism and does not take ownership when their vendors do not deliver. The other volunteers are awesome. Overall if you need a BQ this is a good place to get it but my interaction with race management makes this a one and done for me. There are tons of races out there where the small details are appreciated and communication is a priority. Race where it makes you happy.

Like many others, I entered this race primarily to BQ. I was able to accomplish that, but I ended up enjoying the atmosphere of the race very much. The organizers know what they're doing and the volunteers are extremely enthusiastic. The course is mostly flat consisting of two loops on roads around a state park. Due to the nature of the course, spectators can easily hop back and forth between sides of the loop to support their runners - which is nice for them and the runners. Vehicle traffic is allowed on one side of the loop, but it's well managed. There is shade on a good portion of the course. Being on a lake, it can be windy and weather can move in fast. On the plus side, there are plenty of hydration stations and port-a-johns. Definitely a lovely event.

I ran Erie to qualify for Boston, which I did by a comfortable margin. After researching several possible 'qualifiers' I chose Erie, which sounded like a nice mid-size race. I was concerned about the possibility of a hot day (mid-September) especially after a very hot Summer of training. Race day was a little warm but the shady course and breezes by Lake Erie helped a lot. The entire experience was a pleasure: Well organized, enthusiastic support at the water/aid stations and a nice mostly shady park course. I definitely recommend this race and plan to run it again.

I ran this marathon in hopes of qualifying for Boston (which I did) as it was run on the last day before registration opens. The course has a reputation for being flat and fast, which is accurate. The biggest 'hill' isn't much to talk about, but there was a guy posted there blasting tunes to get you pumped up. Since it's two loops spectators have plenty of opportunities to get around and support their runners, which was very nice. The start was a bit crowded, but by the time we got to the first turn things thinned out. There were plenty of port-a-johns at the start/finish. The volunteers and organization were outstanding! Water stops were abundant and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. The course is on the closed lane of a two-lane road, so there are cars but they didn't cause any issues. The race is run at the end of the summer, so weather can be warm, windy, and/or rainy. It's Western PA after all, and nobody lives here for the weather :) If you're looking for a BQ race then this one is well worth considering.

I usually don't like running loop courses (this one is a two-loop) but I was just fine there. You pretty much run in the forest the whole time so don't notice the loops that much at all. Loved the fact that you can pick up your bib on the morning before the race. For out of towners like me, this was a blessing. Definitely the flattest course I ever ran and I liked the scenery (trees and beaches mostly). It was windy but you get both head and tail wind because you run in a circle plus the trees cancelled out some of the wind. This race is one of your last chances to qualify for the next year's Boston before the qualification window closes, which, luckily worked out for me.

I've run 26 marathons and, after doing some requisite speedwork, was able to BQ at this event for the first time. The conditions are very consistent. The course is shaded and the wind is broken by the tree coverage. Their organization is tops.

The flat course was nice, but it appeared most of the roadway was concrete. I would have liked this info upfront and probably would have skipped this race as a result. I hope someone corrects me if I am wrong, but I also researched Presque Isle history & it says the concrete roads were paved in the 1920's. If your body can handle concrete for this distance this is a great race because it's flat & beautiful!

It was a great marathon in every respect (flat course, scenic, well organized, cool weather) with one exception - the road is banked. You run on only one lane of traffic and so it is banked in the same direction throughout. This caused me a lot of IT band pain in the latter half so if you are sensitive to banked courses, I'd avoid this marathon.

The marathon worth running! Having grown up in the area, I was not excited about running two loops around Presque Isle State Park. However, the course proved to be interesting, flat and fast! While spectators were minimal in areas, the volunteers and water stops at almost every mile were amazing. I surprisingly loved this race!!! Highly recommend running this well organized race. Bonus - weather was PERFECT!

If you are looking for a scenic, super flat course to conquer the marathon - this is it! Although there is not a lot of crowd support, there are water stops every mile which make up for it with their never ending energy and assistance. The course was so flat, I couldn't have asked for anything better. There was always a view of the water, and the course is mostly all shaded. Just beautiful! I highly recommend this course. And to top it off, the race director and others go out of their way to help out and put on a class act all around. Great pre-race pasta dinner too!

This race could not be better-organized and directed. It features a great outdoor setting, safe and secure running course,enthusiastic water stops and a celebrated finish. Post-race food is excellent. Combined with a mostly-totally flat course and good-weather, runners should be able to set personal bests. Bring a flashlight to get you to the pavillon if you arrive early to get your packet. See you next year!

From the organization to the race itself it was perfect. Could not have asked for a better race in a very nice city. I PRd by 15 minutes. Awesome day.

This marathon race is very close to being perfect. It is definitely the best value of any marathon that I have seen. It wasn't that long ago that this race had under 200 entrants. The race directors have done excellent work making this a great marathon that motivates people to travel long distances to get to Erie and participate. Making the course 2 laps around Presque Isle State Park was a great idea. Whoever made that decision back then can see the results today. The only problem here is that, on the course, there is only a minuscule number of port-a-loos. One loo every 5 miles or so is not enough especially when there are 2000 marathoners and half marathoners scattered over the course. I would pay a higher entry fee for this. Others may not want that though. I will be back in 2015 if I can enter before it fills to capacity. There is high demand in the marathon community for this race.

Previous reviewers have summed it up pretty well, fast & flat course, water stops every mile, good traffic control, both before the race (getting to the parking lots) and during the race. Usually, there's always something that a race can do to improve, but I can't think of anything for this race.

Pros: -Very fast field of runners (PR & BQ) -flat as a pancake & loop design gives mental confidence -beautiful course along water & perfect temperature for a marathon (no wind & 50 degrees) -spectators are able to see you at 4 spots from same point -very well organized & convenient parking for race morning Cons: -only 2 portapotties on side of course -half marathoners congest the start area & portapotties

I typically don't take advantage of pasta dinners because it's often just a big spoonful of cold spaghetti and a small salad. Plus, I like to sample local restaurants. But this dinner topped them all with four types of pasta, bunches of sides and scrumptious desert, all prepared with tender loving care like Mom does and dished out by enthusiastic volunteers wearing unique hand-embroidered Erie Marathon aprons. Does this make it a good marathon? No, leave that to the flat, fast course with beautiful scenery, water stops every mile, cool weather and a BQ rate of more than 30 percent. But the pasta dinner is an example of the attention to detail the organizers have, showing this is a race put on runners for runners. Do this marathon - you won't regret it.

I agree with most of the other comments about 2013. This is a fast course and I improved on my BQ by 3:45 (just in time to use it to register). There is actually no 'hill' at all, just a small bridge. I was worried about the concrete surface on about half of the road. There were actually no well-worn trails next to the road. So every time I tried running on the grass, I quickly got back on the road. It wasn't the problem I thought it would be. If I lived closer, I'd run this marathon every year.

I signed up this year to run the half marathon but could not do it because of knee problems. I had previously done about 6 Erie marathons. I sent an e-mail to Jan and Mike asking if I could receive my shirt after the race. They said yes without hesitation... Mike went further and checked his database for someone living in my town who was doing the race and found Besy who agreed to deliver my shirt.Thanks Besy. This is just one small class act from the Directors that has made this race a wonderful race. I have always encouraged runners to do this race previously and will continue to do so as this incident will confirm.

It's out of the bag - the Erie Marathon is awesome! I signed up for it because with the registration + $10 pasta dinner (sign up for it in advance! It's worth it!), the total was only $50 - $60. It had good reviews from 2012, so I figure, I didn't have anything to lose. WOW. It exceeded my expectations!!! PROS: 1. LOVED the volunteers. Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming out to help with everything. I loved that there were (amazing) Halloween costumes in full force! Who doesn't want to take water from a zombie, witch or someone dressed as Eeyore?! 2. Spectators were great as well! It's easy to have someone cheer for you as it's a loop! 3. I thought I would get bored of the two-loop course, but honestly, the whole area is so beautiful, I didn't mind it at all. The course is nice and flat, trees block out most of the sun, so it's nicely shaded. I PRed this race, and missed the BQ time by 76 seconds. Next time! 4. Super well organized! 5. Medal is nice and the shirt, well, I have enough tech tees that I liked having a long-sleeved shirt to wear afterwards. 6. It's smaller race, so not much weaving through people (just the first mile or so, after that you're fine!). 7. Easy parking and hotels were plentiful and affordable. CONS: 1. Would do this marathon in a heart beat! Just wish it was closer (6-7 hr drive from DC). Thank you for putting on such a fantastic race!

I have signed up for Erie Marathon as last-gasp chance at Boston 2014. I knew it was a well-rated small local race but it far surpassed my modest expectations! Everything about the race was top-notch, starting from the pasta dinner to the finish line refreshments. The course is flat as flat can be, it's inside a state park (basically a small island connected to the mainland by a long sandbar) and well-shaded in most areas. You do not get much in terms of views, but whatever you see is rather pretty. It's two loops so you know what to expect by the second one. Only one lane was closed on a two-lane road, and there were occasional vehicles passing by, but it wasn't too bothersome. The weather was great, cool, maybe a touch breezy by the end, but again not a problem. Water stations were placed at almost every mile and manned by enthusiastic volunteers. Half started 30 minutes after the full, so there was no running into stragglers except for a few half walkers. Race organizers communicated every detail via email and made it extremely easy to follow the directions. Results were posted online by 7 pm the same day. I cannot recommend this race highly enough - I just wish they kept it more of a secret and capped it at about 2,000 runners (full+half) because it seems to be slowly outgrowing the capacity. But the cat is out of the bag now! Thanks Erie Runners Club!

This was my second time doing this race. Erie is about 3.5 hours from Brampton and a very pretty, flat course. It is a very inexpensive race and the other runners are very friendly. The race is very well organized and there is very little bad to say about it. My only small gripe is the lack of Purell in porta potties. A few more porta potties on the course would have been good as well. A very good experience for me - my 47th marathon! Congrats to Dr. Raymond on his 295th marathon!