Run4Troops Marathon

The race is run by a terrific group of people who pour their hearts into it. The volunteers are very encouraging and supportive. I really appreciated having the ATVs crusing up & down the trails to assist if you needed them. There were over 400+ relay participants and about 250 full marathoners. The Heritage Trail is very lovely to run on. Most of the unshaded parts are in the first 6 miles but there are many other sunny spots, as well so wear sunscreen. It was peaceful and I enjoyed seeing the cows on the farms next to the trail. The host hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn. It was a great deal at $99/night with the Run4Troops group rate. Luxury coach bus ride to the start! My only comments for improvement would be to definitely have more port-o-potties at the start. The lines grew way too long before the races got started. Also, the race needs to start earlier in the day. The first wave of relay started at 7, the full marathon runners started at 7:15 and the second wave of relay runners at 7:30. If you're a fast marathoner, great, you'll probably be ok with the heat but if you are out in the heat for more than 3 hours the 90% humidity & heat could cause you to have a big time struggle. There were walkers on the course for over 7.5 hours & I can only imagine how glad they were to be done at the end. I suggest starting no later than 6am and if possible move the race up in time by 2-3 weeks. Overall, it's a great race for a very worthy cause plus it brings you to Dubuque which is a remarkably cool town hands down.

This was my 5th marathon in 3 years. This is the marathon for the person that is running it for themselves. There are very few spectators except at the relay transition points and road crossings. I counted one cow-bell ringer. No big deal, just realize it will be relatively lonely. The after-party was weak in that you could have water, chocolate milk, and wait in line for a slice of thin crust. Nope, no beer unless you brought your own. Few if any places to sit-down afterwards. Shade was hard to find for end of June. Lime rock trail is awesome if you can keep the little rocks out of your shoes. Lesson learned. Transportation. The route goes from one town to another 26.2 away. There were shuttle buses back to the host hotel, but not to the start point. In order to use the shuttle bus, you would have to arrive at least 90 minutes earlier which becomes quite hard if you are traveling from out of town. No big deal if you are local or have a support crew. Biggest disappointment was that, despite the name, military service members did not receive any type of discount. I doubt I will run it again. Sad face.

Wow. I have run 8 marathons so far and this one is definitely my favorite for several reasons. 1. Price - I believe I paid 65 or 75 dollars for this race. This is what lured me to this marathon as I am trying to do 50 marathons in 50 states. 2. Flat course - This is the most flattest course I have run on so far. 3. Limestone - 98 percent of the course is on limestone. Limestone trails means that it is great for the body. 4. Dubuque/Galena is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. What a great economical and beautiful area!! 5. I read about the suggestion about the bathrooms below. I didn't have to go to one, but I did encounter a runner who didn't want to be in a line for the portapoty. She ended up going in the woods, but other than that not a huge issue. 6. ITS FOR A GOOD CAUSE!! I do ask for one suggestion though. I am a veteran and I am grateful for this race. Is it possible for next year that veterans, active, or reservists get special bibs so they can get recognized during the race? I think that would be awesome for them. Other than that...don't change the price and don't change what you guys do. Don't worry about the the medal because this race, once again, is the cheapest marathon I have run and its the best. One other thing : I stayed at the Mainstay Suite in Western Dubuque for two nights. I know the Hilton Garden Inn is the host hotel, but it was still expensive. Mainstay Suite was 71.00 for a clean hotel and very modern with a kitchen.