Andy Payne Marathon

I enjoyed the course. It was a nice track around Lake Hefner in OKC. Flat. I'm not going to complain about the weather like many do since OBVIOUSLY it's nearly summer in the south on race day, so it is going to be what it is going to be and should be expected. The staff was friendly and water/Gatorade stations were at every mile. That was great! It's a smaller race with few spectators, but that allowed me to meet up with my own 'cheerleaders' easily for a quick hug and few words of encouragement. There was no hoopla at the finish, but a few adequate snacks and drinks. I'm not sure what happened to the Indian Tacos I'd read about, unless that's a synonym for hot dogs. I'll do it again for sure.

I have run this race many times. The Race Director nor anyone else can control the weather. It's the Southern U.S. at the end of May. Get over it. I run near the back on most of my marathons. The course staff makes sure that all of the runners are taken care of. Water, gatorade, and wet sponges, helps to handle the heat. Going around Lake Hefner is a great experience. I plan on returning next time (2013)

I really, really wanted to like this race because it is the oldest continuously running marathon in the state, and for the races' namesake. (Google Andy Payne or the Great American Footrace.) OK. It is Oklahoma and it's Memorial Day weekend. 90% chance it's going to be hot. This year (2012) it was 75 at the start and almost 90 by noon with 20-25 mph sustained south winds and full sun. Only a small portion (2 miles?) is protected from the sun and wind, the rest is exposed to the elements. But it is what it is. The course is two out-and-backs (horse shoe shape), on a bike path/road, around a lake. it is flat, but not all too interesting so i rated it a 2. The aid-station workers and other volunteers worked really hard with what they had, and i would have given them a 5 if i could rate them, separately, based on effort and hospitality. Aid stations were well placed with water and gatorade. Easy to park close to start/finish line. But, if you're a medal collector, you will be disappointed with this one, because the medal is really cheap (my 10 year old asked if it was plastic), and there is no finisher shirt. Race shirt is cotton. Not much in the way of a post-race celebration. most folks seemed ready to leave soon after finishing. There was water and gatorade at the end, with hot-dogs and a snack bag which was nice, but no Indian Tacos or ice treats I read so much about in previous race reports. Not much for spectators. There are not many comfortable places for them to be, but the ones that were there were enthusiastic. So, I really want to see this race be successful, but it seems like this would be better as a trail race/ultra event, as setting a road PR would be really tough in these conditions.