Sep 28, 2024
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Grand Canyon International Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Grand Canyon International Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.7 
Organization 3.0 
Spectators 2.0
Number of comments: 23 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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A. R. from Los Angeles, California
(3/12/2003)
"Beautiful, Spiritual, and Professional" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I have to disagree with the negative comments. There certainly are more positive comments about this event if you continue to read on through the pages. There were aid stations at every mile with plenty of water and sport drinks available. The aid stations were manned by supportive and friendly volunteers from the Kingman area service clubs. The logistics of this event had to be incredible for such a remote area. I aplaud the organization for their tremendous undertaking. If they are not marathoners as posted, they definatley must be Professional Organizers. The experience and expertise of the Arizona Road Runners was obvious. There was also plenty of bagels, bananas, oranges and water at the end. They also had the Hualapai Indians preparing food to purchase. I thought the price was reasonable after seeing how remote this beautiful area is and what it must have taken to get all of the runners and spectators there. The Rock N Roll Marathon in San Diego is $80.00 so they are right in the same price range. I hope that some of the previous negative comments will not deter any marathoner from participating in this incredible event. Great job to the staff and volunteers for a great event. | |
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Stacy Postier from Los Angeles, CA
(2/18/2003)
"Go hiking instead..." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Last year's Grand Canyon Marathon was my fifth. I wanted to run in a special place for this special milestone. Since I am a Grand Canyon enthusiast - I hike the Southern rim trail several times per year - I felt that this marathon was perfect to mark my number 5. Well, it was more than I ever expected - MUCH MORE! More hills, more heat, more gravel, more desert, more blisters.... The website was misleading, the elevation was higher than originally advertised, the canyon was hardly in view, the assistance was non-existent, the temperature was very high, there was no shade, the course was largely gravel and the hills were killers. I am happy that I successfully completed this marathon, but I'm not sure if I'm crazy enough to do it again. This one is tough, not well organized and had little-to-no spectators. There were times that I was completely alone for miles. Although I will say it was spiritual - probably because I was almost dead - you can get a better high by hiking along the Southerh rim and staying at the Bright Angel Lodge. That is what I recommend! Enjoy the canyon for what it really is and don't kill yourself running through the desert that sits next to it! P.S. The $100 that you drop to run and park for this one could pay for one night at the lodge! Hiking is free! | |
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A Runner from Grand Rapids, Michigan
(12/9/2002)
"Over Promised and Under Delivered" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This marathon was organized by non marathoners....and it showed. It appeared that too much effort went into 'selling' the marathon with a slick website. Advertised as 'relatively flat',running rim side of the canyon, 'Some people may be mildly affected by the course elevation.' The reality was a very difficult course that saw the canyon only twice, and widespread altitude sickness headaches just getting off the bus. Also, the website referred to the 'race expo' to be held in Kingman. The reality was, packet pick-up, and a $5 charge for a small poster that most races would give away. Geez, we would have stayed in Vegas if we'd known that would be the case. The entry, transportation, and parking fees were ridiculously high....nearly triple most marathons. I feared for the people that needed medical attention due to the inadequate facilities (ie: an overheated victim of dehydration received an IV lying on the hot blacktop. Shade relief was a guy standing between the sun and the poor fella lying on the ground unconscious.) I've run many marathons, from small local races to the Boston Marathon, and have never seen such a failure to deliver. One has to wonder what the motivation was for a group of sports car rally enthusiasts to host a marathon. Nevertheles, if the host plans to attempt a second year of this marathon they would best serve the running community (and save themselves from this tone of feedback) by advertising the marathon in a forthright manner, and insuring runner safety with adequate facilities. Further, it needs a lot of input from experienced marathoners. | |
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A Runner from Florida
(12/9/2002)
"Not worth the money" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This was a ridiculously expensive marathon $85 entry and $35 for transportation to and from the start. Then to add insult to injury, they charged a parking fee in Kingman! There was virtually no food at the end of the race and no sports drinks. The area was pretty, but you only saw the canyon in two places. | |
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A Runner from Boulder, Colorado
(12/5/2002)
"Very disappointing !" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 The race definitely fell short of my expectations. The course was nothing like I had envisioned based on the 'graphic course map' on the official website. I mistakenly thought that I might actually be running within view of the Grand Canyon. In reality, the only places the course actually approached the canyon rim were at the 3 and 22 mile points. The majority of the race ran across relatively flat, featureless Arizona desert. I was also disappointed by the 10:00 am start time which was further magnified by the fact that the race actually didn't start until 10:35. Finally, my wife and I signed up for this race very early on and although I do recall the mention of a 2 hour bus ride, I do not recall any mention of an additional $35 fee for that ride. The whole package was outrageously expensive, especially considering the number of really great marathons available for 1/4 of the price. | |
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A Runner from Colorado Springs
(11/19/2002)
"Don't be fooled!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was an awesome course to run....and then to tell someone you ran in the Grand Canyon....even better. Don't be fooled by the brochures and the web site. While you do run around the rim, you actually have to run app. 200 yards to get a view. You only run by the rim in two spots. The rest of the course is desert...not very fun at 2:00 in the afternoon. It is a tough course. It seems like just when you thought you were done inclining....think again....here is another incline. Also, the runners appeared to be somewhat rude. Don't try to cheer on a fellow runner....they will ignore you and point their nose to the sky:) I am glad that I experienced the inaugral Grand Canyon Marathon but it will be my last. | |
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A Runner from Boston, MA
(10/23/2002)
"spiritual" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 A real first timers marathon, tons of walkers in the Half marathon, bring your own food for the finish, take a camera. The friendliest marathon I have run, a journey a spirtitual oasis, put this one on your list of must, the altitude does slow you down but your there for nature not time. Take the helicopter down to the colorado river after the race. Meet up with your best friends from around the country and plan this one together. You will have spiritual chills at the start during the Indian prayer. | |
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Ivan Levinrad from Savannah, GA
(10/22/2002)
"AWESOME- a magic experience" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a fairly tough marathon if you are a first timer, but the magic of running along and near the West rim of the Grand Canyon makes it a worthwhile experience. The course is not flat but rather like an out and back course with a long moderate incline going out and a comfortable decline coming back except for the little incline at mile 21, thanks for the suprise!!!!. It was enjoyable running past the runners on the way out and back from both the half and full marathon, they made up for the lack of spectators.You must take a camera with you. The organizers need to be complimented in handling the logistics of bussing everyone to this remote area. The Hualapai indians were extremely gracious-thankyou for allowing all us runners to share this remote area of the rim. I will forever remember this marathon, my 80th. The medal is neat but it would have been great if the first 3 in each age group received an award. We also took the helicopter flight to the bottom of the canyon after the race-what an experience. I would recommend this marathon. | |
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A Runner from Nashville, TN
(10/22/2002)
"You can't miss this one!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My husband has been working towards his 50 states and this was his 31st - by far one of the best we've been to! The course is a bit tough (some challenging hills) but absolutely rewarding thanks to the fantastic views of the Grand Canyon that reward you after each tough climb. The race organizers did a fantastic job of making a remote location spectator and runner friendly -with food, drinks, Hualapai crafts to purchase, helicopter rides, and great support. The bus trip seemed like it would be a drag but was comfortable and pleasant. I couldn't believe how many times we were offered Clif Gels and Clif Bars on the course - support was awesome! Thanks to the Hualapai for letting everyone share their great land. | |
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A Runner from IL
(10/21/2002)
"SPECTACULAR, GORGEOUS!!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 With only 4 states to go to complete the 50 state tour, this has tied with Montanna for my most scenic. UNREAL! I am so grateful and honored to have done this one! What a way to see the Grand Canyon for the first time. 3 years in the making for this & it was very well done. Hopefully Roger Allison, race director, can get some sponsors back he lost due to 9/11. He deserves a lot of praise for what he & his staff & volunteers pulled off! Take a hand held camera on this one. You WILL NOT be disappointed. |
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