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☰
Grand Rapids Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Grand Rapids Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.0
Number of comments: 329 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
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B. F. from East Lansing, MI
(10/24/2010)
 "This is a great marathon. Well supported." (about: 2010)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is just a great marathon. I have done it twice and it is just a postive experience. The course is fast and flat. It is also a beautiful setting for a race. The organization is really top-notch. It is a marathon for all skill levels and all ages. If you have not done a marathon yet, this is the best for a "first" marathon. The race director is involved in the race from top to bottom. The expo is great and all of the details are handled. The aid stations are well stock and have many volunteers who are actually interested in you and what you are doing. Both of my daughter and I PR'd the last time we did the race. You won't have a bad experience at this marathon. Half is great too. | |
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J. M. from Frankfort, MI
(10/23/2010)
 "Great, fast marathon" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the 1/2 in 2009 and the full this year. After 2009, I have told everyone who is looking for a course on which to BQ, "Grand Rapids is your race." I knocked over 22 minutes off of my previous PR. The marathon director, Don Kern, is a class act, as is his entire support staff. | |
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D. G. from Milford, OH
(10/20/2010)
 "Best Marathon Experience Ever!" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is my 6th marathon, and by far the best - and not just because I got a PR! Very organized, beautiful course. Mostly flat, with very manageable hills. Best volunteers anywhere. Cool swag. Very laid back, yet still competitive. Everyone was treated like the race was just for them - from the Boston Qualifiers to the 1st-timers. I felt very pampered. Not a lot of spectators, but beautiful scenery. I just can't say enough good things about it! | |
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William Joy from Ionia, MI
(10/20/2010)
"Best all-around marathon out there!" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The packet pickup and expo were fast and easy. Race day packet pickup and free nearby parking are definite pluses. Free access to the huge and beautiful YMCA before and after the race was a great benefit. Ample pace groups, aid stations, and volunteers. Crowd support was minimal in certain areas, but that is expected. Course was well marked, and never once did you have to worry about cars hitting you. Nice finisher's medal, great selection of post-race food, and thanks to New Holland Brewing Company for free beer after the race. Race Director Don Kern does an excellent job year after year of putting on this race. | |
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M. N. from Holland, Michigan
(10/20/2010)
"Grand Rapids should be proud." (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 In addition to a vibrant downtown, great philanthropists, strong communities and excellent schools (primary and secondary), GR also has one top-notch marathon. Don Kern and his team continue to put on one of the best events in the nation. The GR is always a pleasure to run - beautiful course, excellent organization and fantastic volunteers. Well done again this year, GR. | |
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Eric Westerlund from Muskegon, MI
(10/20/2010)
"Grand Rapids throws a great race" (about: 2010)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 2 other marathons and have wanted to run the Metro because I have always been a fan of the Old Kent 25K (ran it 12 times) and I wanted to compare. Well I have concluded that its the people of Grand Rapids that make great races. I almost dropped out the week before due to knee problems but the race director's emails kept me going; he did a fantastic job. The course was great - better than I expected. The volunteers were inspiring and the spectators were awesome. I ran a new PR despite my knee problems and I'm still flying high. Count on this 60-year-old being back next year! THANKS, Mr. Kern! | |
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D. D. from Minneapolis, Minnesota
(10/19/2010)
"Thanks, Don and awesome volunteers!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I had a great time running the Grand Rapids marathon! Pros: 1. Nice medal! 2. Nice tech shirt. 3. Great leadership by Director Don! I loved all of the newsletters each month for the past year! 4. Grand Rapids is really pretty. Also, the Holiday Inn was really close to the start of the race. Perfect location: 3-5 minute walk. 5. Volunteers on the course are really positive and excited to do anything for you. One volunteer ran with me while explaining the last .8 of the course. I was hurting and looking for the end. It was great to get his energy for my finish. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! 6. Nice food at the end! Cons. 1. I liked the course and it is flat and can be fast. However, the trail run from mile 15 or so to 22 (an out-and-back) was tough for me to run. I have a shin splint issue and the path is slanted on both sides. I wanted to run close to the middle but there are speed bumps/indentations in the path that are probably meant for bike riders. Anyway, I couldn't wait to get off that part of the course even if it was really shaded, gorgeous fall leaf colors, etc. 3. Give all marathon finishers the bigger medal that is given out for Team Relay top finishers and age group winners. That medal is awesome!!!!!!! (Yes, I know, it isn't about the medal, but they are a nice reminder of a job well done.) Keep up the great work, Grand Rapids!!!!!!!!!! | |
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Mr. Glass Half-Full from Midwest
(10/19/2010)
"Perfect fall marathon" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race is the best. Incredibly well organized, great course that is scenic, mostly flat, and very fast. The weather is usually ideal. If you need tons of spectators to cheer you on, you might be disappointed, but otherwise there's not a better race around. | |
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J. T. from Ada Michigan
(10/19/2010)
"Very well run event. Beautiful course. Flat." (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 An event to put on the schedule every year, whether it's the half or whole marathon. Great, high energy race director and staff put on a great event. Beautiful course. Big-city, mass marathons are great, but this is an exceptional event for those who just enjoy to run. | |
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P. M. from Chicago, IL
(10/18/2010)
"First-class race!!!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Everything about this race is terrific! Extremely well organized, beautiful course, and the friendly staff makes you feel like a part of the family. The pace teams were really well organized, fun and dependable. Thank you, Grand Rapids!!! |
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