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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 141 to 151]
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J. J. from Lansing, Michigan
(10/28/2009)
 "Outstanding on all points - don't change it!" (about: 2009)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon. My first was Grand Rapids 2008, as it was a convenient drive from Lansing and the reviews were positive. My other drivable choice was Detroit, and I wasn't disappointed with GR. The best thing for 2009 was the removal of the industrial park loop from 2008's course, which was the part I disliked. There is still a boring one-to-two-mile out-and-back around miles 20-21; it would be better to add more of the downtown like they did with the new five-mile section to start the race. They might also consider going through downtown the last miles to get larger crowds, like the 5/3 River Bank Run that has huge crowds the last couple miles. The finish area is the best, hands down, and I was so happy taking 18 minutes off of my time that I couldn't say no to a hug from Don Kern. The whole experience was really inspirational and my family and kids were able to easily locate me and share in the post race fun. The volunteers even said it was OK for my kids to have an ice cream! | |
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M. H. from Holland, MI, USA
(10/28/2009)
"Great marathon, highly recommended." (about: 2009)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is an awesome race. The course starts with a four-mile, spectator-friendly loop through downtown Grand Rapids, with the rest winding up and down along the Grand River. Seeing the mist rising over the water was a beautiful distraction. Great pace teams to help you get to the chili and beer at the finish. It was a wonderful experience from sign-up to finish line. I'll be back next year! | |
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J. S. from Grand Rapids
(10/27/2009)
 "Well organized; improved-but-not-great course" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is second time running Grand Rapids. Everything about this race is friendly and well organized. The shirts are always great and the volunteers and organizers are always top-notch. I'm surprised, though, about the raves about the course. For people who run the 5/3 each year, the course is largely repetitive with not a lot of stimulation along the way. Much of the course is on bike trails and a roads that seems to be graded more for water run off than level running. The first time I ran GR, I said I wouldn't run it again until they brought more of the city into the course. They did that this year, which I appreciated; but I would love to see this be mostly in the city. I know it would be more expensive, but I also think they would get more runners and the sponsors would get more exposure. Just my two cents. | |
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L. G. from Northwest, IL
(10/25/2009)
"Pleasantly surprised by everything! Great race!" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run 3 marathons before Grand Rapids and all were in Chicago. I was a little wary at first when I heard the crowds would be smaller. Yes, there weren't as many people, so if you want that, then stick to Chicago, but the support was awesome. I loved the out-and-back spots because when you saw your loved one, you knew you were going to get to see them again on the way past. I loved Chicago, but I feel Grand Rapids is a mini-Chicago. Same awesome support, only smaller. Same great organization, only smaller. My fiance was helped out a lot by the staff at our hotel on where to go for certain great viewing spots. Also they allowed late checkout in the afternoon on race day. Days Inn, soon to be Holiday Inn on Pearl St. I would definitely stay at the same hotel, which is only a block away from the start. I also took my iPod, thinking I would need it because of lack of crowds. Never turned it on. There were enough people to run with and converse with if need be. I liked the fact that the full finish was one block over from the half. Oh, last but not least, I decided not to take my orange slices along and instead stick to GU. I laughed when they offered them on the course. And the food spread after... WOW! Microbrew beer, Wendy's chili, Culver's ice cream, Go-gurt, mozzarella cheese sticks, not to mention the usual after-marathon fare. Not sure I was really into the Oreo cookies and pretzels offered on the race course, though. The only thing I could see that needed to be changed was the two times we had an out-and-back turnaround. One turnaround was gradual, but the other, late in the race, was pretty sharp. Not something your legs want to do late in the race. I would do this one again! | |
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e. b. from West Bloomfield, MI
(10/25/2009)
"great course and support" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I'll be back for this one. Nice, flat and scenic course; excellent support; lots of GU and everything you would need; and an indoor area to wait in for the race start (with showers after); but what makes this race special is the race director. Personal touches, dedication to runners, pre-race emails and he's waiting as you finish, to shake your hand or give you a hug. This marathon is for the runners, staffed with experienced runners, and it has a great party afterward with micro-brewed beer and chili, plus all of the standard post-race stuff. | |
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Gene Price from Grand Rapids, Michigan
(10/24/2009)
 "Excellent course, very well organized!!!!" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the third GR Marathon I have done. And every time I have NOT been disappointed. The race has been SO well done, with the course, the first aid stations, and the spectators - not to mention the after-race food! I enjoy this marathon very much and I will continue running this for as long as it exists. If anyone has never run a marathon in GR, they have never run a marathon!!! Truly an enjoyable experience. | |
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I. W. from Chicago, IL
(10/22/2009)
"Top marks" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very fast and scenic course. Excellent three-hour pace group. Friendliest expo. Couldn't really ask for more. Such a refreshing change from the mega-marathons I normally run in the fall. | |
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B. T. from Maine
(10/22/2009)
"This is a race worth traveling to!" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is clear that the Grand Rapids Marathon is put on by runners who care about putting on a great race. It's a medium-sized race with a lot of personal attention. It is this focus on the details that made this race an enjoyable experience for me. The energy and encouragement of the volunteers at the water stops was fabulous and the spectators along the way were wonderful. The high-energy music made a difference, especially at the last few water stops near the end of the race. To be sure, much of this marathon is run away from the city and away from large crowds. The landscape is "interesting," a combination of rural, urban, and industrial. The out-and-back portion of the race gave me a sense of perspective of where I stood in the flow of runners . Overall, Grand Rapids is a fun, well-done marathon with a slightly off-beat feel to it. It is definitely worth traveling to. Oh yeah, I ran a PR too. That always helps. | |
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N. K. from Chicago, IL
(10/22/2009)
"Highly Recommended!!" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Grand Rapids Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I just ran this one for the second time (2009) and was again very impressed and very happy that I chose it over Chicago (although I live in the Chicagoland). This is a well-organized, well-communicated, and well-executed marathon for first-timers as well as veterans. As they say, this really is a marathon organized by runners for runners. Some perks of this marathon are: beautiful, scenic course (quite flat and paved); big enough for good energy and a good number of pacers, but small enough for short distance to the bathroom and parking; a short wait before the race; it's easy to find your family cheering you on and after the race; a nice, hot post-race shower available at the Y; first GU at Mile 8 and aid/food stations throughout (at least every 2 miles); great food after the race (warm chili, hot dogs, ice cream and beer on top of usual post-race foods like bananas, apples, bread, etc.); and great e-mails from the director who personally greets everyone at the finish line. This is a highly recommended marathon if you're trying to choose one for next year. | |
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M. W. from Michigan, USA
(10/22/2009)
"My favorite race so far" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Grand Rapids Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What more is there to say? This was my first of what is now four marathons, and hands down, I would have to say that this is the best organized of the bunch. Everything from the positive e-mails to the on-course support says, "Runner-friendly." If you are looking for a first-time race or an alternative to the big events on the fall schedule, this is the race for you. |
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