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Jul 2, 2024

Marshall University Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.2

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.0

Number of comments: 208 [displaying comments 101 to 111]

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B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (11/4/2009) "First Class" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marshall University Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a wonderfully organized, fun event. The medal and tech shirt are great, as was the fleece. Packet pickup and parking were headache-free. Water and Gatorade were abundant, and the people were incredibly friendly. The course is flat and the section through Ritter Park was one of the best that I have ever run in nine marathons, as was the finish. I strongly recommend this race.
S. W. from London, Canada (11/4/2009) "Deserves to have more runners" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marshall University Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great organization. As someone else has said, it really looks as though they paid attention to past comments and have made improvements. The map and written course directions were confusing, but the markings and volunteers kept you easily on course. The tremendous variety in surfaces kept things interesting. The course was beautiful, the volunteers were so supportive, and the fleece, DVD and medal are great. Thanks.
D. S. from Columbus, Oh (11/3/2009) "Thundering Herd!!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marshall University Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon was awesome! The organization was fantastic, the packet pick-up was easy, there was plenty of parking, and the course was as flat as advertised. You even scored a zip-up fleece if you registered early. Also, you didn't get a bunch of useless junk and advertisements when you picked up your race number. The run down the football field was a wonderful experience. The only complaint that I have is... well... nothing. The people that are complaining about no spectator support are ridiculous. There was plenty of support. Overall, a super marathon that I will run again!!
J. T. from Charleston, WV (11/3/2009) "Great Race!!" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first half-marathon, but I've done the Charleston Distance Run a few times. The course was great - scenic and flat! Very well organized. Volunteers/police/guard were on nearly every corner to let the runners pass and assist with traffic flow. No need to worry about getting hit when you cross the street! Streets were blocked off with cones. Water stations were at the right place and the right time and they had adequate help. I appreciated carrying the rose for the victims of the plane crash - a very touching tribute. The food was great at the end - hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, sweets, water, etc. It was a beautiful day as well! Only complaint is that when you come across the finish line, things need to move along better. You can't come to a complete stop to bend over and take your tag off or the chip around your ankle. Maybe extend the line and get the finishers out of the way so they don't have to wait in line? And perhaps some better support from the community - get out there and cheer on the runners! Overall, a GREAT RACE!!! Thanks!
R. G. from Rowland Heights, California (11/3/2009) "All That Glitters Isn't Gold" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Course: No spectators, no music - not even from a car radio! However, this race sparkles. Very small number of full marathoners. Course going through Ritter Park is beautiful - take note of brilliant red, dazzling yellow, emerald green, and bright orange leaves on trees. I was worried about online map since it looked confusing, but not to worry - you can't possibly get lost, even for a back-of-the-pack runner, cheerful volunteers at every aid station, traffic cones, and arrows painted on the pavement. Officers were at major intersections, and volunteers and military personnel were everywhere else. Think of this as a long training run; unless you run with a friend, it's just you and your thoughts for miles, but the reward (medal) is well worth it. Terrific finish on Marshall University football field, with real food: burgers, hot dogs, pizza, cookies, apples, water, Gatorade. Expo: Who wants a bag full of fliers? If you register early, you get a fleece zippered jacket with current year's marathon logo and a "We Are Marshall" DVD. Later registrants will get a technical t-shirt and DVD.
Dotty Maddock from Phoenix, AZ (11/3/2009) "Nice Way to Check Off West Virginia" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Marshall University Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 If you're doing the 50 states, I can recommend this as a way to check off West Virginia. This was my 50th state (plus D.C.), so it had special meaning for me. Tom (RD) arranged for me to have bib #50, so my accomplishment was more visible. Now, as far as logistics, it's kind of a pain getting to Huntington. I flew into Charleston, WV, and had about an hour drive. My bag didn't make the connection in Charlotte, so there were some challenges in finally getting the luggage to the hotel Saturday night. I thought I'd be smart and fly OUT of the Tri-State Municipal Airport (right outside of Huntington), but I suggest you have a good map or a Garmin along to help find it! There are NO airport signs and it's easy to feel totally lost. The packet pick-up location didn't have any signs at all to help find it, and there was a band competition going on (which caused the parking and traffic to be difficult). The only directions I had were the new rec hall and the street intersection. I finally found parking and the location, after wandering around in the cold (with no jacket, as that was in my bag). On the positive side, the fleece race shirt came in REALLY handy! There is no "expo" - just a packet pickup, so I didn't have the option of buying race gear to run in the next day there. Fortunately my bag did make it to the hotel, so race day dawned with me ready to go. I'm not sure that the Velcro ankle timing device actually worked. I don't remember crossing mats, and all we got at the end was one time recorded (which I believe was gun time). The building open pre-race by the start was really nice, with plenty of "real" bathrooms. The portion into and around Ritter Park was just gorgeous! Then there is a long, boring out-and-back on city streets, where you just feel like you're putting in the miles. While the course is pretty flat, the road surface can be challenging at times (potholes, railroad tracks, etc.). Then another loop through a portion of Ritter Park and the home stretch. The finish in the stadium is one of the best I've ever experienced! Running down the field with the football to cross the goal/finish line was awesome! The medal is nice, and the fresh grilled hamburgers really hit the spot! Be aware that late check-out at most hotels is difficult. I begged and pleaded at the Pullman Plaza and they gave me an extra 30 minutes (which was all I needed!). The RD has arranged for showers, but they weren't available until 1:00 p.m. and I never did find out WHERE they were. So, this was a nice, fairly flat, cool, fall race. The campus is fun to visit, and we all got a copy of the DVD "We are Marshall" to enjoy later. I would recommend it for accomplishing West Virginia, but most likely won't be back.
N. H. from New York (11/3/2009) "Great Race" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What a wonderful marathon!!! The course was great - only two major hills, and Ritter Park was like a beautiful screen-saver. The town's hospitality was so friendly. I found one of the best spots to stay at: Pullman Plaza, which was a Raddison. There I had great service and was not far from the start. I would do this race again. I just hope they have the barbecue and massage tables again. To the race director, volunteers and fans: you guys did a great job!!! I would choose you over Chicago any day.... "WE ARE MARSHAL!!!"
S. H. from Kingsport,Tenn. (11/3/2009) "Don't miss this one!!" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 My first M.U. Marathon: * Very well organized * Nice course; flat and fast, and I loved the park! * SUPER volunteers! * Cool schwag, with a fleece, "We Are..." DVD, and football finish! * Fantastic number of drink and eats afterward; I loved the grilled dogs and burgers! I had a very pleasurable experience. Thanks, "Runnington," and ALL volunteers and spectators. "More cowbell!"
M. M. from Milton, WV (11/3/2009) "Great fun!" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was a great way to visit Huntington - the organization was great, I loved the flat course and the finish on the football field was fun. Keep up the good work, Runnington!
j. w. from fayetteville wv (11/3/2009) "Great first-marathon course" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marshall University Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 My first marathon. This race will spoil you. It's well organized, the course is well marked, there are plenty of volunteers, they give you water/Gatorade about every mile, it has an excellent finish, and there's parking close to the start and finish. I highly recommend this race.

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