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Marshall University Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Marshall University Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.4 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.0 
 
 
Number of comments: 208 [displaying comments 111 to 121]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 10 11 12 13 14 .. 21 > ]

 

MATT MARSHALL from GROVEPORT OHIO (11/2/2009)
"very flat race" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I ran the half. Great crowd support, and a very cool temperature. If they added cash prizes for winners, they could attract faster runners. Overall, a great event.
 

C. M. from Huntington, WV (11/2/2009)
"Awesome First Marathon" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my first marathon, but not my first run in Huntington. Being from Huntington and running portions of the race course prior to race day had its advantages, so I would have to say that I am kind of partial to Huntington and Marshall. All the volunteers were great, starting with the National Guard, Marshall ROTC and the police department, who were all professional and very helpful. The course was very spectator-friendly, as my wife and son drove the course as support for me and my running partner. I would like to see more support from the city. Although I did my first two half-marathons within the last year, I would like to recommend and do this course again next year. THANKS, TOM; GREAT JOB!!!!!
 

M. B. from Youngstown, OH (11/2/2009)
"This race has character" (about: 2009)

3 previous marathons | 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Hats off to Tom, the other organizers, volunteers, police officers, firefighters, and the guardsmen/women. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this race: from the outstanding national anthem presentation to finishing in the Marshall University stadium. Everyone seemed exceptionally friendly and, as other reviews have said, it was logistically stress-free. We also had a perfect weather day, but of course, such things can't be special ordered. I got the distinct impression that concerns from the 2008 race were addressed by the RD. For example, there was no way you could have gotten lost during the on-campus portion as there were volunteers stationed mere yards apart directing runners; there was no lack of seating at the spaghetti dinner; plenty of food still at the four-hour mark; and the road camber that some complained about was not an issue if you stayed near the cones (the road was flat there). This race has a lot of character.
 

J. D. from Richmond, VA (11/2/2009)
"A great opportunity for a PR" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Marshall University Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This is a fast, friendly course with no need for concern for elevation changes for runners. It is a surprisingly flat race that loops through the city of Huntington that provides a variety of scenery ranging from a panoramic view of the Ohio River to the tranquil setting of the Marshall University campus on a Sunday morning.

Parking is plentiful, and access from the starting and finishing line within a quarter-mile of each other. The fleece shirt given to marathoners is very nice and, without the numerous sponsor logos, can be worn almost anywhere. The tech shirt given to half-marathoners was as nice if not nicer than what you get at most major marathons. The medals were unique, featuring the mascot of Marshall University (a buffalo).

The food at the race was plentiful and free for race participants. There was a great variety among the food items and food was restricted to participants only to ensure there was enough for everyone. Free hamburgers and hot dogs were available, with plenty of fruit on the side.

There was little concern for traffic, as there were many volunteers out on the course.

The race finish was outstanding, as you enter the university stadium; and the welcome relief of running on the carpet was immense after running 26 miles. Your name was announced as you cross the finish line, which is a nice finishing touch. There was a medical tent near the finish line and there were plenty of medical personnel to attend to the needs of the runners.

The race director provides many little touches to the race that makes this truly a race for marathoners/half-marathoners. There were numerous email updates concerning weather and organization changes that relieved pre-race jitters. Runners were afforded shelter in the basketball arena up to the starting time preventing cold muscles.

Spectators along the course were sparse but the few that were in attendance were loud and welcoming.

All in all, if you want to run 26 miles on a lovely Sunday morning, this is an ideal event.
 

K. F. from Charleston, WV (11/2/2009)
"Well organized, beautiful course, great time!" (about: 2009)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my first marathon and it was a great experience. Things were well organized and the course was very scenic and easy to follow.
 

Robert Morgenstern from US (11/2/2009)
"Looking for an easy marathon? This is it." (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The organization was super. No hassles, easy parking, easy packet pick-up, no problems with the nitty-gritty (where to go to the bathroom at the last moment). The course is flat - and I mean flat. I bested my PR by 10 minutes and qualified for Boston. So, the road to Boston truly goes through Marshall. Great food after - hamburgers, pizza, bagels... you want it, they got it. Volunteers made up for the lack of spectators; they were very friendly and so accommodating. Great shirts.

The only downside was the lack of spectators, but that will be true for all small marathons.

I will run this again and I can't stress enough how easy it was to get to the starting line and how organized the race was. Least stressful so far.
 

K. D. from Dayton, Ohio (11/2/2009)
"Terrific event" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The marathon lived up to all my expectations. I have run a dozen marathons all over the country and this event was as good as any I have run.

The course is perfectly flat (must be the only 26 miles in West Virginia) and runs all around town, the university area and city parks. Seemed like each mile or so there was a water/Gatorade stop manned by terrific volunteers. Each mile was clearly marked, which is a plus. The race finish was great. Running on the football field with all of the spectators and kids watching and getting a football was fun was to finish. Post-race food and drink were plentiful and appreciated. The fleece jacket and tech shirt are very nice as well. Thanks for a super race and I would recommend this marathon to anyone.
 

l. r. from Batesville, Indiana (11/2/2009)
"Nice smaller race" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Very well organized race, and the people are friendly. My only complaint is that they were out of footballs when I was finishing.
 

J. B. from Mason, OH (11/2/2009)
"Really Great Little Marathon" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Marshall University Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


As a first-timer, I really enjoyed this one. Even though I bonked, I BQ'd easily. Flat course, weather perfect. There really isn't an expo. More like a packet pickup with a rack of singlets.

I ran by myself pretty much the entire way. Fairly scenic course. Very few spectators. Easy access to start with ample parking.

Great freebies (fleece if you register early, movie DVD, pasta dinner). Food at the finish was awesome. Warm cinnamon buns that are better than Cinnabon, hamburgers, soda, hot dogs, brownies, chips, etc.

If you don't care for expos, don't mind running by yourself, and the lack of spectators doesn't bother you, this is a fantastic marathon to do.

Kudos to the race director and all of the volunteers who make this a special event.
 

T. R. from Columbus, OH (11/2/2009)
"Decent smaller race" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I participated in the first two HealthyHuntington Marathons and said I'd never come back. Somehow I found myself here for 2009 (I did the half as a training run for an upcoming marathon) and I'm glad I did it.

This is a small race. Getting started without wall-to-wall people is great! It's easy to get into your rhythm. Water stops were ample (at least for the half) and, outside of two quick uphills, it's very flat!

Most everything about my experience in 2009 was positive (including a PR in the half!). Pasta dinner was nice. Getting the DVD "We Are Marshall" in the race kit was great as well! Even the weather was perfect!

I only can think of one negative. From mile 12 (or 25 for the marathon) we were told to run on the sidewalk. Some of this is unavoidable due to passing the monument, but it should only have been for that stretch. It makes it tough trying to navigate curbs after running any distance. Move the runners back to the streets!!

If you need West Virginia for your 50 states, or want a smaller race, this is a good one!
 

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