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Indianapolis Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Indianapolis Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 3.1
Number of comments: 157 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
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T. F. from Davenport, Iowa
(2/25/2004)
 "Very Pleasant!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run the Quad City Marathon four times in Moline, Illinois and this was my first out-of-town marathon. The weather was great, the course was serene, primarily through upper-middle-class residential neighborhoods, but save a little extra effort back for about mile 23 (there is a little hill there and no crowd cheering you on at that point until after you get over that hump. I started walking briefly at the point). A meal was included after the race which I think is very unusual, but if you are coming from out of the immediate area, you may have to take Friday off work to get to this Saturday marathon. | |
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Gary Schopmeyer from Franklin, Tennessee
(10/25/2003)
"A Marvelous Autumn Marathon!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Indy Marathon was my first marathon. I highly recommend the Indy Marathon and for 2004 the organizers need not change the course. As for my first marathon, I liked the smaller number of participants. I am a fellow Hoosier, therefore, I will say the volunteers were especially friendly and supportive! I remember continuing on past the half/ full split and running on Shafter Road through the park - it was breathtaking! However, as I ran through the park onto Boyscout Road and Fall Creek Road, there were fewer spectators to encourage me and push me forward; henceforth, I was motivated by fellow runners and for the sub 3- and 4-hour groups on the way back. I ran all the way up to 25 miles, then my right knee gave out on me. So I hobbled for 1.2 miles through the finish line. I recall a man telling me to stop right at the 25 mile sign, and I insistently told him he can join me to finish, but I'm going to finish this race. Well, I guess I could have had a better race time, but I'm pleased that I finished this marvelous marathon! I hope to do it again in the near future! | |
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D. J. from Louisville, KY
(10/24/2003)
"I'd run it again" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, and was a very positive experience. It's definitely not a 'big race' like Chicago or NY, but a very pleasant and well-run race. The course is primarily flat, with a few gentle rolling hills. It runs over quiet country roads and through well-maintained suburban neighborhoods and Fort Harrison State Park. What it doesn't have are crowds and entertainers lining every inch of roadside. I've run big races, and while large crowds can be motivating, I enjoyed the small pockets of enthusiastic supporters along the way - it gives the race more of a hometown feel. Aid stations were plentiful and volunteers that worked them were supportive. Traffic control was excellent. One possible improvement that could be made would be something like a 'runners reunite area' at the finish. I had difficulty locating one of the members of my group at the finish, due to the fact that he had to drop out late in the race from leg cramps. I tried to locate someone to find out if he had been picked up on the course, but could not find anyone who had this information. This would have been helpful. I enjoyed the post-race meal/refreshments. In my opinion, the best value of the day was the 15-minute massage I got after the race for 5$. I think this race will grow over the years if it continues to be managed well. I hope the race director(s) are prepared to accommodate future growth. | |
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Mike Swisher from Indianapolis, IN
(10/21/2003)
 "This course is not flat" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This is a small marathon. Therefore, there really aren't any spectators. I had read other comments that this is a fairly flat, fast course, but it is not. If you do not train on rolling, hilly terrain, you will need to go much slower during the first half of the marathon. Otherwise, you will be spent by the time you hit the second half. The second half is not bad at all, but the first half really surprised me. The course is very pretty, and the weather is normally just right at this time of year. Due to its small size, the race is easy to get in and out of. The parking was very easy, and it was not far from the start. The main parking is just south of 56th and Post, and the start is just north of 56th and Post. It only took us a few minutes to walk to the start. There was sports drink and water at all the stops, and you can hit the Gu handouts multiple times, due to the course's double out-and-back configuration. It would be nice to have a course that is actually in the heart of Indianapolis, rather than Lawrence. I would love to see it held on the Monon Trail, which is a rails to trails project that goes right through town. Talk about flat and fast! | |
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J. P. from Indianapolis, Indiana
(10/19/2003)
 "Solid small-time marathon/half-marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Small-time marathon that could really grow into something special because of the course. Starts and finishes in Ft. Benjamin Harrison which is one of the prettiest areas to run in around Indianapolis. I will tell you, though, that I'm a little prejudiced, as this is my home course area. I live in the area and run the fort almost every weekend. Course is not all flat. There are a few rolling hills and grade areas that will slow your times. Good water stations and volunteers. Police control at major intersections was excellent, although there were cars on the course coming out of area neighborhoods (but no real factor, and they were great giving runners the right of way). Post-race food of burgers/brats/baked beans/cole slaw/cookies and fruit was plentiful and good. Nice job. A few negatives are: The mile markers need some balloons or something. Many times they were obscured from view by oncoming/outgoing runners and I missed one around the eleven-mile mark. There was a comment about having split times called out by someone posting on this website. If you are a real runner do you actually need someone calling a split time out? Little or no spectators. Don't understand why they don't have a local TV station involved in this. Every news station has every other little event on the weekend tube again and again but this run gets no play. Probably because it's not hooked-up with a major cause or charity. No expo to speak of and the packet bag had nothing in it but advertising flyers, a bib number and shirt. Decent value though for the money, until the price jumps close to the run date. | |
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Dennis De Young from Franklin, Tennessee
(10/19/2003)
"Great Course and Organization" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I just returned from running the Indianapolis Marathon. I can highly recommend it. The course is very interesting. It goes through beautiful neighborhoods, suburban neighborhoods, and a state park. The weather was perfect (low 40's) and little wind. There were only a few small hills and the course support was excellent (plenty of Carboom, Powerade, and water). The cost was also very reasonable ($35 for early registration). It is an ideal course for setting a PR! | |
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Jessica Potts from Knoxville, Tennessee
(5/22/2003)
 "Great experience!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, and I would definitely run this course again. There were plentiful water/powerade stations, but no gel stations. It was fairly flat. My only big suggestion is that during the last leg of the marathon (mile 13 on) there needs to be more spectator support. This part of the race was pretty lonely. Otherwise, GREAT RACE! | |
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A Runner from Bloomington, IN
(11/11/2002)
 "Smooth event, could be bigger." (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my second marathon, so I don't have alot of basis for comparison. The course was very flat, very fast. For those not only interested in time, however, it was pretty boring, winding its way through generic suburbia. Powerade and water were plentiful. No gel packets, but lots of food at post-race for those with an appetite after 26.2. One thing did let the air out of my balloon, though - the sudden drop in participants and spectators after the half marathon split. I ran most of the second half of the race in sight of less than five people, including volunteers. I personally get a big lift from the crowd at a race, both from the other runners and the spectators, and it was empty enough to be depressing. I think the course and organization are of high enough quality that this race should draw more runners - I hope to see more interest here in the future. | |
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A Runner from Indiana
(10/28/2002)
"Best kept secret on the marathon circut." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The Indy/Lawrence marathon is the best kept secret on the marathon circuit. It is a comparativley flat and fast course awash with water stations and scenic views. This race could literally be called 'a run in the park' as half of the race is run in an Indiana state park. Probable the hardest thing of the day was when 2/3 of the runners left the course as they finished the mini-marathon (13.1 mile mark). I, for one, liked the cook-out after the race. along with an assortment of fruit the protein was a welcome change. Would I recommend the Indy Marathon? You betcha. If you don't need alot of hoopla, this is a great race to set a PR on ---- I did. | |
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A Runner from Kokomo, IN.
(10/26/2002)
"Nothing Could Be Better" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon was extremely well organized. The aid stations were well staffed with people who had voices. The traffic control was excellent. I was pleasantly surprised by the spectators support as I had heard it was very poor. This marathon is a good first time run as well as a good one for experienced runners. The course was attractive throughout the whole run. The only attraction this event is missing is the bands and music from other 'big time' races. I plan on being back to this course a number of times. |
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