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Bayshore Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Bayshore Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.8 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 247 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 9 10 11 12 13 .. 25 > ]

 

C. H. from Detroit, MI (5/27/2008)
"Excellent Small-Town Marathon" (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Bayshore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I couldn't be any happier with my experience at the Bayshore. The local community really embraces the event, making for a great atmosphere. Beautiful course, friendly and helpful volunteers, cool medals and COLDSTONE ice cream at the finish! Would highly recommend it to first-timers or marathon vets. Be sure to sign up early - the marathon and 1/2 marathon fill up quickly.
 

M. M. from Michigan (5/27/2008)
"Excellent Small Race" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This might be one of the best-kept secrets for those of us who live in Michigan. Although the course is an out-and-back, it has to rank as one of my favorites because of the incredible view you have at all times during the race. As some have said in the past, this is not a flat course, but it is not overly difficult either. It kind of just maintained a nice gentle roll with only two hills to speak of. I also agree with a previous post that the second half seemed to be easier than the first, with more of a downhill feel. There were not a ton of spectators, but the ones that were out were great. Aid stations were small, but more than sufficient for a race this size and seemed to be spaced appropriately. I would highly recommend this race to anyone who wants to run a nice, well-organized, low-key marathon.

Ps. It did not hurt that the weather was absolutely ideal and could not have been better.
 

J. S. from Southeast Michigan (5/27/2008)
"A Great Location, Course and Day.." (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Bayshore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I had a very good time running the marathon last weekend and wish to thank everyone involved. While I still have some training issues to address, I now understand why so many people want to ensure that they run this race every year. The local hotels are within walking distance of the start/finish, the street did not seemed packed from the start, and you could run tangents easily, which I found out later is how the course was measured. I love the 7:00 a.m. start, the road winds enough so you don't look out for miles like a city course, the finishing medal was very nice (heavy), and I loved the hand scooped ice cream at the finish. The marathon shirt was solid black and very plain (needs to improve) and they did not have XL shirts at all and are mailing them to us.

I enjoyed looking for friends running the half marathon, as they started from the 13.1 point and ran to the finish line. This gives you have a chance to say, "HI" and high five your friends running that race around the 6-mile point. One thing that might help is to hold back the start of the 10K race so the leaders of that race don't have to holler to make way as they run through the "back of the pack" marathon runners until their turnaround point.

Weather: 40 degrees, no wind and a blue sky made it a GREAT DAY, but I think you would enjoy this run without such wonderful conditions.

Special thanks to the guy at mile 21 passing out the emergency beers to us back-of-the-packers. LOL.
 

B. H. from Williamston, MI (5/27/2008)
"Bayshore is a good choice for first marathon" (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Bayshore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon, and I am really happy I chose this one rather than a larger race. It was extremely well-supported and everything was easy to figure out for a first-timer. Spectators along the course were enthusiastic and the views were truly spectacular. Detailed results were posted the same day on the web. Post-race food was great, as were the finisher medal and shirt. Run the Bayshore... you'll be happy you did.
 

w. c. from rockford, mi (5/27/2008)
"fantastic" (about: 2008)

4-5 previous marathons | 3 Bayshore Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my third straight year of running the marathon. Obviously, I like this race. Well organized, fantastic course. I can't say enough about this event, except to thank the organizers and volunteers for all their efforts. Kudos to all; God willing, I'll be back in 2009.
 

e. b. from west bloomfield michigan (5/27/2008)
"I keep coming back" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 3 Bayshore Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is my 3rd Bayshore and I'll be back. The scenery is one (great) thing, but safety for runners, support on the course, hassle-free pick-up, and energetic and supportive fans along the way (hometown people to support the runners) make this a great race.
 

S. B. from Sterling Heights, MI (5/26/2008)
"Don't Miss This Race" (about: 2008)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Bayshore Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


You must try this race at least once. Parking and packet pick-up could not have been easier. Finisher's medal was the best I have seen so far (even better than Disney). Shirt design was simple, but it's one that you could wear over and over. Spectators along the way were very supportive and volunteers were enthusiastic.

There really isn't anything to complain about. The only reason that I rated the course a "3" is because I'm not really a fan of out-and-back courses, no matter the distance. If that doesn't bother you, then you will most likely enjoy the waterfront view and gently rolling hills.

I had such a good experience that I can't understand why only 1,262 of the 1,700 registered participants for the marathon showed up/finished. I understand that schedules change or some may not have been able to finish the race, but a 25% no-show rate seems a little high. If this is typical, then the cap could be raised to allow more runners to register for this great race.
 

Aaron Brock from Muskegon, Michigan (5/26/2008)
"not actually flat" (about: 2008)

1 previous marathon | 1 Bayshore Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


My first marathon but not my last. This is a well organized race on a beautiful course. I was very pleased with everything - with two minor exceptions. The aid stations were plentiful and the volunteers were awesome. The only problems I encountered were: The course is not flat, as they claim. It isn't extremely hilly, but I was almost always running either up or down a hill. Towards the end of the marathon I had to go around several groups of walkers. The walkers have a tendency to walk side by side and just close enough together that you can't run between them. I was very close to running a fast enough time to qualify for the Boston Marathon and having to go around these walkers the last few miles when I'm exhausted is a pain. All in all, it was a good experience and I'd like to run it again. Someone should apologize for having those walkers in the way though.
 

J. M. from Grand Rapids, MI (5/26/2008)
"Great Course" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Bayshore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


2008 was my first time running Bayshore and it lived up to all of my expectations. The course is fast with only slight rolling hills. The views along the bay are spectacular. Aid stations are plentiful and well staffed. Post-race refreshments were good, but not great. The medal is good also. There are many entertainment options before and after the race in Traverse City, which make this a good destination for a long marathon weekend.
 

C. V. from Crestwood, IL (5/26/2008)
"Beautiful course, well supported race." (about: 2008)

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


This was my first small marathon. The best-kept secret about this is that the last half of the course (return 13.1 miles) was basically downhill. The course is not flat, but there are lovely gentle hills bordering the lake and encouraging running when one is hitting the wall around mile 19. I PR'd here and encourage new runners to try it. The half marathon that was included started their runners at the opposite end of the out-and-back course - a nice touch.
 

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