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Omaha Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Omaha Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 183 [displaying comments 171 to 181]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 > ]

 

A Runner from Omaha, NE (10/15/2001)
"This marathon stinks" (General Comments)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


I am from Omaha, but I would not recommend this race to anyone. It is hot, humid, hilly, and poorly organized. There is nothing good about this race. If you are going to run a marathon in Nebraska, run Lincoln in May.
 

A Runner from California (8/30/2001)
"As advertised" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I think the organizers and staff did a great job. I especially appreciated that the water and energy drink lasted throughout the race (I finished in 4:30 plus). The volunteers were enthusiastic and THERE. They also handed out ice cold sponges - what a gift. There were plenty of port a potties and the course was well marked. The medals are cool - in the shape of Nebraska, and the bright orange long sleeved T-shirts are good quality - it matters. The race director's family even baked 3,000 cookies!!?? How's that for the personal touch?

I agree, hot hilly and humid, as advertised - no surprises. The course was mostly scenic (for an out of towner like me)and yes, I was disappointed that we did not go thru the zoo, but it will be one of the great anecdotes in the history of the marathon.

Special thanks to the two 4:30 pacers - Steve and Don. They (almost) got me across the line in time. They kept the pace. I would suggest that they hold signs up at the starting line so runners can find them before the gun goes off. I spent anxious moments looking for them.

There were almost no spectators, but they couldn't be blamed for staying out of the heat. Maybe some pre-race media blitz would have helped?

Yes, the course was tough, and too bad it's in August, but the elements are part of the challenge.
 

A Runner from Dallas, TX (8/29/2001)
"Good challenge if you're up for it..." (General Comments)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


This was my 3rd marathon; Marine Corps and Cincinnati were the other two. This was by far the toughest course of the three. However, I also managed a 20:00 PR on it.

The race was organized well, and the race director did a great job of managing a last-minute snafu that required a re-route of the course. Fan support was light but enthusiastic (especially in comparison to my first two 'thons).

The course is challenging, but not impossible. Almost 1/2 of the course is pancake flat, so it's not as if you're trying to scale Mt. Everest or something. There are some very tough hills starting at Mile 21 and continuing through Mile 24. However, if you prepare mentally for the challenge it doesn't have to be a back-breaker.

If you're looking for a big-city marathon with tons of hoopla and fan support, you might want to check out Chicago or Twin Cities. However, if you're looking for a challenging (and rewarding) experience with a small field, Omaha is a great race!
 

A Runner from Omaha NE (8/27/2001)
"Hills." (about: 2001)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


This year's course was kind of a jumbled mess, due to a re-routing at the last minute which has left many of us questioning whether the distance was even accurate. But, the course itself is a hilly, challenging one.
 

A Runner from Washington (8/26/2001)
"Great organization for a small event, but hilly" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Though this marathon may not be one to run if you're pursuing a personal best, it offers many other advantages in contrast to the large mega-events. I thought the race organizing committee did a great job in putting on a wonderful event, from the many aid stations offering both water and powerade with caps and straws, warm enthusiastic volunteers, pre-race pasta party to the nice finisher medals, key chains and post race massages. The expo was virtually non-existent, but what would you expect from a marathon with 300 runners. Not much press in the local paper about this event; I guess Cornhusker football is the big thing.

Though high temperature and humidity can pose a threat late August in Omaha, we were very fortunate with the race day conditions as it was cool (60's) for the first two hours. Most of the run into Iowa was into dense fog. The worse part of the course was in the last 6 miles, where it is very hilly and the sun began to shine between the clouds.

If you're looking for a marathon to run in August, I would consider this one. There are many activities in Omaha that weekend. I went to the Offut Air show, SAC museum, Boys Town and many of the state parks Omaha has to offer. Also the Nebraska State Fair and the Arts on the Green festival associated with the marathon were happening. Go to Omaha for a relaxing vacation.
 

-hamilton.com from Kansas City, MO (5/11/2001)
"Hot, Humid, and Hilly" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Don't do this one for a PR. It starts at 6am and it was already hot. Typical midwest summer weather. The last 6 miles are the toughest miles you will ever run in a marathon.
 

A Runner from Iowa (4/18/2001)
"It was hot and humid and where were all the fans?" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


I ran the Omaha Marathon in '00. Wow, was it ever hot and humid that day. The runners were friendly, but the fan support was slim to none. I suppose they were all home in the air conditioning. I can remember seeing the same lady out cheering at about six different points. Believe me, we appreicated her support greatly.
In all, what more can you expect from a marathon in August? Heck, I'm running it again this year just to torture myself, I think.
 

A Runner from Omaha, NE (4/16/2001)
"Has Potential, but needs improvement!!!" (General Comments)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 3


Omaha is a great city and holding a marathon in Omaha is attractive since there are not many marathons in this part of the country... However, holding a marathon in Omaha in August is not going to attract many out of state runners... The humidity is at its worst, and the course, although scenic - by routing it through downtown Omaha, the Zoo, by Rosenblatt Stadium, across the Missouri river and around Lake Manawa in Iowa - it was very hilly and challenging... The course was also very poorly marked and several runners got off course. The start line did not have sufficient parking nearby and could be confusing for an out of towner to find the start point. The amount of port-a-potties were very minimal at the start point and several runners were late to start the race due to the long wait in line to use the toilet. This needs to be a late Sept or Oct race, and organizers need to work on details better, to those participating in the race it appeared unorganized....
 

A Runner from Burbank, CA (10/14/2000)
"Too hot and humid." (about: 2000)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


This would be a great event if it could be run a month later. Weather conditions in Omaha in late August are among the worst I've ever experienced. My shoes were sloshing from sweat. The course is varied and challenging. I enjoyed running through Conagra Plaza and the zoo as well as across the bridge and around Lake Manawa. The race organizers did a good job. Especially liked the water cups with lids and straws. Felt the competition was diluted as many runners started an hour early. It was my understanding that option was to be only for walkers. They need more porta potties in the start area.
 

A Runner from Lincoln, NE (10/7/2000)
"This could and should be a much better race." (about: 2000)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 3


The race began 5 minutes ahead of time, causing some people in the bathrooms to have a late start. For some reason, the water was foul smelling and tasting.
It's held at a traditionally unbearably hot time of year. The course was not marked well causing several runners to take unnecessary detours. (This was amongst award winners, not laggers.) Also, the committee shorted us on prize money and was not helpful in remedying the situation. Generally unapologetic for screw ups and mistakes on their part.
It's too bad because the volunteers and course are great. This should have been a much better marathon than it was. Also, it's touted as part of the 'Arts on the Green Festival' which basically means the marathon starts and ends at the art museum.
 

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