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Quad Cities Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Quad Cities Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 195 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 9 10 11 12 13 .. 20 > ]

 

Don Pattison from Bartlett, IL (9/26/2007)
"Great course" (about: 2007)

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


I was glad we got the "hills" (actually the bridges were about the only elevation problem) out of the way early. We took off and were in IA within 2-3 miles and ran around there and then back into IL and then onto the island. Most of the course is pretty flat, so not too hard on the body. The last 4-5 miles it got pretty hot on the course as the temp started climbing up and up. I came home with a pretty good tan outline of my singlet. There was a little headwind doing the last out-and-back part on the way out, but once you turned around and headed for the finish line 3 miles away you couldn't even feel the breeze, so it got warm. The pasta dinner the night before was great and the tent made it very comfortable. The keynote speaker was outstanding too.
 

L. G. from Illinois (9/26/2007)
"Great size, well organized, but HOT" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon, so the size was perfect for me. Running in four cities and two states was also an attractive element. The course was a bit hilly in a few spots, but generally interesting, with plenty of water, sponges and Gu stops. The out-and-back stretch over the last 6 miles was brutal in the sun and heat, and I expected a few more spectators or music to divert my attention at times, but overall, there was great community support and I would definitely do it again - in cooler weather, I hope.
 

M. R. from Freeport, IL (9/26/2007)
"Well organized race" (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Hats off to the folks who organized the Quad City Marathon! What a pleasure it was to run your course. The volunteers were top-notch and the traffic control was excellent. Thanks for making my marathon such a positive experience!
 

B. C. from SW Wisconsin (9/25/2007)
"Great first-time marathon" (about: 2007)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Best marathon I've ever run. OK, the only marathon I've ever run. But it was a great place to start. Great small-city atmosphere. Really supportive fans. There were a few times when the water stops were low on water, or what they had was warm. (It was a pretty hot day, too.) Other than that, it was great. I'd do it again.
 

j. c. from NEWPORT KY. 41071 (9/25/2007)
"A great course - very scenic" (about: 2007)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Really enjoyed the race. The volunteers were great. We can't do it with out them. Two problems: At the start of the race, the corral was closed and we had to wait for it to empty out to start the race. Also, on a hot day, the warm water at the aid stations was not very thirst-quenching. Everything else was great. What a great time.
 

P. L. from Missouri, USA (9/25/2007)
"What a wonderful race!" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 4-5 Quad Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This is my fourth time running the Quad City Marathon (I run the half) and each year my time decreases! This race is flat and beautiful. Joe is wonderful! The volunteers and fellow racers are SO NICE! The only complaint I have is that the dinner/expo/packet pick-up keeps moving places and for an out-of-towner it makes it a bit hard to find where to go. Plus - nothing really to do with the race, but I had hotel problems so next year I'll be booking much earlier and will get on the race strip.
 

A. M. from Davenport, Iowa (9/24/2007)
"THE Diamond in the Rough!" (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons | 2 Quad Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


By far one of the greatest events to be part of! The course was EXCELLENT, the fans were FANTASTIC, and the organization was SUPERIOR! The military dedication, coupled with a fly-over, was by far the greatest start I've ever seen. Once again the Quad Cities spectators, volunteers, and race organizers helped me finish my second marathon. A new standard has been set! Thank you!
 

W. B. from Texas (9/24/2007)
"Nice river run; more liquids needed last 6 miles" (about: 2007)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This was a good marathon course, except for the last six miles. The out-and-back loop really needed a water station at mile marker 23.

The expo was good, and packet pick-up was easy. The chip scanning was in a back-room location, and would have been better placed nearby the packet tables. Some runners didn't locate the chip scanning table, or simply saw all of the directional signs posted, got "caught up" in all of the booths and shopping, and forgot (missed having their chips scanned).

Other than the heat, and the need for more available water stops in the last six miles, I enjoyed all aspects of this marathon.
 

B. R. from Carmel, Indiana (9/24/2007)
"Good, small-town marathon; great organization" (about: 2007)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I hadn't run a marathon in almost 2 years due to injury and so I picked this due to the low entry cost and great reviews.

Overall I was pleased with the marathon. The course was good, mostly flat, with a hill around 2.5 and some inclines on the bridges. There was not much shade on the course, and so, with a clear sunny day, it was pretty hot and tough by the time I finished. For a small race there were many more cheering spectators, bands, etc. than I ever expected, which was a nice surprise. The overall organization was excellent; there were plenty of water, Gatorade and Gu stops - and even some bananas and oranges later in the race that definitely helped.

I hadn't trained as well as I had wanted to for this race and was still able to run my second best time. I can see how with the right training and conditions this could definitely be a PR course.

I hope to run it again someday.
 

Jim Mergl from Chicago suburb (9/24/2007)
"Great organization, good course, great spectators" (about: 2007)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Organization and support was superb! They describe the course as "fairly flat." I've run Chicago 3 times - that's flat - and Boston, which is hilly. This one sent you up and down early and that killed my legs and took me out of my time goal. Having said that, it was still a good course; I just would have prepared differently had I known. The spectators were great, just sparse for a lot of the course. I don't expect a lot, though, given the size. The ones out there were very supportive. Thanks to all of them and the race officials.
 

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