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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 131 to 141]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 12 13 14 15 16 .. 20 > ]

 

S. S. from Normal (9/29/2006)
"Another Win For Joe!" (about: 2006)

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


Other than a couple Gu stops being empty by the time I shuffled by, this was a perfect by me. And the saints with bananas and oranges at Miles 22 & 24 and a charitable fellow runner more than made up for the missed Gu earlier in the race.

Joe is a legend and for good reason.

Friendly fellow runners, over-the-top volunteers, on-course entertainment, free Diet Pepsi at the finish, a great looking medal, an accurately measured beautiful course, and even perfect weather. I'll be back one of these years.

I wish the expo was bigger, but for a small race there was more than should be expected. The Marathon & Beyond folks are always friendly and offer some incredible deals at expos (no, I'm not employed or related, just a happy subscriber with a great free jacket).
 

Erik Maitland from Bettendorf, Iowa (9/29/2006)
"Always pleased by the QCM" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 3 Quad Cities Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


My third QCM, and third marathon for that matter. It's my hometown marathon and I LOVE it for many reasons, but first and foremost is race director Joe Moreno. Let's face it: Joe is ALL ABOUT the runners! He has set up a relatively flat and scenic course. He has filled it with water/Gatorade/Gu stops. He has volunteers all over the place, as well as bands and cheerleaders that make it an easy 26.2. Yes, there are some spots where you'd feel all alone if not for the runners ahead of and behind you, but that's what gives this course its "challenge." I've always thought of marathoning as 90% mental, and getting through some of these parts really makes you know what you can cut. Joe met me at the finish line and helped me to a chair after recognizing my "post-.2 mile sprint" wobble. The smile on his face when anyone crosses his finish line is priceless. Everyone involved in putting on this race should be very proud of their efforts. It could be a primer for any U.S. marathon, even in much bigger cities! WAY TO GO, JOE!!!
 

J. J. from Chicago (9/28/2006)
"This is a great small marathon." (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Congratulations to the organizers of the Quad Cities Marathon. This is a great event, as long as you don't need big crowds to pull you through (especially miles 13-20). Not to say that there aren't people on the streets cheering; but it's limited to a few areas and much of the course does not have spectators. For me, that isn't a problem and I thoroughly enjoyed the course, which is flat as promised. I will be back!
 

S. S. from Chicago (9/27/2006)
"Very Nice Course" (about: 2006)

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


I can't tell you how many marathons I've done where the course is nothing more than dull. This course, however, has a variety of scenery throughout. No hills to speak of, a little incline here and there, and at no time are you on a tedious road that goes on for mile after mile. The course is always changing and therefore does not become monotonous.

There were plenty of water tables and more GU than expected. The volunteers actually allowed you more than one GU at a time (unheard of).

Getting to the race site was easy and parking was plentiful.

One recommendation: The last six miles would go faster for the runner if they weren't out and back.

No question, I'd do it again.
 

S. S. from Mason City, Iowa (9/26/2006)
"This course was fast, flat, and fun." (about: 2006)

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


The Quad Cities Marathon is a great marathon for first-timers and seasoned marathon runners alike. This year the weather was impeccable. The only part that was disappointing were the nonexistent spectators on Arsenal Island. The reasons are understandable; however, the lack of them made for the longest miles I have ever run during a marathon. If you have ever had that urge to run on the interstate or on a military base (without belonging to the military), this race is for you. It is also almost entirely flat. Then again, what part of Iowa isn't?
 

S. S. from Normal (9/26/2006)
"Moreno Strikes Again" (about: 2006)

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


BEAUTIFUL DAY. Great atmosphere. Efficient start and finish. AWESOME volunteers. The course was not as flat as advertised, but reasonable.

A couple of Gu stops were empty when I ran by (at five-hour pace). I had emailed the directors ahead of time to ensure there was enough Gu, and only brought a couple in reserve because they assured me there would be plenty on the course. Fortunately, I had enough - between another runner's supply, the two I brought just in case, and the saints on Miles 22 and 24 with oranges and bananas.

No event is perfect, but it is amazing how close this marathon comes with its legendary director and outstanding volunteers.

I hope the next marathon I won't spend quite so much time on the course, but if it looks like I'm going to, this is a great course to be on for five hours.
 

D. C. from Southeastern U.S. (9/25/2006)
"Small race with big organization" (about: 2006)

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


I prefer small races; however, that often means quirky or sparse organization and support. Quad Cities is a small race, but with organization that rivals the big ones. That said, all races have their pros and cons. Here are the ones apparent to me:

Pros: Manageable size, supportive fans (where present), strong organization overall, mostly flat and surprisingly pretty course. Views included the Mississippi from bridges and paths, the Rock Island Arsenal golf course and grounds, and attractive urban neighborhoods. Very good post-race nutrition (primarily barley and hops based).

Cons: Although the course is overall flat, there is a LONG incline early in the race through Bettendorf. Sad to see some people walking so soon. Lining up by pace at the start could be enforced better: we had walkers at front & center (walkers, why do you do this to us?). There is one significant flaw in the course: the last 6 miles are on concrete, which is much less forgiving than asphalt. This is punishing, particularly late in the race - the soles of my feet actually hurt.

I might also add quite positively that fellow runners were very friendly, as were the local businesses. Many people struck up conversations with me spontaneously, countering the stereotype of the taciturn Midwesterner.

Overall, a great marathon - highly recommended.
 

Todd Baxter from Columbus, IN (9/25/2006)
"Great race, but organization was hurt this year" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


Enjoyed this race a good deal (14th marathon - PR'd yesterday!) Course was neat; I enjoy running along the river cities (I've done Cincy; Richland, WA; QC; Louisville, KY and others). Great volunteer and fan support with aid stations, GU, PowerAde, and fruit. The wet sponges were new to me this race - GREAT IDEA! (So nice to wipe the salt layer off your arms mid-race!)

Problems: (1) They were out of both food at the pasta dinner (I pre-paid), and shirts, one hour before the close of the expo. (2) My hotel - La Quinta in Davenport - had a shuttle TO the race, but nobody knew how we were to get back, except the hotel manager who was there the afternoon AFTER the race.

Still, the race folks were very prompt to find me a trip back and all worked out in the end.

Would still recommend this to runners looking for a fun, nice course to do.
 

B. B. from Quad-Cities, USA (9/24/2006)
"Change for the better!" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 6+ Quad Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Joe, race organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and cooperating muncipalities: You had to make some difficult decisions about changes for the race. In my opinion, those changes benefitted everyone - the driving public, the showcased cities, the many generous sponsors, and the runners! I felt safe, entertained, and encouraged. Thank you for the race and what you do for our communities.
 

G. B. from USA (9/22/2006)
"The best set of volunteers ever" (about: 2004)

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


Quad Cities is beautiful and flat. Where else can you see two states and the Mississippi River.... Great course, great people.
 

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