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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 141 to 151]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 13 14 15 16 17 .. 20 > ]

 

Julie Ralston from Streator, IL (8/3/2006)
"First Time's the Charm!" (about: 2005)

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


This was my first try at a marathon, and I was very impressed. There were plenty of water stops, Gu stops, and spectators to line the couse (with the exception of the lack of spectators near the 22-23 mile marker). I had a lot of fun running the race, and although I won't be running it in 2006, I appreciate the positive memories it helped me create as I started my marathon running career.
 

A. M. from Macomb, IL (4/16/2006)
"Great race!" (about: 2005)

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


My first marathon was indeed a hot one! I enjoyed every aspect of this event. During my 26.2 mile fun-run I attempted to thank every volunteer and staff member possible, figuring they would lead me to the finish. They all make this event very special for me and many others. Race director, Joe Moreno, displays his passion for this event each year. We will all remember your tenacity for this race. Thanks!

AJM
 

R. K. from Des Moines, Iowa (11/21/2005)
"What a great small marathon!" (about: 2005)

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


The weather was brutal, but I finished wanting to come back next year. I have only done small marathons (1200 finishers or less), so I was very impressed with this one. Even though there weren't a lot of people cheering, there were many different bands or groups on the course, cheering, playing, etc. That was great! The arsenal did get boring, but it was very pretty in many places.... I didn't even know it was a military base.

The post-race refreshments were great! I even finished 3rd in my age group and received a wonderful plaque. I was thrilled. Next year I will bring my family and stay in one of the hotels near the start/finish. The view of the river is fantastic and there are many downtown shops to keep you busy. This is just a great marathon.... I may try to do it every year!
 

J. A. from Fridley, MN (10/7/2005)
"Way to go Joe!!" (about: 2005)

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


Very flat and scenic course. The bridges were a little interesting for some of us with a fear of heights. LOTS of support on the course - I think I counted 21 stops with water, food, sponges, and GU. I could not be more impressed with a race director willing to go to jail for his runners by parking his truck in front of a train.
 

G. S. from Bloomington, IL USA (10/1/2005)
"Total organization, great course" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This is my 4th marathon. If I ever get fast enough to try to qualify for Boston, I WILL return to this marathon and try it again. There were adequate water stops, Gatorade, about 5 or 6 Gu stops, even SPONGE stops!! I felt very well taken care of and welcome in the Quad Cities, starting with the free bus tour of the course. I have already recommended it to many of my running friends. My favorite entertainment was the bagpipe player on the bridge. My least favorite were cheerleaders who stopped cheering by the time I got there (maybe they could cheer in shifts?). The photographers were great, I have never gotten better pictures. They waited for me to put on a brave face and THEN took the picture. THANKS!!
 

A. S. from Chatham, IL (9/28/2005)
"1st marathon; it hurt but can't wait for next one" (about: 2005)

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


This was my first marathon. I made some rookie tactical errors and ended up survivor shuffle/walking the last 10 miles. Despite that I would like to run another one. The organization was great, every time I felt like I was going to die an aid station popped up or I passed a band on the course. The first aid tent at the finish was great and I know because I went there for an IV and a bag of saline after I finished.

One of the only negatives was that it was 69 degrees with about 90% humidity at the start and it only got warmer, which isn't the organizer's fault. Another was that the railroad company broke the gentlemen's agreement they had with the organizers and sent three trains through the area during the race, which is the RR company's fault. I almost got caught by one but Joe Moreno parked the pace truck over the tracks for an hour and a half so runners could get through. I was one of those runners, but since it was at the 22-mile mark where the tracks were, I thought I was hallucinating the truck and the train blaring its horn. One other negative has been mentioned previously and that is the lack of crowd support on Arsenal Island. It got lonely on the island as I was starting to hurt.

I am going to take a year off from the marathon but when I decide to do another, I am going to seriously consider doing the Quad Cities again.
 

Renee Simmons from Galena, IL (9/28/2005)
"GREAT race organization!" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 6+ Quad Cities Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


If it wasn't for the humidity and lack of spectators on the course (neither of which are very controllable), this would be a PERFECT marathon. Race organizers think of just about everything and really empathize with the citizen runner.
 

Brad Miller from Harrisonburg, VA (5/8/2005)
"My first marathon" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Quad Cities Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


The QC Marathon was my first marathon. It is a flat, scenic race, and I finished wanting to do it again. The only down point was the Arsenal; there was a dearth of crowd of support. The high point is the hills, or lack there of. Crowd support at beginning and end of race is great. A great first-time race; it will make you want to run another one.
 

Bob Snyder from Fulton, IL (10/7/2004)
"Overall the race was great" (about: 2004)

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


Once again Joe Moreno and his supporting cast did an awesome job. I can't even imagine the hours spent trying to organize a race of this magnitude. I do, however, feel that the overall award winners should not receive awards in age groups. Does anyone need to be recognized twice for their achievement? Let's spread the wealth. Congratulations to all the runners.
 

Terry Carlson from Rockford/Loves Park, IL (10/5/2004)
"Best smaller marathon in Midwest! Period!" (about: 2004)

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


The newer course change (approx. mile 18-21) needs better support, but I'm not complaining as I know this will be fixed in the future, the organizers and volunteers and the Quad Cities in general have been putting on a topnotch marathon since the first QCM. A model for other communities to follow. The Quad Cities really support the runners in their communities. As always, great course support!!
 

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