Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Jul 2, 2024

Quad Cities Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Quad Cities Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.9

Number of comments: 195 [displaying comments 81 to 91]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 7 8 9 10 11 .. 20 > ]

N. S. from Chicago (1/30/2009) "Great first marathon" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Quad Cities Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and overall it was a great experience. All of the volunteers were very friendly, and parking was a breeze. The pacers were fantastic as well - I'm not sure if I could have done it without them! My pacer was very experienced and was spot on in his timing. The only thing I didn't like about this race is that when you hit mile 20, you had to go out 3 miles and come right back. It was tough to see the finish line knowing that you had 6 more miles to go! All in all, though, it was a great first race. I will definitely be back!
J. W. from Chicago, Illinois (12/31/2008) "Nice Race" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run the half marathon in both 2007 and 2008. I would recommend this race; it is a very nice small race. The host hotel is very nice, but the expo is extremely small. The course is very nice; the only hills were after mile 2 and heading up the bridge ramps (4 or 5 of them). The post-race party is always a good time (3 beer tickets on every bib). I will continue to head out to this race every September.
s. j. from Central Illinois (10/19/2008) "Joe is da man!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Ran the half. PERFECT day to run: 60's, cloudy, light breeze. The first mile marker was late on the first bridge, but oh well. Mile 2-3 had a long uphill grade; it was a bit tough. Pretty neat course otherwise. I'm a marathoner too, and I don't like the idea of the out-and-back happening after the last river bridge. Maybe that mileage could be transferred over to the Iowa side? Great announcer-knowledgeable!! Joe meets runners at finish with high-fives!!! Great sweat-bag drop-off/pick-up. Don't mind the all-in-one start. Great free beer and food, massage, and chiropractic support. It had a big-city feel with small-town charm. Everyone should make a visit to the Bent River Brewing Co. WOW!! A possible PR course.
k. n. from m.sun ia (10/14/2008) "nice marathon for anyone" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Quad Cities Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third full marathon, and second Quad Cities. I hadn't planned on doing the QC this year, but got rained out at St. Charles after 10 miles. I had a blast. I was a little faster this year than last. I got a card in the mail this weekend saying that finisher's medals will be sent out around October 28 for those like me who finished after they had run out.
M. E. from IL (10/8/2008) "Great event... something for everyone!" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is the fourth time I've participated in the QCM. I've run the half-marathon each time. There are various events, something for everyone... even kids' races the day before! What a great event for families. The course is primarily flat, with some inclines, but the incorporation of several cities and a military installation is impressive. The arsenal lacks spectators, but that is understandable... it's an active military installation, and since 9/11, security is much tighter. It's a serene experience, and always brings a tear to my eye as I run past the various cemeteries that hold our fallen vets. Organization is second to none! You can tell that Joe Moreno and his crew thinks of each runner throughout the planning process... down to the smallest detail. Of course, there is room for improvement, but that's not uncommon in any race. As for the medals, they did run out, but I saw on the website that they've been ordered and will ship soon. I know I'll get one; I'm not worried at all about that. I have a feeling this race is going to continue to grow....
L. B. from Virginia Beach, VA (10/2/2008) "Nice Race" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Quad Cities Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a very nice race. The course is interesting, the starting/finishing area were great, the volunteers were awesome. The logistics were simple, and I stayed in a hotel in Davenport. It was five minutes to a parking spot just a five-minute walk to the start. Another great run for 50 state-runners who want to avoid 45,000 runners at Chicago.
L. J. from ME (10/2/2008) "Both good and bad..." (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Quad Cities Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The course was very good (flat as advertised) as was the weather for those of us who like cool and cloudy days for long runs. We did know from the website and the course may that there would only be sports drink at some stations but I was not happy to find that the flavor (grape, cherry, orange, etc.) varied widely from station to station. It should be consistent. I did not have a great run, but I finished substantially under the time limit and the posted limit for getting a medal and was still told that there were no more. VERY disappointing to get a medal from 2002 instead. I have inquired about timing on getting an actual finisher's medal but have gotten no response. Some really nice volunteers and spectators. The cheer team around mile 23 with the archway was fantastic!
Kent Altena from Polk City, Iowa (10/1/2008) "Great race and support, wish for course change" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Quad Cities Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great race. I looked at all of the fall Midwest marathons this year, and I made a wise choice with this marathon. Joe Moreno lives to support his runners, and it shows in the race. Every need is thought of in advance - ice, Vaseline, fruit, water, Gatorade. Course is great - the early hill in mile 2-3 is very gradual, and the rest is scenic. There are 40 separate entertainment zones, but some are better than others. The Arsenal Island ones around the golf course are probably weakest. The weather was great this year. Overall, it is simply one of the best marathons. Suggestions for improvements: * Slight course change. The marathon course on Arsenal Island is too long. Shorten it, and extend Rock Island segment to Augustana (perhaps a lap around the stadium ala Des Moines). * The first suggestion should also help the second area for improvements. While volunteer support is AWESOME (1:3 ratio), spectators are not as prevalent. It was pretty sparse at times.
S. S. from Normal, IL (10/1/2008) "Fully Stocked Stops Even For Back-of-the-Packers!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Quad Cities Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I registered for this around Christmas '07 and decided it would be a good reward for getting in shape. It ended up being a punishment for not getting in shape. It was great for someone as slow as me to have fully stocked aid stations, enthusiastic fans (sparse but great), and even some happy joe's left for me. I was disappointed at not receiving a medal, and at most races, the promise to send one in the mail would ring hollow. However, Joe Moreno is a legend for a reason, and I have no doubt I'll receive it in the mail. Great job, Joe! When are you running for office?
B. S. from Chicagoland (10/1/2008) "This is worth running!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Quad Cities Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 2008 was my first QC Marathon. We drove about 2-1/2 hours from Chicagoland and it was definitely worth the trip. The course was great, except for the last 6.2 miles. They really should do that at the beginning, as it was physically and mentally tough. Great spectator support through most of the race, very enthusiastic. The hills weren't bad; there was one at around mile 2, and the rest were bridge ramps that were manageable. Running the island was better than I imagined, and the bridges offered some scenic views. This is a very organized race for such a small field. Great water stops and goodies along the way. Great post-race party, free beer, pizza, hot dogs.... I would recommend this race for beginners and pros alike. A big thank you to all of the wonderful spectators and volunteers.

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 7 8 9 10 11 .. 20 > ]

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use