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Jul 2, 2024

Towpath Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.7

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.5

Number of comments: 201 [displaying comments 101 to 111]

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L. B. from Ohio (11/29/2007) "Good race but need directions where start line is" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Towpath Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Each time I have run this marathon, it has been quite different but enjoyable. I suggest having signs directing runners to the start as no one knew where to go since the start line changed this year (2007). Return to the course starting at Howes' Meadow and ending at the visitor's center in Cuy. Hts. The figure-eight course is tedious, esp. when when you see how many runners are ahead of you.
Rich Ostendorf from Chagrin Falls, OH (11/20/2007) "Excellent first-time marathon for older runners" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a 61-year-old doing his first run and first marathon, I could not have asked for a better course and support. I enjoyed the uncrowded course and the friendliness and encouragement of runners who passed me. Two suggestions I would offer to first-timers - especially if you're older. 1. You may want to carry your own fluid container with you to supplement what's available. Because of the heat that day, I would have had a hard time making it between stops if I wasn't carrying and refilling my Gatorade bottle along the way. 2. I took advantage of starting with the walkers, which gave me an extra hour so I didn't feel the time pressure. My goal at this age was to finish - which I did - regardless of my time.
M. H. from Maryland (11/15/2007) "Loved it" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great course support, beautiful setting, soft surface. I really enjoyed this race. It's small, and there aren't a ton of spectators, so if you are looking for a lot of company, it may not be for you. But I prefer small races, and really enjoyed this one. Highly recommend it!
B. P. from Concord Twp, OH (11/13/2007) "Wonderful Course, Great Support - Must-Do Race" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Cannot say enough about this race. It was my first full marathon - I did the half here last year and had a blast. The course is great, support on the course was fantastic (Gu/water) and the race organizers were more than helpful. I considered doing many other marathons instead of the Towpath as my first, but I am glad I picked this one. One major bonus - my 5-year-old son got to hold my hand and run with me across the finish line. There would be no chance of this happening at other "big city" marathons. As mentioned before, there are not a lot of crowds (you are on the Towpath, remember) but the volunteers and other racers offered more than enough support. Absolutely a perfect first-time marathon course. When you consider this race is actually a fundraiser, how can you go wrong? My only suggestions would be: I noticed the merchandise order form disappeared off the website pretty quickly; if you can still make money doing so, I would suggest leaving it up longer. Finally, it would have been nice to have the finish chute outlined in ribbon or tape so it was easier to see where you had to go at the turn - but the Towpath is a 5-star race for sure.
Jackie Windsor from London, Ontario, Canada (11/13/2007) "Flat, scenic course with a small-town atmosphere" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a lovely, small, quaint marathon on a packed gravel surface under mostly shade-like conditions. The scenery is beautiful. The volunteers are exceptional. The venue is perfect. The post-race celebration is small but professionally done. The town, and neighboring towns are quaint and pretty. The organizers are pleasant and approachable.
V. B. from hartville, ohio (11/10/2007) "This is a great course for first time runners." (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first time running a race on a trail like this. The course is very forgiving on the joints. The finish atmosphere was nice for families. I will definitely run this course again. I have lived in the area forever and never new the towpath was there. I am hooked and do my regular runs there now.
Jeff Turell from University Heights, Ohio (11/8/2007) "Scenic course makes for a great run" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I LOVED running along the Towpath trail, especially during the fall season. The only change I would like to see is MORE RESTROOMS at the start and along the course. Otherwise, it was a great event with beautiful scenery and mild weather.
S. M. from Chicago, Illinois (11/7/2007) "A nicely organized marathon on a scenic course!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Towpath was my 13th marathon, and the only thing that was unlucky was the weather. The temps far exceeded what is normal for that time of the year, so I don't see a problem with the date, just bad weather this year. The mile markings were precise, and I thought there were plenty of volunteers and fluid stations. I thought the course was scenic, and the trail surface was in excellent condition. I thought the trail was a bit congested between the 15-17 mile mark, when the trail was then being shared with the half marathon runners that were running towards the marathoners heading out. I would defintely recommend this race for someone looking for a scenic trail marathon.
K. P. from Lyndhurst, Ohio (11/6/2007) "Great race for first-time runner!" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first half marathon and all went well. The course was nice and FLAT, and the scenery was gorgeous. My one concern prior to the race was that the towpath would be extremely crowded with runners. However, because the first few miles of the race were on the road, it gave the runners an opportunity to spread out. I NEVER felt cramped or crowded on the path that was great!! If I could offer any recommendations, they would be: 1 - Don't do a down & back race course 2 - Have the finish line be a straight shot (not a quick turn), and have at least the last 1/4 mile be on the street where spectators can cheer the runners on I plan to run this race again next year!
E. T. from Cleveland (11/6/2007) "NEED MORE RESTROOMS" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Towpath Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The line for the restroom was unacceptably long, and this is something that needs to be corrected. NEED MORE RESTROOMS. Also, the route seems to change quite often and walkers with headphones walking side-by-side obstruct the narrow towpath. Otherwise, I appreciate the fact that a marathon takes place in the Metropark system and that the volunteers are plentiful. Thank you for volunteering your time.

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