Jul 4, 2024
Current Year Results
Results Search
Biggest/Best Boston Qualifier
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
2021 Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
2011 Results
2010 Results
2009 Results
2008 Results
2007 Results
2006 Results
2005 Results
2004 Results
2003 Results
2002 Results
2001 Results
2000 Results
☰
Rocket City Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Rocket City Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 285 [displaying comments 111 to 121]
|
G. C. from Little Rock, AR
(12/23/2008)
 "Great race." (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first full after running several half marathons in Little Rock, AR and Springfield, MO. What a great, flat course. I felt like I was running on a slight downhill slope for the whole first half. The Boy Scouts manned many of the aid stations and were great, and there was even a family-run aid station, which I appreciated. You get so much more for your money in this race: free race pics, nice shirt, etc. My ONLY partially negative comment of the shirt was that the design didn't allow for very large print of the word "marathon." That race was a big deal (especially since it was my first full), and I would have loved a shirt that had the word "marathon" in a little larger print. Guess they're keeping me humble. | |
|
Kevin Felton from Hopkinsville, Kentucky
(12/21/2008)
"Best small marathon in America" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Rocket City Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I first ran the Rocket City Marathon in 2001 and I returned this year because it is a high quality race! It is very organized, on a fast, flat course that becomes a PR for many (me as well), and is run by dedicated, friendly people. The weather is usually good and it can be used as a qualifier for two Bostons. While Boston is the one by which all others are measured, Rocket City is the gold standard for smaller marathons. For its size, it has an exceptional race expo. I love the scenic course with its many landmarks (the tunnel, the school cheering sections, Boy Scout troops handing out drinks, supportive neighborhood groups, and the finish). The pre-race pasta dinner is well prepared and the post-race food is better than any I've had - and I've run many marathons. It is a great marathon by any standard, but especially for people who are dedicated to the sport. I can't imagine what complaints anyone would have. I hope when I'm old and gray(er) it will still be around. KUDOS, Rocket City! | |
|
D. B. from Nashville, TN
(12/20/2008)
 "Very Organized!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Pleasant marathon from start to finish! Having the hotel just steps away from the start was ideal (and you finish in the same area). The course was EXTREMELY well marked. Pleasant volunteers at each turn allowed for no confusion. Extra perks were: a finisher's cap as well as hearing your name called coming down the finish, with spectators cheering you on at the home stretch. (I needed it too!) Then a delicious bowl of warm soup!! Great Nike tech shirt; however, I did miss the long-sleeve. Congratulations to Suzanne and Dink Taylor! Any chance of adding a 1/2 to it? | |
|
C. Y. from Houston, TX
(12/18/2008)
 "Would never do it again!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 My friend and I started at the back as instructed, but were on a 6-hour pace when a police officer told us to get on the sidewalk by 1/2 a mile out. I guess she was using gun time. I did, but it was dangerous: uneven pavement, wet and slick. I nearly fell so I got back on the edge of the street. My friend didn't because she had knee surgery earlier this year and could not hop on and off curbs for 20+ miles. The police office followed us for 5 miles about 3 feet behind. I spent all my energy wondering if she was going to run over us. I finally stopped and asked if she was just trying to intimidate us or planned to pull my race number. We stayed on the 6-hour pace until the half. I don't remember when she finally pulled around, but it was miles down the road. I understood that we would have to get on the curb at 6 hours, not at a 6-hour pace. That's a huge difference. Everything but water and Gatorade (and a few great volunteers) was gone just a few minutes behind the 6-hour pace. We had some difficulty keeping track of the marks on the pavement so we did not get lost. That sucked up time because we backtracked some. Bah humbug!!! | |
|
P. K. from Hampton, VA
(12/18/2008)
"friendly, small marathon" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Very friendly (both runners and organizers), and a good course (a bit lonely at times). Really nice shirt, medal, and hat. Good parking near the start made it easy and stress-free. Overall, well done. | |
|
T. M. from Birmingham, AL
(12/17/2008)
"Great experience" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I highly recommend this race to anyone. The organization was superb - check in took just minutes, the start of the race was orderly and smooth, and with the smaller numbers, it was easy to get into a rhythm. Water stations were well staffed and stocked with sports drink and water. The fans, while sparse, were enthusiastic and supportive. The mile flags were all there and easy to see. The course is flat and fast - I barely noticed the few slight inclines. My family was able to move around easily and greet me several times and still be back for the finish. At the finish, having a personal volunteer give you a hat and medal and walk you inside to the food/drink/aid station was a welcome relief from the chaos of larger races. With two hotels nearby, you can stay just steps from the start/finish. The expo was small but included some great deals on gear. Many thanks to the organizers and volunteers who made this a great experience. | |
|
J. B. from Dayton, OH
(12/17/2008)
"My new FAVORITE marathon" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 You will love this marathon. Where else can you get big-time organization, great competition, and be able to stroll out of the expo to the start line 10 minutes before the race? Fast course is great for first-time marathoners and BQers. This was my 6th marathon this year and I ran a huge PR. Nice small expo. Packet pick up stays open 'til 9 p.m. the night before and re-opens on the morning of the race - a HUGE plus for travelers! | |
|
J. W. from Pittsburgh, PA
(12/17/2008)
 "Great Weekend" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I was able to use the Rocket City Marathon to get the state of Alabama - and I am glad that I chose this one. The whole weekend was great. I stayed at the host hotel, and the expo, pre-race dinner, start/finish lines, awards ceremony, and post-race dinner were all there! The course was flat for the most part - the weather was great. If I wasn't trying to do 50-states, I would definitely return. The only downside is that the crowd support is minimal, but I prefer the smaller marathons to the mega-marathons. | |
|
C. J. from Indiana
(12/16/2008)
"Well run. A solid small marathon." (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Rocket City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third marathon, and second in 6 weeks. The course rolls, but there were no major hills. The expo was small, but the organization was good. Volunteers were excellent and very sincere in their commitment to making this a runner's marathon. There were not a lot of spectators, but those on the course were enthusiastic. Traffic control was excellent. I enjoyed the race, and had a PR at 3:16. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well-run, small marathon. | |
|
D. R. from Cumming, GA
(12/16/2008)
"The best Southeast small marathon" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Rocket City Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third Huntsville Marathon. The weather was perfect as was the course. The race officals make a big deal about starting on time and we the runners appreciate that very much. This year the starter also made a big deal about not wearing headphones. He told us if you were caught by officals you would not be able to return next year. This course is a safe course to run, so I guess it's the liability. So if you are used to running with headphones, you might want to skip this one. The crowds are small, but the folks out there really cheered the runners on. The finish is one of the best out there. PROS Flat course, safe course, great finish, time called out at every mile. CONS No headphones, course measured a bit long every year. |
Quick Links
Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools
© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC
