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St. George Marathon Runner Comments

Back to St. George Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.8 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 216 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 11 12 13 14 15 .. 22 > ]

 

K. L. from United States (10/9/2007)
"Loved everything except the lottery" (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons | 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Volunteers are by far the best! There were hundreds, and they all seemed to be families....all with smiles on their faces for hours, even though it was quite cold. I made sure I thanked every one who passed me a water. Many of the mile markers were visible from 1/2 mile away. That was very motivating. The scenery was beautiful, but it is desert. It is a different kind of beauty found with trees, water and mountains. But again, I liked being able to see what was coming. Fantastic first timers clinic.
The only thing that bothers me is there policy about letting those who injure themselves automatically in for next year. I read posts from people who did not really plan on running the marathon, but signed up for the lottery, hoping they would get a slot, and then cancel due to injury, insuring them a spot for next year. Bottom line? We were told there were 7200 registered runners. 5150 finished. That is over 2000 that didn't make it. That seems like a large percentage to me. I don't buy it.
 

g. h. from tennessee (10/9/2007)
"absolutely fabulous!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This is an awesome marathon - picture perfect weather, superb views the entire course, great organization, and a runner friendly course . . . aka lots of downhills. Took me three years to get selected via the lottery, but well worth the wait. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
 

J. N. from Chandler, AZ (10/8/2007)
"Great Marathon, one nit" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 3 St. George Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I love the St. George Marathon! Love the course, the town, the organization, the spectators...
I even like almost everything post-race, the misting tunnel, the runner area with lots of food.
I just don't understand why it is so hard to find water after the race. There was water in little paper cups at one table in the food area, but I couldn't find a bottle of water, which is what I really needed at the end of the race.
It was difficult to eat some of the food, like the fresh bread, because I had nothing to wash it down with.
I have two friends who were treated for dehydration in the medical tent. Both of them finished the race, went into the post-race runner area, where they hung out for a while, getting a dixie cup of water at a time. They went to the med tent because they were feeling worse instead of better.
I'm fairly certain that both of them would have been fine if they had just been handed a bottle of water or sports drink after they finished.
This is pretty standard practice at a lot of marathons. I don't know why it isn't at St. George.
 

D. C. from Utah (10/8/2007)
"Best marathon in the U.S." (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 6+ St. George Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I've run this marathon a bunch of times and I'm always amazed at how much fun it is. The scenery is second to none, the organization is superb, and the city really supports the event well.
The only reason I don't give spectators five stars is because there are segments of the race where spectators can't access the course. However, there are lots of enthusiastic spectators, especially when you pass through the cities (Veyo, St. George).
My only complaint about this race was that the shirts were sized wrong. I got an extra large thinking it would be big, but it's too small to wear. It's like a medium. I heard this from many other runners. My wife got the shirt since it fits her with plenty of room.
If you can make it through the lottery to get in this race, do it! It's worth traveling for!
 

J. S. from South Texas (10/8/2007)
"Almost perfect!" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was absolutely the best race I have ever been associated with. The conditions were near perfect and the support was outstanding. The course was an excellent running course as well as one of the most scenic. The shirts and medals were great. The only reason I gave four stars for spectators was because there weren't that many places for them to gather. the ones that were there were awesome and very supportive. Everyone in my group agreed that this was one that we would do again. Thanks St. George!
 

D. Z. from San Diego, CA (10/7/2007)
"All Marathons are Great; St. George is Awesome!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This was my 20th marathon. All of them have had something really good. But, St. George does everything great. Wow! The stone medal, quality technical shirt, expo, buses, warming fires, allowing us to keep the timing chip, well stocked and frequent aid stations (w/ water, Gatorade, Vaseline, leg rubs, bananas, oranges...), friendly volunteers.... The list goes on and on. Plus, I set a PR on an awesome, scenic course. And, the girl who gave me my finisher's medal gave me a kiss too. Thank you, St. George!
 

C. B. from riverton, utah (1/15/2007)
"1st of many" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I am glad I chose this one. I loved the course, the crowds and the organization. I knew that if I was going to fall somewhere one the course, there was always someone nearby to help. Thankfully that didn't happen! Hopefully I will get in again next year!
 

G. P. from Encinitas, CA (1/3/2007)
"Completely enjoyable marathon" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 2 St. George Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Besides the great course, excellent organization, and awesome crowds, what I like about the St. George Marathon is that it doesn't bring in professional runners. I don't care a bit about the pros and love the low registration fee that comes from not having to fork out for the pros. Another aspect I like about this marathon is that awards go 10 deep in each 5-year age group, unlike the 3-5 deep in other marathons. This makes it feel more like a "people's marathon."
 

M. D. from So Cal (12/8/2006)
"No Other Race Can Top It" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The race director has thought of almost everything. Bus shuttles to the starting line were quick and efficient. Bonfires at the start for warmth. Lots of porta-potties. Nice medal, nice shirt, and we got to keep the timing chip as a souvenir.

The course was beautiful and in some spots... breath-taking. There are some substantial uphill stretches, but there is nothing deceptive about the elevation chart. I knew where they were located, so I planned accordingly.

The people from every small town were out in force to cheer me onward. The people of St. George are some of the friendliest people that I have ever encountered in all of my travels.

Someone posted some really good advice about booking a room early and I agree.

I hope I get drawn again in the lottery for 2007.
 

S. B. from Marietta, GA (10/30/2006)
"Exceeded expectations!" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I had heard mixed reviews on this race and now know why. I got some great helpful information on the course in terms of how to run the uphill and downhill sections. I also drove the course the day before to see with my own eyes what the hills really looked like. With that information I was able to back off on the Veyo Hill and another at mile 18 without getting discouraged. Had I not had those bits of info, I might have tried to push too hard to keep on an even pace. My goal was sub-4 and I came in at 3:56. Beautiful course, very well organized - can't say enough good things. One note: don't drop a nice running shirt expecting to get it back. I lost a good long-sleeve, but it was a small price to pay for a new PR, a sub-4 and a Boston qualifier! I would definitely do St. George again.
 

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