Back to Rock 'n' Roll Country Music Marathon Information & Reviews
A Runner from Cincinnati, OH
(5/14/2002)
"Great first half of the marathon, but...." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run 6 marathons. The organization at this marathon is first rate. The start at Centennial Park was well layed out, had plenty of portajohns and enough room to relax and sit down prior to the start. The first half of the course was fantastic--great crowd support, nice parts of town, hills werent too bad. The last half of the course was not as good. The crowds were thin, especially in the industrial parts. The hills at the end seemed to never end. I feel that with a change in course to eliminate the hills at the end, this marathon would be so much better. The volunteers were great all along the course and at the finish. The ultima was bad, and some of the cups had ice in them!?! With the existing course, dont expect a PR. | |
A Runner from Greenville SC
(5/13/2002)
"Fun, supportive, & organized" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Very organized, well-marked course with the entire city's support. People cheered the entire time. And if you are slow, like me, you are used to the crowd decreasing at the end. At six hours, they are still out there cheering, grilling out in their yards, kids on the sidelines cheering, etc. The hills will slow you down a lot, but is flat in the middle business parks & at the end in Centennial Park. Plenty of water, medical stations & bathrooms. Very organized & kind volunteers. Did I mention the hills? | |
A Runner from New York
(5/11/2002)
"A lot of fun but very hilly." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this 2002, it was much hillier than I expected and very challenging. The spectators were great and there were a lot of them, especially around the bands and in the first half. The weather was perfect - completely overcast and cool but the rain held off. I loved the Ultima drink - usually we get stuck with Powerade and some other sickly sweet drink that makes me sick and I can't drink. The Ultima was light and didn't upset my stomach at all, and I really felt better than drinking only water. Plus Nashville is a great place to spend a few days. | |
A Runner from Springfield MO
(5/6/2002)
"Very hilly, altima diluted too much," (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed running Nashville with a few comments (constructive criticism). I did not realize from the elevation chart how hilly this course was! Very challenging (and I train on hills all of the time!). I usually drink gatorade on my training runs but switched to Altima for this race. It tasted fine at the expo the day before. When I started I did not realize half the aid stations were water stations and half were altima stations. I missed some hydration because of this mistake. The Altima was also watered down somehow and tasted just like bad cough medicine. One of the aid stations had ICE in the Altima which is not a good idea given the fact that someone could choke to death on the ice! We were rushed at Loews Hotel with a very inflexible 2:00 PM check out time. Overrall a good marathon, for first timers or for experienced runners. | |
A Runner from Columbia, MO
(5/4/2002)
"Organization/crowd support terrific; course tough" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The city of Nashville puts on a great race. From the Expo to the finish line, Nashville natives know how to take care of you. The start at Centennial park has plenty of portajohns, free pre race massage, UPS bag check, water, coffee., etc. Lots of crowd support along the way: water stations well placed, bands & cheerleaders to keep you going. Some runners dressed up as Dolly Pardon & Vikings? The medal is cool; the t-shirt cheap. Course is challenging, rolling hills early and late. I kept waiting for the downhill part to come, and it just never seemed to. Can't control the weather, but 2002 was cool and windy. I'd definitely recommend this race to others. However, if you want a PR or to qualify for the Boston, let the runner beware- this course may not be for you. Warning: Ultima on the course- need I say more? | |
A Runner from central Illinois
(5/2/2002)
"Crashed in Nashville -- and loved it" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third CMM, and I'll keep coming as long as it lasts. Course is extremely difficult for a weekend warrior like me. Seems like 18-26 are all uphill. The city and the fans make it worthwhile, though. You can't beat strolling the honky tonks on Broadway Avenue for rehydration after the race. | |
A Runner from Kansas City, MO
(5/2/2002)
"For a 1st Marathon it was great" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I can't thank the city of Nashville enough. The spectators there were an incredible boost. The organization was incredible. Having never been to a race before, it was so smooth and easy for a beginner. I especially loved the UPS baggage check. The location was terrific. The hills were challenging (especially that one at the 22) but, I have no complaints about the course. Wonderful things to look at all along the way. For anyone who is beginning, this is a great first marathon to attend. Just do some hill training. I'm glad I did. | |
A Runner from Toronto Canada
(5/2/2002)
"Great Race, Great Organization, Great Hills!," (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Yup, them thar hills were tough, but I still had a great race. Maybe the thought of all those hills made me hold back so I didn't crash & burn completely with 10K to go like I have done in too many of my past marathons. I finished fairly strong, except for a calf cramp between miles 24-26. I loved the bands and cheerleaders, they made a big difference in my enjoyment of the race. Anyone else notice the methane(?) smell in the industrial badlands? Must of been reclaimed swamp land and the only flat sport on course. Lots of aid stations, volunteers and great spectators when in local neighbourhoods. And boy did we luck out in the weather department in 2002. The following morning at race time had bad rain showers and Tornados just southwest of Nashville. Whew. Loved the medal. A marathon to enjoy, but not to persue a PB in. That one long hill at the 20 mile mark was just as tough as Heartbreak Hill in Boston. Managed to get my name in the local paper as I finished as the 76th male and The Tennessean listed the top 100 Male Finishers. :-) | |
A Runner from Greenville, South Carolina
(5/1/2002)
"Very hilly, but well worth the effort" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great marathon, but oh those rolling hills. The bands made the hills tolerable and so did the encouragement from the volunteers and spectators. For anyone running it for the first time keep this in mind....There is ALWAYS one more hill. The next best thing to crossing the finish line was the concert afterwards. | |
A Runner from Florida
(5/1/2002)
"Loved it." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First time marathon runner. No hills to train on in Florida. Still had a great time due to the well organized and locally supported event. I think it is best to view difficult courses as training opportunities. I am motivated to do more marathons now based on the quality of this experience. I guess I got some hill training out of the way. |
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