Back to Crater Lake Marathon Information & Reviews
C. G. from Seattle, Washington
(8/18/2005)
"Beautiful but so-so organization" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Crater Lake Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 No question the scenery was gorgeous, and I personally very much enjoyed the relative solitude of the course. The organization was pretty bad, however: It wasn't made clear to us why it was a VERY bad idea to try to stay in Fort Klamath where the race was actually located, rather than a good 45 min away (in Klamath Falls). The motel (to remain unnamed) had actually lost our reservation, there was absolutely nothing to eat locally after 8pm (there is a 'general' store, but unless you are fond of beans the night before a race -forget it- they didn't even have a piece of cheese, a can of tuna, a loaf of bread - no kidding). In the morning, there is nowhere to get even a bad cup of coffee, not even a gas station, so I ran the course with a huge headache the whole way. Anyways, those things need to be spelled out, so that those people who don't feel like getting up at 4 am to drive over can come forewarned, with groceries and French press in the trunk (and real coffee). Also they ran out of tee-shirts my size - although we registered way ahead of time, so one should have been put aside. On the plus side, the volunteers were very nice, and the Gatorade wasn't too sweet, which is rare. | |
M. D. from Everett, Wa.
(8/10/2004)
"8th Wonder of the World" (about: 2004)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Crater Lake Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I have run this race 6 times and look forward to my 7th time in 6 days. The most majestic, scenic race that one could ever imagine. Out of the 80 marathons I've run, the 6 that I've done here have been my favorite. No where on earth do I feel closer to God than next to the starting line on top of the Watchmen's Tower. Don't plan on running a very fast race if you do this one, just make sure you soak every second of it in while you're running it. | |
S. M. from Klamath Falls, OR
(7/17/2003)
"It was an awesome experience" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It was such a spectacular run, even though it was 26.2 miles long. It was so beautiful the whole way that you forgot you were running. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to running it again this year! | |
A Runner from Portland, OR
(11/23/2001)
"Run with Mother Nature at her best!!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Done the marathon 3 times, the half twice, and the 1/4 twice. Views from the entire course are spectacular. Plus deer, squirels, marmots, eagles, hawks, etc. The course workers are super friendly/supportive. The shuttle buses are wonderful giving you a fun ride and another opportunity to see world class vistas. However, do not expect to have huge crowds of spectators cheering you on like @ the NY marathon. I run a lot of marathons and this is the highlight of my year!! | |
A Runner from Memphis Tn
(8/21/2001)
"Great race for flatlanders." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 My running partner and I have been training in 100 degree temps and humidity of 90% on our tough runs to get ready for Crater Lake. It was worth it. The elevation and hills were everything we expected. My time was 1 hr off my last marathon. We'll be back. | |
A Runner from Eugene, Oregon
(8/15/2001)
"Great Scenery / Challenging Course" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The scenery is fantastic! The course is very challenging. It took me a half hour longer than my normal time. I loved it! | |
A Runner from Colorado Springs
(5/16/2000)
"Good for families, but tough course" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Crater Lake Marathon also has a half marathon and 6.7 mile run as well as the marathon. This makes it ideal for families, or if your training wasn't up to snuff for the hills at the end of the marathon. The downhill at the end of the marathon makes Pikes Peak look easy! I actually did the half marathon becasue I was injured and couldn't take the down hill. The course is georgeous, absoulutly astounding. It is by far one of the prettiest races and hardest races I've done. Because the roads are closed, it's also really quiet and peacefull, only other runners around. For the shorter length runs, they bus you back to the start. I didn't have to wait long for the bus, which was nice. | |
A Runner from kansas city, Mo
(5/15/2000)
"Very beautiful but difficult course" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 As a member of the 50 States & DC club, I have run marathons in all the states. By far Crater Lake was the most scenic. It is also one of the most difficult for a flat lander. The altitude and the hills are very trying. If you are looking for a crowd to pull you through those last few miles of a marathon, this is not the race for you. The course is closed to traffic for the majority of the time so runners are left on their own. I would suggest carrying a camera with you. The pictures of crater lake early in the morning with the fog burning off are a sight to remember. This is a course to enjoy not to try for a PR. |
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