Back to Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon Information & Reviews
J. M. from Missouri
(11/4/2007)
"A Great Marathon Experience" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a really nice, well organized, enjoyable race in a rural setting. Here are a few comments on each of the ratings categories. Course: It is, as advertised on the website, a gently rolling course. As an out-and-back, it seemed to have more of a climb during the first half, then, obviously, more of a descent during the latter half. Honestly, though, the only uphill portion of any consequence (in my opinion) is around mile 24, and it is not long. One suggestion I would make concerns the short part of the course run on U.S. Hwy 63. If possible, place the cones a few feet into one traffic lane and divert traffic toward the other shoulder of the road. The shoulder we had to run on is quite slanted and I really felt it on the way back. Organization: The organization of this race is as good as you'll find anywhere. The aid stations are well stocked every mile, with the pretzels and grapes adding a nice touch. Port-a pots can be found every mile as well. The packet had lots of goodies, including a nice pedometer. The pasta dinner is a must... a delicious home-cooked potluck. Spectators: It is always hard to put a number on this rating. Since this is a rural race, there aren't a lot of spectators much of the way, outside of the volunteers. But they are quite friendly and enthusiastic, and put a lot of effort into their stations. The town really supports the race, as well. All in all, I was extremely pleased we made the trip to Wynne. It's a nice race in a charming, friendly town. Good job, Wynne. You really know how to do a marathon. | |
Bob Kroeger from Home of the Flying Pig
(11/4/2007)
"Wynne: A Five-Star Small-Town Experience" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The 2007 Mid-South Championship marathon was an outstanding small-town experience. It was also inspiring to run at the same time as the elite runners were competing in New York City in the men's Olympic Qualifying marathon. The positives: Small-town charm. Wynne offers a view into the lovely Southerners of Arkansas. Stayed at the Days Inn where colored pictures drawn by middle school children greeted the runners. This gracious hotel allowed us to check out as late as we wanted. Unheard of in big cities. A great rural course. Paved roads all the way without any steep hills. Fairly flat except for a gentle uphill climb at mile 24. Mostly shaded on the way out with sunshine on the return. Lots of fall foliage, farms, and cotton fields. Enthusiastic fans and friendly drivers. The roads are open to traffic but the drivers were courteous. The fans, though few as expected, cheered heartily. I gave five stars for the fans since quality is what is important. I ran Boston this year and there were many stretches without anyone cheering. Still, expect to run by yourself unless your best buddy also runs at your pace. Great water stops every mile. Had Gatorade as well, and fruit. Delicious home-cooked pasta dinner on Friday with lots of choices. And great post-race food of pizza, and home-cooked items as well. Huge array of trophies, which were five-deep in the marathon category. Very generous. Long-sleeved cotton shirt was fine, as was the medal. The negatives: None really. Oh, they could have handed out the timing chips at the packet-pickup. This was done on race day, which perhaps was a surprise to more runners than just me. Not a big deal. Congratulations to the race director and committee for a job well done!! | |
P. C. from Atlanta GA
(11/4/2007)
"Great Town with a Great Race!" (about: 2007)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 3rd Marathon, and my first smaller event (ING Atlanta, and Chicago). From packet pick-up to race awards, the folks of Wynne have it right. Great race support with stops every mile on this out-and-back course. The "rolling" hills seemed a little less rolling but don't be afraid to spend your first weekend in November here! | |
J. H. from Tennessee
(11/4/2007)
"Great Race on a Great Day" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Yesterday's Midsouth Marathon was my first visit to this race. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a race with a "few rolling hills" but nothing major. The organizers did a great job, the traffic control along the course was outstanding (since you're running along a highway most all the time) and the water stops were well stocked with a variety of items and friendly helpful people. A cool start gave way to a semi-warm finish. The 1st half of the "out and back" course had a lot of shade, but the return was much sunnier, once the sun got above the trees. It was a PR day for me and I'm so glad to have run this race! | |
A. H. from Shreveport, LA
(11/9/2006)
"Another Great Midsouth Marathon" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Organization, water-stops, awards & post-race party were excellent as always!!! Great Job Wynne! Small suggestions for next year: Mile marker 9 was moved back too far, which made made the 9, 10, 17 & 18 splits off. Gatorade has been double-strength for the past two years, making Gu unnecessary. Ha! Overall, this is a great small-town race! | |
Tom Detore from Lenexa, KS
(11/9/2006)
"Our Marathon" (about: 2006)
50+ previous marathons
| 2 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 233rd marathon and my most important. As I was finishing the marathon, I asked Donna to marry me - to many cheers, when she said yes. We made this our marathon. I chose this marathon for several reasons. First off, this is a runner's marathon. They are for the runner, not someone's favorite charity. The entry fee is very low and you get a lot. The whole town makes you feel wanted. The number of runners is low so you are not in a crowd all the time. They also do a great job with the post-race party and awards. Plenty to eat, showers, and a lot of friendly runners to socialize with at the end. Some call this flat and some hilly. It is the fastest marathon course in Arkansas with some rolling hills, but nothing really big. I love this marathon. Donna and I are planning to run this one each year. | |
J. G. from Liberty, MO
(11/9/2006)
"Friendliest Marathon Town" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Though I did not run my best time, I still enjoyed the atmosphere of Wynne. The people of the community all thanked you for coming there to run and the aid stations had more energy then any big-town marathon. Though my legs hurt, I left Wynne with a big smile on my face. One of the few marathons left that was made only with the runner in mind. | |
M. F. from Edwardsville, Illinois
(11/6/2006)
"Friendly+Small+Well Organized = Midsouth Marathon" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a good race for you if you are looking for a really well organized race that is small and attentive to the marathoner's needs. I ran the race this last weekend and was particularly impressed with the kindness and welcome I received from the whole Wynne community. The Days Inn (host hotel) was completely decorated with childrens drawings to cheer us on. The out-and-back course was really relatively flat, beautiful, and serene. There was a high Port-A-Potty to runner ratio - I never stood in line long. The people at the water stops had a lot of spirit. Although the marathon had only 151 runners, the organizers did not skimp on amenities. In fact it felt more personal, particularly when they called out every finisher's name and residence at the end. Good job, Wynne! | |
Mike Roberts from Hammond, LA
(11/8/2005)
"Great small-town marathon with great organization!" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 One of the friendliest towns that I have ever run in. This was my sixth marathon and I loved the atmosphere! Beautiful fall run. The heat, wind, and hills got to me but I really think this marathon is super. | |
J. Y. from Vero Beach, FL
(11/7/2005)
"Brutal according to some, enjoyable for me." (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Mid-South Races for Hope Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, and I enjoyed it thouroughly. It was windy, which was out of anyone's control. It had some rolling hills, but that made it more challenging. It was warm, but this time of year, that's no certainty. Overall I loved it. There weren't many spectators, but it's through a rural area, and the spectators that were there were enthusiastic, supportive, and polite. There was plenty of water and/or gatorade at each station, gel stations, and fruit and baked goods at some stations. Someone said 'add 20-30 minutes to a marathon with better conditions.' I hope so, if I could finish this one strong, I'm sure I can finish the others I have planned. This is supposed to be a physical, mental, and emotional challenge, right? |
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