Back to Regina Queen City Marathon Information & Reviews
S. R. from Regina, SK
(9/14/2004)
"Great marathon... lousy eats " (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Regina Queen City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The actual marathon was a challenge, at times, and the support along the marathon route was excellent. BUT the pre-race pasta loading party was held on Friday - 2 days before the race. Many out of town participants arrived on Sat. and had to go to a restaurant to carb load. Race kits were provided in small size pizza boxes but there were no pizza slice coupons - did I miss the coupon or was I supposed to look at the advertising of the box and think on Saturday I need some carbs... so I'll order a pizza because darn, I missed the pasta party that was held Friday evening. During the marathon the fan support was great and there was lots of Gatorade, water and gels. This part was really well organized. After the marathon, the only food that was available: large, high-fat, raisin oatmeal cookies, oranges, apples, bananas and soda pop (both diet and regular). So my guess is that out of town participants had to to a restaurant to get a meal before heading home. The last time I got this type of food treatment the fee was $25, so in my opinion the fee was too high. | |
A. R. from Winnipeg, Manitoba
(9/13/2004)
"Less Bike Paths, More Crowd Support" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Regina Queen City Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I signed up for QCM with the hope of running a PR on what I assumed was going to be a flat, fast course. However, the second half of the race on the bike paths shot that dream down in flames. TIGHT corners and uneven ground made for a really unpleasant, and potentially injury-making experience. Also, where were the crowds we had been led to believe would be thronging the streets?!? I've run 4 marathons in as many cities, and have never seen such a lack of interest in the event. Don't think I'll be including QCM in next year's schedule. | |
Dean Kuz from Regina, Sask
(9/13/2004)
"I have never had a better time running!" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I would like to thank all of the organizers and volunteers for a great race. This was my first time and I will definitely do it again. The only thing I will say is that I think at the water stations, you could put out garbage cans, runners can easily throw the cups into the cans. I don't think volunteers should have to pick up the runners' garbage. I would guess the majority of the cups would end up in the cans. Thanks you for a great day!! Sincerely, Dean Kuz | |
D. B. from Saskatchewan
(3/3/2004)
"It was an awesome experience - great weather!" (about: 2002)
3 previous marathons
| 3 Regina Queen City Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It was very well organized. Having run at other out-of-province events - this race is clearly a must in the fall! | |
some dude from Calgary, Alberta
(10/4/2003)
"Great race - race director knows hows to do it" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Some may not expect this race to be appealing given the mid-Prairie geography of the town, but it matches that of many of the western marathons. Overall, I'd rate it above Kelowna, for instance, unless you like that open country running - I just prefer buildings/residential, that's all. Course is generally flat, but given to brief rises that will knock down pace for 10-20 seconds. Some open area (for ~8km) out at the airport is prone to breeze. Don't worry about the nature of the winding course as some fret - in reality the bends are straight at the speeds of most folk; at least it was for me, as a 3:35 finisher. Very well supported - you won't get surprised by missing water stations. They were all there at 2.5 km or closer. Held in September, this race is ideal timing for those of us who don't wish to pound out big training miles after the summer and into the fall. Fans were there, especially the family with pots, pans and wooden spoons for extra racket. I'd do this one again. | |
Derek Boutang from Winnipeg
(9/27/2003)
"A race for runners, but watch the details" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 2003 marks the second QCM for me. I'm impressed by the organizers' attitude and by the volunteer support. It feels like a race for runners. Since this was only the third go 'round (with a new start & finish line to boot), I'm willing to cut the organizers some slack. For next year, though, there are some little details that could really improve the race: - If QCM continues to grow, they'll need a new course. Already, the pathway system is way too congested at the entry and exit points (four or five places on the course). And what's with the gate at mile 5 (or so)? - There was no toilet paper in the porta potties. (I was there early, and was 0 for about 25 porta johns in the TP department.) - Out on the bike trails, fan support is pretty dismal. But, remember that it's year 3. I expect fan support will grow as the event becomes better known. Here's some good stuff about the race: - Despite the congestion, I like running on the bike trails, it's very scenic. - The course is challenging - don't let anyone tell you Regina is flat. - Did I mention the great volunteers and organizers? Gatorade at every station, gels at two points on the full marathon course, a great recovery area with warm chicken broth (!! a nice treat in the cold !!). - Very nifty medals and T-shirts for both the half and full marathons. I'll be back next year, budget willing. | |
C. R. from Swan River, MB
(9/23/2003)
"Getting Better Each Year" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run this Marathon each of it's 3 years in existence. Although the course which is run primarily on undulating bike/walking trails is tough on the knees/ankles, the organization of this event is great and the crowd support has been getting better each year. I definitely intend to return in 2004. | |
C. C. from Darlingford, Manitoba
(9/23/2003)
"WOW! What a great event!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Organizers, volunteers and spectators of the QCMIII should be very proud of their tremendous event. Everything is very well organized and geared toward making the participant as comfortable as possible. The route is an amazing, winding tour through some very scenic parts of Regina. Crowds were enthusiastic when we ran by and the volunteers were great! Having the option for dropping extra clothing at aid stations is a nice touch that I never took advantage of. Instead, I found my 'throw-away' shirt in a well-organized pile at the finish line. I loved this course! The weather was cool but sunny, and the city is amazing. Congratulations to the city of Regina for having such a well organized event and such great volunteers. I plan to be back next year. | |
Runner Girl from Saskatchewan
(9/22/2003)
"Very well organized, but bike path not so good" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 QCMIII was my first full marathon and overall, a good experience. I did the half last year, and so was very pleased that the start/finish was relocated away from the congested track. Chip distribution was also much better this year. Great looking t-shirt. However, parts of the course should be reconsidered. Although scenic, the slanted bike path was very difficult and dangerous to run on. Also, the little wooden bridge along that same section was not level with the pavement. I wasn't the only one who tripped there while crossing back. | |
K. A. from Calgary, AB
(3/9/2003)
"Flat, cold and windy but still served its purpose!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran this marathon both years of its existence. It is flat, boring, cool to cold, windy, small dips and turns, nothing spectacular, but I loved it. With theses types of characteristics the queen city marathon still challenges the runner in different areas of running then in more hilly or scenic routes. Each marathon holds it own characterics. However I think I have had my fill of Regina and may only return once more, its time to move on. I have 8 marathons under my belt and would like to venture to others. |
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