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Lakeshore Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Lakeshore Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.5 
Organization 1.8 
Spectators 2.7
Number of comments: 209 [displaying comments 181 to 191]
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A Runner from Fort Myers, Florida
(4/29/2002)
"A Big Let Down" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 4 I flew from Florida to run this race because of the beautiful course and unfortunately, the weather and the danger of the course as a result did not allow me to enjoy it. I think my system is still in shock from the wind, water and cold. Please move the race to May and guarantee mile markers at every mile or I won't be back to run it again! | |
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A Runner from Elk Grove Village
(4/28/2002)
"A race with potential but very poorly organized" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The lack of mile markers was completely unacceptable. At one point a volunteer called out that we had passed 18 miles and about a quarter mile farther, another volunteer called out that we had just passed 17 miles. A kindergarten class could have done a better job of organizing this marathon, and at half the price. $85 was uncalled for, and unjustified. This was my 25th marathon, and the first I have run without mile markers. There should also be a certain number of clocks on the course. This course could be turned into an outstanding one, if it would eliminate the doubling back portions, and that wouldn't be too hard to manage. Simply send the course a bit farther to the south, maybe a mile and a half, before heading north, so that when the northern end of the course is reached, we would know its straight on to the finish line from there, and we could use the sky scrapers to know where were were. The finisher's medal was really nice, and much appreciated, and the volunteers were encouraging. The T-shirt was about as cheap as I've seen. | |
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A Runner from Granger, IN
(4/26/2002)
"Flat, fast course with some creativity." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 4/21/02 was a cold, windy morning. The majority of the race was into a head wind off Lake Michigan, but overall I was satisfied. I wouldn't recommend this one for a 1st time marathoner because of the unpredictable weather conditions. Well organized event with great water station/finisher support. I set a (PR) 3:19:14. It is my plan to be back next year. | |
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A Runner from Plainfield, IL
(4/26/2002)
"Earth Day Massacre! Capone would have been proud!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 This was my fourth race in 4 months, as I am trying to run 12 marathons in 12 months. I knew that this would require running in some small races, and less-than-perfect conditions. This race, however, was needlessly unorganized, and very overpriced for what we got. This is a race that looked great on paper. Running along Lake Michigan's shoreline in a city with a great skyline and a fine running tradition (I live in the suburbs of Chicago). The execution was pathetic, however. Yes, the weather was brutal, but that is Spring in the Midwest, and the race organizers really have no control over that. I am still wondering what my entry fee went for? The medal was the one thing they got right, but I have the same complaints about the lack of mile markers, and sporadic aid stations. As a veteran of 10 marathons, these two things are the least that I expect from a marathon. They had real estate-type signs up all along the course--why couldn't they tape mileage markers to some of these? They should have billed this as an English-style cross country race, as we hopped up and down walls, ran through mud, and were constantly sprayed by the white caps on Lake Michigan (I couldn't help humming 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' while I ran). This race is a good concept, and needs to employ the community for sponsorship, and the local running community--both of which are excellent resources. This race had the feel of being organized by non-runners because some of the barest essentials were not present. Post-race food and expo were both a joke as well. This race has a lot to improve if it expects to not wither on the vine and die a quick death. | |
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A Runner from Bloomington, Il
(4/25/2002)
"Not Worth Time or Money!!!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 4 This had to be the poorest excuse for a marathon possible. Not only was there no way to judge your time (lack of mile markers). You needed a rope to repel down the wall.. This was a joke. For the money we got shafted. That was a gross waiste of time..... And energy in training. | |
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Paul Racine from New York, NY
(4/25/2002)
"Lakeshore Marathon = Lakeshore Urban Eco-Challenge" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Well, everyone seems to agree on everything except the height of the wall to scale (I say 2-1/2 feet) and then jump off on the other side (4 feet). You?ve got to expect wind and cold in Chicago in April (or wind and heat). We didn?t expect the obstacles, the mud, the puddles, the lack of mileage markers, or the incompletely dissolved sports drink powder served up at very irregular intervals. I thought I had wandered into the Soy Product Manufacturers? Convention by mistake, but it was the race expo. The volunteers and the few fans were enthusiastic but should have been made to sign promises never to say ?You?re looking great? (I looked like crap) and ?Your?re almost there? (Almost where? The next puddle?). I had fun nonetheless and think the organizers deserve a second chance to produce what could be a spectacular marathon. Get some mileage markers! | |
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A Runner from Kansas City, MO
(4/24/2002)
"Great if you like the steeplechase" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon. The combination of wind (30 mph), cold, crashing waves spraying you with lakewater, 5 ft. walls to climb up and jump off, mud, and sand made this run a most miserable experience. I felt like I was running along the North Sea. At one point, after being sprayed with lakewater when 6-foot whitecaps pounded against the cement sea wall, my running partner and I began cursing the lake a la George Clooney in A Perfect Storm. Few mile markers, few port-a-potties (who needs those anyway when there are plenty of trees and a nearby lake)added to the fun. The only thing good I can say about the course is that it was flat. Get some mile markers. The spectators, though few, were hearty and enthusiastic given the conditions. God bless them. The wind made it feel like I had run 36.2 miles instead of 26.2. The Chicago lakefront must be the only place in the world where you can run straight north for 15 miles with a 30 mph wind directly in your face, then turn south and the wind is still in your face. Only when the course turned inland (west) for brief sections (3-4 miles total) did we receive the benefit of a tailwind. The bananas at the finish tasted great. | |
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A Runner from Illinois, Rachel S.
(4/24/2002)
"Good Race, Great Potential!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This marathon has great potential. It was nice to run a mostly flat course that didn't have to deal with major roads. I loved the course along the water, harbors and through parks, with a great view of the city. It just so happened this year the water was crashing at our feet and we are lucky the gusty winds didn't blow us into the lake. As far as organization the lack of mile markers was an issue. Especially when people would tell you you were farther than you were (I don't know if they were spectators or volunteers, but I know they were often incorrect). I thought there were plenty of water stops and volunteers were very friendly. I hope this run continues as it could be a great 'small' marathon. I can't imagine more than 3,000 people doing this run if the course stays the same (there were a little over a 1,000 this year?) as we were often single file as we scaled the wall or tromped through the mud. As for that wall, if it stays, we just needed someone to lend a hand on the way down..just in case. Overall..a fun adventure! | |
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A Runner from IL
(4/24/2002)
"Nice course, great spectators and volunteers" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 It is a very nice course with the exception of the 'jumps' and the couple places with the muddy road. Volunteers were very good and there were lots more spectators than I would have imagined out on the course--that was very helpful. It was tough not knowing each mile, but the water stops were plentiful--I would be excited to do the race again especially if the wind could be dialed back a bit. (below gale-force) Liked the shirt too!! | |
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A Runner from Downstate Illinois
(4/23/2002)
"Ranger School Re-visited" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 As I leapt down from a 6' rock wall into a 6' deep patch of mud with 10' waves off the lake soaking me to the skin during a rainy 38 degree day, having no idea of how far I had run, how far I had left to run, when the next water stop would be, or whether I would ever be warm and dry again, I began to get an eerily familiar sensation - a sensation I had not experienced since 1989 shortly before I graduated from the US Army Ranger School - complete and utter misery. Seriously; you need markers at every mile, regular aid stations, and a paved (or at least graveled) trail (with no 6' drop-offs) for next year's race. Great volunteers, great shirt, great views. |
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