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Akron Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Akron Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 309 [displaying comments 211 to 221]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 20 21 22 23 24 .. 31 > ]

 

Chad Johnson from North Canton, Ohio (10/8/2006)
"Great Experience!" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I was impressed by the organization and "heart" of this marathon. The community involvement was fantastic. Thanks Akron!

 

Bryan Prack from Doylestown, OH (10/6/2006)
"Still on the top of my list" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 2 Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This is my 3rd marathon, and what better than to set your P.R. on your favorite course? Did this race back in '04 and nothing has changed but the weather.

The only thing I would change is this goofy hat. It is good quality, but the color and fit aren't the greatest.

 

M. N. from Maryland (10/6/2006)
"One of the best!!" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my 10th marathon and definitely one of the best in terms of outstanding organization and bang for your buck. It's not the easiest course (or the hardest), but what is a marathon, if not a personal challenge? The current trend to make most every course flatter and faster is, in my humble opinion, not good for the sport. There's more to running marathons than BQ-ing or setting PRs on 1000-foot net downhill courses. Akron has an excellent course layout that takes you through many diverse and beautiful areas. Great finishing atmosphere in the minor league ballpark and free massages as well.

For possible improvements, I would suggest changes to the post-race food setup to better handle the crowds of runners.

 

t. h. from ohio (10/5/2006)
"GREAT RACE!!" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 2 Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my second time running the marathon, and I love this race! The spectators are great! The only complaint is that the line for food at the end of the race was way too long. Plus you had to pay for soft drinks this year and I did not have any money because they were free last year. I think there should be a separate area for food for the full marathon runners. I hope to run this race again next year!

 

L. W. from San Diego CA (10/5/2006)
"Just great!!" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This race was just great - expo, volunteers, spectators, number of port-a-potties, high quality shirt, everything! I have two other marathons under my belt including RnR San Diego, and Akron one wins hands down for overall package. Since I grew up in Akron, I ran this race so my family could see me run. Race day was rainy and chilly (I live in southern CA now - I'm a weather wimp) and I was amazed at the number of spectators along the course. Who knew the city would get so behind an event like this?

I was a bit concerned about "Heartrate Hill." Well, I guess the hill training I did paid off because at the top of the hill, with crowds cheering, "You did it - you did the hill"; my response was, "That was the hill? Really, that was it?'" Don't be too scared of this being a "hilly course."

 

R. D. from Akron,OH (10/4/2006)
"Even better than Cleveland Rite Aid" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


What a great event! Way to go Akron! Better than the Cleveland Marathon. Food was limited at the finish, but everything else, including resources on-course, more than made up for it. I enjoyed running through some parts of Akron I had never been through and was pleasantly surprised. Loved the volunteer party band around mile 7. Crowds were excellent throughout. Perfect integration of the towpath limestone trail. My wife even received a call to update her on my progress, which helped her to know when and where to meet me with the kids (the best part of my marathon). Ideal finish area in Aeros Ballpark. I did also hear of short-cutters (skipping Stan Hywett altogether), which is a shame and should be better monitored... but ultimately I run for myself. I also talked to several that traveled a long distance just for this event. All had a positive experience.

 

D. W. from Palatine, Illinois, USA (10/3/2006)
"Great Race/Great Community!" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Having run in only three marathons previously, I was nevertheless impressed with this course; it had a nice combination of urban, suburban and park/forest portions, which kept things interesting; the colorful trees in many locations were a plus. I found the weather to be perfect for running and have no complaints about the temperature or the mositure; maybe that would have been different if there had been a downpour. Although I was well warned about the hills, it was the downhill portions of the course(especially the steep decline at around mile 11), which were toughest on my aging, flat-land knees; I actually enjoyed and made up some time on "Heartrate Hill." I thought the volunteers were great and the "end-of-race treatment" superb; it was a nice touch to be personally welcomed and congratulated at the finish line; great medal, too. Thanks much!

 

T. S. from Lancaster,Ohio (10/2/2006)
"Good job, Akron!" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Well organized race. Challenging course. My other two marathons were flat. I picked Akron because of its hills and was not disappointed! Would definitely do it again. Plenty of water and PowerAde stations with piles of GU and lots of friendly volunteers.

The finish at the baseball stadium was fun. My family loved being able to watch the finishers in relative comfort with a clear view of the finish line.

The goodies are plentiful here. Love the hat!

 

Susan Hales from Birmingham, AL (10/2/2006)
"Extremely well organized marathon" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This event is incredibly well organized. The aid stations are superbly manned and stocked. The Gu stops were incredible, with a choice of flavors and opened or unopened packets. Late in the race, I missed grabbing a water cup and the volunteer ran to catch me and hand me the water! The course is good. I train on hills, but the three miles of hills in Sand Run were a bit challenging, but that gives the course character. Finishing in Canal Park Stadium is thrilling and the race director is there to greet you personally.

I highly recommend this marathon. Akron is a nice city and everyone was enthusiastic and friendly. The "Alabama Gang" had quite an enjoyable trip.

 

G. O. from Kent, Ohio (10/2/2006)
"Tough course, but worth it!" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 4-5 Akron Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This past Saturday was my fourth running of the Akron Marathon and yes, this is a tough course, especially the second half of the course, but the intangibles make this race so special - things like numerous Gu stops with the Gu opened, a zippered, weatherproof, long-sleeve jacket instead of a cotton t-shirt for all the marathoners, easy to navigate expo with Bill Rodgers, great organization and crowd support, and this year, a pair of free Etonics to all finishers. If you are looking for a pancake flat course, then this is not the race for you - however, if you want a challenging and manageable sized 26.2 race, this one is hard to beat!

 

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