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☰
Georgia Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Georgia Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 3.1 
Spectators 4.0
Number of comments: 459 [displaying comments 171 to 181]
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Sang Venkatraman from Atlanta
(3/29/2009)
"A great marathon that showcases Atlanta" (about: 2009)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon ever and I was a little apprehensive getting into the race. For sure, the course was hilly, but I would not call it difficult (of course, I don't have a reference to compare to). I stuck around with the 5-hour pace group, which was awesome. The water stations were perfectly placed and Gatorade and water were available at all stations. Also, having run the Thanksgiving Half Marathon, I can assure you that this is the race that Atlanta truly supports. Overall, I would give 5 stars to this race (the weather played a perfect part on race day). | |
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C. M. from Birmingham, AL
(3/29/2009)
"Scenic and worth running in spite of hills" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Georgia Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Ran earlier today and missed a PR by 2 minutes. It was OK because I had no firm goals. It was a birthday run! Hills were very challenging mainly because of their strategic placement. Finished uphill. Only complaint is with halfers and kids' fun runners in the way for those finishing around 3:30-4:30. Overall, it's worth doing. Stay at the Omni Hotel or other close hotel if possible; it maximizes post-race convenience. | |
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Dooley On the Run from Atlanta
(10/27/2008)
"Don't waste your training on this marathon." (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Georgia Marathons
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Wow, I can't believe that some people actually think that this was a well-organized event. It has been a disaster for two consecutive years. Unfortunately, it lives to see a third. If you are just interested in a Sunday stroll through scenic Atlanta neighborhoods, then this race may be suitable. However, if you've invested enough in your training to run sub 3:30, then find a different marathon. | |
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K. D. from Nassau, Bahamas
(4/10/2008)
"Terrific 3:40 pace team!!!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Georgia Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The wave start was theoretically a good idea, but they held us on the chip start pad, so my time was 90 seconds slower than it should be! (I was in Corral 3.) However, the problem was noted, and my time was adjusted. The 3:40 pace team was amazing! They coached us, got the crowd going, and brought us Gu - and at the end, even Gatorade! The course was very difficult, but I ran a PR. The finish was horrible, especially trying to weave through the walking half marathoners! I do understand the tornado issues, but a straight finish is critical! | |
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J. S. from Kennesaw, Georgia
(4/8/2008)
"Thanks for listening and making changes." (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Georgia Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 When I finished this marathon last year, I posted this comment: "Failure at the hydration stations was very surprising. I expected better. However, I definitely expect this to be corrected next year, when I'll run it again and accomplish a new PR!" It was corrected. The hydration stations were perfect this year! There appeared to be water and PowerAde at every mile! This definitely helped me to obtain a new PR for this course! The course changes were great! The start and finish at Centennial Park was nice (but a straight-line finish is preferable). Running through Emory University and adding Agnes Scott College was also nice. (Why didn't we run the interior of Georgia Tech?) Running through Piedmont and other parks was beautiful. My only complaint regards the half marathon. It would be better if the marathoners started first. However, this is a very good and challenging marathon. I recommend it, and I'll run it again next year. | |
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K. P. from Atlanta
(4/7/2008)
"Redemption" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Georgia Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the marathon last year, and it was plagued with problems. This year's race was 100% better. Water stations were plentiful and well stocked. Course was tough, but ran through beautiful parts of Atlanta. I ran the 1/2 marathon and I like the way they started both races at the same time. Please don't change that, like some people suggest. If there is some crowding near the end by slower half-marathoners, just continue to try to educate them to stay to the right. The think the corral system was a great addition this year. | |
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L. S. from Iowa City, IA
(4/7/2008)
"Great race!" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Georgia Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Overall I thought this was a great race, one of the most fun times I've had while running. I ran the half marathon in Atlanta, but have plenty of experience with distance races ranging from 10M to the marathon. Organization and hospitality were great. Plenty of water/Gatorade stops along the course and great fans. Perfect weather for a long race, mid-40s and damp following rain all day the day before. The course was scenic but not flat, with consistent rolling hills, but nothing too drastic (I guess that depends on where you come from and what you train on!). My only complaint was the finish; I really like to push the last mile but the last quarter was a zig-zag to the finish and slowed down my momentum - it was a narrow path through Centennial Park with sharp turns, and it was hard to see around the corners due to crowds. I'd rather finish on the road than in the park if it means avoiding that congestion. But like I said - a fine race, highly recommended! | |
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B. S. from Tucker, Georgia
(4/6/2008)
"Tough, honest course" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Georgia Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Course was much better than last year. Aid and fluid stations were outstanding. The serpentine finish was due to having to move the start back at the last moment (due to the tornado from 3 weeks ago causing a street closure for the course). To re-certify the course, a slight change had to be made to the ending also. Next year you won't find the serpentine finish - assuming, of course, no tornado repeats. | |
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K. H. from Stockbridge, GA
(4/5/2008)
"A great run through ATL" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Georgia Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 A wonderful course that is very different from the Thanksgiving Day race. It is just as challenging but there is so much more to see! Spectator support was incredible and I thank the folks at mile 22 for the sips of brew. I have run various races in Georgia but this was THE most fun I have had at a race. Water stations were full, GU available, toilets... everything needed. Downside: Make half and full marathon start times separate. | |
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D. W. from North Georgia
(4/5/2008)
"Better than 2007, but still needs some tweaking" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Georgia Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Having 25 hydration stations bordered on overkill, but still better than last year. I am a "back of the pack" marathoner, so I didn't have the finish problems of winding through half marathon walkers at the end. I did have problems with the lack of course monitors at some intersections. A couple of times I had to interrupt private conversations between APD officers to get directions on which side of the cones to run. The finish was totally confusing. There was no one at the park to indicate that this was, indeed, where we were supposed to enter the park for the finish line. I know it was cold for the volunteers, but course monitors need to stay at their assigned locations until the race has finished. In this case, that means 7:00 hours, the published finish time. Mile markers were on the ground. I know it was windy, but someone needs to stay at the marker and keep it visible. It is demoralizing to be a 6:00-hour marathoner and not know where one is on the course. Signage in the start area needs to be up HIGH! It was a sea of people pushing and shoving to get to the baggage drop and then to their assigned corrals. |
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