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Big Bear Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Big Bear Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.3 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.0 
 
 
Number of comments: 19 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

 

s. r. from la puente (7/17/2010)
"sad" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Big Bear Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


I did this marathon in each of the past two years, and it was great. I started training again, excited for September....

 

Eddie Brown from usa, los angeles (5/23/2010)
"I love the fudge factory in the village" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Big Bear Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Great place to take a few days of vacation with my partner, Thom, and dogs, Maggy, Matty and Marty. The marathon was fun. It was my second year and I was ready this time for the altitude. Get there a day early and get used to the air. As others have said, there were great volunteers.

Overall, I would love to run this marathon every year.

Lots of love,

- Eddie

 

P. K. from California (9/14/2009)
"Awesome, scenic, challenging run" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I wasn't sure how I'd feel about running around a lake for hours, but it was awesome! It's so beautiful up there. I loved going through the campground and looking at the lake as I ran. The people along the course were sparse, but all were so cheerful and encouraging. The water stops seemed to be so strategically placed exactly where they needed to be (at the top of the hill, not the bottom), with excited, well prepared, and enthusiastic volunteers. AND the medals were square bears. Very fun!!! I am so looking forward to next year.

 

John Wog from Santa Monica, CA (9/14/2009)
"Phenomenal Race/Great Volunteers" (about: 2009)

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


This is a great race around Big Bear Lake. You are at 7,000 feet altitude, which is not that bad. Prepare for hills though. This is definitely a tough but very fun run. You start and finish near The Village, which has a lot of neat shops and restaurants.

There are many activities to do afterward in Big Bear. I suggest that you rent a kayak and paddle around the lake. On the north side of the lake there are trails that connect you to the Pacific Crest Trail, which has gorgeous views.

Thank you to the race director and all of the volunteers who helped out. The aid stations were well stocked and had enthusiastic volunteers. The pasta dinner at the middle school was also great, with proceeds going to the cross country team. Nice red tech tee and a cool bear medal. Thanks again! I will be back next year.

 

DeAnna Nunez from Lake Arrowhead, CA (9/13/2009)
"A terriffic challenge with breathtaking scenery" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Big Bear Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


A fantastic marathon course that was both challenging and beautiful. The hill climb was made for a mountain goat! I loved it! I even yelped out a big "WAAHOOO" when I got to the top at mile 22/23. I had come up for a 20-mile training run, so I was mentally prepared for the climb. I think that makes a huge difference. I saw many people struggling, so I would advise putting the info on the website in preparation for the runners mindset. It would be cool if there were more locals out to support the racers. At times you're running alone; just you and the beauty of the course make it a different type of experience. All in all, it was terrific. I can't wait till next year!

 

M. J. from California (9/24/2008)
"Not a PR course" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Big Bear Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


I had a great time! Beautiful place to run, and a great group of volunteers. But come ready for hills, especially the last 10 miles and the 6000+-foot altitude really sucks the O2 out of ya! I would do it again; they just need more refreshments at the end.

 

W. E. from San Diego, Calirornia (9/11/2008)
"Excellent marathon locale and volunteer support!" (about: 2008)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Big Bear Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I've run 58 marathons, including many mountain trail ultras, and this was by far one of my favorite. Great course, locale, volunteer support (even the highway patrol was friendly). I applaud Big Bear Lake, the organizers, and the residents for putting up with all of this. I feel you are really onto something. You will get past the bumps and make this a truly top-rated boutique marathon. Tell Ms. Mojave to rethink how she provides feedback. Shame on her for her tone. Tell her to try to organize one of these and see how she feels afterward. Go, Big Bear Lake Marathon. See you next year!

 

Jared Paul from Los Angeles, CA (9/11/2008)
"Everything was wonderful." (about: 2008)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Big Bear Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I've only run 4 marathons now, but I have worked at a dozen different races. This was the most scenic course I've ever seen. The lake, the fauna, and the bald eagle we spotted all made Saturday such a great day for me. My teammates and I enjoyed petting a boa constrictor as we passed the zoo; that was so cool! The altitude, the heat and the numerous hills really kicked my butt... I ran an hour slower than my last marathon. Regardless, the themed water stations were fantastic and I saw no glitches in the organization (except for a delayed start time, which happens all the time at races). I've NEVER wanted to repeat a marathon before, but I can hardly wait to return and have my vengeance on those hills, haha.

 

J. H. from Fullerton Ca (9/10/2008)
"Awesome!!! Beautiful!!!" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Big Bear Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


What a great weekend!!! Close to home, but it felt like vacation (if you think running 26 miles is fun). Hilly and hot!!! Very well organized crew! My spouse and a friend rode and loved it as well! We will all be back! Loved it!!

 

Jack Brooks from San Bernardino Mtns. (9/10/2008)
"I ran the 1/2: well organized and very enjoyable" (about: 2008)

3 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran the 1/2 marathon with my dog, and through nobody's fault, there was a shuttle bus access problem. Both HBT Events and PrimeTime made sure my dog and I got to/from the parking area to the start/finish area. I've run 40+ 1/2 marathons, and the problem-solving help given me by both of them them in the face of a very complicated race setup was unbelievable!!! Also, excellent, well-staged race!!

 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]


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