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J. M. from Chicago, IL
(11/21/2006)
"Great things in a small race" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 All of my previous marathons had been 'big ones,' so I went in with low expecatations about what a small race would be like. I was amazed at how great it was. BEAUTIFUL scenery, tons of water stations, very well organized. The 'expo' was really just a very streamlined packet pickup, but that was pretty nice, actually. Would have liked a nicer medal, but it was a teriffic event - and a PR didn't hurt either. I'd definitely do this one again. | |
J. J. from St. Louis, MO
(11/15/2006)
"First marathon - had no idea what to expect" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Since this was my 1st marathon with no previous experience (or interest) in running, I had no idea what to expect. Packet pickup was easy. There was plenty of food at the end. Also, there were $5 massages. Running through the two parks was pretty cool. The weather was pleasant. I trained on hills. So, the course seemed relatively flat. There were plenty of aid stations. After the halfway point, spectators were sparse. But, I hear that is expected on smaller-size marathons and I kind of enjoyed the small amount of distractions. It seems the course could be a little better routed as far as terrain (potholed bridge, wooden bridge, muddy transition between some paved areas). However, I imagine it isn't easy to find 26.2 miles of road to run on without stopping traffic in the whole city. Tough job. All in all, it was a nice experience. I even PR'ed (of course, it was my first). I turned 41 and needed to get back into a healthy shape. So, I thought, "Maybe, I'll try to do that 50 marathons in 50 states thing. If I like the first one, I'll keep going." Well, this was pretty much fun. Who knew? So, I guess I'll go to a bigger marathon next and see if I like it better. Maybe larger-sized marathons are better. I have no idea. But, this one was probably the best way to start a running quest. First-timers should feel welcome here. I'm off to Birmingham, I think. Maybe Olathe. Lincoln? Why not all? I'm hooked! Thanks Indy!! | |
B. B. from Dallas TX
(11/4/2006)
"Well organized, decent route" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Everything went well and I intend to do this race again. Packet pickup and parking were very easy. Excellent directions. Should everything be the same for 2007, I recommend parking in the lot on the west side of the building off Herbert Lord Drive because the walk from the finish area is shorter that way. Expo was fine. My expectations are pretty low for those events... pick up my packet, confirm my chip, buy some gel... that's really all I need. Appreciated the gear bag-drop since it was chilly before the race. The hill at mile 10 wasn't all that long of a hill but was challenging at that point in the race. Plenty of water stops, especially because they were at several locations where we doubled back. Overall, a good race, even for a slow half-marathoner like me. I was never alone on the course. It sounds like the mini marathon in conjunction with the Indy 500 gets much more play than this race. And I hear that the mini is also more crowded. I didn't mind that the race is in Lawrence, not Indy. Basically, if there wasn't a sign saying we were in Lawrence, I'd have thought we were in Indy. It's less than two miles east of loop 465. Hardly a remote location. Thumbs up! | |
T. R. from Louisville, KY
(10/31/2006)
"Beautiful fall race" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This was a quaint race. Nice volunteers and support. But few spectators until you reach the finish. Loved the scenery, and really didn't mind the switchbacks others criticized. This is a small race, with few run/walkers. Do not recommend for first-timer unless you don't mind not having any crowd support. Having completed a full marathon and seven half marathons, I didn't mind the low crowd turnout. Nicely located, and easy to find and park. Does have some perks in comparison to larger marathon. Plenty of food at the end. It was nice to do once, but would not do it again. | |
J. H. from Fishers, IN
(10/27/2006)
"nice run" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Indianapolis Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Enjoyable race, but nothing spectacular. I live in the area, so I run it any year I'm in town. It's a good, no-nonsense marathon that is well organized. Course offers a few rolling hills, but most have been taken out with course changes a couple of years ago. Nice scenery most of the time, and plenty of traffic control. | |
P. B. from Grand Blanc, MI
(10/24/2006)
"Marathon with a great view!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon. I loved it! Very well organized through the whole experience. Very beautiful setting. Just a wonderful time! I just wonder who put that hill at the end! | |
B. F. from Chicago, Illinois
(10/23/2006)
"Very well organized, tough 'solo' race" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This year's Indy marathon was the first marathon I have ever done. A few things really stood out to me: 1. The race is VERY well organized. Every aspect of the event was easy. Picking up your packet, plenty of toilets which were easily accessable. The police presence is great. No problems at all crossing large intersections or other areas. 2. Small amount of runners - making the actual 'race' easy to navigate. Runners never got in my way. 3. The starting line is very accessable. There were no problems finding a good spot or getting going. 4. This cannot be promised every year, but the weather was PERFECT in 2006. The morning conditions were 45 degrees, no clouds, no wind, no rain, crisp fall air. At the finish the temps were in the high 50's. PERFECT! Some drawbacks: 1. The crowd is almost non-existant. This is a race for yourself & the sparce runners you are with. The only spectators are the volunteers at the drink stations. Other runners were very friendly, but there were no 'fans' to speak of. 2. The course is very challenging mentally. The first 13, run with a majority of half-marathoners, is pretty nice. The course starts in the heart of a very quaint, attractive town. It wanders through a state park, downtown area, golf course & small subdivision. The second half (miles 13+) is pretty un-spectacular. It is a down & back format on a mid-size town road. The down & back format is difficult from miles 19 - 26. All that said, I had a blast. If you're looking for a flat & fast course where you can challenge yourself, this may be the race for you. | |
H. P. from Indiana, USA
(10/23/2006)
"First-time runner, very pleased!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the first time I ever ran a marathon and I am happy it was this one. I was a last minute entry and I felt as though it was very organized. Everyone was extremely helpful. I ran the 5K and what a beautiful site. I enjoyed the scenery and the run. Thanks for a positive experience and I will be running the 10K next year! :) | |
B. W. from Holland, MI
(10/23/2006)
"Beautiful couse, a little hillier than expected" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was very well organized (a benefit of a smaller race). Packet pick-up was easy. I was able to be a "seeded" runner by running a previous marathon under 3:30. As the race grows, I'd love to see pace groups. The second half of the marathon will be a challenge if the race gets too bigger because some parts are very narrow. I wasn't crazy about miles 23.5 to 25 being a slight hill. It was a lot of fun to run in a small race, though. | |
J. F. from Indianapolis Indiana
(10/22/2006)
"Always enjoyable" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the full marathon in 2005. I found it to be visually boring and dangerous after the 13th mile so this year I ran the mini. So much fun and physically challenging. So glad I chose to do the half instead of the full! |
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