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☰
Avenue of the Giants Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Avenue of the Giants Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 3.2
Number of comments: 69 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
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k. l. from Atascadero, CA
(5/10/2005)
"Most beautiful half-marathon" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I've run several marathons and half-marathons. This is by far the most beautiful of courses. Well worth the trip. The major complaint I have is the start. It was horrible & frustrating. For two miles I couldn't run my race. I passed hundreds of people... some walking... some doing several minutes per mile slower. All my training went down the tubes because of that. The walkers/joggers must be put in a different start or corraled at the back. Let us run our race. The rest of the run and help were wonderful. Thanks. | |
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Steve Stillman from Redondo Beach, Ca
(5/8/2005)
"Beautiful Course" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Avenue of the Giants Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Beautiful, relatively flat course at low elevation. I highly recommend this race! Some logistical pointers: 1) Make hotel reservations way ahead of time. I had to stay in Eureka which is about 40 minutes from the staging area. 2) If you think you will run between 5 and 6 hours then sign up for the early bird start. I had planned on finishing in this time range so I signed up for the normal start time. Unfortunately I had an off day and finished in more than 6 hours. As I got near the end all the aid stations and mile markers vanished. Then traffic was opened up and I had to deal with cars speeding along a narrow road. 3) Even though they recommend arriving 2 hours ahead of time to get parking, it didn't appear necessary. There was plenty of parking near the river. 4) Register early so you can pick up your t-shirt before the race. By the time I finished all the shirts were being packed up into a truck and I almost didn't get one. 5) Fern Dale is worth seeing if you have the time. See the kinetic sculpture museum if you can and eat at Curley's. Lots of Victorian houses to see. 6) If you have an extra day, take Highway 299 from Eureka to Redding. It's designated a 'scenic byway' and that is an understatement. 7) Before or after the race, drive the entire Avenue of the Giants highway and stop at all the auto tour signs along the way. Most have something great to see. | |
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S. B. from Southlake, Texas
(5/7/2005)
"Go for the scenery" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Avenue of the Giants Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The list of pros is short, and the list of cons is long, but that one item on the pro list outweighs everything else. This was my 6th marathon. It's a pain to get to (for this Texan, it's an all-day proposition), the organization is sketchy at best --Fig Newtons and no water wasn't my idea of great post-race refreshments -- and there's very little spectator support. However, the indescribable majesty and serenity of the redwood forest, combined with wonderfully nice, laidback people, makes it well worth the trip. I'll never forget this experience! | |
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M. B. from Sacramento, CA
(5/3/2005)
"Absolutely breathtaking!" (about: 2005)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first half-marathon and I must say the course was absolutely breathtaking. I was extremely nervous about running without crowds to cheer me on, but after my experience I can't imagine running it with crowds and noise! It was such a peaceful course and the runners and support team were absolutely amazing. The people at the waterstops were so nice and great at making sure you got what you needed (try the fresh cut oranges, they were tasty!). I absolutely hate hills and I didn't feel them once although I was worn out at the end. My only complaint was that they didn't separate the walkers and runners at the beginning of the race so it took a few minutes to run through and find my pace. It wasn't a big deal to me as I wasn't trying to break a PR but I could see how it would frustrate some. Overall - the whole experience was perfect! The staff and volunteers were extremely friendly and helpful. Everyone was very laidback - many laid in the grass and listened to music after the run. The PB&J was great after the run as well as the fresh apple juice. It is definitely not an event to miss! | |
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U. P. from Copenhagen, Denmark
(2/13/2005)
"Fab!" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Awesome. | |
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Michael Archer from Martinez, U.S.A.
(10/8/2004)
"Unforgettable!" (about: 2002)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Avenue of the Giants Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first marathon, mild as they go. It's now Oct. 2004 and all the runs I've done til now still don't add up to the high with A.O.T.G. 2002. It was so beautiful, but what sticks in my mind most from that run is the praise I received coming across that bridge at the finish line. The support was uncanny; the great folks there made me feel like I was the first one across the line. 'My moment of glory' and I'm sure everyone else felt the same, they were fabulous. They made all the difference in the world. Thank you so much for being there for us. I must say I haven't seen anyone run a marathon backwards since. 'Dude! Whatever floats your boat.' Thanks for the conversation, A.C. Mike from Antioch. | |
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C. P. from San Francisco
(7/31/2004)
"beautiful course but too few aid stations " (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Avenue of the Giants Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 As many have pointed out earlier, probably the most beautiful course in the USA. It is essentially flat and very fast - ideal for a PR. There is even a river to ice your legs after the race. However, there are very few aid stations. Only about 10 (compared to 26 in many other races). They are also poorly manned. No gels either. Essentially do not plan on a PR unless you have your relatives and friends posted along the course with fluids, or you normally run with your own fluids at the belt. This is my 19th marathon and I have learned how to run even pace. Still, completely dehydrated I collapsed with calf cramps in the 20th mile. And what I thought was the first place in the division, melted to only 3rd place by the end of the terrible last miles. | |
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S. H. from Oakland, California
(5/28/2004)
"Well worth the first time out - walking" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Avenue of the Giants Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I race-walked the half-marathon and boy was it beautiful. The ups and downs of the half marathon easy on the way out and on the way in the rises seemed not has high and the lows seemed not that far down. The water stops were fantastic and the bathrooms were available. What a ride, it was a lot of fun. | |
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M. W. from Cary, NC
(5/5/2004)
"Great course, OK for organization" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Avenue of the Giants Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 My 15th, and I can say for sure probably the most beautiful marathon I have ever done. Incredible course, completely inspiring. Footing is a little rough on the initial mile, especially since the crowds make it difficult to see your feet, but overall an excellent course with a nice variation of flats, hills, sun, and especially shade. The marathon organization could be tightened up a bit though. I never received my confirmation letter, and the whole experience was a bit informal (read the brochure, show up, figure it out when you get there). I expect that at a $10 marathon like Creeper, but not for a $60+ one. Electrolyte drinks were mixed wildly differently at the aid stations, sometimes so weak that it was practically water (tough when you can already feel salts building up on your skin), and there were no electrolyte drinks at the finish at all. Also, the food at the finish was a bit lacking, especially considering the cost of the marathon. Tofu and honey sandwiches - ooooh not for me I guess ;). In summary, a great marathon and one that I would definitely recommend running without a doubt. Be prepared for a little bit less organization than you might expect from a marathon of such fame, relax, and enjoy probably the most beautiful marathon you will ever run. | |
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K. V. from Hillsboro, Oregon
(5/4/2004)
"Beautiful and well-produced" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Avenue of the Giants Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This marathon is beautiful - and offers an early start for us slow-pokes. Scenic, relatively soft hills, and cheerful volunteers. Only one disappointment - at the 24 mile aid station (at 1:30PM+ in the sun) every volunteer had deserted their post - and I luckily found some warm drink to wash down the dust and salt on my lips. I wish that there had been someone there to say hello and hand me a glass or two of water - but I guess they got tired waiting for the stragglers!! In contrast - the welcome at the finish line was gratefully received. This was number 9, and goes onto my list of marathons to recommend and perhaps repeat. Try to get a place to stay at one of the bed and breakfast establishments in Ferndale - it's a pretty village with well-maintained Victorian homes and nice streets for browsing. |
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