Back to Memphis Marathon Information & Reviews
J. H. from Highland, IL
(12/8/2004)
"An awesome experience" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first full marathon and I am glad I chose this one. I enjoyed everything about this race. The volunteers were wonderful. Clocks at every mile was a very nice touch. The spectators were very plentiful in certain places. I really could have used a little more cheering between miles 18-22. Although, the spectators that were there were awesome. More bands would have been nice. The finish inside Autozone Park was very cool. I would definitely recommend this marathon, and I plan on doing it again. | |
Cheryl Scher from East Brunswick, NJ
(12/8/2004)
"Pretty good course & half marathon" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the half marathon and did enjoy the course; very good for fast times. However I didn't appreciate a cop at one of the intersections after mile 11 stopping all the runners for a van to turn onto the street; I can understand an emergency vehicle but not a private vehicle. May influence my coming back again. Overall the race was well done except for that instance. Also a 'post-race party' was supposed to be on Beale St. but we never found it - it was more beer/food discounts in 3 resturants. I was looking for a more organized gathering. | |
Brad Garrett from Fort Hood, TX
(12/8/2004)
"Extremely well organized; friendly volunteers." (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great course for fast times and was as well organized as any I've ever been in (24 marathons to date). There was water at almost EVERY mile marker, and the attitude of the volunteers was outstanding! Everyone was very friendly and supportive. The crowd is not that big, but they were enthusiastic. I highly recommend this race to anyone! | |
Betty O'Dea from St. Louis, MO
(12/8/2004)
"What a fantastic run in a fantastic city!" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It was a gas! Water at all of the water stops, great crowd support in a charming city. I would highly recommend this to everyone. | |
K. H. from St. Louis, MO
(12/7/2004)
"Awesome support!" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I only did the half marathon, but I can say the 13 miles I did were so well staffed. Water every mile and plenty of pace clocks. Although slightly hillier that I expected, it wasn't too bad as I am used to running hills. I thought the finish at Autozone Park was awesome... it felt BIG! Everyone involved was so nice. There were some spots without any spectators, but what can you do about that? Also, I had no problem getting pasta the night before. Overall, I would say I had a great experience. | |
g. g. from memphis, tn
(12/7/2004)
"great mid-size marathon" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my 4th marathon, 1st in my hometown, and it was great, all the way up to the puny medal. PR'd and qualified for Boston, so everything else becomes somewhat irrelevant. Nonetheless, enjoyed the new course (double-loop eliminated). The finish at Autozone park is great, water/aid stations every mile well staffed, mile markers and times displayed each mile, fans are great, and missed the expo, so no comment. | |
Charles Stevens from USA
(12/7/2004)
"Fantastic PR Marathon!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have been running half marathons and other races for years. This race was very well organized. There were aid stations at every mile, and mile markers and times were clearly visible. The course is relatively flat, though there are a few rolling hills on the back half. Ending the race in the Autozone baseball stadium was pretty cool, and you could hear your name over the loudspeaker as you crossed the end. The crowds that were there were fantastic, but there were many places where crowd support was thin, esp. between miles 20 - 24 (when you really need it!). And there weren't nearly as many bands as I expected to see. Also, I strongly recommend staying in a hotel as close to Beale St. as possible. I found this was a great advantage race-day (plus, there's not much else to do in the other parts of town). Overall, great race, great organization, great fans (when there). I would definitely do this one again! | |
R. H. from Dayton , Oh
(12/7/2004)
"excellent marathon, love the cause!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran Memphis because I am employed at a children's hospital. Next time, I may run it because it was such a positive experience. Memphis must have a very strong and active running club, plus excellent volunteers from a variety of orginizations. Honestly can't think of one thing to complain about, good job! | |
B. D. from Springfield, Missouri
(12/7/2004)
"After Boston and Chicago this was my favorite." (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I enjoyed the scenic course and the pre- and post-race events. The organization was great. Friendly volunteers, great traffic control by the Memphis Police Department, and well stocked aid stations. I enjoyed the entertainment during the marathon - especially the Elvis impersonator near the halfway point. I appreciated the GU at 9, 15 and 21. It was wonderful having the shower facilities available at the finish. There was also plenty of good food at the finish line. | |
Bill Sanders from Elmhurst, IL
(12/6/2004)
"Potential to become a 5-star race" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Memphis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Such potential. This really could be a 5-star race if only a few changes were made. Some are: (1) Inform the media that a race is taking place (3 days - no news). (2) Take a lesson from Nashville. Have some bands and encourage some community involvement (like high school cheerleaders). (4) No American flag at start. (5) No gun start ('Ready... GO'). (6) Better traffic control - I was almost hit by a car (no joke). (7) Marathon medal - add some weight to it. Flimsy. (8) How about a pre-race pasta dinner? No feeling of race community established. (9) Have diffent color ribbins for 1/2 and full marathon (like most combined races). Great things about the marathon!!!! (1) GREAT CAUSE - ST. JUDE CHILDREN. (2) Aid station volunteers. (3) Great finish location at a baseball stadium. (5) Great refreshments - good spirit - very generous. (4) Hang out at Beale Street post-race. (5) One of the best marathon t-shirts I have. |
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