Back to Rocket City Marathon Information & Reviews
A Runner from Wayland, MI
(11/9/2001)
"Great alternative to larger marathons" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Even though this marathon is smaller, there is a proportionally high number of faster runners. I have run RCM twice, both under 2:50, and had company most of the way. This really helps when going for a PR. Race logistics are perfect and very reasonably priced at the host hotel. Walk out the door 10 minutes before start time and hop in! Lots of fun. December time frame allows more time for training (than the close by in Michigan October marathons) after the Michigan triathlon season ends in mid September. Be back in 2001. | |
A Runner from Birmingham, Al
(7/12/2001)
"Relatively flat and fast" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 My first marathon and the course was fast enough to get me a Boston qualifier (3:04). The early and late miles have a lot of tight turns that many people won't like. The course was fairly scenic and held your attention throughout. Well organized ( Pretty much what you'd expect from a town full of rocket scientists). I'd recomend it as a great first time course or a sure Boston qualifier. | |
A Runner from chicago
(1/25/2001)
"traditional southern hospitality" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Ran this in 1999. Your name on your race bib is a nice touch. Volunteers were encouraging and heplful. The course is marked by yellow arrows on the route. Pretty flat course, good quality of runners. The race director goes all out to put on a good race. I recommend this race. Nice small race charm. | |
A Runner from Pittsburgh,PA
(1/3/2001)
"Fast, face course" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The southern hospitality is alive and well here. The course is fast and the personal touches are appreciated. The 2000 edition had perfect weather and enabled me almost a PR even after being injured through the fall. This is a sleeper but after running it I don't know why. Put this on your calendar!!!!!!!! | |
A Runner from Birmingham, Alabama
(12/14/2000)
"Enjoyed the personal attention.....fast course.." (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this event after Chicago and thought I might be in for a letdown.....WRONG !! These folks are every bit as organized and each runner that participates is made to feel very important. The course has a lot of turns, but is very flat. There were not a lot of spectators, but I have never been greeted by name so much in my life (due to the fact that they print your name on your race number). It was a great 'pump up' through each water station. I really liked this marathon !!! | |
A Runner from Georgia.
(12/11/2000)
"Good for a first time marathoner" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Good on organization, crowd support along course is poor. Nice looking T-shirt very colorful. Disappointed they didn't call my name at finish, had a big gap between myself and runner in front of me and the runner behind me. Food at the end of the race was pretty cheezy could have been alot better. | |
A Runner from Berea College, KY
(12/10/2000)
"It was a pretty good race, overall." (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my firt marathon, and I thought it went quite well. There weren't an excessive amount of spectators, but the ones that we did have were very enthusiastic, and helpful. I liked the bright yellow arrows painted along the course. The many volunteers and authorities that helped did a great job keeping the thing organized. It was flat, which I liked, being a first-timer. | |
A Runner from United States(Alpharetta, Ga)
(12/10/2000)
"For a first time marathon, this one is good." (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Expo disorganized, room was too small for expo and packet pick-up. Pasta dinner was good. Volunteers during race are great, police do a good job in controlling traffic. Parts of course are boring, but, overall, course is fast. | |
A Runner from Vulcan, Michigan USA
(12/7/2000)
"PR-Type Course, Lots of Features / Value" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Reiterate what others have posted about friendly, helpful volunteers and staff. Course has some historic sections, but not mile-to-mile scenery. Enjoy it for its essential flatness. Big thumbs-up for finish line... you're announced, have a pic taken (and get sent pic...not proof), and get an individual volunteer attendant to help you through the chute. | |
A Runner from Suburb of Minneapolis, MN USA
(8/16/2000)
"Some Spectacular Aspects, Some So-So" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 (Run in 99.) Organizers and volunteers get high marks in some aspects (detailed booklet, bib with your name, goody bag, quality finish-line photo, course PR potential) but fall short on others (did not receive booklet before the race, not enough pre-race fluids in start area/lobby, post-race foods given in paper bag with leaky lidded soup spilling on ice cream bar). I agree neighbors don't share enthusiasm/curiosity of volunteers and organizers. RE: lodging... Holiday Inn's shuttle service claim was misleading and insufficient... only one 20-seat van, first come-first served. If you can, stay at race HQ hotel for EZ race logistics. |
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