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Marathon Details - Christmas Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WA > Rochester > Christmas Marathon

Christmas Marathon

Christmas Marathon & Half Marathon, 10 Miles, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile

Rochester, WA USA

December 18, 2010

http://www.signmeup.com/72014

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2010 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Mostly flat with some small hills. Course is out and back on scenic country roads.

Contact Information

Name:	Kristina Salazar
Address:	9435 180th Way SW, Rochester, Wa 98579
Phone Number:	360-480-5981
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

New Course, Indoor pre-post race!! (11/14/10)

Kristina Salazar

This year's race features a new flat course, with pre and post race indoor hall. No more cold or rain before or after the race. Also we will have new shirt designs along with long sleeve, sweatshirts or hooded sweatshirts. Go to www.signmeup.com/72014. This year's race is on Saturday December 18, 2010 in rochester, wa.

Runner Reviews (21)

Course 3.6

Organization 3.5

Spectators 2.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 21 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

D. M. from Ogden, UT (1/4/2011) "Not a good choice for Washington" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I am disappointed in this race after the fact. The course was unimaginative with no traffic control. Apparently, medals were given out to all of the 2-milers, 5Kers, 10Kers and half marathoners because there were not nearly enough for the marathoners. It was a cold, drizzly day, so I really applaud the volunteers who staffed the aid stations. The reason I say that this was not a good choice was that there are some premier events around the state. One of my quirks, as I accumulate states and continents, is that I focus on the medal as my "collectable" from the individual events. This was the first in which I was promised one but did not receive one. I've e-mailed the organizer to try and work something out. Race results still have not been posted - I'd love to know why. And no response. For the relatively high price for a small event ($70) the organization has to be better than it was. I am very disappointed that I chose this event.
S. C. from Tumwater, WA (12/30/2010) "Not a fan of the course" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 New course, I guess. I would have liked to have had a map of the course before signing up. You cross the finish line 4 times if you are doing the marathon. It involves two down-and-backs, but to accommodate the fact that they have a 5K, 10K, 10 Mile, half and full, they turn you around 5 miles in, run you past the finish line and go 1.5 miles in the other direction before doing it all again. The course is flat and the scenery is nice, and the participants were great. The aid stations were stocked, but the website said gel would be available, but there was only Gatorade, water, and cookies at the aid stations. So of course I didn't bring any gel and was at the mercy of generous fellow runners to get some running jelly beans. It was cold and very wet, and the aid workers didn't seem happy about being there. I saw no med stations or med support. When I ran the race much slower than anticipated (dress warm - I was underdressed, which was my fault and led to cramping), my wife asked if anyone was patrolling the course, and the people at the finish line said no. In summary, great, friendly participants; the organization was poor to fair; and the course could be improved, in my opinion. Great for a 10K or maybe even the half, but if I run this again, I'll skip the full.
L. S. from Kansas City, Missouri (1/18/2008) "As relaxed as a marathon can be" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I'm writing for two reasons. One, to echo the positive comments about the race: a beautiful start/finish in the park, leisurely run through the farmlands with the occasional farm dog for company, uniformly pleasant volunteers, nice view of Mt. Rainier, etc. And two, to point out that in any race this small, a lot of it is run on the honor system. And, when I finally staggered across the finish (Achilles problem - I won't bore anyone with the details), I forgot to tell the staff that I had taken advantage of the early start. To my dismay, I see that the posted results show me with a time one hour faster than I really ran. Although most of my marathons have been faster than that posted time, this one sure wasn't, and I don't want credit for something I didn't do. So, there are about 20 people who get to move up one place in the standings. Again, thanks to the organization and volunteers for a good experience.
Diana Rummel from Vancouver, Washington (12/27/2007) "Perfect Winter Solstice Event" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second time running the "Christmas Half-Marathon" and I truly enjoyed the country course, but even more so, its cheerful participants. Tis' the season for a gratifying run through the countryside to take the edge off a season filled with consumerism. Thanks for your efforts for a homespun and wholesome event!
Cara Esau from Tigard, OR (12/19/2007) "pleasant, friendly, low-key race" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Christmas Marathon is a really nice, out-and-back course with gentle, rolling hills. The only spectators are the ones you bring; if that's important for you, look for another marathon. The runners were the friendliest I've ever encountered. We were allowed an early start, if we preferred, which was nice because 10:30 a.m. is a pretty late start time. I did opt for the early start and was glad to have done so. However, those of us who began early and who had a fast pace saw no aid stations at all until mile 13! Thankfully, the spectators who I brought along with me (my family) also ended up being my sole source of hydration until the tables were set up. Thus, another word of advice: If hydration is important to you, bring your own, have someone water you, or choose a different marathon. That said, I do think that the later runners were probably fine. The chili afterward was heaven-sent, with crisp tortilla chips and oozing cheddar. A delicacy. It was fun and I was glad to have done it!
S. T. from West Linn , Oregon (12/17/2007) "Consistently good race!" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Christmas Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I would say the third time's a charm, but I have enjoyed this race all three times I have run it. It was really a bonus this year to have the course certified. If you are a strong solo runner, don't count this one out as a place to attempt a Boston qualifier. The support is fantastic with GU, Gatorade, and water, though the Styrofoam cups make it hard to run and drink. Post-race food is excellent and abundant. I started at 10:30 and even after the earlies and shorter distance runners had long since finished, there was plenty left for me. Weather can be a factor, but not this year. I'll be back for sure.
B. M. from Washington (12/17/2007) "Good run." (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 A small, well-organized marathon, with nice people, and a good course along paved, country, back roads. Very friendly group of runners; good to meet some of the Marathon Maniacs.
j. h. from Vancouver, Washington (12/17/2007) "Nice small marathon" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I enjoyed this marathon. It seemed to me to be "just" a marathon. No frills or fluff. If you don't like to run 26.2 miles for the fun of it, then maybe this one is not for you. No spectators or cheering. I loved the solitude. The course went through all country roads, which passed neighborhoods. Very few participants, and I was slow, so I was alone for 90% of the race. I also like the freedom to start one hour early. The food was sufficient and the racers very friendly and nice. Lots of hardcore marathon maniacs there. I had a good run.
S. T. from Vancouver, BC, Canada (12/16/2007) "Just you and the beautiful scenery" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you like a race where it's just you and the open road, this race is for you. The scenery is lovely - passing farms and acreages - and most people slow down for you on the road. The volunteers are friendly and helpful and the race is well-organized. Caution: if you need spectators to cheer you on, this race is NOT for you.
B. H. from Lake Oswego, OR (12/23/2005) "Very small but great run" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was a great course for me. It was out in the country, great views, no crowd and cool weather. The start was 18 degrees and I had never run a long race at this temperature. The course just follows country roads on an out-and-back course. Some places it gets a little dicey with the cars roaring by at 50+ mph and not much of a shoulder, but most the time they would give you room. This race had almost zero spectators. I counted 5 "Way to Go's" for the entire race and 3 of them were from two women who moved along the course. I prefer it that way. Just you and the road. The volunteers were great, always ready with the water or Gatorade. Next year don't use the Styrofoam cups though - you can't bend them to drink.... Trust me! The couse has some rolling hills the first and last 5 miles or so, then is pretty flat except for one freeway overpass. Fewer than 100 runners but they had a 5K, 10K, 10-miler and 1/2 marathon start 10 minutes after us so lots of choices. Good eats at the finish but us slow (4 hour +) runners had no hot chili or coffee left. Also my friends after me didn't get a medal or trophy. (I got both.) But the best part of this race was it got me into the Maniacs! If you like small runs with a great view, this one is for you.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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D. M. from Ogden, UT (1/4/2011) "Not a good choice for Washington" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I am disappointed in this race after the fact. The course was unimaginative with no traffic control. Apparently, medals were given out to all of the 2-milers, 5Kers, 10Kers and half marathoners because there were not nearly enough for the marathoners. It was a cold, drizzly day, so I really applaud the volunteers who staffed the aid stations. The reason I say that this was not a good choice was that there are some premier events around the state. One of my quirks, as I accumulate states and continents, is that I focus on the medal as my "collectable" from the individual events. This was the first in which I was promised one but did not receive one. I've e-mailed the organizer to try and work something out. Race results still have not been posted - I'd love to know why. And no response. For the relatively high price for a small event ($70) the organization has to be better than it was. I am very disappointed that I chose this event.
S. C. from Tumwater, WA (12/30/2010) "Not a fan of the course" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 New course, I guess. I would have liked to have had a map of the course before signing up. You cross the finish line 4 times if you are doing the marathon. It involves two down-and-backs, but to accommodate the fact that they have a 5K, 10K, 10 Mile, half and full, they turn you around 5 miles in, run you past the finish line and go 1.5 miles in the other direction before doing it all again. The course is flat and the scenery is nice, and the participants were great. The aid stations were stocked, but the website said gel would be available, but there was only Gatorade, water, and cookies at the aid stations. So of course I didn't bring any gel and was at the mercy of generous fellow runners to get some running jelly beans. It was cold and very wet, and the aid workers didn't seem happy about being there. I saw no med stations or med support. When I ran the race much slower than anticipated (dress warm - I was underdressed, which was my fault and led to cramping), my wife asked if anyone was patrolling the course, and the people at the finish line said no. In summary, great, friendly participants; the organization was poor to fair; and the course could be improved, in my opinion. Great for a 10K or maybe even the half, but if I run this again, I'll skip the full.
L. S. from Kansas City, Missouri (1/18/2008) "As relaxed as a marathon can be" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I'm writing for two reasons. One, to echo the positive comments about the race: a beautiful start/finish in the park, leisurely run through the farmlands with the occasional farm dog for company, uniformly pleasant volunteers, nice view of Mt. Rainier, etc. And two, to point out that in any race this small, a lot of it is run on the honor system. And, when I finally staggered across the finish (Achilles problem - I won't bore anyone with the details), I forgot to tell the staff that I had taken advantage of the early start. To my dismay, I see that the posted results show me with a time one hour faster than I really ran. Although most of my marathons have been faster than that posted time, this one sure wasn't, and I don't want credit for something I didn't do. So, there are about 20 people who get to move up one place in the standings. Again, thanks to the organization and volunteers for a good experience.
Diana Rummel from Vancouver, Washington (12/27/2007) "Perfect Winter Solstice Event" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second time running the "Christmas Half-Marathon" and I truly enjoyed the country course, but even more so, its cheerful participants. Tis' the season for a gratifying run through the countryside to take the edge off a season filled with consumerism. Thanks for your efforts for a homespun and wholesome event!
Cara Esau from Tigard, OR (12/19/2007) "pleasant, friendly, low-key race" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Christmas Marathon is a really nice, out-and-back course with gentle, rolling hills. The only spectators are the ones you bring; if that's important for you, look for another marathon. The runners were the friendliest I've ever encountered. We were allowed an early start, if we preferred, which was nice because 10:30 a.m. is a pretty late start time. I did opt for the early start and was glad to have done so. However, those of us who began early and who had a fast pace saw no aid stations at all until mile 13! Thankfully, the spectators who I brought along with me (my family) also ended up being my sole source of hydration until the tables were set up. Thus, another word of advice: If hydration is important to you, bring your own, have someone water you, or choose a different marathon. That said, I do think that the later runners were probably fine. The chili afterward was heaven-sent, with crisp tortilla chips and oozing cheddar. A delicacy. It was fun and I was glad to have done it!
S. T. from West Linn , Oregon (12/17/2007) "Consistently good race!" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Christmas Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I would say the third time's a charm, but I have enjoyed this race all three times I have run it. It was really a bonus this year to have the course certified. If you are a strong solo runner, don't count this one out as a place to attempt a Boston qualifier. The support is fantastic with GU, Gatorade, and water, though the Styrofoam cups make it hard to run and drink. Post-race food is excellent and abundant. I started at 10:30 and even after the earlies and shorter distance runners had long since finished, there was plenty left for me. Weather can be a factor, but not this year. I'll be back for sure.
B. M. from Washington (12/17/2007) "Good run." (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 A small, well-organized marathon, with nice people, and a good course along paved, country, back roads. Very friendly group of runners; good to meet some of the Marathon Maniacs.
j. h. from Vancouver, Washington (12/17/2007) "Nice small marathon" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I enjoyed this marathon. It seemed to me to be "just" a marathon. No frills or fluff. If you don't like to run 26.2 miles for the fun of it, then maybe this one is not for you. No spectators or cheering. I loved the solitude. The course went through all country roads, which passed neighborhoods. Very few participants, and I was slow, so I was alone for 90% of the race. I also like the freedom to start one hour early. The food was sufficient and the racers very friendly and nice. Lots of hardcore marathon maniacs there. I had a good run.
S. T. from Vancouver, BC, Canada (12/16/2007) "Just you and the beautiful scenery" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you like a race where it's just you and the open road, this race is for you. The scenery is lovely - passing farms and acreages - and most people slow down for you on the road. The volunteers are friendly and helpful and the race is well-organized. Caution: if you need spectators to cheer you on, this race is NOT for you.
B. H. from Lake Oswego, OR (12/23/2005) "Very small but great run" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Christmas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was a great course for me. It was out in the country, great views, no crowd and cool weather. The start was 18 degrees and I had never run a long race at this temperature. The course just follows country roads on an out-and-back course. Some places it gets a little dicey with the cars roaring by at 50+ mph and not much of a shoulder, but most the time they would give you room. This race had almost zero spectators. I counted 5 "Way to Go's" for the entire race and 3 of them were from two women who moved along the course. I prefer it that way. Just you and the road. The volunteers were great, always ready with the water or Gatorade. Next year don't use the Styrofoam cups though - you can't bend them to drink.... Trust me! The couse has some rolling hills the first and last 5 miles or so, then is pretty flat except for one freeway overpass. Fewer than 100 runners but they had a 5K, 10K, 10-miler and 1/2 marathon start 10 minutes after us so lots of choices. Good eats at the finish but us slow (4 hour +) runners had no hot chili or coffee left. Also my friends after me didn't get a medal or trophy. (I got both.) But the best part of this race was it got me into the Maniacs! If you like small runs with a great view, this one is for you.

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Marathon Details - Christmas Marathon