Grand Rapids Marathon

2004 Comments

MICHIGAN RUNNING NEWS November 4, 2004 - Vol. 4, no. 1

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"It's a big-city marathon and it's here to stay,"
-- Don Kern, founder and race director of the inaugural Grand Rapids
Marathon,
October 31, 2004

We did it!! The inaugural Grand Rapids Marathon was held on 31 October, starting and ending at Millennium Park. WOW! Thank you--Runners, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who participated in this awesome event! You are all AMAZING! See you next year.

2004 Pictures by ASI Sports Photos are online at ASIsportsPhotos.com

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(the following is stolen from Erik's Blog:

What a day...

This is me and Gabriel. I'm about to win the Grand Rapids Marathon back in October 2004. While my time wasn't stellar, the race, the end anyway, was nice. Time and racing aside, me finishing with my son like this was incalculably cool...something he and I will forever share.

I hope he tries and likes running when the time comes. If not, at least I have some solid proof his daddy wasn't a goofball at everything!

** Tom Ackerman Grand Rapids 55 M 5:05:00
**Ran the course the following week due to sickness
Grand Rapids Press Article

Dick Vile's Pictures

Awards may be picked up between 8 November and 31 December at Running Circles, after which time we will mail any remaining awards.

Pictures by ASI Sports Photos are online at ASIsportsPhotos.com

RUNNER COMMENTS

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This was a great event. The course was excellent. It was obviously
designed by a runner.

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Dear Don & staff,
I would like to congratulate you all on a job well done. I am so grateful for having this opportunity to run such a fantastic marathon. You were all so encouraging and, from my point of view, it was a very smoothly planned race. What fun to see all the runners in costume! Loved the e-mails, Don. Way to pump us up! The design of the out & back loop was wonderful. I was encouraged by many of the faster runners and looked forward to seeing friends at many points throughout the race. I enjoyed the blanket too. Mine kept me mighty warm during the dreaded ice bath last night.

If it weren't for your perfect timing, I would not have seriously run this summer / fall. Thank you. Thank you. And thanks to all who were patient with the slower runners (read me). Your encouragement & patience were wonderful. I can now claim my place as a "marathon mama". I am proud to add that to my "cancer survivor" title from this year. I look forward to next year when I'll have more than 16 weeks to train. Did I say thanks?

Amy Roberts

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Thanks for putting on a great race, it was my first 1/2 marathon, and it was a challenge, but I'm glad I did it.

The finishers medals are really cool!

Thanks-
Nicole Maurer

p.s. Did you get my pumpkin ale? It's pretty good.
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Don, Thank you kindly for all of your efforts and energy in creating the inaugural Grand Rapids Marathon. The volunteers were tremendous and the course was a great run.

Phil Komar
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Don, This was my first marathon. It was great!! There is no other place where I would have wanted to run my first race. The course was fantastic. The two loops on the bike paths along the river really were really nice to run and very spectator friendly. The volunteers were so helpful. Your emails to the runners leading up to the race calmed a lot of apprehension. I really appreciate all the hard work that was put into this race. I look forward to running it again.

Sincerely, Fred McWain
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Don, staff, and volunteers- You guys rock! The marathon was awesome and everyone did a great job. A huge thank you to Y'all!
Loralee Davison, Lexington, KY
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My hat's off to you and your team for putting on a great event. The magnitude of such an undertaking and the effort that must go into planning and executing something like this is truly amazing. And when one thinks of trying to please nearly 1000 runners with all of their odd mannerisms, expectations and personality traits, it makes me question your sanity. But you did it! And, you did it well!!

The course, volunteers, water stations, start/finish areas and logistics were excellent. The hotel arrangements (and even the weather) were great. And the post-race party at the hall was a nice added touch (for me and the other three people that I met there). I've already recommended next year's event to other runners and will continue to do so.

Congratulations and thanks for a great time.
Kevin Galvin
Plymouth, Michigan
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Don,

Again, my sincerest thanks and gratitude for putting this event into motion. I ran my best marathon to date (3:19:27) and captured 4rth place in my age bracket. This marathon was well done, great participation by all the runners. The late start was a minor inconvenience, and the wood posts along the trail (south of Wilson/28th St. ) were a bit dangerous. The water stations were well placed and worked beautifully to “water up” coming and going. Also, your enthusiasm and creativity really shined. The chili and beer were a nice touch after the race. It really warmed the body. I feel blessed to be a participant of this marathon. Next year I’m serving instead of running. God bless and have a great day.

Jim Parr
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To Don, and everyone else who organized the marathon:

Thank you very much for all your efforts and hard work. Because of all of you I can now say I completed a marathon....and I enjoyed it!!

My parents finally got to see me run a race. I think they had an enjoyable time watching the whole thing, too. After I crossed the finish line I stumbled up to both of them and said, "Now...do you..understand..(long pause while I catch my breath)....why I....do this?"

They both laughed.

I'm glad I got to help out at the packet pickup on Friday night, too. Getting to meet a lot of other runners was fun. I think I even made a new friend, too!

Thank You--Thank You--Thank You!! You all did a fantastic job!!

Bill Elvey
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Don,

Thanks for everything you and your great staff did to conceive, plan and pull off Michigan's newest marathon. Congratulations on a great runner-focused event.

As you start to unwind from the crescendo of last week's activity, I'm sure you'll do some reflecting on what went well and what you would want to do better next year. Here are my thoughts to add, but remember they're worth what you paid for them...

I hope you don't get too much flack about the late start, even though everyone moaned when it was announced. People I talked to agreed it was the right thing to do to get the promised shuttles to the start line. I'm sure that was a first-time glitch that will be worked out for next year.

Another glitch that may or may not be able to be worked out is having the cars from the back parking lot leaving on the running course. May not be a lot that can be done here, but worth taking a look at.

I don't know how much you would want your marathon to grow, maybe 1000 max. Could easily get too congested on the path with runners going in both directions.

The emails were great to receive. I've never got so many emails from a director before. It was obvious that this race was put on by runners for runners. Was also impressed that you did a trial run of your own course the week before.

Finisher medals, shirts were all nice, but what veteran runners want at the end is good food and plenty of it available! hee hee. Another super job here. The hot chili was really appreciated on a cool day like yesterday.

To conclude, I would say don't try to compete with Chicago, Detroit, or Marine Corps. It's like a Mom 'n Pop store trying to be like Wal-Mart. Stick with your strengths. Beautiful, fast course. friendly, supportive atmosphere. Great hospitality. You take care of your runners from the time they sign up 'till the time they leave the park.

Congratulations! and thank again very much

Steve Rice
Portage, MI
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Great first effort. Had a great time. Loved the medals.

Jeanette
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Yes you did do it!!!!
I know you are getting lots of notes but I really felt I had to tell you what a GREAT JOB you all did!! It was the best organized new event I have ever been to. You out did your self. This was my 6th Marathon and I have to say one of the funnest. I will share the word for next year. The only complaint we could really here were not starting on time and the cars leaving after the half while some were making the turn were rude and not safe. But no one was hurt and things like that people forget about after a day or two, you know a spur of the moment feeling.
GREAT JOB, thanks for a fun event!
Kim
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DON

GREAT JOB YESTERDAY. I THOUGHT THINGS WERE DONE AWESOME FOR A FIRST TIME EFFORT.

A LITTLE LESS WIND NEXT YEAR WOULD BE APPRECIATED. MAYBE YOU COULD EVEN MAKE A STRAIGHT COURSE (NO LOOP) AND JUST PUT THE START AT WHICHEVER END HAS THE WIND BEHIND IT.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR WORK. IT'S SO COOL TO HAVE FINALLY RUN A MARATHON AT HOME!

BRAD PRUIM
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I just wanted to say sorry that you are catching so much flack (I hope I spelled that right.) about waiting for the last shuttle to come in. I thought you should know that we were there three shuttle previously, but they were all too full and there was no real line to differentiate who had been waiting the longest. So, I apologize again. We remain thankful that you were willing to postpone things for a few minutes.

I also wanted to tell you what a phenomenal job you and your crew did with this race. I have never seen a first time event go so smoothly. I especially liked all of the little helpers that passed out candy and water along the way. I noted that there were a lot of oranges left over at the end of the race. Maybe next year put them on the course, that is so refreshing!!!!

One last thing....when can I sign up for next year?????

Thanks again!!! You were all awesome!!!

Sincerely, Rebecca Beisel

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Don:

Thank you for a wonderful marathon yesterday. You and all of the volunteers did a great job. Things went so smoothly, no one could tell it was the "inaugural" annual.

The medal is different, and way cool, as are the shirts. The fabric is wonderful as is the color (we dislike white shirts), and the way you got the sponsors listed in an artistic way doesn't make the person wearing the shirt feel like they are a billboard. (which makes it more likely they will wear it, and thus more likely that the sponsors will get more exposure). Very classy.

The big poster-board you had at the Comfort Suites was very helpful. It made this lost out-of-towner feel welcome, and reassured.

I did thank every volunteer I saw, but if you have a chance, please let them know how much their help was appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jeanine Carlson
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BIG THANK YOU for a great experience.
excellent job for organization.
plenty of aid stations and food at the finish line is great.
great volunteer support even with the less than perfect weather.
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Thanks for all your hard work, Don. The race was great, the weather was perfect for a run along the river, and I even beat my goal of running the 1⁄2 in less that 2 hours. What a day!!
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Don and crew:

Thanks for putting on a GREAT marathon! I prayed that the weather would cooperate for everyone helping set up and coordinate the race.
The course was beautiful and very well supported with aid and fans. Running along the river amid the fall trees was wonderful. I would recommend this marathon to anyone. It was especially nice to be able to come back to the comfort of my home after a MARATHON! Something I haven't been able to do since I lived in Chicago.
Way to go to everyone!! Thanks for taking the chance at bringing a marathon to Grand Rapids - One that will surely be built upon in years to come.

One small suggestion for next year - Announce to everyone to watch out for the wooden poles along the river trail.

God bless, Amy Oatley
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You did an awesome job organizing this race! Thanks to you & all your time & effort, G.R. was able to have a marathon. I thought the course was a beautiful run—and the shirts & medals were great! Looking forward to next year.

Julie Whalen
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Thank you Don--you and your crew did a A+++++ job.

Patrick Purgiel
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Don,

Once again, thanks for a great marathon. The course was beautiful and it was very well organized - especially for a first-time event. Thanks for all your work in making this happen.

Doug
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Great job. This runner appreciates all the hard work that went into the event. Thanks
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Thanks for a great race. I know a lot of work that goes in to one is an understatement. We as runners really appreciate all your efforts and all the volunteers! Thanks again.

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Don,

Completely AWESOME event! I really enjoyed running the marathon yesterday. Thank you so much for all your hard work. You had great volunteers during every aspect of the event.

Congratulations on your success! You should feel like a million bucks!

Oh, If you opt to offer any inaugural merchandise (other than the jackets, i.e., coffee mugs, etc., something a less costly) let us all know!

Many thanks!

Deanna Swaney
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Thanks, Don. You created a wonderful event! Thanks for all your hard work!!!
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Hi Don,

Thanks for a great race. The weather cooperated in the end, although it was scary on Saturday. The chili hit the spot, as did all the other goodies.
Congratulations again on a well organized race.

Rosaleen Dunbar
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Thanks for the great race today. It was a wonderful experience for my first marathon. You deserve applause.
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Hello Don

Thank you for a wonderful experience. Your emails were very informative and "cute". Fantastic job done by you and tell everyone that helped --THANKS.

Thanks--Pat
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Great job! The volunteers were wonderful. Thanks to you and your partners for setting this up. Hope to see you next year.
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Thanks for everything, Don (and volunteers and other workers)
We had a great experience -- my buddy Don Kelm ran a "PR" of roughly 4:06 and change and I was able to run a Boston-qualifying time of roughly 3:42 and change.
We will spread the word over here in southeast Michigan and will try to show up again next year
Any idea when the results will be posted and "official"
We were unable to locate any post-race food or goodies at the Park -- did we "miss" seeing something ??
Jack D. Hamilton
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Don, the marathon was awesome......thanks for giving us this wonderful opportunity...you and your staff sure deserve thanks and praise....my wife and I will be back next year for sure.
Richard and Janet Wallen
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Hey Don;
Congrats on a great event, I had a great time, the after run food was really well done, and I am planning for next year. The course was fun , finishers medals were unique and the place award is on my mantel. A good job well done.
Willis 65-69
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Marathon Don,
IT ROCKED!

Here are a bunch of pictures from the Mars Hill Runners group (aid station
1) and a couple of finishers (half and full), as well as a few course shots.

Blessings!
Lynell
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Thanks for a wonderful marathon. The support was great. The enthusiasm was great! It was well worth my trip from California.
Linda Anderson
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Don, I was the 3:44 pacer (first time as a pacer), and I have to tell you-strong work on the race organization, especially for an inaugural event! Can't wait 'til next year.... Thanks to you and all of your team.

Regards

Mike Coleman
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Don-

This was my fifth marathon and you guys/gals did a GREAT job. Great course, well organized and well managed. Thanks for your tremendous work.

-Chris Womack
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Hey Don! I was so happy with the marathon on Sunday! I just wanted to see if you will post the results. I was a little delirious when I finished and can’t quite remember my exact time. Thanks again! The Penguin Pacer was awesome!!!
Smile,
Tina Ogilvy
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Thank You for putting together a great race. The course was great and the volunteers too. The finishing metals and awards looked top notch. The food selection was good and I like the bags for your running stuff but I had a hard time finding where the drop was at the starting line so I left mine in the health tent. The pace teams were very helpful. The only think I would say that needs improvement for next year was that the parking situation was crazy. I did not mind taking a shuttle, but waiting 45 minutes in the cold, wind and rain was crazy and dangerous. There was only one shuttle that went to the park headquarters and the downtown hotels. I would bet they could have used 2-4 more shuttles at a minimum for that and 2-4 more for Johnson park. If shuttles were not available, volunteer mini vans would not have been a bad idea Anyway thanks again. It was the longest I have run to date at 13.1 and I hope to run the marathon next fall.

Thanks again,

Mason Klein
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Don, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you and the support group for putting on a very good marathon. I have run some 30 marathons and this was as professional as anyone could expect for a first year marathon. I am sure that there was lots of learning. But, all in all it was a great event. I am already looking forward to next years race. I am sure that this race will some be one of the best in the Midwest.

I will keep this short; I just felt compelled to express my gratitude for a very good marathon.

Thank You!

Gene McClain
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Hi Don: I just thought I would add my comments as well. Overall a very good marathon and it showed a lot of work and effort in organizing it. I would agree that a possible start somewhere in Grand Rapids might be a good idea for next year. I have run in many Detroit Free Press marathons and at least 5 Columbus marathons and there is a different flavor to each but just work with what works good for Grand Rapids. I certainly think there are an abundance of runners in the metro Detroit as well as the Grand Rapids-Lansing area that would be interested. I think that a combination of "big city" miles in Grand Rapids and some within Millenium Park would be a nice combination.

One last comment about the shirt; I think it is one of the best shirts (if not THE best) I have gotten in a race. Its really a worthwhile shirt and does not have an abundance of advertising; also it has very good material and is a very practical shirt for training or additional racing. By the way I used it in my marathon.

Take care,

Robert Murphy, Troy, Mich

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Don, I know you've gotten a ton of emails. But - thank you. This was my first marathon and I loved every minute of it. I talked with some really cool people along the route, enjoyed the view and accomplished something I never thought I would. Thanks for allowing me to set a great example for my 4 little kids. The race was family friendly, my kids got to cheer runners on and now my 9 and 7 year old want to know when they can 'run forever' like their mom. (That's how my non-running, hugely supportive husband defines a marathon)

Goals are good, the journey is better and accomplishment is the best feeling of all!

Thanks again! Jayne

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Don,

Thanks for everything you and your great staff did to conceive, plan and pull off Michigan's newest marathon. Congratulations on a great runner-focused event.

I ran Chicago Marathon three weeks ago and it was great to return to a smaller, friendly race again. Your marathon is a great alternative to a big city, crowded, mass event where the significance of the marathon can get lost in the insignificance one feels among such a huge throng of people. I hope you don't get too much flack about the late start, even though everyone moaned when it was announced. People I talked to agreed it was the right thing to do to get the promised shuttles to the start line. I'm sure that was a first-time glitch that will be worked out for next year. Another glitch that may or may not be able to be worked out is having the cars from the back parking lot leaving on the running course. May not be a lot that can be done here, but worth taking a look at. I don't know how much you would want your marathon to grow, maybe 1000 max. Could easily get too congested on the path with runners going in both directions.

Overall, I thought the course was fabulous. Beautiful scenery, got off the roads, no traffic, (except at the finish line) and it was fun to be able to see my friends so many times passing back and forth. You did a good job with mile markers and aid stations. I swear, every time I thought, I could use a drink, there was a station up ahead. Crowds were small, but enthusiastic. The emails were great to receive. I've never got so many emails from a director before. It was obvious that this race was put on by runners for runners. Was also impressed that you did a trial run of your own course the week before. Finisher medals, shirts were all nice, but what veteran runners want at the end is good food and plenty of it available! hee hee. Another super job here. The hot chili was really appreciated on a cool day like yesterday.

Congratulations! and thank again very much

Steve Rice Portage, MI

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Hi Don;
I have to say this is the most fun Marathon I ever signed up with. Seems I am always getting emails from you that make me laugh and smile. Thanks
See you on the Streets
John
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Francine:

A special thank you to you for going out of your way to sneak me into the race on Sunday. I had a great time and saw many friends on the course. The medals are awesome – so are the shirts! Thanks again for bringing this event to GR. Perhaps next year I'll be doing the entire 26….children permitting ;)

Kristin

Sunday, October 19, 2008
Days : Hours : Minutes : Seconds