Grand Rapids Marathon
2005 Comments
Below are some of the comments I've heard from runners in my e-mail. Although they were sent to me, they reflect the amazing job done by a whole staff of dedicated people who made it all possible! THANK YOU to all of the staff, the sponsors, and the volunteers who made this event possible.
Hey Don!
I can't say enough great things about the Grand Rapids Marathon..
The Organization
The Course
The Volunteers
The Support
The Packet Pickup and Expo
The Pasta Dinner
The T-shirt
The Finishers Medal
The Finish LINE!
The Excitement before, during and after....
(And did I mention the Organization???)
All were Superb.......easily the funnest, most positive energy Marathon I've done
Thanks also for the personal greeting at the finish line!
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This was my 32nd Marathon, and also the fourth I've run in the last five Weeks (also the Fastest of the four!) and again, I can't tell you how muchI enjoyed it.
All I can say is, keep up the great work. I've told and am telling all my Marathon buddies and at least a few so far are planning on being back with me next year.
Thanks again for a great day!
PS - I brought you a Beer from Lake Mills, Wisconsin (close to where I live now) and also a glass from Dick's Last Resort, in Chicago (My hometown until two years ago) Wish I'd brought you the whole six pack! But, enjoy......
Peter Klein
Bib 297
Oconomowoc, WI
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THE 2005 GRAND RAPIDS MARATHON
A MARATHON OF “SECONDS” by Bob K
Second annual Grand Rapids marathon
Second year in a row SCRRs participated
Second consecutive year SCRRs drove 11.5 hours to get to GR
Second year SCRRs stayed at a Days Inn
Two SCRRs got locked out of their hotel room twice on the same morning (that’s another story)
Five SCRRs stayed at two different Day Inns in GR (One on Fri nite; a second one Sat. (that’s also another story)
Three SCRRs ate spaghetti for a second night in a row on Sat.
Denny W finished first in his age division 3:24 for a second consecutive year; Congratulations, Denny!
Joe B finished second in the Masters division with a 2:59. Way to go Joe!
Monty S placed second in his age division with a 3:02. Great job, Monty!
Bob K finished second in his age division with a 3:14
George B ran his second marathon in 15 days, a 3:21; Congrats!
Dan R ran his second marathon in 8 days, 3:32, Wow!
The Grand Rapids marathon is very well organized, and run on a flat, fast, scenic course. I would highly recommend it---any “seconds” to that motion?
As one of the half-marathoners, I want to thank you and the wonderful staff/sponsors who made this special event possible. It was beautifully done and you all deserve a lot of credit. I loved the course and the encouragement out there was terrific. Good response at water stations and good traffic control as well. For one, I’m planning on coming in 2006 and bringing a few more J
Tks again,
Keith Matthews
Bellefontaine, OH
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Hi Don,
Thank you and the staff and volunteers for putting on a great race! The race was scenic and was not crowded at any part of the race. The course was fast - even the rolling hills was a good touch, too, because that mixes up your strides early in the race so that no single muscle group gets overused early. I really appreciated the very supportive spectators and other runners - even in the last crucial few miles when energy is scarce - runners still found it within them to encourage other runners. Kudos for a just an overall great, well-organized race!
Nancy Lai (~4:03:52)
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Great job!
You have a winner there!
B. Kovell
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Didn't get to meet you today, but it was a GREAT race!! I loved the course - very scenic. Equally as beautiful as Twin Cities around the lakes and Mississippi. Ran a personal best, shaving 20 minutes off my best time. I will be back next year, God willing.
Thanks for a terrific day! Shari
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As beautiful as the day was; As perfect as the course was; you and your staff were even better. This was my third marathon, and this one is clearly the best! It could not have been handled any better! You guys are professionals, indeed.
By the way, I set my PR, cutting 19 minutes off my old PR. At 235 lbs., I am excited to break the 4 hour barrier!
Take care and kudos to you and your staff!!
Brad Hansen
Iowa City
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Stuff 1: Do you have Grand Rapids Marathon stuff for sale? I think I saw some at the expo, but had to hurry out, and I want to buy some stuff from possibly the greatest marathon EVER.
Stuff 2: I repeat: You put on possibly the greatest marathon EVER. This was my 10th, and for many reasons -- most of which you are responsible for -- I absolutely loved the race. I want to tell the world how great your race is, from the scenery to the volunteers, to the frequent aid stations, to your sense of humor, to the overall organization and feel of the race. But then, everyone would want to run it, and it might not be as great. I think I'll just tell the cool people about it.
Thanks for a great weekend!
Catherine Kedjidjian
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Don
Again another great race and a fantastic race day.
Thank you and all those that made the Grand Rapids Marathon a HUGE success.
Pat Purgiel
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Dear Don and Grand Rapids Marathon staff,
Thank you for putting on a wonderful marathon Sunday. From the super accommodations at the Amway Grand, to the variety of snacks along the well-planned course, to the large number of energetic volunteers and supporters, it was a great experience. Three weeks earlier I had a disappointing race at the Chicago Marathon and wanted to try another marathon with a different atmosphere. One look at the web site convinced me that this might be worth a shot and you didn't disappoint. Running along the river was great, seeing nature was a welcome respite from the skyscrapers and traffic here in the city. I didn't know until Sunday that they drill for oil in Michigan!! The out and backs were a pleasant suprise as it was fun to see so many of the other runners. I really appreciate the effort you put into keeping us motivated and informed leading up to the race and how well-run the race itself was. A reflection of the people involved I'm sure. I've already told several friends that this will be a good marathon for them to try. Enjoy the Stockyard Stout!!
Matt Osegard
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Today’s Marathon (and for me) Half Marathon was a first class event, memorable in every respect. Thank you and your team for making this happen for the West Michigan running community!
Great course, awesome support, chili to die for, most definitely “memorable” pre-event e-mails from you, etc. I’ll be back next year.
My only concern is that (more than) a few of the runners seemed to forget to bring the race director a bottle of beer. My humble contribution was a New Holland Brewery pumpkin ale, a seasonal treat.
Best regards, Andy Catlin
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Beautiful weather! How did you manage to pull it off???
Course for 1/2 marathon--did I boast to you I took 1st place in my age group and am JAZZED!?????--is fine except the too sharp/tight turns in Millenium Park. I think these this could be "smoothed out" with minimal rerouting. Support, volunteers, venue and everything else were just great! Hooray to you and your staff and GR!
Brad Friedland
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Hey Don,
you and your staff sure know how to throw a 26.2 mile party. Many sincere thanks to all who made today as awesome as it was. Sign me up for next year. You guys rock!
JC
P.S. I brought you the winter white ale, just in case you actually got to drink it.
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Thank you- it was great race! The weather was beautiful - the volunteers wonderful- the trail was awesome (coming from a Nebraskan- I have not seen that many trees since I moved out of MI!) the Amyway hotel was terrific- I am running out of adjectives!!!! Can we do all again next weekend? Same time - same place?! Thank you for a great event.
Diane Hein-Beutel
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Thank you, Don, for a really superb event. I was fully impressed from start to finish. Grand Rapids was my third marathon and my first "small" one. I ran Chicago in '04 and Boston this past April...now I know the beauty of running in a smaller, more intimate race. The volunteers, aid stations, pace team, medals, course, and technical shirts were all top notch. Much nicer than either of my first two marathons. Oh, not to forget the race director! I ran into you the day before the race and you went out of your way to psyche me up. Thanks. It was a great race and I also had a PR. Yeah! Thanks for including me in your adventure.
Warmest regards,
Wendy Westmeyer from Chicago
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Hi Don,
I just wanted to thank you and your staff for putting on such a great event. There were a lot of memorable moments including the pasta dinner, the witches and goblins at one of the aid stations, the "Finnish" line, and your rendition of the national anthem. I guess I'm really in a good mood because my wife and children tolerated this trip (and me) and even enjoyed it. Thanks for "forgetting" to put up "the wall" at the end of the race.
I hope your event continues to grow every year.
Best regards,
Brian Silver
Farmington Hills, MI
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Hi,
What a wonderful race experience. I just wanted to say what a wonderful group my pace team was (Will Ferrel 3:56). Rick, Gail, Adam and Chad!! They were all so upbeat, motivating, fun, etc. I would never have met my goal of under 4 hours without their motivational support. Especially during my last 4 miles. Chad kept me going to the bitter end. He, and the rest of the crew were the reason I made it. Chad kept my spirits up, kept me on course and helped me acheive my goal. I know without a doubt that I would not have done it without him. Thanks so much for a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Also, the course was beautiful and the race was very well run. I will look forward to running it again in about 5 - 10 years.
thanks so much!!!!
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I had the best time ever at The 1/2 Marathon!!! The races was so well run, the e-mails were entertaining. The participants were the best too. The day was perfect!!! Thanks so much. I will try to come from NC next year and do the full thing. My dog loved the .2 also!!!!!!!!
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I really enjoyed the whole race experience today! From the well organized process, to the way cool shirt, to the periodic humorous emails, to the pickle juice and beer, to the very "up" and encouraging people who volunteered. Even the guy who sang the national anthem was good. Everything had a nice touch of a neat hometown race.
Personally I put out everything I had but came up a little short for the Boston qual. The pace team did help though. I had a great time, slept in my own bed - I think it was the most fun I had at a marathon (#7).
Overall just an outstanding event and wanted to thank you for all the effort I know it must take.
Take care and best wishes on your next adventure!
Sincerely,
Mike Ferguson
Rockford, MI
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Great job with the Marathon Don! Just saw all the e-mails you have been sending out to everyone the last few days. That is really cool! I haven't run a marathon in a while, but I never had a race director do that before! I had a great time running the half
I am sure, especially people from out of town enjoyed the course. We run it every day or week and I think lose the perspective of how pretty those roads and the bike trail is. We stuck around until into the afternoon and I heard nothing but good comments. I am sure you will get lots of positive e-mails in the next days and weeks. Having the start/finish at the YMCA was a great improvement too. Hopefully it will just be bigger and better next year! I look forward to volunteering again!
Sue Miller
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Hi my name is Anna Zang number 636, and I ran the Grand Rapids marathon as my first marathon ever. The course was beautiful, and the people were wonderful. I never knew I would enjoy pickle juice! Thank you for making it special. It was so amazing, that I forgot to turn in my time chip due to all of the excitement and all of the pictures being taken by my friends and family. But I did put the chip in the mail tonight in the envelope I had received the chip in to avoid the fine. That was the correct thing to do right? Thank you again for all of the wonderful memories. Hope to see you next year!
-Anna Zang
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Hey:
You put on one GREAT FANTASTIC marathon! Great course....Great weather......Great volunteers......Great Y........Great staff.........AND AWESOME shirts!
I hope one of your staffers passed along my local brew to you: CUBBY BEAR rootbeer!
Again, GR was a great marathon! Glad I did it.
Thanks, Debbie Shutter
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Don (and staff), you are an amazing group of people. I ran the half marathon and was so impressed with everything about the race. Pictures, DVDs, good snacks afterwards, you really took care of us! I also want to thank the 3:44 pacers. They really helped me get there!
THANK YOU!
Christa Holland-Anderson
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Don,
Great job on the marathon this year and last year. I ran the half both years and I must say the route change was well liked! I know how much time and energy it takes to put on a race like that, so thank you! I especially enjoyed your emails. How do we get to the results for this year? See you next year. You can bet that I will spread the word to our members about this fantastic race.
Amy VanWagoner (rungazelle.com board member)
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Don;
I wanted to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in putting on Grand Rapids this year. The course was exactly as advertised- no unwelcome surprises, the aid stations were well stocked and supported by very enthusiastic volunteers, the celebrity pace group leaders ran like metronomes with words of wisdom and encourage along the way, the T-shirt and medal were world class, and the YMCA hosting us with showers at the finish line was a very welcome bonus! I was one of probably many woman who came across the finish line yesterday and nearly knocked you over with a huge hug to say Thanks for helping me get my BQ. I wish you could find a way to bottle up those hugs and pass them on to everyone on the GRM staff as well as all the wonderful volunteers- you all deserve it!
With all that gushing, I do have one very minor suggestions for future years. If there is any way to have a vegetarian chili along with the meat variety that would be appreciated by the non-meat eaters in the crowd.
Thanks again for everything!
Helen Brauch
Rockville, Maryland
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Hi Don-
Thanks for another great race! We met a friend of yours, John Lent, who was very inspirational- my husband and I enjoyed chatting with him for several miles! We were doing the 1/2 and what a great day!
I have a questions regarding the "Masters" category. How does that work? ( I haven't considered myself a master before...) I placed 3rd in the Womens Masters category, but would have been I think second in my age group? What's the difference? Just wondering...
Thanks again!!!!
Kris Ward
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Just wanted to pass on a huge compliment to you and your staff. It was my first ½ marathon and I couldn't have picked a better place to run it. I will definitely tell everyone I know about this race. Very organized, nice people, and a very scenic route. Be proud and continue the great work! See you in 06!
Jeff Wilson
Transportation Supervisor
Grand Blanc Community Schools
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Don,
Congratulations to you and your staff for making a great race even better this year. You all do an outstanding job.
I especially liked the enthusiasm and spirit of everyone working at the aid stations. Every time I passed one all the volunteers smiled and shouted encouragement.
Thanks again for your hard work and dedication!
See you next year.
Bill Elvey
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I am writing to thank you and your volunteers for organizing such a great event. I have run 7 marathons this was a very memorable event. The Grand Rapids Marathon has a top notch facility in the YMCA, a beautiful course and an exceptionally friendly group of volunteers. Congratulations to you and your staff for organizing a race that is without a doubt one of the best marathons in the Midwest.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We really appreciated the chance to walk in the ½ marathon. The volunteers were wonderful, the day was great and we (three ladies over 50) accomplished something that we never thought we would!!
We especially liked the walk through Millennium Park. It was a great place to have gummy bears! The aid stations were at just the right places and the food at the end was good, too. We didn't have any beer and chili . . . . buy maybe next year!
p.s. we also enjoyed your e-mails. we had many good laughs!
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Many thanks for a wonderful day, yesterday. It was truly a marvelous event. There were so many blessed and cool moments throughout the morning. Some things your folks had control of and others simply good fortune. Kudos to you for a very pleasant course design, well organized packet pick-up, finish line snacks and goings on, sweet wicking shirts (very nice), and a fine website.
It was indeed a treat and good fortune just how lovely the day was and how that worked with the race - the beautiful pinks and purples as the sun started as runners were arriving to the race site; the mists in the fields with views of the city I had not seen before; the leaves falling and skidding across the trails and roads; even the short sections through the industrial parks that served to intensify the beauty of the natural parts of the course; the size of the race; one could go on.
What was so good for me was that I was fairly well beat up and pessimistic going into the day - what with an eight day bout of respiratory cold/allergies or some such and leg tendon issues - but those things gently dissolved to the background as the race unfolded. It was far from a personal best time performance but in many other ways it one of the most enjoyable races I have been a part of.
My wife thoroughly enjoyed the ease of getting around to cheer me on at several points throughout the course. She is also a runner and was most encouraged to run the half next year.
Well, best wishes and thanks again for a very pleasant race.
Chad Dykema
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Hi Don,
Great time had by all ( myself, Paul & Dan from WI. ). We are veteran marathon runner's like yourself and GRM 2005 was my 74th ). With that, I just wanted to pass on some thoughts...Your race will no doubt grow ( from what I perceive ), so I'm concerned about a few places on the course, as to accommodating any more runners ( and wheelers...though the course would be tough for any wheeler regardless of number's with the cornering and turns )?
I couldn't quite figure out not issuing the "chip" with our race packets, but the next day issuance at the "Y" went better than I thought. Moreover, I liked the indoor area for getting last minute things done in preparation for my race ( weather wasn't an issue this year, but that set up will help in the event of less than ideal conditions, if present in the future ).
The course was well marked ( mile markers ), good aid stations and very scenic! I saw your reasoning for the several turns, corners and out & backs in the Green Area...makes the course more compact and easier to monitor/ manage, plus it took very little, or less than a lot marathons, for police involvement doing traffic control. I know you really have to give and take when designing a 26.2 mile course. And the current course meets your current numbers.
Also, as a veteran marathon runner, I appreciated the host hotel, expo, start & finish all within a couple blocks of each other...none of this shuttling, busing or driving stuff for us out-of-towners...A+ for that arrangement! Good start area and organization, nice finish area and "goodies". Nice shirt (though I know shirt type & design can be a contentious issue) and nice medal!
I also got to see your problem solving team resolve my initial registration glitch...my name wasn't listed on the main list that was posted. I was quickly issued a chip, once my name was found on "some" master list. That still caused some anxious moments, wondering if that newly issued chip would register, with my new # etc...I'm happy to report that I was indeed # 675 as issued and all was well in the results.
And finally, my thanks to you for having the "pace teams" and my compliments to those pacers! Of my 74 marathons ( and I am a former 2:50's finisher ), I have never, ever run an even paced marathon. I'm an impatient guy, that goes out fast (fast for me), builds up a several minute cushion, then hangs on! I have never felt so good or been so pleased with how my race was managed at GRM 2005. Good luck and best wishes for the GRM 2006!!!!
Thanks for everything!
Mark
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Hi Don,
I just wanted to send you an e-mail to tell you how pleased I was with the Grand Rapids Marathon. I know that you and your staff have worked very hard on it and sometimes it's just nice to be recognized for your efforts. I figure that you've been working all year on this event, I can take a few moments to write this e-mail.
I loved the race. Now maybe it has something to do with the fact that I finally became a sub-4 runner which I have been trying to do for a couple of years, but I think it was a combination of things that led to this feat. The course - Great!!! Nice and flat. What you seem to call hills between 3-6 were merely bumps in the road to me as I am from PA. There was a few long, boring stretches but I would certainly rather have that then try and fight traffic. I loved the fact that the roads were closed and we didn't have to worry about cars. Not to mention the beautiful fall foliage. I was in Hartford a few weeks ago expecting the colors, but I guess you were saving them up for your marathon. Thanks!! The crowds - What a perfect small town marathon. Just enough people so there was someone around you at all times, but not too many that you couldn't run freely. Even in the more confined trails, there was enough room and everyone was courteous. I followed the "Will Ferrel" pace
group, even though I didn't sign up for it, and it helped me a lot. The pace leader was showing runners how to drink on the run. That's the first time I every learned that. Please thank him for the handy tip.
The Weather - Even though you can't control the weather, I think you might have played a part. What a beautiful day for a marathon!! Not too hot, not too cold, just right!
A few other things I feel the need to mention. The volunteers were great. Since there wasn't very many spectator spots on the course, it was nice to have the volunteers at the aid stations. They were all very friendly and enthusiastic. And speaking of the aid stations, they were perfect. Oranges and GU at the most strategic points. I think I ate everything out there, even the Oreo cookies. My fiance was at the finish to meet me. He even commented on the fact that he could be right there as I crossed the line and since this was such an achievement for me, it was great to have him so close!! He said that he noticed family members running in with their loved ones and he had never seen that at the other
marathon I have run. He thought it was a nice touch at the end. Also, I loved the shirt and the e-mails.
In closing I just have to say that of the 20+ marathons I have run, this one ranks up there in the top. Thanks for all your efforts and keep up the good work. I will recommend this marathon to all my running friends!
Thank you,
Mari Lynn Dare
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What an amazing marathon you put on! I loved it...beautiful course, incredible volunteers, great shirts...can't wait to run it again. Plus, I was in George W's pace group and ran for a long time with Dave Minier. I feel so lucky that I ran with him...even though things started getting rocky for me at Mile 20, I did make my BQ time and could not have done that without Dave. I learned so much from him yesterday - your race will always be a phenomenal event for me. If I send a card to you can you forward it to him? I just want him to know how much I appreciated his help and running experience yesterday...and hope that someday, I can help/teach someone as much as I gained from him.
Thanks again - I was the Detroit marathoner who missed her BQ by 47 seconds and signed up last Tuesday for your race. What an awesome decision!
Lori Guthrie
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Well, the only thing not sore on my body is this typing finger. My body feels like I fell into a taffy machine, or maybe wrestled a giant squid, but it was worth every minute. Just wanted to drop a note and say how much I enjoyed the marathon. The default for marathons does not have to be city streets and suburbs, as the GR marathon proved. I found the course unique: winding paths, carpets of falling leaves, the river flowing alongside us runners*very refreshing. Thanks for the Gummy Bears, GU gel, and good time. See you next year*
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GREAT COURSE, GREAT ORGANIZATION, GREAT WALL. SOMEONE SNUCK ON THE COURSE AND BUILT A WALL. IT WAS BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 19 AND 20. I DON'T THINK I WAS THE ONLY ONE TO RUN INTO IT. IT TOOK A FEW BEERS TO DROWN OUT THE PAIN. HOPE YOU CONTINUE THIS EVENT. IT IS THE PERFECT SIZE FOR A MARATHON. THE VOLUNTEERS WERE TERRIFIC. I PLAN ON RETURNING IN THE FUTURE. THANKS AGAIN. TONY ROBINSON
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It truly was a great race. My running partner is just raving to everyone about our pace group leaders. Adam, Chad and a girl that I can't remember her name. I was only my second marathon but the coarse was awesome. So were the aid stations. We are definitely recommending this marathon. I am still so sore that I can't commit to another one yet. Let me know how I can get you to mail that to me. Jean Vandeveer
Thanks again
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You and your team did an incredible job; the marathon was well organized and enjoyable!! Thanks
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Thanks to you and all the volunteers for all the hard work.
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One thing I liked and haven't seen before is the clock at the start line showing the actual time, and then using that as the 'on your mark, set go, clock." That really idiot-proofed when we were going start.
The course was a huge improvement over last year; the out and back portions were a nice way to track who's ahead and behind.
Randy Schau
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Don,
What A Great Marathon!!! You have done all the little things that make a marathon the most fun and enjoyable that it can be. I could go on and on but the coarse, shirts, medals, and aid stations are just some of the highlights for me. The best small marathon I have ever run (Sorry, I'm loyal to Chicago for best overall but yours is a close second). Thanks for having me as a pacer I had a lot of fun.
JCV
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Hello-
I was a very active spectator at your Marathon yesterday following my wife, Katie Swords, all around the course on her first marathon. She followed the training program very closely and had a fantastic experience. She simply cannot stop talking about her own adventure. What beautiful Michigan weather!!! Thank you for organizing such a successful and fun event. Great Job!!!!
Have a great year.
John Swords
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Hi Don
Congratulations on putting together such a first-class event. The organization and facilities were fantasic. I've run in a lot of races and GR rates at the top. I will enthusasticaly recommend GR to people who want to run a really fun, quality fall race.
Highlights for me included:
The scenic course -- great fall colors and the trails were great
No logistical anxieties like a major city event -- we stayed next door at the Days Inn and it was super convenient, and outstanding value
Terrific mile markers -- you should patent your method (couldn't miss the yellow signs)
Your singing the national anthem was an outstanding touch!
Awards and printed guide were great
GU on the course I ate 9 of them for some reason
Fantastic shirt... let me repeat, fantastic it's something I can actually wear while RUNNING
The volunteers rocked and there were ample aid stations
You even had a hash station
I really liked the three out and back sections because I could see where the people ahead of me were.
Regards,
Robert
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I wanted to tell you what a great time I had at the (half) marathon yesterday. Of course, my runner’s high might have something to do with the fact that you seem to have an “in” with the weather gods, or that I did a PR by almost five minutes over my time in Detroit last year.
This was my first time running an event where I traveled and stayed overnight, and the Amway Grand is one of my wife’s and my favorite places for a weekend getaway. So the pasta dinner was also a first for me, and we had a good time all around with the relatively low-key nature of the event. But for a smaller event, it was really well organized, with plenty of aid stations, a well-marked (and beautiful) course, and all the expected amenities.
It was very nice to be able to sleep in and walk five minutes to the starting line instead of getting up at 4AM to drive to Flint or Detroit, find a parking space, and so on. I originally entered the event because of a personal scheduling conflict with the Detroit race that I usually run, but in fact I am now thinking of skipping Detroit again next year and coming back to Grand Rapids. I’ll just consider the Crim my quota for overcrowded races for the year, and enjoy the more open spaces of the GR Marathon for my season-ending event.
Thanks again to you and all your crew for all the hard work!
Doug Gordon
Rochester Hills
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My wife & I enjoyed running in the marathon that you worked so hard to pull together. The course was great and the volunteers were energetic and friendly. Our only other marathon experience is running in the Chicago Marathon, which is a different animal alltogether. The proximity of the Amway hotel to the start/finish also helped alot. We hope to run next year.
Thanks
Mark and Blanca Gentry
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Thanks for the great race! The course was beautiful and I really enjoyed the run. The second Grand Rapids Marathon was my first half-marathon. The atmosphere and the staff made my first big run very enjoyable. The race lived up to the billing. Everyone I saw involved with the race seemed to be interested in the runners regardless of their abilities.
Thanks for the great race.
Keep up the good work.
Next year, I might run a marathon.
Thanks
Tim Sturgeon #1921
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Dear Don and Grand Rapids Marathon staff,
Thank you for putting on a wonderful marathon Sunday. From the super accommodations at the Amway Grand, to the variety of snacks along the well-planned course, to the large number of energetic volunteers and supporters, it was a great experience. Three weeks earlier I had a disappointing race at the Chicago Marathon and wanted to try another marathon with a different atmosphere. One look at the web site convinced me that this might be worth a shot and you didn't disappoint.
Running along the river was great, seeing nature was a welcome respite from the skyscrapers and traffic here in the city. I didn't know until Sunday that they drill for oil in Michigan!! The out and backs were a pleasant suprise as it was fun to see so many of the other runners. I really appreciate the effort you put into keeping us motivated and informed leading up to the race and how well-run the race itself was. A reflection of the people involved I'm sure. I've already told several friends that this will be a good marathon for them to try. Enjoy the Stockyard Stout!!
Matt Osegard
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Days : Hours : Minutes : Seconds
