Grand Rapids Marathon

2007 Comments

Don, 

So many thoughts…….what a phenomenal race.  I wanted to take a quick minute and thank you for all that you did for me this weekend.  You have organized one of the best marathons I have done to date.  Your group of volunteers were so friendly and courteous.  Please let them know that my weekend was made very special because of their kindness and help.  They did such an amazing job at the water stations.  They were flawless for me.  The cyclists that led me are to be commended as well.  The three times where I did veer off course they were quick to respond before I got to far down the trail.  It was great floating into the finish line with them.  Their jokes and laughter made for a great morning.  It is not often that I call my shots like I did before the race….but something tapped my shoulder and told me that it was going to be an amazing race.  It was. The expo was awesome.

 I spoke briefly with Alan and mentioned to him that I try to analyze the races for something that I can let the race director work on for the next race.  Yours was the first marathon that I have thought about and I am unable to offer any discernable critique to help.  I am left speechless other than to say…THANK YOU!  It was, from the packet pickup to seeing you at the finish line, and incredible race event.  Again you and your marvelous volunteers are to be congratulated.  All of your efforts paid off in dramatic fashion!!!!!  

Sincerely,

Chuck “marathonjunkie” Engle

~ 2007 Grand Rapids Marathon Champ and Course Record Holder ~

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Don,

Out of all my medals this one is by far the best for a half marathon. In fact this is better than all of medals for all the races I've ever been in. Great job putting this together. It did get a little crowed but we know why.

Dave

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I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful marathon
experience the Grand Rapids Marathon was for me.  I didn't PR or even
finish as strong as I planned, but the entire race, from the e-mails
preceding the race day, the packet pick-up, all the volunteers, the
course, the cheering crowds, to hearing my name called as I staggered
across the finish line, it was all so enjoyable.

This marathon is on my top 10 for a repeat and maybe next time I will PR.
Thank you, and everyone who helped out, for making Grand Rapids 2007 such
a beautiful day!

Cherie Salmeto

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… it was a wonderful experience.  Thank you for all your hard work & the preparation you put into this marathon event.  It was very well organized & I had a lot of fun out there.  My goal time was 3:15:00 but I came in at 3:19:49.  Still a decent time, but I have learned a lot in the process and how I can improve for next time.  I just want to say all of the volunteers were AWESOME!  I appreciated how well organized & prepared the race was.  It made for a phenomenal first time experience :)

 

Blessings,

Sarah Boerma

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A standing ovation for you and your entire crew !!!! this was my 10th marathon and my favorite - I really enjoyed every step (some more than others) - you took great care of us on the course - we had everything we needed - including volunteers with big hearts - and having you greet us at the Finish - first class - I will be back!

Maureen McBeth

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What a great race it was yesterday!  My running partner, Angela, and I decided to sign up for the Grand Rapids Marathon after a disappointing Chicago three weeks ago.  We are so glad that we did!  Around mile seven, Angela and I caught up to the hilarious Will Ferrell pace group.  Dr. Levi Pulver welcomed us and offered some kind and inspiring words along with a little advice to make our race a little better (as if we weren't having an AWESOME time already!)  He has an amazing way of being uplifting and funny minus the cheese and seemed to have a sincere interest in all of us in the group.  He even gave us a mini lecture on ChiRunning.  We're going to try it.  We'd never run with a pace group before, but this first experience made a fantastic impression.  Although we broke off from the group at mile 22, it would have been much more difficult to achieve our sub four hour goal with out Dr. Pulver's assistance.  Go Pulver Athletics!  Please let him know how much we appreciated his help.

We thank you and your amazing volunteers for making this marathon an awesome experience for us.  Everyone was smiling, happy and so helpful throughout the day.  We appreciated how organized everything was too.  We'd love to come back!

Thanks for everything!

Libbie Lamott Rutherford & Angela Hart

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1. Awesome aid stations with enthusiastic volunteers.
2. Great course that was a very fast route.
3. Well organized finish area.
4. Very good communication leading up to the race.
5. Positive and vocal crowd support from those that came out in the chilly weather.
6. Clear mile markers that were easy to spot.
7. Nicer people than I usually encounter in Detroit races - there was no pushing, shoving or elbowing.

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This was my first marathon. The first twenty miles went well, but after that I petered out a bit.  The last four miles were definitely work.  Over those miles another runner and I stayed within about 25 yards of each other.  I would pass him, he would pass me.  Back and forth as our mental energy waxed and waned.  About one hundred yards from the finish, he pulled up alongside me. He reached out his hand. We shook hands. He said," We should finish this thing together."  We both summoned up enough energy for a "sprint" to the finish. I do not even know his number, but in that moment I certainly came to understand the camaraderie of the marathon.

Thanks again.

John Stuive

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I just wanted to take a brief minute to thank you for an incredible marathon experience! Chicago was my "first" marathon and after having no water at aid stations and being rerouted I just had to run another one to accomplish my goal. I stumbled upon marathonguide.com and after reading the rave reviews of Grand Rapids I signed up.

Boy am I glad I did. Your aid stations were fantastic (and the perfect amount), your staff was phenomenal (you weren't kidding), the fans were great, and the course was just gorgeous. I also loved all the small things (or really not so small at all...): gummy bears, names on bibs, announcing names as you cross the finish line (!), orange slices (I never knew how good those could taste), and the overall welcoming and supportive atmosphere that prevailed.

I am definitely calling this my first marathon and will certainly be back!

Thank you so much for helping me accomplish my goal,

Claire Lux

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I just got home and I really want to write to you guys and let you know how much I enjoyed the marathon today. WOW! This is my 6th marathon and it was by far the most well-organized! (I have done Chicago , Disney, Detroit , and Grand Island trail) I always thought I needed the motivation of the massive crowds in Chicago , but I loved the quiet course that we ran on today. The volunteers and race officials were incredible. After Chicago , it was such a treat to have so much Gatorade, Water, GU, gummy bears, pretzels....etc. And the finish line (medals, water, food) were organized and set up perfectly. I can't say enough what a great run it was! Thanks so much to you and your team for putting on such a stellar race!!!

Nicole Hein
Jackson , Michigan

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Just wanted to let you know what a great time my wife, kids and I had at
your event. After the "meltdown" in Chicago , we were looking for another
opportunity and Grand Rapids looked great. After much analyzing, we decided
to sign up. Getting ready for the race, we especially enjoyed your regular
emails. They weren't just funny but informative too (great combination).

We're run enough marathons to recognize the better events. The Metro Health
Grand Rapids Marathon is now at the top of our list. We look forward to the
day we can return to Grand Rapids and participate in your race again.

I'm not sure what else to say, other than THANK YOU & GREAT JOB!

Thanks,

Andy McPherson

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Today was the first time I've run in a competitive race. What an amazing experience. I just wanted to thank you, the race staff and all the volunteers for making my first race experience so wonderful.

Thanks again,

Rob McFarlan

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Hats off to everyone who helped to put on this magnificent event.  My son and I ran in the 1/2 Marathon this morning and had a fantastic time.  You all did a GREAT job.  Thanks, see you next year.

No. 2937.

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Thank you for the great laugh this morning about comparing an AMERICAN maple leaf to a CANADIAN one. To most people they do look the same but obviously your trained and skilled eye knows the difference. Bravo!  Don't even get me started on the Toronto version. That's another story entirely!

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Don, I just want to thank you for what was a very fulfilling experience today.

I was a member of a relay team.  Everything clicked.  It was well planned out, I felt good about our participation and felt as though I was a member of the whole group.  We were encouraged by everyone even though we were a relay.  It was great.  Thank you for choosing to include relays this year. 

Here's the scene...There were four of us, all from different teams, at the final exchange point left.  We laughed, we cheered on all of the marathoners (who were ahead of our relay teams!) and just had a great time with the many people around us who were also there cheering on their favorite marathoners.  It was just plain flat out cool!

Nice job to you and all of your volunteers.  It's been an awesome day.

Sincerely,

Laurie Ward, Belmont

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I finished the GR Marathon earlier today. Thank-you! This was marathon number 30-ish, or something like that; and my first GRM. I  have my marathon likes and dislikes: smaller is better than bigger,  water is better than sports drink, well-planned is better than  scenic. But after my experience today, I have to thank you for what  was maybe the best-run "small" marathon that I've done. From my  standpoint, the thing was about perfect. (I know that you can't really take credit for the weather...) Congratulations and thank-you.

David Bach ( Ann Arbor , MI )

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Greetings Don:
I just wanted to take the time to thank you and your amazing team for putting on such a great race.  Not only did I PR on Sunday but I also met some really great people throughout the entire race.  From the pacers in the Penguin Group to random folks along the course.  For God's sake, I was smiling from miles 22-26!!!  That has NEVER happened before.  Everyone was just so nice and fun to be around. 
I was also really impressed with the communication up to the race.  I felt like part of group and everytime I got one of those emails I would get so pumped up, I could hardly work!  What a great personal touch. 
I am so happy that I decided to do the Grand Rapids Marathon.  The shirt is awesome, the aid stations were great and the people were incredible.
Thanks again!!!!

Nicci Ciranna
Marketing Coordinator
East Lansing, MI

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I just wanted to thank you for an awesome marathon/half marathon event. It is very apparent that you and your staff pour your hearts and souls into this top notch event. From registration, communications, expo, course, volunteers, aid stations, web site, the list goes on … oh yeah … and the awesome finisher medals, your event is one of the best. Seeing you at the finish line put the icing on the cake! It really meant a lot. I had a great time and will definitely be back next year. I just missed the age group medals and placed 4 th in my age group … I either need to run faster or you need to go 5-deep for awards. Yes I know … I need to run faster! I'll be training hard over the winter and next year. I hope we have the opportunity to meet up in Fifth Third Tuesday Training Club again starting in February. Deb and I are planning to be there again this year.

Thanks again for all the positive words, encouragement, and all that you do for the running community.

Kindest regards,

Stephanie Sabin

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Dear Don and all of the people who made the Grand Rapids Marathon happen,

I just want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!  I finished the Grand Rapids Marathon a few hours ago and I want to thank you for making it the marathon that I have been dreaming about since January. I was one of the runners who signed up for the Chicago Marathon and came home very disappointed. Not that I blame the weather on them - I understand why they cancelled it. However, that was my first marathon and I felt that all the early morning runs and runs that I did that I just didn't want to were not worth much. I had a very sour taste left and I looked around for another try at it. Thank you for opening up the registrations so that I was able to try the Grand Rapids Marathon. It was hard, of course, but it was exactly what I imagined it would be and the feeling afterwards is undescribable. Thank you for making it happen for me!

Sincerely,

Susan Rop

P.S. I loved the emails leading up to the race. I thought about them as I ran!! 

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I want to take the time to tell you what a spectacular day I had.

I think you have done an awesome job growing this marathon.

The weather was perfect. The pace team fun. The medals so cool. The post race set up great. The number of runners was just right.

This was my 4 th marathon (along w/many other smaller races and halfs) This has convinced me not only to put GR on my list for every year but also run more small/medium races and keep away from the monsters which I have done to date.

I definitely had a PR by at least 10 minutes! The pace team for Will Ferrell was great and right on the whole time. I will run with a pace team from now on~esp. if they keep a flat pace thru the course like this one.

I know this race must be a job that runs throughout the year ~ so thanks for your effort!

I also loved your humor in the program and in the emails~ the emails were great and kept the mood light!!

The attitude amongst the runners was fun and congenial!

A LOT of FUN!

What a positive experience.

Thanks

Debbi Hanlon

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Don,
I just wanted to thank you and your team for a great experience!  I was a little nervous for my first marathon , but you did a great job of informing us what to expect.  I would also like to thank the whole team, because I did not have any issues Sunday.  There were tons of staff members around with smiling faces, ready to help, and all I had to do was show up, and run my race!  Definably a round of applause all around. 

Once again, please express my gratitude, and I LOVED IT!

Thanks
Nick

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Don  ---  Debbie (walked the 1/2) and Pete (ran the full) Loughrin wish to thank you so very much for providing us with a dream 2-day trip.  Every aspect of the trip was perfect.  You and your staff and the YMCA people and the sponsors and the Kent Trails area and all of the volunteers made for a wonderful, actually magical, experience.

All of the special touches of the Grand Rapids Marathon did not go unnoticed.  The fantastic updates that made us feel so very welcome; the "you can do this" coaching; the great shirt; the oh so needed food and drink at the end; the warm handshake; the perfect lodging/restaurants/parking; the early start option; the glow sticks; the 15 aid stations all well stocked with encouragement and supplies; the absolutely incredible course  ---  WOW sums it up.

In my overwhelmed state (and being full of joy not to mention beer, chili, cheese, bread and other goodies) I failed to hand you some mementos that I had in my car from a micro Brewery in Middleton , WI   --  Capital Brewery.  I will mail them to you right away.  What is your mailing address??

See you in 2008 Don and staff.  We be talking about this weekend, and rejoicing, until then.

(Hope you can do the whole Full Moon/Sunrise/fog thing again!!!)

Pete Loughrin.

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Great race experience today, Don. I appreciate the hospitality and friendliness of everyone involved. It really made for a good time.

Thanks

Nick

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Hi Don!

Just wanted to applaud you and the entire race crew. I had a great FiRst 1/2 marathon experience, you guys did an awesome, AWESOME job...

Also, I love the sense of humor you injected into the entire race.

Thanks again, and hopefully see GR again next year,
Jessica  (1:47ish, I'm shootin' for first in the age group next yr)

--
Jessica Whang

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Not sure where to post my comments, but OUTSTANDING RACE-thank you to you and your team for a terrific and well organized event.  The e-mails were fantastic!  Keep up the great work, only downside was I bombed at mile 22/23 and fell off the needed Boston time-oh well it least it was a great day running!
 
take care and thanks again
 
Barry Paxton

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Hi Don. It was nice to meet you after the race. Here's the link to my latest marathon post. - Jennifer

http://www.craftsanity.com/files/c069019da742d2d6b54e479d1ebbe459-67.html

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Thank you so much!!! This is the kind of treatment that makes people want to run your race.  I really appreciate it!

Alex Perry

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Thank you for putting on such a wonderful run.... I had a blast and my family thought it was wonderful going from place to place to cheer on all of us crazy's.  (quote from the fam)
We really enjoyed the beer afterwards as well, well deserved I might add.

This was my first marathon, though not my last, my goal was to finish, and now it is to beat my time. 

Thanks again to everyone who helped with such an incredible day.  (Plus I am still getting pampered, and that never happens, perhaps I will milk it out a bit)!

Sarah De Jong

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Don,

I had a great time out there! It was just the perfect day. And the race was perfectly organized ...

Thanks for putting your time and effort into it!

Mirek

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Got to the expo on Saturday and was so surprised that for the 2 nd year in a row I got bib number 54.  This year's GRM was after all my FINAL marathon in the 50-54 age.  Thanks for those special little attentions to details!

You and your crew do such a great job.  Keep up the good work.  I can't say enough good things about the marathon.  And thanks for taking care of the head wind in the final stretch to the finish line!  When does sign up begin for #5?  Will definitely be there!

Gotta run…

Ralph Meyer, Portage

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I want to thank you for a great marathon.  This was my first GR marathon and it was an awesome experience.  I am still so excited about it and I didn't sleep well last night because I was to hyped up.  I have 2 swollen toes that are purple and black, sore legs and a happy heart with a great feeling of accomplishment.

Below are some of our observations from yesterday  and things we want to thank you for:

It was a great experience.  I have run 5 other marathons and I felt the best yesterday of any of the marathons. 

I enjoyed and looked forward to the e-mails ahead of time.  They were helpful and fun and kept me excited and nervous for the race.

My husband and & did the 20 mile training run and that was a big help and confidence booster, and it was good to run the course. I like to know were I am going and what is ahead so that helped me so much.

It is a great, flat course and car traffic is not a problem.  The miles were very well marked on the course and I appreciated that.  I only missed one marker, mile #3.

The pace team was great and that helped me so much to stay back with them, which helped my time later in the race.  My husband also ran with a pace team and it really helped him to make his goal. This was the first time either of us have used pace teams and we have became big believers and fans of them.

I loved the variety and availability of snacks at the aid stations.  Also, there were so many aid stations which helps to break up the race and so much  water and Gatorade was available.

The post race refreshments were good. When I watched the video at the expo and saw the chili, I thought, yuck, but I have to say it sounded good after the race and it was good.  Thank you so much!!

Thank you to you and all your volunteers for a great day, a great race and a job WELL DONE!!!!!

We appreciate it so much.

Becky VanWingerden

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I didn't get a chance to meet you this weekend ( I didn't try too  hard- I wish that I had) and I didn't bring you Goose Island beer  (now I really wish I had).  I don't know if this email can really do justice to the day and what a great race I thought you all threw in Grand Rapids :) but here is my weak attempt and perspective:)

My TOP ten

tre cuigini (dinner with friends)
being in the woods- beautiful
fully staffed volunteer help throughout
a marathon I need to do again (loved the medal, the shirt, the  hometown feel:)
orange slices!!!
I think you put my medal on me!  How's that for a personal touch??
taking a shower right after the race before i had to drive home
the weather (what a great fall day)
a PR- 3:56
did i say orange slices?

I'll be back!

Thanks sooo much for all of the time, effort, energy and love I am  know you ALL poured into this race.  It sure paid off!  It was so obvious that  your team was all runners- all the details were clearly thought through!

I should mention the chili but i couldn't touch it after the race:) but i did have ORANGE SLICES:) ha ha. and a beer of course.

Have fun celebrating all your hard work!
Dani Schurman
Chicago

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Dear Don, 

  What a marathon.  As report card time is approaching, I thought I would grade the race:

A+  Organization...Wow, the best yet out of my previous 6 marathons!

A+  Gear check..dropped it off quickly. No line afterwards either.

A+  Drinks and Gu.  # Gu packets.  Thank you very much!

A+  Porta John placements.  I had to go at Millennium Park and the John was empty...no line!!

A+  Aid stations.  Many of them with cups ready, awesome!

A++ Your countdown messages.  I looked forward to reading them everyday.

A+   Weather!!

A++  Chili and Beer at the end!  Delicious chili.  I had 2 bowls (I hope that was o.k.

A+  Shirts  I chose the blue shirt.  I love it (Got a great hat too!)

Overall, the race was terrific.  Thank you very much.  I was 5 1/2 minutes short of qualifying for Boston , but finished under 4 hours for the first time. (3:56)

Most bizarre memory of the race:  At mile 23, all of a sudden a car veered off  196 and came on a diagonal right for me and other runners.  I'll never forget the sound of it crashing through the bushes and tall grass.  It came to a stop at the bottom of a gulley very close to the bike path we were running on.  It was very freaky.  A man behind me called 911.  7 minutes later, I heard an ambulance.  I said a few prayers for them during the remainder of the race.  I hope everyone in the car was o.k.

Thanks again for a great experience.  Next year, you can bet I'll be there!

Brenda Penland
2nd Grade Teacher
Grand Haven, MI

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Don,

 Good job on setting up the race. It was obvious runners were involved in planning the event. Everything was great from the pre-race updates, all the way to the finish. It's a lot of small details that can make a run a good or bad overall experience. The course was scenic and relatively flat, close by parking and showers, variety of food, a shirt runners can use, all add up to a repeat for next year. This was my 22nd marathon and I think the lower number of participants is part of what made it such a success.

I saw you at the finish, however, I wasn't in very good shape to mention any of the above.....

Thanks again,

Jim DeBrincat

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I ran the 1/2 marathon on Sunday and I wanted to share my experience.  When I woke up on Sunday I did not feel like running at all. I have done a few 1/2 marathons and ran the 2006 Chicago Marathon.  Even though I trained for this event I just didn't feel very prepared.  I walked down to the start with my two friends all of us feeling unsure about the run.  As I was standing at the start I began to get energized by the crowd waiting for the race to begin.  My plan was to try and stay with the pace team of 3:44 which would have me coming in at about 1:52 for the half.  This would be a PR for my 1/2 marathon.  Once I started running I began to feel really good.  I was able to keep with the pace team.  When we arrived at the point of the split I began to panic thinking I wouldn't have the pace team with me.  I saw that some of the pace leaders were going to run the 1/2 marathon.  I met up with Kevin, Mark and I think the other one was Dave.  Can I tell you that these guys "ROCK"!  They were so awesome.  They kept my mind off of running and made it so easy for me to finish.  I completed the race in 1:49, which is almost 4 minutes faster than my best 1/2 marathon.  I was so excited and I felt GREAT!  This was a
wonderful course and an excellent race.  I am looking forward to running it again next year.  Maybe even doing the full.

Please pass along to Kevin, Mark and Dave that I owe this race to them. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Kelly Hocquard

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Don,
 
Thank you for organizing such an awesome event.  I love running the Grand Rapids marathon.  I think it might be my favorite marathon to date.  You do such a great job of organizing the event, getting great volunteers, setting up a great course for the runners, having plenty of water and snacks at the aid stations, funny and motivational emails, great shirts and medals.  Everything is perfect and I don't think I would change a thing.  I loved the race. 
 
Please keep me on the email list for next years race.  Do you know what the date will be for next year?  I want to get it marked on my calendar.
 
Thanks for all the hard work that you do to put on this event.  I really appreciate it!
 
Lisa Monroe

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I just wanted to say thank you for a great day yesterday.  While this was only my second marathon, I have been running triathlons for several years and yesterday was by far and away one of the best run events I have been too. Everyone was so helpful and nice, the course was ever changing, the aid stations were full of everything anyone could possibly need and the volunteers and spectators were GREAT!

It was so nice to finish and be able to shower at the YMCA! That made the drive home to Chicago much more bearable.  Everyone who worked at the Y was great!

This marathon will definitely go on my yearly “to do” list! Thank you again for a great day and letting me and my training partner Teri sign up last minute! We really enjoyed ending our training season with your marathon!

See you next year!

Mary

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Just a note to say thank you for an excellent event, glad I got to see the race director, I hope I have the energy to come back next year, I hit 60.  Thanks for the Boston qualifier. I drank the bottle of Duvel I was bringing Don, sorry, but I sure liked the beer at the finish, hope they sell it in Lansing .  A great adventure, nice shirt, nice medals, great organization.

Sam Underwood
East Lansing

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I truly enjoyed the race.  The course through the woods and the parks made the race an awesome experience.  I ran with a guy named Shane from Huntley , Illinois , who dedicated all of his energy into helping me qualify for Boston .  His unselfishness, knowledge, and faith in me helped me run the course in 3:44:40.  Since I turn 55 on March 5th, this time got me into Boston .  I promised my brother-in-law Roger from Rockford that I would jump in the river in front of the Gerald Ford Museum if I qualified for Boston .

I chickened out and ended up just wading in to the icy waters.  After an enjoyable trip to Branns for some spirits and good food, my wife and I headed back to the Detroit area.

I want to congratulate you and your staff for putting on a first class event.

Mark Keegan

Berkley , Michigan
#517

Don,

I have to say that you really know how to run a marathon.  Your volunteers are amazing - you really did plan this with the runner in mind.  Shaking your hand at the finish line was an honour.  I look forward to running it again.

Cathy Garvin
London , Ontario

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http://marathonjourney.blogspot.com/  

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Don,  I never got a chance to thank you, personally, this week end so this is the next best thing.

         First of all thanks for putting on such a "GRAND" marathon.  Everything was fantastic from the expo to the finish line first class all the way.

        Secondly, thank you so much for getting bib #60 to my good friend, Pat Dooley, I wish you could have been there to see the look on his face when he saw his number (PRICELESS). I don't think he could have had a much better birthday With the # plus the fact that he qualified for Boston by the end of the race he was one happy runner.

        Overall our group of runners, seven total, wound up with 3BQ's, 4PR's and seven very satisfied runners, five of which, myself included, had run Chicago.

       On behalf of the Second Sole Running Group of Rocky River , Ohio A heartfelt well done and thank you for putting on a first class event.

Thanks again,

Mike Erhardt

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I was a runner who was unable to finish in Chicago (made it to mile 17 before the end of the race), so I signed up for GR a few days afterward.

I'm so glad I did.

I've never participated in a better, more well-organized event EVER. I will definitely be back.

Thanks again...you all deserve a medal of your own.

Lisa

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Just a quick note to let you know what a great event this was.  I may be a little biased because I got to watch my dad qualify for Boston for the first time in his 6 marathons, but as a bike racer and a former high school XC runner, I know a good event when I see one.  The course was well thought-out, scenic, and very spectator friendly -- I was even allowed to ride my bike on the course when my dad wanted to ditch his gloves, or to give him a GU or an extra swig of Gatorade when he needed it.  I also got to run the last mile with him, wearing my jeans and a stupid, proud grin, something I have never been allowed to do in Chicago .  It was a really special moment, and I thank you for a memory that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.  Every detail was covered, from the gummy bears (an old runner/cyclist secret) `to the well-placed portajohns on the course.  This truly was a race FOR runners, BY runners.  I only wish we'd known about it before.

Once again, thank you for putting on such an awesome race, and I'm sure we'll be back next year.

Joe Hartley

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I just wanted to say thanks for putting on a marathon which blew away my expectations.  I wasn't expecting much with it being so small (and only having ever done large marathons), and it was by far one of the best experiences of my life.  Your attention to ensuring every runner was happy and well taken care of was second to none.

Thanks again,


Brian Steers

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Don and friends

I just want to say that Sunday was the best day for me ever!  First off I didn't have an asthma attack like I did on race day for the River Bank Run!  I felt great and ran fast! 

I thank you and your staff of volunteers so much.  You were well organized and it showed!  Thank you for taking such good care of us!

I wore my shirt and my medal with pride today for all of the students at St Jude School to see!  You did it!!!!! Another great success!

Thank You so very much for the great experience, on to training for next year!  I hope to do the full marathon next year

See you on the trails,

Amy Polega

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Hi Don, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for such a magnificent race yesterday! Your emails last week kept my anxiety high enough to start the race ready to go, yet calm enough that I understood all of the details. It was my first trip to Grand Rapids and I loved every second of it! The Expo was so well organized. It was a breeze to browse through apparel and shoes, find my bib number, pick up my packet, grab some Jelly Belly Sports Beans for the race, and be on my way. The elevator and ramp were even conveniently located to the Expo to maneuver my 14 month old daughter! You didn't exaggerate; the t-shirts and medals are top notch! This is the coolest race shirt I've ever received!

The volunteers were terrific as they directed us to parking prior to the race. We were only a brisk walk away from the start line. Port-a-potties were a plenty! I didn't even have to stand in line pre-race! As the race began, the tears stung my eyes as I thought of the training and dedication it took each of us to get to that starting line. Although I felt proud to be running the 1/2 marathon, I was in awe of the marathon runners! Along the way, I met some wonderful runners. In fact, I even met a man from my own neighborhood in White Lake , MI . He literally lives .5 miles from me and I often run by his home. We met for the first time even around mile 3. The water stops were perfect! Water, Gatorade, Gu, medical, port-a-potties! You and your team thought of everything we'd ever need at EVERY mile! The Gummi Bears were a nice surprise in Millennium Park !

I simply could not have asked for a better race. This was my first 1/2 marathon and I can honestly say that I loved every mile. It was so beautiful, organized, and fun. Thank you so much for all of your hard work! I can't imagine the hours, energy, and talent it took to pull off such a fantastic event. Only a seasoned marathon could anticipate all of our needs. Thank you!

Thank you so much, Don! I hope to do it all over again next October!

Darci Ludwig
2:12:14

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Don:

Once again I'd like to thank you for putting on one of the best events I run in every year. Even with higher numbers (at least that's what it seemed like to me) the event was a smashing success. Hopefully next year I can do the full marathon and not the half.

Also, if you haven't checked it out our MLive.com coverage, take a glance at my blog which is about the event: http://blog.mlive.com/benchwarmer/

One of my co-workers, Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, also wrote about her experiences in her first marathon and might be working read about too: http://blog.mlive.com/runningwithneedles/

Thanks again!

Michael Zuidema, The Grand Rapids Press

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Dear Don,

Thanks so much for letting me have bib #60 in celebration of my 60th birthday.

I dropped off a bottle of Great Lakes Brewery Nosferatu Ale from Cleveland , OH for your delectation. I made the mistake of delivering it cold and some of your packet pick-up volunteers threatened to down it on the spot. I trust their better instincts prevailed.

Congratulations on putting on such a great marathon. Our group from Cleveland had a blast. For some of us it was redemption from the inferno of Chicago . We scored 2 BQs, 4 PRs and 3 second best times amongst the 7 of us. Everyone put your race on their list of best ever marathons. My race report for our running group is here .

Thanks again for a perfect race. You made my BQDay!

Pat Dooley

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Don,

I know you get a lot of Thanks you's, but I just have to add mine.  I know this is the only half marathon I have run, but it was the best.  I did not know what to expect being the first time I have ever been in a race.  But I just have to say that it was an awesome experience and I think I'm hooked.

The best thing about it was all the workers who gave of their time to serve us and encourage us.  And the people on the sidelines that were there to encourage their family and friends, but encouraged people they did not even know like me. And that you personally greeted me when I crossed that finish line, I thought I was going to die before I got there, but once I got across looked up and there you were to greet people you did not even know. Not having any family or friends there to cheer me on was a downer, but your crew and others made up for it.

This is by far the best experience and accomplishment I have made in my 40 year of living.  I have shared my whole story on the website in hopes to inspire someone to try something they think is impossible.

I knew I could finish the half marathon, but not in my wildest dreams would I ever think I would finish in 3:18:17

Thank you so much
See you next year
Deb

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Don,
I know you are besieged with e-mails thanking you for the amazing event you put on yesterday.  Although you might not have time to read every one, bear with me while I at least write down my thoughts here.

I was one of the survivors of the Great Chicago Fire II as were you.  As if running a first class event like the GRM wasn't enough, as a runner you completely understood what we went through and the right as runners who trained hard all summer to at least road test that training.  You stepped right up to the plate and invited us over knowing it would tax the infrastructure you had in place.  You and your staff very obviously worked your tails off behind the scenes to accommodate the extra 400 of us.  On the surface I'm sure quite a few people never gave it a second thought but when you have a system and plans in place months in advance and then add 25% more within 3 weeks that's pulling a running rabbit out of your hat.

Three of us from Chicago came over looking for a second chance to actually run a fall marathon, just as you had suggested many of us do.  We were also intrigued by the overwhelming number of great reviews of your past races and the claim of there actually being enough fluids during the race (uhuh, heard that one before a few weeks earlier).  Well, Grand Rapids Marathon was not a mirage!  You, your staff, the course, the city entirely blew us away!  We loved the entire experience A to Z.  We each ended up re-qualifying for Boston as a bonus which we probably would have quit trying for this year after the Chicago experience.  When you shook my hand at the finish I told you this and that I owe this all to you.

All of us who added to your workload owe you Don for doing this for us. It's been said Grand Rapids is a marathon run by runners.  That's obviously very true Don with one addition.  It's directed by a guy who's one of the good ones.   I personally will never be able to thank you enough for your selflessness and dedication to others.

OK, returning you back to your regular station!

Again, thanks!!

Dave Sheble

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Don, staff and volunteers;

 

Awesome race Sunday.  I starting blogging my training when I was selected by the Chicago Marathon to submit a weekly training diary the months leading up to the marathon for their official web site.  I'm continuing to blog on my own now at http://runningformylife.blogspot.com .  Instead of singing the GRM's praises in this email, I'd love it if you would click on the link and read it in my blog.  I have posted 2 short blogs and one longer summary since Sunday.  Given your sense of humor, I think you'll get a big kick out of a Halloween photo.

 

I hope you are enjoying the Warbird beer I brought you.  It seems like a lot of people brought you beer.  One guy ran 26.2 miles to bring you a 6-pack.  You probably have enough to last you for several months or did you drink it all Sunday night?  :-)

 

Dave Craker

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I just want to send a note of thanks to the staff of the GR Marathon.  I ran Chicago 3 weeks ago and although I did finish (1st marathon), I couldn't run the race I wanted to run so I signed up for GR a couple days later.  Yeah, my first 2 marathons 3 weeks apart...my wife thought I was crazy too!

I was a bit apprehensive about the course because the map looked like a pretzel but running it was awesome.  It was like running on nature trails mixed into a city and the course was NOT pretzel-like at all!  Everything was well organized; from the packet pickup to the aid stations to the post-race festivities...nice job!! 

I was planning on running Chicago next year to revenge the heat but instead, I'll be running GR. 

A very happy runner,

Scott

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I was hoping there was a place on the website to post comments.  I want to tell you that the Grand Rapids Marathon was the best one that I've run so far.  (Of course it helps that I finally 'qualified'  -  thank you very much)  That aside though, the course was great, the volunteers were great, the pace group leaders were amazing, and you brought the weather in right where it needed to be.  I know you personally took care of that one :-).    I loved all of the 'out and back' sections.  I had several friends running - none of whom were running the same pace as any of the others of us.  The 'out and backs' made it possible to feel like we were still all running the race together.  It helped so much to think "okay, I should be seeing Jeff or Debbie or Marty about now".   One thing I'm sure a lot of other race directors would like to know your secret on is . . . . .how in the world did you manage to make that first out and back section (miles 10 to 16) downhill both ways???

Thanks for an awesome adventure!!!


Julie Hennessy

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Don,
 
I ran the marathon yesterday and wanted to give you some quick feedback on your race.  First, I had a great race and qualified for Boston for the first time (this being my 10th marathon).  Grand Rapids will always be a special race for me as a result and I will never forget crossing the line and seeing 3:14 on the clock.
 
City
Grand Rapids is a wonderful city and all of the people were warm and welcoming.  We stayed at the JW Marriott and the experience was top notch.  The city is easy to get around and the scenery by the river is beautiful.  My kids loved watching the fishermen in the river.
 
Course
Flat and fast just like you billed it out.  Again, the scenery was really nice, especially with all the fall colors.  The path was a little narrow and felt crowded at times.  This was probably more apparent for me as I was running with one of your pace groups.
 
Pace Group
I ran with the Pi Pacers and, as I already mentioned, finished in 3:14.  They obviously did their job well.  They provided valuable information about the course that I would never have figured out running it for the first time.  For instance, where the hills were, how to use the tangents to our advantage, pointing out the faster flat sections and where the course would narrow.  I didn't have to think about anything, I just had to stay with the group.  They also always grabbed extra water/Gatorade/GU and offered it to all of the runners.  They assisted me when shedding layers by holding my hat, sunglasses, water bottle, etc.  I have never experienced anything like this before where the pace group leaders clearly put all of the runner's needs before their own.  I would appreciate it if you could pass this note on to let them know how grateful I am for their efforts...The Pi Pacers rock!!!
 
Support
Amazing friendly support from everyone that I came in contact with during the day.  This started at packet pickup and continued until after the race when a volunteer approached me after I finished and asked me if I was feeling alright.  (I was shivering waiting to meet up with my family.)
 
Thanks again for making this experience so great and memorable.  It's nice to know that there are other options over some of the big city marathons that I have been competing in year after year.
 
Take care!
 
Jeff Rodgers