Grand Rapids Marathon
2009 Race Recap
2009 Race Photos from ASI
2009 Michigan Runner Video
Bagel Beanery Kids Marathon Race Day Photos
Want a Sneak Peek at the Finisher Medals?
Runner Comments
Don,
Kudos to a great race! We had a wonderful weekend thanks to your well organized race, staff and volunteers. Thank you for making it a great experience, your hard work is definitely appreciated. The encouraging and sometimes humorous emails were very enjoyable and motivating!
I'll be back again next year :)
Laura Burnett
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 Stephanie posted something on your Wall and wrote:
"Thanks Don for yet another amazing Grand Rapids Marathon/Half Marathon! Love the new half marathon course! Hats off to you and your staff.
 Looking forward to next year ... hmm, maybe I should buy into the life time entry program!! Thanks again!!"
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Don,
Thank you for a great race and all the motivational emails. I thought the staff and volunteers did a remarkable job on the course. It made my trip here from Missouri well worth it! Thank you again!
Jeff
Mr. Don Kern --- words simply cannot adequately describe how grateful I am to you and all the volunteers who organized the 2009 GR marathon. What a wonderful experience!!! From the very start with the singing of the Canadian national anthem (made me feel very proud of my home country even though I live here now)...to the very end when I crossed that finish line in tears and gave you the worlds biggest hug...the return embrace I received from you was so heartfelt :-) Â
I truly appreciate your advice prior to; loved all the encouraging and funny emails we received leading up to our big day.....you are simply the best. Even with a pulled right hamstring after mile 15 and not necessarily the time I wanted, I am wearing my medal proudly this afternoon :-)
God Bless you all and a heartfelt thank you to you and your organization for making this one of the best days of my life!!!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!! See you next year!
Susan Herschel
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Awesome race! Very well done. The medals and shirts are great! The after race food fabulous! Thanks for a great day of running, fun people, fabulous volunteers, and a great guy and the finish!
Pam Mooty
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Don,
Thanks to you and all of the volunteers for a great event yesterday! Great spirit, great support all along the way!
Best regards,
Mark Weick
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Hey Don!
I just wanted to say thank you again for hosting a great race and welcoming my dad and I to Grand Rapids once again. I was 1 excruciating minute away from qualifying for Boston, but as you know I only decided to run on Thursday so only had a 2 day taper. Oh well, maybe we'll see you at Last Chance and take care of business for good!! You hold a great race and I'm glad I held my last "training run" for NYC there today. Thanks for all of the support you have given us and we can't wait to see you again soon!!
Jenn
PS- My dad wasn't even close to DFL in the half marathon! He should try harder next time!!;)
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Great Event. It was my first half marathon (am a miler by nature--ha!) and it was very well hyped and well run (by you folks). Excited to do it again next year.
Thanks for a great day!
Sincerely,
Ruthie Cook
Retired College runner
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Don and all the Volunteers,
The race was wonderful! Thanks for the warm and friendly atmosphere. I had my best time and my best time ever (1 minute faster than I ran Lansing on 9/27) at a race! Although the weather was cool so were all the people and volunteers and cheerleaders along the raceways! The shirts and the medals were the most beautiful I have received even though I am fairly new to racing....only 6 including this one. We (me and 5 of my friends) just might have to come back next year.
Thanks again for the fantastic weekend. You sure know how to throw a party! GR is a great place to have fun!
Keep on running,
Runner Girl...
Cindy Bosserd.
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Andrea Berninger Thomas wrote on your Wall...
"GREAT race, great to meet you and share beers and stories, and nothing like a warm hug from the RD after a chilly PR! Congratulations on your first-class marathon! Cheers!"
BEST MARATHON EVER!
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Hi Don -
I ran in 2007 (while pregnant, unbeknownst to me) and came back in 2009. They always say the first time is the best, but THEY WERE WRONG! Grand Rapids is clearly the NUMBER ONE marathon in the country! From the Kids Marathon (my son was so tickled that he received his own medal!) to the early start (I can't believe I was the first to cross the start line again!), it was a first class experience.
A big THANK YOU to each every volunteer out there in the freezing cold.. You made each of us feel like rock stars!
Thanks - can't wait for the next one - how about GR2 in the spring?
Kristine M. Jahn
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Don,
Thank you for making my first half marathon experience such a wonderful one!   Thank you for being there at the finish line to shake my and all the runners hands.  You organized a great event, and you and your whole team should be proud of what you have done.
I'll be back next year, for sure!
Much thanks and appreciation for a job well done,
-Todd "still smiling" Moore.
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Hi Don,
Thanks for keeping your word and being at the finish line! All I did was look for a Fabio look alike and then I saw you. It was very much appreciated after a long walk/day. :)
Thank you for all your hard work on the race. I am sure it was classified as a successful for everyone - especially the finishers. I bet you are glad that you didn't have any excitement like the Detroit Marathon did, aren't you? Life can slow down for you now and you can relax now that the Marathon is done, right? Have a good day!!!
Chris
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Don,
Congratulation's to you and your entire staff for once again putting on a great 1/2 and Full marathon! The weather was perfect, the new course positive, and the organization and spirit all superb......     A wonderful experience..... I worked pretty hard in the 1/2 marathon, but I had NO idea that I would take first place in my age group......very surprised and elated when checking the results last night.
Thanks again!
Wendy
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Don,
I wanted to thank you and your staff, volunteers and anyone else involved in yesterdays Marathon. This was #7 for me. 2 in Chicago, 2 in Detroit, 1 in Columbus. Even though this was one of my slower times, it was absolutely the most enjoyable. The course was as good as you can possibly get. There was plenty of support, water, gatorade, banana's, oranges, smiles, smiles, smiles - even at the back of the pack. It is hard to imagine that the volunteers can keep that energy level up for all of the runners 4, 5, 6 hours into the race.
A special thanks to the pace group volunteers I was with 99% of the way. The Penguins, 4:44:44. They maintained the pace consistently throughout the run, even slowed a little at mile 25 as they were a minute ahead of schedule!!. I ran on-slowing down at that point would have been pretty ugly for me. They talked to us the entire way, encouraged, cajouled, laughed; it was wonderful. At around mile 23 they let it slip that two of them ran Chicago the previous weekend. And here I was feeling sorry for myself because I still had 3.2 to go. For me, just a wonderful experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you. If the old bones will allow, I will probably be back next year.
#853 John Gray
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Don- I had a great time at the race and enjoyed your pre-race communications. I have run many smaller races (including 2 Riverbank runs) and have never had the race director shake my hand at the end. Thanks.
My only regret was eating an Oreo – not a good choice!
Sue Ray
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Don,
Thank you so much for again hosting and creating a great event.
The Grand Rapids half was my first ever half marathon (2008). I enjoyed it so much that I managed two ½ marathons this year. The Chicago Rock and Roll Half and the Grand Rapids Half.
I love Chicago, it’s my hometown, but running your half is still my favorite. It’s more relaxed and everyone HAS FUN!
Thanks for being there at the finish line, I felt like a celebrity was congratulating me! Plus, I logged my best time yet. With three ½ marathons to my name, I’m running out of excuses to run the full. So, next year, I’ll be knocking out all 26.2 of those miles. Can’t wait to see everyone there.
Thank you again for a wonderful experience.
Stephanie J.
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DON KERN !!!!
What a FANTASTIC race! I am the one that brought you the IPA from the Mt.Pleasant brewing company and now that I know what I know.......it should have been a six pack ! The race was so well organized, the course was gorgeous and the people were inspiring and so very nice. Your emails kept me on point & focused on my goals.
I am also one of those crazy runners who emailed you about having an injury & possibly downgrading to the 1/2 or running next year------and I am happy to say that I healed fast and ran my very first FULL MARATHON and thanks to that great 4:14 pace group I finished in 4:14:01-----just 13 minutes shy of a BQ for my age group ! AWESOME EXPERIENCE. I will definitely be back next year to run with the 3:56 group.
One question I do have is that would it be possible to contact Marvin from the pace group, or Rachel (or they could email it to me) I was curious as to our 13.1 split time. I know we ran pretty close to even splits. My watch screwed up a little bit and shows that we ran further than we did. I just want to be accurate when I brag, that's all
Thanks again for a fantastic event. Even my fans had the time of their lives & can't wait to come back next year!
Kathleen O'Connor
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Don
As I sit here with my legs up, quads throbbing, generally exhausted, I have such a great feeling after running the GR marathon yesterday. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the entire experience. I live in Chicago, and before yesterday, had run 18 marathons and 2 ultras. I wanted to find a fast course in the Midwest in October, and something other than an uber race. I had heard a lot of great things about GR, generally from the marathon press and specifically from my friend Boonsom Hartman. I decided to make it my fall 2009 marathon. My goal time was "3 anything". I trained hard and stood at the start line Sunday morning, thinking I had a good shot to make it happen.
The course is wonderful - not only flat, but lovely. So peaceful in Millenium, through the prairies, along the river, fall colors everywhere.  A Chamber of Commerce weather day for runners. The most beautiful Y I have ever seen. Absolutely the most wonderful, friendly volunteers. I thanked as many as I could after the race, when I could speak again. Aid stations plentiful, well stocked.
It all came together for me. I had a great day, finishing in 3 58 47 (chip time). As the race unfolded, I was confident I could reach my goal, but not until a 9 01 mile got me to the 25 mile marker at 3 48 did I feel I had it in the bag (assuming I didn't do a face plant). Hearing my name as I approached the finish line. Celebrating with you at the finish line was the capper, I appreciate your being there to share the finish with all of us. And what a gorgeous finish medal! Culver's, the hot dogs from the Salvation Army, sharing stories with fellow finishers. I didn't want to leave.Â
From an economic impact, I traveled with 2 other runners and their significant others. We had 3 rooms at the Best Western, thankfully with the late check out and a reasonable room rate. We had 2 big meals while in town, and the non-runners also had a nice breakfast after the start of the race.Â
Some minor suggestions for improvement.  A couple of the early aid stations were a bit overwhelmed as I had to pause a bit at the one around 5 miles and the one right after that. The only thing I noticed on the course (at least in the early miles before the runners thinned a bit) was difficulty seeing the mile markers. I was timing each mile, trying to stay right on pace. Maybe a balloon or flag on the markers?Â
I did get to say hi to you on Saturday as you were heading into the course chat. I hope you enjoy the bottle of Station Master Wheat that I handed you from the Flossmoor Station Brewery in Flossmoor, IL.
Congratulations on a super race, the race has a fan in me. I will advocate among my running colleagues that they pay a visit to GR in October. Thanks for having me!
Paul Manghera
Tinley Park, IL
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Hi Don;
I've run over 30 marathons in my young life and this is one of the very few I remember including encouraging motivational and inspiring messages all along the way.
The last note of encouragement (re: first time marathoner), was especially inspirational because my husband is presently in Perm, Russia.
I miss him so much I kind of lost my zest for running the race, but thanks to you and your constant words of encouragement, I enjoyed the experience and appreciated the friends I hadn’t yet met til Sunday.
I finished the marathon with honor knowing he'd be proud of my efforts and Lord willing, this coming Sunday I will tell my husband in person why your marathon got me through an otherwise very lonely time.
Thanks,
Kathy
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Hi Don, Thank you for all you did to make the Grand Rapids Marathon so great. I felt so honored to shake your hand and that you were willing to shake my trembleing, sweaty hand. This was my second marathon and I qualified for Boston ! I'm so excited. The run was very beautiful and well organized. The volunteeres amazing. A man I never met before gave me encouragement around miles 23 and 24 when my body wanted to give up. It was just what I needed to go over that wall. The day was awesome . I really appreciated all the newsletters!     Jodi
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Don:
Did my first 1/2 in GR in '07. Liked it so much I got the lifetime entry. Came back in '09 after an obligatory stop in Detroit last year.
Between 2007 and now, I've had the chance to run a number of 1/2's and some (3) full marathons in a number of places. Very few of them even approach the quality of GR.
All I want to say is you run a class operation. It's not just the SWAG (great and well worth the lifetime fee, BTW) or the post race food, or the expo, or the e-mails, or the great medals and shirts, or even the handshake at the end (in a class by itself, hope your hand's not too sore), but all of it. You treat the runners well, and appear to have fun doing it.
See you in 2010 (1/2 if I get in New York, full if I don't.) Until then---
Dan VanNorman (#109)
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Hi Don, Just wanted to say I have never had an experience such as the Marathon last Sunday. I still can't believe I did it.That last block coming into the finish was a very emotional moment. Thanks for hug instead of a hand shake, it was more fitting for all the emotions I was feeling. I appreciate what a well run, fun weekend it was. Kudos to you and your staff for putting this together.
Sue Roersma
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I'm so grateful to have a world-class event right here in GR. Thanks for making it happen!
Best,
Rob
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Hi Don-This was my first marathon and I want to say thank you for the outstanding job you do.  Your staff was excellent and the course perfect, already looking forward to next year.Â
I have also very much enjoyed your emails.
Cheers,
Brett
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First of all I must complement your marathon! This is my fifth marathon, 3 of them were Chicago, and one in Dallas (not Whiterock, a much smaller poorly ran one). This was by far my FAVORITE! Great course, AMAZING post race food and wonderful atmosphere. The beer was oh so delicious after that run. I had a PR by 22 minutes (3:45:29)!!!! I loved the celebrity pace groups too, what a comical way to hit a goal. You have got me hooked. No more Chicago Marathon! I am going to try and get all my Chi-town groupies to come along next year. Next, I read in your email today that you will be ordering more XS shirts. I tried on the small and it is way too big. I want to advertise your event, so could you send me a XS? I will send you back the small in exchange for it of course. Let me know the address.
Thanks again. I really enjoyed everything from your website to the race. See you next year!
Emily ReuterChicago, IL Bib # 407
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Hi Don,
I didn't run the 2009 GR marathon but I wanted to give you some feedback anyway. I ran my first marathon in GR last year (2008). I probably shouldn't have run because I got injured and wasn't able to train for the last 7 weeks leading up to the marathon but since I had put so much time and effort into it I decided to run anyway. I ended up walking about 3 miles of the race between miles 21 and 24 but I eventually finished. It felt great!
This year I decided to try a different marathon so I don't get the same medal year after year. I ran the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon this past weekend. From the beginning I knew that things were going to be different. There weren't any weekly e-mails from the race director, no encouragement, no help, no effort made to really help a beginner marathoner learn the ropes and know what to expect. All in all the race was decent but was lacking a lot of the little extras that I had taken for granted in running my first marathon in GR. I actually blew past the first three aid stations in the Monumental because there was nothing giving me any notice that it was coming. I probably still wouldn't have noticed them except that I started stepping on cups on the ground. A significant section of the run was through a pot-holed street while we were still crammed in with one another and could barely see the ground anyway. Several segments of the marathon were run on a 4-lane road with the runners having one lane and the cars driving in the lane right next to us. In having to be right on the edge of the road I spent much of the marathon running at an angle (the pitch of the road) and now I have significant bruising on the outside of one of my feet. The police officers were letting cars travel across the running course when they felt that there was a significant gap to get a car through but my wife noticed at around mile 25 that the officer there would let cars through and the runners would end up having to stop, alter their pace or their direction to get around a car--not what you want at mile 25!
So, I guess it was my mistake in trying to experiment with something new. I appreciate Grand Rapids all the more. You put on a GREAT race, the course is beautiful and the volunteers are fantastic! It is so well organized and really is so sensitive to the runners. I'd take the GR marathon over one of the big city marathons any day of the week! Keep up the great work! Maybe I'll see you in 2010.
Steve Maybee
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Don,
Thanks for a great event! The location in general (and the Y in particular) are perfect. Regarding the course, I actually really liked that solitary swing through Butterworth Park around mile 24. It allowed a chance for some reflection and calm before the momentum-building final mile (and an exciting finishing stretch).
A special thanks to the volunteer who didn’t just put the Mylar blanket around my shoulders – she did it with a few soft pats on the back.
The literal, and much-appreciated, ‘TLC’ of that moment is indicative of the care and attention put into this race.
Dick Walstra
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Hey Don
You Americans just out do us Canadians in most everything and the marathon is no exception. However yours is the best in America! We’ve done Cinncinatti and Philadelphia and now thanks to you will be doing Boston.Or at least my bride will. It was “a bridge a little too far†for me so I’ll be her Sherpa carrying the bags ;-).Finally one place Canada does shine – BEER! At least we didn’t come up with Bud (for those who hate beer and like to pee a lot). Hopefully you enjoyed the Great Lakes Pumpkin Ale and the Skeleton Malt (we had a bit of a Halloween theme going) if your able assistant passed them through ;-)
Keep up the great work! We’ll be sending more Canadians to invade next year.
Cheers Wendy & Bob
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Don,
I want to thank you, your staff, and all the volunteers at yesterday's marathon for a wonderful experience. This was my first marathon and I was quite nervous about it. But ever step of the way I was encouraged and uplifted by everyone along the course, including the other participants. My friend and I walked the entire marathon so we were two of the last people to cross the finish line. I cannot tell you how grateful I was to see you and the other people still standing there to cheer us on and to give us our medals. THANK YOU SO MUCH for that!Â
And even though I have sore feet with four blisters, and really achy legs, my first marathon definitely joins my list of great experiences in my life.
Deamaire Stephens
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Hi Don,
Thanks for such a nice experience. It was my first marathon. I trained hard not to get injured (I have a long history of ILT band problems), but unfortunately my knee start hurting at mile 15. I then start running/walking all the way to the finish line. It was amazing to see my wife and my 13-month old baby there.Â
I just want to tell you that more than the medal i was really surprise to receive a hug (not sure if it was you or someone else). Can't explain exactly why, but it felt like a hug from an old friend. thanks again.
Victor
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Hi Don,
Thank you so much for organizing the Marathon! I did it for the first time yesterday and I am so happy today!
As a principal, my goal today is to go to each of the classes and inspire the kids to go after their dreams showing them my medal.
I was going to wear my shirt but ....it it too big. I asked for an extra small when I registered, but was given an extra large. When I noted this I was told the extra smalls were gone, so I took a small.
Do you think you plan to order more extra-smalls? If so, I would like to pick one up. It is a beautiful shirt full of confidence:-)By the way, I was the one with the I-T band tightness (your wisdom) on the training run. You were right, I learned all I could about I-T bands, got it under control and made it through the 26.2 miles!
Woo Hoo!
What a beautiful day!
Thanks again.
Barb
Don,
Thanks for a great marathon experience. There were 3 of us from the Oak Park (IL) Runners Club who made it (plus one guy who drove out that morning to run us in to the finish (he did GR last year and loves it). We all agreed it was a very well organized and run event.Â
And thanks for the hug at the finish. Wish I could have been more conversant, etc., but I left it all out on the course, and was pretty exhausted for a few minutes.
Anyways, thanks for a great event. My only request for next year - have the folks at the mile 15/19 aid station announce where the pickle juice is, and hand it out. I had to stop and ask - and I really needed it.
I'll be back to run this one again.
Best,
Chris
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I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the course this year. I've run hundreds of races in dozens of different places and you put on the best by far! I did the full last year and half this year. I really liked the changes to the course, it allowed for a little less crowding when it came to the trails and it was great to run through more of the city. The Volunteers along the way were AWESOME and very supportive. The expo, packets, food and awards were also great!
Enjoyed my favorite New Holland brew at the end of the race! Thanks a lot and I look forward to running again next year!
James Schultz
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Don-
I am sure you have heard this a ton, but THANKS to you and your team so much for putting on a great race.I did set a PR for the half yesterday. It was also very fun for me to be in the top 100 of women finishers (99, but who is counting!)Nice job on the weather for us!! I think that helped!
We will see what next year brings... In the meantime, keep up the AWESOME work!!
Best Regards,
Beth Stolarick
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Thanks for another first-class experience! This was my third GRM after discovering it after registering for and not running Chicago in 2007 due to the heat.
I am pleased to report that I ran a new PR yesterday - 3:26:49 - and finally, I ran a negative split (second half 16 seconds faster than thefirst) after fourteen previous marathons!
I did not think I would be so lucky as to have perfect weather 3 yrs in a row, but yesterday brought ideal conditions yet again.
Thanks again!
Kristy Powell
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Hi Don,
I wore my shirt from 2007 yesterday to show my appreciation! You really are the best RD in America. (I know, I know, it's a team effort!)
Your friend,
Linda Fuqua-Jones
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Hi Don,
First off, thanks for the great course changes. It was a good course last year, it was a better course this year. Thanks also for moving the porto's away from the food area!
I've done Detroit several times, and it is a really good marathon. But yours was better, twice now. Easier to get in & out on race day; tons of parking; race-morning packet pickup (which I haven't used but it's a mighty nice feature); not so crowded; a pre-race meeting on Saturday; Â a personal greeting at the finish line; chili and beer -- and not just any beer (the Crim serves Mich Ultra and Bud Lite I think) but real beer; the list could go on. This was my 22nd marathon, and the two at Grand Rapids are two of the better marathon experiences I've had. Maybe you even remember me -- I'm one of the people who said "good course" to you at the finish line, and last year I brought you a pint glass that was one of my running awards; it was "Ciderfest," a race at the local cider mill where the competition was a little lacking.
This year at Grand Rapids I dedicated my marathon to my friend and sometimes running buddy who is battling cancer. Kari always wanted to run a marathon, but found out about his illness right after a recent half marathon, so he hasn't had the chance (yet) to work up to a full. Last Sunday I carried a photo of me and him, and an inscription, and I am going to present it to him as part of a display with my medal and bib number. On the back of the picture, I wrote:
Me and my friend Kari.
We ran a marathon together
On October 18, 2009.
Grand Rapids Marathon.
I wonder if it would be possible for me to purchase a replacement medal to keep as part of my own medal collection? I am game to pay a fair price. Don't go to lots of trouble -- I know you are a very busy man, and I will live without my medal. Even if you don't arrange a replacement, I though you'd like to see an example of the "behind the scenes" good things are happening as a result of your marathon. You don't get to know about most of them because they have no spirited chronicler – but they're happening all over.
Thanks for reading,
Greg Flood #1330
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Don,
Thank you so much for putting on a GREAT event. This was my first half marathon and I am so happy I was able to do it close to home. Also, I want to say a special thanks to your staff. With out there help not only could you not put on the event but many people would not be able to finish I am sure. The way they support us throughout the race is such an energy boost and I am so thankful. I can not wait for next year and seeing what I can really do. I did not train enough only giving myself 4 weeks to get ready. I went from nothing to 13.1 and that was pushing it. If not for Clint Hough I would not have even ran it. Thank you so much again for putting on such a great race. I am now hooked again on running and looking forward to many more races including this weekends 5k at Candlestone. I would do the 10k but I need to recover a bit more.
Legs still hurting but face still smiling!
Lewis Hayden
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Hey Don,    WOW .... what a awesome course , and overall event. This entire expierience has been pleasurable.  The pace team kept me going , when i didnt think i could go no more.  I was glad to see you at the finish line , making it a warm welcome for everyone, job well done to you, and your staff.  I set a PR on the course 3:16:43 , slightly off for Boston, next time.  Brandon Armstead
Well, well, well. I had gotten the 231 emails from you prior to the race, and enjoyed your sense of humor - along with the immaculate organization 'goings-on". And there you were, at the finish! Sure enough, just like you said!!I came from Texas to run your marathon, and LOVED every minute of it. From the warmth in the YMCA before the race, to the GREAT course, and all the finish line food, the wonderful volunteers, and perfect weather (how did you do that?!?).
Thank you -and all your folks - for a race that will truly be one of my favorite marathons!! I'm still thinking about it today - and how much I enjoyed it. (Almost like a "first date" that you can't quit replaying in your head.).
Congrats!! I had a blast!!
Cyndi Graves
Plano, TX
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Don,
Thanks for putting on a great race!  I ran it several years (5?) ago and it was great then. As a runner I am always looking at how I did and what I can improve upon. I thought some feedback on the marathon might help you as well; especially as the race grows.
Positives:Â I can only speak of course to my experience.
flawless organization - not one organizational issue, packet pickup good, pace groups great, chutes for entry to the race great, finish line
great, the fence along finish line most appreciated to keep crowd back, etc. etc.
the run through downtown was great.  Tell the city this was a great improvement. The rest of the course was great too.
volunteers were helpful
plenty of water stations
I saw medical at several locations, a good thing. spectators were plentiful for a "smaller" race (much more so than 5 years ago).
I also liked the charity runners in the "strollers" they were very, very inspirational and of course got the most cheers. I state this as a positive because they obviously started early and those of us who caught up to them liked seeing them on the course.
Improvements: Note that these are not complaints, in fact I just consider them minor tweaks. Again the race went very well run and almost perfect.
In some water stations the volunteers "crept" into the middle of the road.  This was very apparent on the out/back portions: miles 14-21. Probably just a matter of reminding everyone to keep the path clear. Myabe the same with spectators (although I don't recall that was toomuch of an issue).
Some of the walkers (not those that crashed and burned, but those walking the race on purpose) were walking on both the right and the left sides of the road.  In some cases we had to run around through those clogging both sides of the course.  Perhaps a special note for walkers to keep to the right?
These are my experiences. Great race and I will definitely suggest this to people who are looking for a midsized fall marathon.
Oh, and by the way, the beer was great at the end!!!!!
Best Regards,
Jeff Wagner
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Hi Don,
First of all, I want to thank you for a wonderful weekend in Grand Rapids. We couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend. Second, I want to apologize for not being more chatty at the finish line. I can't even remember what I said to you as I crossed the finish line. I just remember taking your hand and then using you as support to rest. I was the second female finisher in the marathon. I also want to thank your AMAZING pacers. I was able to thank them after I gained my composure again, but I thought you should know how amazing those guys were. I came into this marathon with a 3:09 PB, hoping to make it in 3:05. Your pacers are the reason I was able to break the infamous three hour mark. I was able to stay with them and feel great until about mile 23. With their helpful coaching, I somehow managed to stay focused on the red shirts just ahead of me and made it in 2:59:23. I still can't believe it. Again, thank you so much for running such a well organized marathon. Your staff was so friendly, your city is beautiful, and I love your emails. They definitely helped keep me relaxed in the last week. I was wondering if there were official race photographers that will have pictures available to the runners? I know there were people out there snapping pictures throughout the race. Although I'm slightly worried to see how rough I looked in the last three miles, I would love to see some action shots. Please let me know any information regarding this.
Finally, although this is only my third marathon, I can't say enough nice things about how great it was. Within the eight people from my training group that attended this weekend, we have 87 marathons under our belts and we can safely say that this one is definitely the at the top of our list. This spring I will dive into my first Boston Marathon and I know I will be back at Grand Rapids in the future. It will forever be the first marathon I broke three hours.
From London Ontario Canada, the green SHAM ROCK (yes, he was in our group),
Thank you so much.Â
Kim Fleet
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A huge thanks to you and all the people involved in the Grand Rapids Marathon! This was my very first such event and I got up with a smile on my face this morning as I crawled to the bathroom...
Actually, I'm just walking around like a decrepit old man right now, but I achieved my "unspoken" goal of under 2 hours in the Half Marathon yesterday by just a few seconds. (I told everybody I just wanted to finish of course, in case I didn't make it.)
It was a squeaky finish to achieve the goal since I forgot about the .1 mile after the first 13 while pacing myself and had to put on a bit of a sprint at the end, but that being said, I am stoked to think I went from 2 packs of smokes a day to a 1 hour, 59 , minute, 34 second half marathon in 167 days. As soon as I heal up a little I think I'll start training for next year, something to keep me motivated!
Thanks again to you for the great organization as well as the news letters and comic relief and to all my friends and family for the support!
Steve Fraley
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Hi Don.
Thanks for organizing and directing a GREAT marathon! You put on a true runners race, and I can't tell you how special I feel this morning after running a PR AND qualifying for Boston at Grand Rapids. You met me at the finish and shook my hand. What race director does that?Â
Immediately after receiving my medal I was interviewed on camera. I felt like an elite runner who has just won a marathon! Wow.
I chose Grand Rapids because I had heard good things about it, and I prefer smaller, more intimate races. Man, did I make the right choice!Â
Everything was stress-free, from the packet pick-up to the conveniently located start to the numerous well-stocked aid stations. Thank you to all of the generous volunteers.
I have run 12 marathons, including 2 international races, and none of them can top the Grand Rapids Marathon's superb organization, flat and fast course, and runner friendly atmosphere.
Thanks again!
Art Nowak,Chicago, IL
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Thank you for helping me to reach my OWN personal goal (not the kids, husband, house, volunteering) in a very long time. I ran the GR ½ yesterday—my longest run ever (I started running a year ago at age 43), my first ½ race…my PB (exceeded my “expected†time). I was so happy running that course…it was so well organized, attended, supported…the nature/park path was beautiful…the volunteers were awesome! I was thrilled to see you at the finish line and honored that you were there to welcome all the runners “home.â€
Expect to see several more Evanston, IL folks registered next year because I’ve been raving about it all morning!
A big hug to you and your wonderful staff and volunteers.
With gratitude,
Shannon Cahill
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Don,
had a friend ask me in December to run the 5K in the River Bank. We did that and I'm now hooked! I had a co-worker tell me about the Metro Health Half Marathon and figured, heck why not? I did just run 3 miles, what's another 10? I spent all summer training and it's been an amazing ride. You and your staff are awesome!! Everyone was so supportive and positive and it made my first half an unforgettable experience. I was hoping to run it in 2:10 and maybe a little more due to the colder weather, but to my surprise I finished at 2:03:46.
That's so sweet!Â
I can't wait to see you again next year!
Danielle
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Congratulations on a great marathon - the volunteers, course support and especially the weather...what a day to run! I ran at the recommendation of Greg Meyer in an attempt to qualify for Boston (after almost 4 years of trying) - we'll good news - I did it...running a PR of 3:37 - I needed a 3:45!  As the CEO of the Crim in Flint, Michigan, I know the challenges of putting on an event like this...kudos to you  and your entire team - great job.
Sorry I didn't get a chance to have that celebration beer with you....maybe next year!
Gerry
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Days : Hours : Minutes : Seconds
