Midwest Marathons? Magazine Editor Looking for Tips

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PacerChris

763 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

15. Mar 17, 2007 8:31 AM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

quote:<HR>Originally posted by MidwestLivingEditor:
Are you from Cincinnati? Why have you been involved since the beginning? I WOULD be interested in talking to a pacer, and it sounds like you know about a lot of other races.<HR>

I do indeed live in Cincinnati - I attended some early info sessions on the Pig, registered but didn't run the first one (injured - spectated instead), and have run every race since then. There are some folks (specifically the Marathon Maniacs) who have done a TON of marathons - I've done almost 60, but some folks like srlopez have done a lot more. If I've not done a race, I've heard about most of them or know someone who has done it, and I'm sure the Maniacs would be a good resource as well.

Some others I thought of, along with others mentioned: Hatfield-McCoy has an interesting twist (race director is a Hatfield descendant and you get a lesson on the fued between the two families - they divvy the runners up into teams so you're either a Hatfield or a McCoy), The KY Derby Marathon runs through Churchill Downs I believe (they recently changed the course).

I'd be happy to talk further if you like - my email is in my profile. You should also consider checking out the Marathon Maniacs website - I think they have some reviews of races. There are also the 50 States Runners (runners looking to do a marathon in all 50 states) - those folks know about races in every state (obviously!)

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Pacer Dude[/URL" target="_blank">

GreenMan093

332 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

16. Mar 18, 2007 12:04 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

I've never been there but I've heard a lot of good things about Twin Cities. Nice course, beautiful foliage (it's in early October this year).

I don't know if Oklahoma City counts as Midwest, but their marathon has a lot of the things you're looking for. It begins and ends at the Murrah Building memorial, and it's well run and fairly scenic.

I've also heard a lot of good things about the one in Columbus, Ohio, from a runner's standpoint anyhow.

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Training and stuff[/URL" target="_blank">

sue088

264 posts since
Aug 9, 1998

17. Mar 18, 2007 1:34 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

I don't know what you are looking for as "hidden" gem. Green Bay is probably one of my favorites, but I don't know if it's hidden.

Fox Cities, not the largest amount of fans, but certainly enthusiastic. The water stations used to have contests amongst themselves and clubs and business actually "want" theirs to be memorable to the runners. And "yes" if you preregister you will have you name printed.

I haven't run the full, but I've run the 2nd half of Paavo Nurmi in Hurley, WI. Although the race is right on county roads, except for the exchange zone, for 13.1 miles on the road, I did not see another runner. I had one vehicle pass by me and there were 4 water stops that I was very happy to see as I approached as I would begin to wonder if I was running my own course. I think the whole town is running the race or manning a water stop. The post-race award party is something to experience at least once, it is so stereotypical small town Wisconsin! It is the oldest marathon in Wisconsin, est 1969, and believe me, there are some oldtimers that probably ran it back then and the course is not for the faint of heart.

I have Grand Rapids on my list to do, just because the race director is soooooooooooo enthusiatic about his race. I got the chance to talk to him on the phone a day after running Fox Cities marathon. He said "I don't suppose you'd like to run another?!!" It certainly sounds like it'd be a good. Pace teams aren't the normal 4:00, 3:30....but beat Oprah, beat P. Diddy, etc... I knew after talking to the RD that I really want to run his race.

RunForFun001

776 posts since
Jan 25, 2007

18. Mar 18, 2007 6:40 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

I have run Twin Cities, Grandmas, Milwaukee, Fox Cities, Journeys (Eagle River), Green Bay

I am being drawn to Whistle Stop in Ashland this year as I am intrigued by the "Beer and Blues Fest" Saturday night after the marathon.

Green Bay running through Lambeau field and having the atrium and field open for spectators would be considered a destination for some people.

Grandmas gives a unique experience, but the draw back is the hotels demand a 2 night minimum and they really jack up the rates. Even for a dorm room - 2 nights @ $90 a night.

I would like to do Paavo Nurmi in Hurley - THey treat runners right and there are some great "Nature" attractions in the region.

The Flying Pig is on my list as it is sure to be a unique experience - There is a reason that it is growing fast.

Southern Man

757 posts since
Apr 19, 2006

19. Mar 18, 2007 7:27 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

One that is interesting but probably doesn't qualify for your scenic is the Last Chance for Boston marathon. 26 times around a one mile loop in an office park. I think all the spectators are family members.

Southern Man

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MidwestLivingEditor

9 posts since
Mar 15, 2007

20. Mar 19, 2007 9:04 AM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

QUOTEOriginally posted by runninlaw:

I did Des Moines last year and as a runner, I thought it was well organized. I doubt it would be too exciting as a spectator though
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I live in Des Moines and was a spectator last year....that was what motivated me to write this story. True, it wasn't like watching Boston or Chicago, but I still had a great time. I figured if a little marathon like this was so fun, then maybe there was a story in there somewhere....

These tips are great...way better than wading through marathonguide.com. keep the ideas coming, and thanks, everyone!

Julie478

169 posts since
Aug 8, 2007

21. Mar 19, 2007 9:11 AM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

quote:<HR>Originally posted by MidwestLivingEditor:
Those are two no one has mentioned yet. How's the spectator support and general atmosphere?<HR>

I can only speak for Madison: The atmosphere was great, I felt like the whole town was behind me! People were out on their porches waving signs & camped out on lawn chairs having a "liquid breakfast." I remember a guy on a scooter following the runners (outside the route, of course) for a time blasting his radio.
The hotel I stayed at hosted an annual comic book/fantasy convention on the same weekend. Both the runners and convention goers regarded each other with the same raised-eyebrow curiosity.

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"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T.S. Eliot

kspowell

266 posts since
Jul 8, 2004

22. Mar 28, 2007 2:39 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

I'll second the vote for Bayshore in Traverse City, MI. It's a gorgeous town with a Cape Cod feel.

The marathon is an out-and-back along a narrow peninsula with stunning views of Lake Michigan the entire way. The hotels are plentiful and reasonable and there is a lot to do nearby. There are numerous wineries along the peninsulas, lighthouses, Sleeping Bear Dunes (My husband and I hiked the dunes in their entirety just 2 days post-marathon -- not the smartest thing to do for runners, but the view was totally worth it). There are some gorgeous old Victorian era homes if walking through town looking at houses is your thing. There's a quaint few-blocks-long downtown area with excellent restaurants, a couple of brewpubs, family-owned candy shops (they make their own stuff while you watch), and an eclectic mix of clothing, shoe, and souvenir shops.

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bowulf

103 posts since
Nov 30, 2005

23. Mar 28, 2007 10:09 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

quote:<HR>Originally posted by MidwestLivingEditor:
I live in Des Moines and was a spectator last year....that was what motivated me to write this story. True, it wasn't like watching Boston or Chicago, but I still had a great time. I figured if a little marathon like this was so fun, then maybe there was a story in there somewhere....<HR>

I am another Des Moines runner and resident, and personally think Chris Burch puts on a great race for Des Moines. It is the only marathon I've tried to date, so my perspective is rather limited. My wife agrees with you it was a great race to watch, but the absolute best race to watch in the region is the Living History Farms race. It would definitely be worth a trip to see the barefoot Indian running through the snow.

melistic

839 posts since
Oct 11, 2007

24. Mar 28, 2007 11:07 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

I've been reading post for a couple days; soaking up info.
I guess I'd be your 'newbie'. I'm training for my first race ever. I started jogging, won't really offend you masters by calling it running, in January. My goal is the Georgetown/ Idaho springs 1/2 in Colorado next year!!!
But I have to put a vote in for columbus, Ohio. I'm working up the courage to commit. There is a full & a half through what undoubtedly are our very best neighborhoods. Shops & eating right on the route. It runs through O.S.U. campus, past the shoe. Through many distinct villages where people line the streets. This isn't at all like you see Boston or NYC on the T.V. There are restaurants and bars w/ outdoor seating where you can sit & eat while the skinny, sweaty men run past. (that's what we locals do) or you can sit in the Oval or the park and picnic & play while they come through.
Afterwards there is a city celebration. Day trippers would be put exactly where you you would want to be in this city for a great weekender.

P.S. coming from Cinti, but never actually telling one flying pig from another, I can now thank you for the picture in my head of pig noses & Bengals jerseys running ...wherever they run

crunningman

950 posts since
Jun 7, 2002

25. Mar 29, 2007 5:13 PM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

I've done
Chicago(IL)
Lakeshore(IL/deceased)
Quad Cities(IL)
Detroit(MI)
Sunburst(IN)
Carrollton(MI)
Lake Geneva(WI)
Cleveland(OH)
Glass City(OH)
Last Chance for Boston(OH)
Columbus(OH)
Air Force(OH)
Martian(MI)
The Pig(OH)

They all have something to go there for, but if I have to pick any out of the bunch and why I'd return it would have to be Quad Cities for this very reason: Portabellas[/URL" target="_blank"> restaurant. Located in Moline, IL, only three blocks from our hotel on a side street. We just happened upon this place. We were casually dressed and I was in shorts. When we walked in it looked very upscale. As we looked at menu we asked the hostess if what we were wearing was appropriate attire. She said, "by all means". Alot of people were dressed up so we felt a little out of place at first. The dinner was fabulous and the Italian music was live. Just an awesome place to kick back and relax prerace.
Here is my QC Race Report[/URL" target="_blank">

gmaclin

36 posts since
Nov 17, 2007

26. Apr 8, 2007 12:20 AM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

I think the Lewis & Clark Marathon in Missouri would qualify as a "hidden gem". For more info, go here:

http://www.fleetfeetstl.com/lewisandclark.htm[/URL" target="_blank">

It's a great little marathon/half marathon and tons of people use it as "tune up" race for the Chicago Marathon every year.

Greg

AndyHass

1,385 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

27. Apr 9, 2007 8:54 AM

in response to: MidwestLivingEditor

Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, MI. Hit the wineries along the Leelenau Penninsula the day before or after. I couldn't do that as a racer but that would make it a better trip for spectators. Very easy to get around the course and see the race at many points, and beautiful!