On the other hand, the fewer races that have "Marathon" in them, the better. There is this group, which I'm really kind of miffed about what they are doing, which dilutes the mystic of the Marathon:

http://www.131marathon.com/

That's another group whose races I will never run, along with the Rock & Roll series.

There are three things that I find critical at a race.

1. Accurately measured course.
2. It starts on time.
3. Accurate timing.

Additionally, ample fresh water supply at the finish, and for distance over 10K, some along the way as well.

All the other stuff, the medals, the bands, the shirts, the jackets, the fancy cups, they can keep that. I'd rather pay $75 for a half marathon that nails point 1-3 than pay $150 for one that doesn't do anything well.

You should take a look at the BCS Marathon and Half-Marathon in Bryan-college Station, Texas. That is one of the best put together races I've ever seen. They nail your three critical points, still have the amenities AND keep the registration cost reasonable. I just looked up the fees for this year's race and if you wait until the last minute to register, it is $110 for the full. Register at a decent time, like most folks do, and it is less. They rely heavily on volunteers and donations so the majority of the money goes to the charity, and when the worst complaint anyone can come up with is that the port-a-potty doors faced the starting corral, causing a slight traffic jam at the beginning, you know it is going to be a great day

I've found that most non runners don't even know how long a marathon or half is anyway LMAO.

On the other hand, the fewer races that have "Marathon" in them, the better. There is this group, which I'm really kind of miffed about what they are doing, which dilutes the mystic of the Marathon:

http://www.131marathon.com/

That's another group whose races I will never run, along with the Rock & Roll series.

What's wrong with the R&R series? As a relatively new runner, I can understand why "13.1 marathon" would be irritating, but I'm interested in your take on R&R...

Lot's of reasons.

1. They are responsible for nearly doubling the cost to enter a race because of all the "amenities" that they provide, that I find unnecessary (like a band at every mile).

2. The Vagas debacle from a couple years ago. Google "vegas marathon 2011 nightmare".

3. How Competitor Group (who owns Rock and Roll) handled this, lying to the public, saying that "all marathons use hose water", when I survey of top race directors around the country revealed that exactly 0% of them do.

4. After taking over the Philadelphia Distance Run, the reversed the course, making it really suck, so that they could pack more sh1t at the finish to charge you for.


There are three things that I find critical at a race.

1. Accurately measured course.
2. It starts on time.
3. Accurate timing.

Additionally, ample fresh water supply at the finish, and for distance over 10K, some along the way as well.

All the other stuff, the medals, the bands, the shirts, the jackets, the fancy cups, they can keep that. I'd rather pay $75 for a half marathon that nails point 1-3 than pay $150 for one that doesn't do anything well.

On the other hand, the fewer races that have "Marathon" in them, the better. There is this group, which I'm really kind of miffed about what they are doing, which dilutes the mystic of the Marathon:

http://www.131marathon.com/

That's another group whose races I will never run, along with the Rock & Roll series.

What's wrong with the R&R series? As a relatively new runner, I can understand why "13.1 marathon" would be irritating, but I'm interested in your take on R&R...

Lot's of reasons.

1. They are responsible for nearly doubling the cost to enter a race because of all the "amenities" that they provide, that I find unnecessary (like a band at every mile).

2. The Vagas debacle from a couple years ago. Google "vegas marathon 2011 nightmare".

3. How Competitor Group (who owns Rock and Roll) handled this, lying to the public, saying that "all marathons use hose water", when I survey of top race directors around the country revealed that exactly 0% of them do.

4. After taking over the Philadelphia Distance Run, the reversed the course, making it really suck, so that they could pack more sh1t at the finish to charge you for.


There are three things that I find critical at a race.

1. Accurately measured course.
2. It starts on time.
3. Accurate timing.

Additionally, ample fresh water supply at the finish, and for distance over 10K, some along the way as well.

All the other stuff, the medals, the bands, the shirts, the jackets, the fancy cups, they can keep that. I'd rather pay $75 for a half marathon that nails point 1-3 than pay $150 for one that doesn't do anything well.

Ugh. It all makes sense. Tossed my medal and shirt and the bands were no big deal. For my purposes, having an event close to home where I don't have to take off more than one day of work is paramount (self-employed = no paid vacation.) I had no idea about the rest (including what a marathon "should" cost.) Hose water? Really? Also just looked into the Vegas 2011. Geez. Well, looking forward to Riley's Rumble half (USATF certified course, free for MCRRC members, $21.90 for non-members- some do two laps for a full) in August and MCM as my second marathon...You're welcome to come down for Riley's- it's a nice crowd, really low-key but with some decent runners. Sunday August 4 in Gaithersburg. And last year they kept timing through 3:44- plenty of time (for you) to finish a full.

Too bad that is early August. I need a late August, early September HM to prepare for the Baltimore Marathon.

Have you all never been asked what length marathon you ran or are running?

You know, a 5k marathon, a 10k marathon and so on.

:-)