The Running Report

By Keith Booking

March 30, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Only ONE Major problem. Keith Booking’s one mile fun run was not organized good at all. Picture hundreds of kids running all over the course the LAST MILE of the race!!

Those poor marathon runners who are dead by that point had to weeve in and out of little kids; not to mention that their finishing pictures now has a little 8 year old next to them. I can’t believe someone thought this was a good idea!

Voluteers were awesome though.

By Laura

March 30, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

I loved running in the cooler temp and the rain took away a lot of the pollen in the air but it also took away a lot of the crowd. Last year I ran the ING GA as well as the Kentucky Derby half and KY had thousands and thousands more people cheering on the runners. I know that the Atlanta neighborhoods have more people and spirit and once the ING GA race can woo the neighborhoods a bit more this race can only get bigger, better, and more fun to run. I loved the course this year and last years water problems were solved. Great job ING!

By Uncle Bubba

March 30, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

I remember more of a turnout last year, but the weather was also much better. There were some fantastic crowds all throughout the course and I really have to thank them. Specifically at Agnes Scott and in the city of Decatur. They were having fun and very encouraging.

All in all a good run, I hit my goal time and left it all out there. I’ve claimed the couch for the day. It was tough fighting the wind tunnel around mile 24-25, but at that point, nothing can stop you.

Congrats to all who finished.

By Teresa

March 30, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

I’m not a cold weather runner so I had to “trick” myself into going. I lucked out and ended up in the same correll with my co-worker and super supporter John Tackett!!! Made all the difference in the world. My third 1/2 marathon, not a PR but the best route of the three. Admiration to the folks who came out to support us, the bands, music, and “looking goods” make all the difference in the world. I liked the zig zag narrow finish, very much a RUSH to have all those people cheering JUST FOR me. HA HA. Great job everyone.

By Kerri Hochgesang

March 30, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

I was lucky enough to get ENGAGED at the ING Expo on Saturday! My new fiance and I had our first date at the expo last year… and he surprised me at this year’s event. So, I was also undeterred by the weather as we ran the entire race together to celebrate.

By barbara

March 30, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

The weather was a bit on the chilly and windy side. Perfect to prevent over-heating, but my hands were tingling for most of the race. I found this course to be surprisingly hilly with the wind blowing directly into you while trying to negotiate them. Not the best conditions for long-distance running. There seemed to be a hill on every mile once we reached the marathon split. The crowd participation was truly awesome and there was a greater than adequate amount of water/gatorade and GU stations. Because of the topography of the course, I doubt that I will do it again, but the half marathon is definately worth it. Let’s hope next year the weather will be a bit more cooperative

By Stephen

March 30, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Contrary to most peoples comments, I preferred last years weather :) I found the cold weather extremely trying and could not get warm throughout the race. After a great 20 miles, my knee gave in and I had to walk the last 6 miles. I was very dissapointed at missing my target time, but grateful to have completed the race. Positives: Hydartion stations, Agnes Scott Coll. turnout, little “pace” wrist bands, scenic route. Negatives: Difficult to identify corrals at start; wish there were coffee stations (even at finish line) to combat cold weather :)

By michael

March 31, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

My first marathon and it was a blast! The weather was perfect for such a long run and kept the body temp low. Agnes Scotties rock: holy cow they had enthusiasm! It really helped me push through. Great amount of hydration stations and the GU helped, too.

By John Tackett

March 31, 2008 5:52 AM | Link to this

Had a great run. This was a training run for me in preparation for Boston in 3 weeks. I ran the course in 4:05:33 (official chip time.) It also prepared me for what I might expect weather wise in Boston. Towards the end the cold was starting to set in my legs, but my friends from the Peachtree Triathlon Club was there about 3/4 mile from the finish and seeing them “pushed” me to finish.

Kudos to the cheek sections in the old 4tf ward, Agnes Scott, and the City of Decatur. Also there was plenty of water and Powerade on the course (as well as GU gel.)

Teresa, you did great. You finished the course and from your response, had a good time. Remember to all the finishers, you did something that only a very small percentage of the population has ever done. You are in an elite group and should be proud of your accomplishments.

See you all on the roads and hopefully at next years running of the ING. And a big thanks to Adrianne for creating this blog.

By Bobby

March 31, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this

Great weather, a little windy but much better than last year’s heat. I liked the course changes. A few more hills at the end but that just keeps us honest - this is Atlanta. No hydration problems on the course, even for those of us in the 6 hour group.

By Heather

March 31, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

This year’s race was dramatically different from last year’s (good and bad). Due to the cold weather, there were fewer people out cheering runners on, which was disappointing, but completely understandable. Those cheering us on last year, made the marathon amazing…..I missed them this year. Hopefully the weather will be warmer next year and they will be back. Fortunately, miles 1 - 19 went by extremely fast….however once I hit mile 20…my legs started to rebel and my feet started to scream. The hills from mile 20-26 were not fun, but definitely challenged me.

The hydration stops were GREAT!! Thanks to everyone who worked at the stations….there was PLENTY of water and gatorade.

The wind in Decatur almost brought tears to my eyes…it was sooo cold. Thanks to the cheering zones in Decatur….you all are awesome and helped push us through the cold, cold wind.

I enjoyed the race and will be back next year!!!!

Heather

By Heather

March 31, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

This year’s race was dramatically different from last year’s (good and bad). Due to the cold weather, there were fewer people out cheering runners on, which was disappointing, but completely understandable. Those cheering us on last year, made the marathon amazing…..I missed them this year. Hopefully the weather will be warmer next year and they will be back. Fortunately, miles 1 - 19 went by extremely fast….however once I hit mile 20…my legs started to rebel and my feet started to scream. The hills from mile 20-26 were not fun, but definitely challenged me.

The hydration stops were GREAT!! Thanks to everyone who worked at the stations….there was PLENTY of water and gatorade.

The wind in Decatur almost brought tears to my eyes…it was sooo cold. Thanks to the cheering zones in Decatur….you all are awesome and helped push us through the cold, cold wind.

I enjoyed the race and will be back next year!!!!

By Fun Rn

March 31, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

I agree with the earlier comment.

FINISH THE FUN RUN SOMEWHERE else; not the marathon finish line - dumb idea

By Neil

March 31, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Fun Run Was BAD. Finish it elsewhere. Mile markers were poor but better than last year. Half Marathon was 13.34 miles. Mile 8 was 8.24 long!! Learn to measure ING folks.

By Joe

March 31, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

This year there seemed to be plenty of water, but more toilets along the course would be helpful. I counted 10 to 20 people waiting in line every time I saw the toilets.

The course was beautiful, but a little hilly. Great day to run.

I hope the organizers keep working to improve the race. I appreciate their efforts.

By Coach Jackson

March 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I thought the race day has a whole wasn’t to bad. The restrooms were all 10 or more waiting. I loved the cheering sections. The live band across from Murphy’s was a need boost. Just please cut down on the number of hills on the course, and remeasure that last mile it’s a beast!

By Chris

March 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Outside of a few more bathrooms at each water station, I had no complaints. Would’ve been nice if the wind hadn’t picked up when I finished, but ING can’t do anything about that. Great time, and I’ll be back next year for sure!

By martin

March 31, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I guess that there is no way to make the race any flatter. Otherwise, the weather was much better than last year. My only complaint would be that the volunteers remind the walkers to move to the right side of the road and make room for the marathon runners. In some areas of the course, the walkers were four to five abreast and taking up the entire width road. I do want to mention that the Team in Training “mentors” were good in telling their charges to move to the side of the road.

By The O-Gee

March 31, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

weather was great for running - horrible for hanging-out in sweat soaked shirt after your run. other than the start, which did poor peole management, this race was well managed. marta said exit at 5 points. this meant you had to swim up stream through the starting queue through a huge bottleneck to get to the gear check area. this caused a lit of people to be late in line for the gun.

By Martin

March 31, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

The weather was perfect; the water and gatorade were plentiful. I have no complaints. I do wish that in the future, course volunteers/marshals make sure that the walkers move to the right side of the roade to allow runners to pass. The “mentors” from Team in Training, however, were diligent in telling their charges to yield to the runners.

By Dylan

March 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Wow, great race but that wind cuts right through you. Glad the rain cleared out.
Want to give a shout out to Agnes Scott—their enthusiasm was contagious, and they were by far the most spirited volunteer group out there. Cheers to whoever coordinated that group and to all those students who got up so early. You did an AWESOME job. Thank you Scotties!!!

By Adrianne

March 31, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

I agree with you guys, can’t say enough about those cheering zones. Especially Agnes Scott College and the one on North Decatur Road at the tip of Druid Hills. A guy there could see how I was pushing myself and he says, “Hang in there, you’re doing good, you’re at 14 1/2.” I needed that encouragement.

And cheers to my blogging buddies. I’ve learned a lot from the tips and experiences you’ve shared.

By spike

March 31, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

I apologize if I impeded the path of a marathon runner-I was one of the walkers and tried very hard to stay out of the way of the marathoners but it was difficult at times when crossing to the left side of the road to get water. I stayed to the right whenever possible but I needed the water and gatorade, too. The only complaint, if you could call it that, was from one of the folks holding out the packets of Gu to the participants. The man jerked his hand away from me when I tried to take the packet from his hand and he gestured down to the box he was holding and told me to take it from there. I may not have been a runner, but I WAS a participant trying to better my time from last year. This cost me a few seconds. Other than that, the event was wonderful-I was not cold because I dressed for the weather. I loved how the finish line was set up. The folks from the Old 4th Ward had a great cheering section-probably the best of the day. Overall I think this year’s course was much better than last year’s. I’ll be back!

By John Tackett

March 31, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

FINAL THOUGHTS and COMMENTS

It has been over 24 hours since I finished the race and reading the comments here, and talking to other racers, here are my final thoughts on the 2008 ING Georgia Marathon. This was my 8th full marathon in 3 years.

The Course - Other than the Start and Finish area issues (due to the tornado) the course was great. But i would ask that there be a separate finish chute for the marathon and 1/2 marathon (Unless I missed them.) They tried to give me a 1/2 marathon finishers medal and I had to point out the error. Separate chutes would hopefully solve that. Please have the gates of Centennial Park opened so that we do not have to walk around the park as much. It was difficult to get to the gear check area before the race.

As for the hills, there were just enough hills to allow me to work , and rest, my leg muscles. Face it, we are in Atlanta, and hill running/walking should be part of everyones training. I have run a couple of flat course marathons, and I prefer the hills. And I saw many beautiful areas of the city that I never knew existed.

The Support - I would of liked to have seem more support from the community, but again the weather played a big factor in that. But those that were there… THANK YOU!! You helped spur me on when I needed it and made the run go by just a bit quicker. Loved the band at Virginia-Highlands. That really helped me along. We need more bands on the course. And the lovely ladies at Agnes Scott and the people in Decatur, you all rock!! Thanks for being there, especially being it was at the half-way point.

Water / Powerade - No problems from my end. Do ask that you ask the people who are handing out water not to stand in the middle of the course to hand out cups. Twice the runner in front of me stopped because they got a cup from a support person in the middle of the road and I almost tripped over them. Where is it wide enough, have them on both sides, otherwise, keep them on the right (slower traffic on the right.)

Toilets - No matter how many you have on the course, never seems to be enough. But how about having them along the start corrals. Many folks had to run behind local buildings to relieve themselves. Also the folks at the Holiday Inn Express near Corrals 5-7, as a business traveler you have lost my business. They would not allow runners in to use the facilities. I am sure that you benefitted from the runners that stayed in local hotels. Very bad publicity for them.

Police Support - I cannot say thanks enough to the officers on the course. More than once they had to deal with impatient drivers who wanted to “push” their way out onto and through the course. Even saw one officer writing a ticket to someone.

Overall, I had a great run and a good time. I like the start/finish area and hope they keep it there for years to come. The course was fine, but perhaps other areas of the city can be highlighted in future races. the race personnel were helpful, and the weather was not all that bad.. at least it did not rain. As for those runners that did not make it to the start because of the weather, shame on you. You missed out an a great experience.

This will be a regular event for me as long as I can run. When do I sign up for the 2009 race??

Onward to Boston and again, thanks to all..

By Shonda

March 31, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Even having trained properly, the course was tough. The cold and windy conditions were formidable, but nevertheless it was a great race! The friendly volunteers and cheering neighborhoods were great. Just when I was dreading taking a Clif Shot I passed a wonderful woman giving out Jolly Ranchers…the timing was perfect. While Jolly Ranchers won’t be highlighted in the next issue of Runner’s World, it was just the boost I needed.

By Jay

March 31, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

There was certainly plenty of water and Gatorade. No problem there. However the start was a madhouse. It was too crowded and the corrals were a joke. The mile markers were too low and could not be seen through the other runners. My group was going to meet at the “Family Reunion” tent shown on the map of the finish area. The only problem was, there was no Family Reunion tent and no ING people or volunteers to say why. We all wandered around in the park looking for one another until we happend to connect. And the people in the ING VIP tent were unwilling or unable to provide help or explanation. Worst of all my wife and my daughter both saw separate cases of police stopping runners so that cars could cross the intersection. This race still needs a lot of work.

By slow runner

March 31, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

I ran the half marathon. The hills were as expected and not too bad because we train in them all the time. The last few miles I kept hoping I would turn the corner and see the down hill. Nope, just more hills kept coming. The cool weather was actually great for running except when we turned on to Marietta Street and that head wind turned brutal. Due to the wind chill after the race the food line seemed to take a long time and the gear line was extremely long because I was cold and wet and just wanted my dry clothes. I thought the race was great overall. I didn’t particularly like jumping that curb to get on the sidewalk and running through those narrow winding shoots in the park to the finish. But I managed and wasn’t really worried about getting a great time.

By Amanda Brown

March 31, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

I was not a runner but rather a volunteer at the Agnes Scott water station. I coach volleyball and was proud of the half of my team that came to help cheer on the runners. Although not an experienced long-distance runner, I would like to train for this marathon (or maybe 1/2 marathon) next year. Congrats to all the runners! You do what many never attempt!

By Naseem G

March 31, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Also not a runner (yet!), I was a Scottie Volunteer! Just wanted to say you guys were AMAZING!!! I lost my voice from cheering, but it was worth it! You have inspired me to look into running a marathon! (and I’m most definitely NOT a runner…YET hehe).

Congrats to you guys! What a major accomplishment!

By Kelly

March 31, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

I walked the half (due to knee injury). This is a great Marathon considering it’s only two years old. It needs more organization at the start and finish, more porta pots!!!!,Better mile markers, I was not going for time but I felt bad for people that trained and were working for times. Stopping the runners for traffic and having the full and half merge together really interfered with the elite runners. If you want out of state participation changes need to be made.

By Dave

April 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Awesome event! The course was great. The hills were very manageable, and the scenery was fantastic. Let’s remember this is a half or a marathon - its not supposed to be easy. This is supported by how few people actually accomplish it. Ease up on the wind, hill,walker,toilet,rain, etc. complaints - this was a great event and Atlanta should be proud. It will only get better and be more attended. I will certainly be there next year. Thanks!

By Joe

April 2, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Overall, I very much enjoyed this marathon. Great course (although very challenging after mile 20), great fans, lots of water.

I do have a couple of negatives that I will share here in the hopes that someone who has ‘influence’ sees them. These negative are even larger in my mind since I was trying to run a 3:30:59 marathon, which would’ve qualified me for the Boston Marathon, but missed it by one second.

For most of the race I was on or ahead of my goal pace, but two things made it more difficult for me the last 5-6 miles (besides all those hills): 1) First, the marathon course merged around mile 21 with about the 7th or 8th mile of the half marathon course. At this point, there were lots of walking half marathoners who were having a great time, but often were not cognizant of the marathoners running by them. The race organizers need to make sure the slower runners/walkers stay to the right or something so that running struggling marathoners don’t need to weave around them. 2) In the last mile, there was a one mile fun run for Atlanta youth. Wonderful idea, but the problem is, I was trying mightily to make my time while avoiding walkers when, on top of all that, the youth race began. The lead police vehicle forced me and other runners to the right, packing us in together with the walkers, so that the youth runners had an open street for their run. 3) the finish was narrow, with multiple sharp turns, and the finish line was not visible until the very end. Possibly due to tornado damage issues, but still it made the finish problematic for someone trying to make a time.

Hopefully these issues will be ironed out in the future. For most runners, they were probably not a big deal. And everything else, as far as I’m concerned, was great about this race. I’m looking forward to the next one.