This weekend, my wife ran the IMS Marathon and I ran in the half-marathon category. Here are some thoughts for you if you’re looking for a good running event.
1. This was a fast course. It was even pleasant in parts, especially while winding through a very relaxing and shady West Valley neighborhood that pre-dates the cookie-cutter McMansions. There were also nice views of the White Tanks as we passed Luke Air Force Base. The Litchfield Road section was a bit of a cheese grater to run on, and Glendale Avenue, in parts, smells like the La Brea Tar Pits. But overall, it was an interesting course without much hilliness, except one freeway overpass with less than a mile to go.
And check this out … thanks to a recent cold snap, runners were treated to the sight of snow on nearby mountains – in Phoenix!
2. The feed zones were at just about-perfect intervals. I carried some of my own drinks and gels, but took advantage of the feed zones. I prefer my Gu and Cytomax to the provided Hammer Gel and whatever drinks the race had, but that’s life! At least they had something. The only thing I’d suggest is maybe some anti-chafing cream and maybe even some bananas at a few of them. That’s more important for the full marathoners rather than the half stooges like me … sometimes, your stomach just feels empty in ways gel and water can’t cure.
3. This is a thought that’s true of every single race I’ve ever run, and there’s not much race organizers can do about it. But it’s something I thought about, so I’m including it: Participants, be courteous to each other. That means, if you’re slow or walking, DO NOT walk four abreast. And stay to the right, and leave the left passing lane for those gunning for personal records. And watch where you’re going in the feed zones.
4. What, no massage tables at the end of the race? Granted, few of the free massages offered at races are really all that good, but any little bit helps from hours of pounding the pavement.
5. Speaking of the end of the race, Westgate is a great place to wind the race up. It’s a fun place to hang out, for certain. Decent restroom facilities, lots of fun, good parking and a generous amount of not-over-the-top hoopla.
6. The live band at the end? Completely competent, but incredibly dull. The marathon should save its money and just stick with the canned tunes … all of which were killer classic rock tracks. That is far better than listening to these guys pump out elevator rock. I’m surprised the Gods of Rock did not rain lightning upon them for playing an AC/DC tune arranged to accommodate horns. Ugh.
7. The scoring team was gracious, accommodating and adept at solving problems. Like why my info wasn’t on the results list. Turns out I got put with the marathoners. I must just look awesome enough to pound one out in 1:57.
8. There was only one clock on the course, just slightly past the halfway mark. A few more of those would be really nice for runners without GPS receivers.
9. The finishers’ medals are so-so, and certificates for the top three finishers in each category is a bit lame. The Lost Dutchman is really good at this sort of thing.
10. Overall, this is a well-run marathon, great for residents and visitors alike. It’s a nice West Side alternative to the just-slightly-more-awesome Lost Dutchman Marathon. If you happen to visit Phoenix and decide to stay on the West side, sign up for the 2010 edition assured that you’re going to enjoy a fun, pleasant event that will likely help you get a personal best.
Speaking of which, I’ll give my in-depth personal race report soon!
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