Vincent OShaughnessy's Staging Area

This was the combination of 62 full marathons and my 50th State and most likely my last marathon lol

Everything went smooth, from packet pick up to Reyes morning to the finish line. The only thing that was an issue, if you were slower, you did not get any gels that they advertise would be on the course. Other than that, it was a great day, a little warmer than it should’ve been But beautiful sunshine and a nice breeze.

All around a great time. I could pick up was simple and they even honored my request of bib number 47 as it was my 47 state. Not much of an expo, but everyone pack a pick up was polite, friendly, and helpful. You even got a complimentary Pasta dinner the night before the race. Everybody was very kind, the food was good and we all got a full belly and a good time.
Reyes morning was very simple, parked where they told us to and only a short walk to the shuttle which took us to the star line. It was hot, humid and hilly, but there were aid stations everywhere. Don’t think I have seen this many eight stations in all of my 59 marathons. And once again everybody was very supportive. All along the course you will find many historical markers relating to the Hatfield ann Mccoy family feud. Very cool history and running along the river the whole time. Found the flood walls and gates pretty interesting.
Got the finish line and received one of the biggest medals I ever ever gotten. It was nice to have a good small town race with plenty of locals. If you get the opportunity, help support, a small town and a great race.

The Nebraska State fair marathon, is a small race for the full, but very well run. I needed to communicate with the Race Director several times and Angie was amazing. She went out of her way to be helpful for me and solve my problem.

Next package pick up, and that’s pretty much all it was was a pack of pick up. Vendors, but there were some food trucks out front in the parking lot that had some really good burritos.

Race day was forecast to be extremely hot and a few other races in neighboring states had already canceled. The race said sent out numerous emails, allowing people to defer for next year, switch down to the half or go for the fall in the heat. Since I needed it for the 50 states marathon club I opted for the full. Luckily I live in Florida and I’m very used to the heat and humidity.
Race day was very simple. The course was very well marked, numerous aid stations. They added more due to the heat. All the volunteers were very supportive and vocal as you passed them by. I was very slow as I had half my lung removed 10 months ago and was definitely a back of the pack guy. unlike other races, every age station was fully manned, volunteers at every corner, and every return you had to make. And they sure did cheer and make you forget about the brutal heat and humidity.
All in all, a great race, followed by the Nebraska State fair at the finish line. The only change I would hope for would be a 20° cooler day.

Boston was my first race almost 6 months to the day of losing half my right lung to 911 cancer. This was a test to see if I can continue my quest for 50 states. Despite the hills, heat and missing half lung, this turned out to be an amazing day. The logistics were spot on by the race, support on the course was plentiful and the people were absolutely amazing. Both spectators and fellow runners really were supportive and help me get to the finish line despite lots of pain. I was lucky enough to run Boston. “ cops for kids with cancer.” charity and was able to raise $13,000. If you don’t qualify for Boston, find a charity as it is a must do race.

What a great race. Lots of communication from the rays beforehand explaining everything you needed to know. A very small expo would be the only thing I would change. But apparently the race is growing and they had a record number of full marathon is this year, I believe over 500.

Course was very scenic as we started out with some beautiful, wooded country on a paved path, that turned into a double track groomed trail. And then back to paved into the town of Marquette. Then you go out onto Presque Isle Park which has plenty of scenery and a finish line at the Superior Dome

All in all a great race, and I would definitely recommend

And as soon as I signed up, communication from the race was very informative and answered any question I had. On race day, everything was set up and went smoothly from the bus ride to the start to the fireworks display when the gun went off. Support on the course was excellent. The volunteers were wonderful. Words of encouragement, along with plenty of water and sport drink. The views of the course were just amazing. All in all the great day.

Burlington is a beautiful town to have a marathon. The views along Lake Champlain are spectacular and the town itself is very relaxed. Sign up and info on the webpage. It was all spot on and had no problems. Everything was explained packet pick up with simple with a small expo.
Only two problems existed for me on race day. For whatever reason the start was 30 minutes late, which caused some problems later on as it became very warm and those extra 30 minutes put you out in the sun and heat more than was necessary.
Call support was wonderful, lots of music, spectators, and the aid stations were wonderful. Now the second issue with the race. After spending all that time in the hot sun with temperatures getting into the mid 80s, there was no real substantial of food at the end and what little they had was mostly gone if you were a five hour runner but all in all, nice race, nice metal, and a nice shirt

Great race, the 50th anniversary of the Honolulu marathon. They had 50 years to get it right and they sure did. Plenty of volunteers to guide you along your way to great fireworks display at the store. Along the way many beautiful Christmas decorations as the rain started at 5 AM and everything was lit up beautifully. And then we got to Diamondhead and were greeted with an absolutely stunning sunrise. The rest of the colors just continued with all the wonderful volunteers, plenty of support and some really wonderful people made a great day

I ran the Chicago Marathon for a charity, the Chicago police Memorial foundation. A very worthy cause that helps families of police officers that were killed in the line of duty.

The course was packed with people from start to finish. For me it is only second to New York City but definitely you should add this race to your list. Luckily the temperatures were very cool to start although it didn’t warm up a little bit towards the end just a wonderful day for a race.

Everything went smoothly, the logistics were all taken care of and a good time was had by all.

Good communication with the race Staff beforehand via email regarding parking. The expo is rather small but package pick up went very smoothly.
It turned out to be pretty warm on race day, but other than that had a nice time on the course until they ran out of water at the aid station near mile 20. With the sun beating down and the heat and humidity high I was lucky I carried my own water bottle.
The after party was pretty quiet, but then again I took a long time to finish

Starts and finishes in the city of Hartford, first to run along the river and then into some surrounding communities. All in all a good race, plenty of support aid stations and spectators. Had a great time

Expo was horrible and practically non existent. Not sure if it was due to Covid or not, but disappointing

Race morning, the shuttle parking area was a mess if you had the earlier bus to the start line. Gates were closed at the school, then they opened them, then they closed them only to reopen them again.

Race start was a little messy. Could not here the MC as he only had a handheld megaphone and the honor seeding by pace was chaotic and non existent.

But all of that was worth the 2.3 Mike trip through the Iron Horse tunnel and after that, non stop scenery and only one road crossing the whole 26.2. Aid stations were plentiful about every two miles and everyone was friendly.

Medal was nice as was the dri fit shirt. Order up a size lol

Great race to PR or BQ.

well supported race, great folks, lots of aid stations… most of trhe race is along the Arkansas river trail and offers lots of nice scenery.

Flat course with some great views. Course support was great, lots of helpful and happy volunteers at the aid station , great pacers and good food at the end