I've run 30+ marathons, but this was the first time running the Manitoba Marathon. The course is flat and fast with enough turns to keep it interesting, but not slow … MORE
I’ve run 30+ marathons, but this was the first time running the Manitoba Marathon. The course is flat and fast with enough turns to keep it interesting, but not slow you down. On the right day this can be a PB course. The limiting factor being the weather, which I suspect tends to be on the warmer side. This year was quite good; starting out cool and foggy and burning off after about an hour and no wind.
The organizers do an excellent job running both the marathon and 1/2 marathon at the same time; keeping the races separate at key times as not to interfere with faster runners.
There were plenty of aid stations equipped with the standard water and electrolyte drinks, as well as sponges. The organizers were well prepared for heat. They also appeared well prepared for medical emergencies. I saw someone collapsed at a later point with EMS attending and a fire engine coming from the other way close behind.
The volunteers were excellent and were well organized.
The runners fair was quite small, but for me not that important. The T-shirts were nice (simple); you don’t feel like a billboard with sponsor logos plastered all over like some races.
My one complaint was getting to the race. We purchased a parking pass prior to the race as we were from out of town. It seemed like everyone also drove creating a chaotic traffic jam converging at IG Field. In hindsight we should have arrived an hour earlier. I’m not sure if it’s like this for CFL football games? At any rate I think dispersed parking lots with shuttles may be more effective.
Overall I enjoyed the race and would do it again if in the area.
Please login to reply to this review.
Well designed flat, fast course
I've run 30+ marathons, but this was the first time running the Manitoba Marathon. The course is flat and fast with enough turns to keep it interesting, but not slow … MORE
I’ve run 30+ marathons, but this was the first time running the Manitoba Marathon. The course is flat and fast with enough turns to keep it interesting, but not slow you down. On the right day this can be a PB course. The limiting factor being the weather, which I suspect tends to be on the warmer side. This year was quite good; starting out cool and foggy and burning off after about an hour and no wind.
The organizers do an excellent job running both the marathon and 1/2 marathon at the same time; keeping the races separate at key times as not to interfere with faster runners.
There were plenty of aid stations equipped with the standard water and electrolyte drinks, as well as sponges. The organizers were well prepared for heat. They also appeared well prepared for medical emergencies. I saw someone collapsed at a later point with EMS attending and a fire engine coming from the other way close behind.
The volunteers were excellent and were well organized.
The runners fair was quite small, but for me not that important. The T-shirts were nice (simple); you don’t feel like a billboard with sponsor logos plastered all over like some races.
My one complaint was getting to the race. We purchased a parking pass prior to the race as we were from out of town. It seemed like everyone also drove creating a chaotic traffic jam converging at IG Field. In hindsight we should have arrived an hour earlier. I’m not sure if it’s like this for CFL football games? At any rate I think dispersed parking lots with shuttles may be more effective.
Overall I enjoyed the race and would do it again if in the area.
Give this marathon a try.
This is my hometown marathon and I invite you to give it a try. The course is flat, but the weather is often quite warm on Father's Day. The route … MORE
This is my hometown marathon and I invite you to give it a try. The course is flat, but the weather is often quite warm on Father’s Day. The route is well-marked and the volunteers are exceptional. The finish line is in a stadium – so that makes it a bit more exciting. Participant shirts are very nice colours and style – but manufacture and sizing changes each year – so good luck with a size that fits. The relay adds to the fun – as there are more runners along the way. It is a Greener marathon – I volunteer after the marathon to sort our compost/ recycle/garbage waster. Over 80% of the waste is diverted from the landfill. Vehicle access is restricted on-site, and park and ride shuttles are offered.