This race checked the "Texas" box for me for my 50 states, and I really loved it! The positives: -Flat course that's well supported with aid stations and volunteers -Plenty … MORE
This race checked the “Texas” box for me for my 50 states, and I really loved it!
The positives:
-Flat course that’s well supported with aid stations and volunteers
-Plenty of free parking at the start (U of Houston-Sugar Land)
-Medals are nice
-1/4 zips are great!
-Plenty of portos near the start
-Well organized
-Easy for spectators (my wife parked at 1 spot and saw me 4 times)
The negatives (for some folks):
-No race day packet pick-up was frustrating. This race is small enough that race morning pick-up shouldn’t be a problem. Plus…packet pick-up ended at 3PM on Saturday.
-The course is an out-back on a 4-lane road (median in the middle) with 1 lane blocked off for runners in each direction. I felt safe the entire race, but some folks may not like the cars coming toward you in the other lane.
-It’s a fairly “boring” area. There’s just not much to look at. It’s mostly residential. This isn’t the race director’s fault…it’s just a rather dull area.
-Little/no crowd support. This doesn’t bother me, but if you are looking for a race with crowds/cheering, this isn’t for you.
-Few runners in the marathon (91 finishers), so you are running alone.
-Out/back course. You literally run the half marathon, then make a U-turn just prior to the finish line and repeat for the full marathon.
Overall: if you are looking for a simple, well-organized race, on a flat/fast course, this is for you. However, if you are looking for something with big crowds, lots of frills, etc, this may not be your race.
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Flat, fast, well-organized, small race.
This race checked the "Texas" box for me for my 50 states, and I really loved it! The positives: -Flat course that's well supported with aid stations and volunteers -Plenty … MORE
This race checked the “Texas” box for me for my 50 states, and I really loved it!
The positives:
-Flat course that’s well supported with aid stations and volunteers
-Plenty of free parking at the start (U of Houston-Sugar Land)
-Medals are nice
-1/4 zips are great!
-Plenty of portos near the start
-Well organized
-Easy for spectators (my wife parked at 1 spot and saw me 4 times)
The negatives (for some folks):
-No race day packet pick-up was frustrating. This race is small enough that race morning pick-up shouldn’t be a problem. Plus…packet pick-up ended at 3PM on Saturday.
-The course is an out-back on a 4-lane road (median in the middle) with 1 lane blocked off for runners in each direction. I felt safe the entire race, but some folks may not like the cars coming toward you in the other lane.
-It’s a fairly “boring” area. There’s just not much to look at. It’s mostly residential. This isn’t the race director’s fault…it’s just a rather dull area.
-Little/no crowd support. This doesn’t bother me, but if you are looking for a race with crowds/cheering, this isn’t for you.
-Few runners in the marathon (91 finishers), so you are running alone.
-Out/back course. You literally run the half marathon, then make a U-turn just prior to the finish line and repeat for the full marathon.
Overall: if you are looking for a simple, well-organized race, on a flat/fast course, this is for you. However, if you are looking for something with big crowds, lots of frills, etc, this may not be your race.
Flat race to start your year.
I picked-up my bib at the fitness gym at about 2:00. Would have liked a later pickup time as I drove 7 hours to get there. I was in the … MORE
I picked-up my bib at the fitness gym at about 2:00. Would have liked a later pickup time as I drove 7 hours to get there. I was in the early start so another night of less sleep before the marathon 4:00 sign in. We left at 4:30 most of us were walkers or run/walkers. The name USA Fit means that all levels of racers are supported but walkers are encouraged to do the early start. Once again I was with my Maniac Texas friends so time went very fast. When the sun came up I realized we were in a very nice neighborhood with Tropical Trees and flowers. The race director and workers were very attentive to our needs. The Swag Wagon even asked if we need drinks or food. I received a finishers shirt made out of very soft stay dry. Also, a nice finishers medal. I didn’t pick up my third place AG award as I was unaware I placed. Again a very nice day with friends on a flat course. I did save enough energy to run the last three miles at a moderate pace. I will probably be back. Cheers youall.
Great time
I wanted to enter this race because if you start in the early group (430 AM) there is an 8 hour time limit and I wanted to see if I … MORE
I wanted to enter this race because if you start in the early group (430 AM) there is an 8 hour time limit and I wanted to see if I could do 2 marathons in 2 weeks. I did.
Its not a big crowd but it is a fun one. There are a few spectators especially when you are running along the 5k route, but for the most part you are by yourself in the dark. Swag is good and good food/beer at the end.
Excellent half marathon/marathon race
The Sugar Land marathon/half marathon is indeed everyone’s race. Great coordination from registration to crossing the finish line. Organizers are friendly and respond to inquiries quickly. They are incredibly sincere … MORE
The Sugar Land marathon/half marathon is indeed everyone’s race. Great coordination from registration to crossing the finish line. Organizers are friendly and respond to inquiries quickly. They are incredibly sincere and even helped me destress about an IT band injury 48 hours before the race. Great race swag and after race refreshments. You will delight in running here!
Easy course, but mentally challenging
This is my 3rd time running the full marathon at Sugar Land. This group runs a very smooth operation! Everything pre and post race seems to flow well without hitches … MORE
This is my 3rd time running the full marathon at Sugar Land. This group runs a very smooth operation! Everything pre and post race seems to flow well without hitches that we as participants see.
The course is mostly flat. There are a few slight inclines, but nothing anyone can’t handle. I wouldn’t even call them hills. Inclines is more appropriate. The last mile or 2 is wide open and all 3 yrs I’ve run it it’s been very windy coming in to the home stretch. That’s rough when you are already depleted.
The course itself is pretty boring. It’s 2 loops with not much scenery at all and ZERO crowd support! I think that’s where for me it’s mentally challenging. You really have to be good at putting your mind elsewhere during this race because there’s no crowd cheering you on, no signs to read, no dogs to count (that’s often how I pass my time on a marathon course!), etc…… Wish the organizers recruited a few high school bands, cheer squads, or something to position along the course. That would be much appreciated for some added entertainment/distractions.
The swag is great. This year was a long sleeved 1/4 zip pullover. You also had the option of choosing a beach towel instead if you didn’t want the pullover. I love that they give you something more than just a tshirt and I appreciate being given a choice. You also receive a finishers tshirt.
Parking is super easy for this race. They offer VIP parking for extra $$. I would not buy this unless you want the extra VIP tent amenities that go with it. The parking is plentiful and free so no need to pay extra.
The after race goodies are usually plentiful. However, when I finished with a 4:06 which is still many booths were empty and they had left. There were no bananas, no kolaches, no cookies, no chips, etc….There was water, soda, barely warm pepperoni pizza (no cheese pizza) and pork sandwiches. Not much to choose from especially when you don’t eat meat like me! Oops I forgot they did still have free beer! That’s important!
The awards presentation this year was a bit “rough”. They started giving out awards before they had all results in. I think it was b/c they wanted to give the elite runners their’s so they could leave instead of waiting for the others? It just didn’t go smoothly unfortunately.
Overall for the money this is a good race! However, bring your best mental game with you on race day. You need it on this course because it’s you, you and you that day.
Worst Marathon Ever Experienced.
Let's begin with the simplest and very critical issue, safety. Course had two major ice issues, one 20 feet or so across. Race director was informed by sr. staff on … MORE
Let’s begin with the simplest and very critical issue, safety. Course had two major ice issues, one 20 feet or so across. Race director was informed by sr. staff on course of issue and requested time to work on removal as well as assistance. Ignored! It was not merely about slowing or walking over it, the mild melt in the sunlight made it increasingly dangerous at the race progressed AND it is a loop course, a very boring loop course.
Many walkers and slow runners, which is fine. The problem, they are all chatting and 3 – 4 across covering the entire lane. Most do not hear you when calling out on your left. Quite a few appeared to not know their right from left. Have to expect this given the Race was established to provide an 8 hour finish (even longer for the early starters) for their members. USA Fit is all about helping people to complete a marathon and cannot find one that provides at least 8 hrs. Heck, there is even an early start to give more than 8 hours. Bottom line, lots of runners do not adhere to std protocols like staying no more than 2 abreast and in the proper lane, cutting in front without checking). One year the first water station was empty. Heard there were plenty of people back at the venue setting up for the finish. Yes, there were a ton when we got back.
All n’ all the race sucked and I decided to stop at the half because of the ice issue. The one thing you can depend that is good for most is there is lots of bling for the premium price. Something, that I do not care about. Something that other area races, do much better, too.
FLAT! FLAT! FLAT!!
If you are looking for a flat course then this may be your race! They changed the course a bit this yr so I can no longer state the race … MORE
If you are looking for a flat course then this may be your race! They changed the course a bit this yr so I can no longer state the race is 100% flat (1 ever so slight incline), but very flat. If you are trying for a BQ and close but not close enough this course may get you there.
Loop course. 1/2 marathoners run 1 loop. Full runs 2 loops. The 1st loop is not so lonely, but once the 1/2 runners start to finish the 2nd loop becomes a bit more sparse. Very little to no crowd support if that is important to you. Not much to see along the way.
The race is small overall. They call this the Everyone’s Marathon b/c they keep the finish line open and promise food for everyone regardless of what your finish time will be. Think that’s great to see all skill levels participating and encouraged.
Start line runs efficiently. If you are trying to place in your gender or division do note that all awards are based on GUN time. In other words, make your way to the front of the start line. There are no corrals, but it is easy to do.
You receive a finishers shirt. You also receive a participant “gift”. This year you could choose from a back pack, sweat shirt or my favorite finisher item ever…..a bright blue long sleeve 3/4 pullover. Great swag item!!!
Finish line is full of food and cold beer. Pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, sausage, cookies, danishes, and other items I can’t remember. Even had cold soda which for me is even better than cold beer at the finish line. I’m weird that way! 😉
Great race for what you receive for your $$. Great swag! Flat course! Lots of food! All reasons to run this race. However, if crowd support and/or lots to see are what get you through a race then this may be more of a challenge for you.
Boring race. Major Ice on course
Overpriced. Runners and walkers all over the place, not keeping to their lane. Lost in their music or talking with friends. Gatorade was either strong like syrup or weak and … MORE
Overpriced. Runners and walkers all over the place, not keeping to their lane. Lost in their music or talking with friends. Gatorade was either strong like syrup or weak and watery.