Latest reviews by Amy W

(2011)
"Beautiful Course; Fast & Flat!"
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Expo: Great expo and it wasn't too crowded when we stopped in. I remember they offered free Caribou Coffee samples there in 2011 - that was definitely a win in my book!

Race Swag: A black, long-sleeve technical shirt came with registration and I bought a "Run MN" shirt from one of the booths. They had a lot of nice gear available to buy at the expo. The medal was beautiful and featured the Medtronic's Fall leaf logo.

Course: The course was mostly flat with one hill near the capital. The residential route was beautiful and race day in 2011 had the PERFECT Fall weather. It was warm, sunny and the leaves were all changing colors. This course felt fast and was a great one for a BQ.

Aid Stations: Plenty of aid stations that offered water and sports drinks.

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(2011)
"My Favorite Trail Running Experience, by far!"
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This race was a trail-running BLAST! The weather on race day (July 2011) was hot and very humid - to be expected in Minnesota's July.

Expo: There wasn't a race expo or race swag but the trail itself and the awesome awards made up for it (more on that later).

Race Swag: There were no finisher's medals the year I ran it (or else I totally ran by where we were supposed to pick them up?). Though I did receive a hand-made pottery mug for placing 3rd in the women's division and it was beautiful! Totally made up for the lack of medal or "race swag". It is my favorite race "medal" to this day. According to their website, finisher's DO receive medals now and the top 10 men & women receive a pottery mug.

Course: True trail running - jumping over tree roots, hopping on rocks, climbing up hills - it was awesome. This race was full of scenic trails and lots of downhill and uphill running. That particular year, the course was a bit muddy due to rain prior to the race day and that made the hill climbing interesting. The Power Line section of the race was intense. Because of the mud, I did end up crawling up the slopes, using my hands to keep traction. It was an adventure and I LOVED it!

Aid Station: I carried a handheld water bottle and was able to refill it at the aid stations. Pretzels and cookies were offered at one of the stops. That was the perfect salty fix for such a humid, sweaty day.

The Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon (or "Half Voyageur", as it was called when I ran it) has been the best trail running experience of my life. I highly recommend it to any trail enthusiasts - especially if you are eyeing running an ultra. This race follows along the Voyageur 50-Miler course.

http://www.livinglifetruth.com/p/upcoming-races-and-results.html

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(2011)
"Amazing Race Atmosphere, Great Opportunity for the BQ"
Overall
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This was my first road full marathon experience and one of my best marathon memories! Fargo Marathon isn't just a race - the entire weekend is an experience.

Expo: Just plain awesome and very busy. The Fargo Marathon race expo has been full of great vendors, fun freebies and tons of people each time we have attended.

Race Swag: The full marathon runners received a zip-up technical shirt along with a Fargo Marathon drawstring backpack. The medals are solid, high quality. They have well-designed medals every year that I have seen them!

Course: This course helped me to run a BQ before I knew what a "BQ" was! For my first road marathon, the Fargo Marathon course was a great road to run. Fargo is flat but usually WINDY. The weather in May is unpredictable, but that's northern North Dakota/Minnesota for ya! In 2011, the race day temperature was cool but it was perfect running weather - and plenty windy, of course.

The course is mostly residential and not overly scenic BUT the music and cheering fans totally made up for it. Throughout the race, I don't remember running a stretch that wasn't lined with people watching!

Aid Stations: Great aid stations with water and sports drinks available. GUs were offered at specific aid stations.

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(2010)
"Scenic Trail Marathon through the Chippewa National Forest"
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The Walker North Country Marathon was my first marathon experience and quite an experience it was for a first-time marathoner! The race was fairly new in 2010 and I'm sure it has changed a lot over the last 6 years. Keep that in mind as you read my review!

Expo: There wasn't really an expo with the race that year. We picked up my number, t-shirt and visited with some of the other runners.

Race Swag: Upon picking up our race numbers, we received a grey long-sleeve shirt. The medal wasn't super fancy that year, but it has so much meaning being my first marathon!

Course: The course was a mix of grass trails, paved trails and gravel roads. This was my first taste of trail running, too, and it was a great experience. There was only one "iffy" area where the trail wasn't clearly marked, but thankfully the other runners and I chose the right way and made it to the finish! The race has a downhill start and required more running uphill in the end. The weather was beautiful in 2010 and it would be a great race to take in the Fall leaves changing color.

Aid Stations: Water available and possibly sports drinks, too. I can't remember what they had available back when I ran it, but I do know I didn't carry any water and survived somehow.

I finished in 4:07:45 with dead legs and a smile on my face! This was the race that started my love for the marathon and it was a great starter trail marathon. I would love to go back again some day.
http://www.livinglifetruth.com/p/upcoming-races-and-results.html

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