Latest reviews by Nathan Hileman

(2017)
"Patriotic, Hilly, and Fun"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is the second year I've run this 5K. I ran it with Team Red White & Blue. Race takes place entirely in West Kittanning. Team Red White & Blue joins the race every year, and forms a color guard along both sides of the starting line which racers run through. Course is quite hilly, but several water stations are on the course. There is strong crowd support as well. Runners are announced by the emcee as each one finishes, which is a very fun touch. The shirts are moisture wicking and very nice. Race is well-organized, and hotdogs, fruit, and ice cream await hungry runners during the awards ceremony. This is a wonderful 5K!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2017)
"Another Great Goodyear Half"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was my second Goodyear Half Marathon in Akron (2015 was first). Expo was tiny, but extremely well organized. Starting line was on the Goodyear Proving Grounds test track, which is very cool. Pacers were available for more finish times than I've ever seen at any other race - very cool. Course wrapped around through Goodyear's vast campus, residential neighborhoods, and town. As usual for Akron, water stations were frequent, volunteers were friendly and helpful, the police blocking intersections for us were pleasant. Course has some hills, but what goes up must come down. Plenty of port-a-potties, lots of things to eat and drink at the finish line, and excellent, large finisher medals. A special note for all the residents who cheered us on from their porches, lawn chairs, standing on the curb, etc. Their encouragement and enthusiasm really were the icing on the cake.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2017)
"Smaller City Marathon Done Well"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The Buffalo Marathon course is pretty flat. There are a fair number of long, slight grades throughout the course. Aid Stations are more than every 2 miles, which is really nice. There were fireworks at the start of the race, friendly policemen running traffic, enthusiastic volunteers, and great crowd support from the community. It is obvious Buffalo takes pride in it's marathon. This race is growing, as evidenced by it's selling out this year. Race was very well organized, and course was quite scenic. You see great views of Lake Erie, a WW2 Destroyer, Downtown area, and numerous residential neighborhoods. Course tends to double back, which makes it nice for people who come with you to cheer you on. Only a quarter zip long sleeve tech shirt in the swag bag, but it is REALLY nice!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2016)
"First Rate Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Top notch marathon. Extremely cool starting line, very safe with lots of friendly policemen, great crowd support the whole way through, lots of water stations, friendly and knowledgeable pace setters, and the race ends in a baseball center, which is so cool and makes you feel like a sports star! Awesome medal an race shirt, nicely done expo, and the entire experience is superbly organized. Course itself is super hilly, even though the overall elevation change doesn't look like that much. It felt as hilly to me as Pittsburgh.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2016)
"Fast & Scenic"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is a very good race to enter. The course is pretty much flat, and has 3 major turns. I'll write about it in thirds. First third starts right in front of the Rock n Roll HOF and heads out of downtown. It has an urban backdrop. Second third is very scenic through a really big park. It is really nice here. Final third runs parallel to the lake and is also quite scenic. I liked seeing downtown in the distance while drawing nearer and nearer to it. Only negatives were:. No bag, just a nice tech shirt, and there weren't mile markers until Mile 9. This was kind of weird. A really big benefit is that there are Pacers, the trusty sidekick of a PR. Overall, this race js lots of fun, well organized, has the best medals ever, and you even get a ticket to the Hall.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.