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Latest reviews by Thomas Gouard
Thomas Gouard recommends this race
(2019)
"Community run"
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I loved many things about this race: the cause, price, experience and organization. First off; the two main things that attracted me to this race was the name itself, and the price of the race. Gun violence is a huge problem in Englewood, and has been for years. The price was great, and affordable! Most races increase prices as the race comes near, but I didn't really see that with Englewood 5k. Englewood 5k is by far the lowest costing race that I have ran in Chicago so far, and I'm sure it will not be topped.
The experience, and organization of the race was great! Lots of positive energy; a very well marked course, and safe considering the area. The race had Chicago Police Officers all over it, well stocked with water, and in the celebration area 'Whole Foods' had a table giving out bananas, apples, and information about events at Whole Foods itself. The race brought positive energy with music, energetic runners, volunteers, supporters, and a DJ that brought extra encouragement while on the the microphone. Prior to the race I was greeted by Mayor Rahm Emanuel; running in to the finish I was greeted by many, and given a finishers medal that I will add to my many other memories. I enjoyed Englewood 5k, and it most definitely will not be my last time participating in this event.
As a student at Kennedy King College, and future alumni; I hope to do many positive things in the area, and being part of this event is one of them. If your looking to do this event in the future; you will not be let down. Great race organized by Ariana Taylor, and Andrea NaTay Drane
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Thomas Gouard recommends this race
(2019)
"Enjoyed Detroit Marathon "
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Detroit Free Press/ TCF Bank Marathon became an option for me when I did not get into the lottery for 2019 Chicago Marathon. The tough part about that was having completed Chicago Marathon in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, then not getting into 2018 & 2019's run. Detroit Marathon was the next best thing in comparison and I was welcomed by its Twitter page once I Tweeted my interest.
To this date, Detroit Marathon is my 20th marathon! As for the marathon in general, it is the ultimate tester of a persons will! I often quote to people that all you need is the "will" to finish and half the battle is done going into the 26.2 mile run. Because once you encounter those mental barriers throughout the course if you do not have the "will" to finish then you have nothing once the turmoil begins.
I enjoyed Detroit Marathon entirely because of it being a new adventure. Prior to the event I saw little snippets of the course, but running it was a totally different feeling. My eyes wandered during the earlier portions of the run, taking in the views of Detroit, and looking at many of the hilarious inspirational signs created by spectators which made me smile plus taking my mind off the tough portions of the course.
The course for this race was gorgeous! It takes you through the inner portion of downtown Detroit, and along the river side of Windsor, Ontario Canada. A few of my favorite highlights during this race was running over the Ambassador Bridge en-route to Windsor, Ontario Canada; going through the ever so warm Detroit-Windsor Tunnel; as well as running along the beautiful River walk in Detroit.
With the course crossing into a different country which is Canada, it was stressed to have passports which really wasn't an issue during the run. As we ran near the Ambassador Bridge, one of the runners was pulled out by security because of his backpack, but none were pulled out for other reasons. If you run this event, I encourage you to run wearing a waist pack, as like many of the other runners including myself which will hold your passport or whatever you have to show documentation while running this event.
There were an ample amount of water stops along the course, as well as porta johns at key miles which comes in handy for us runners who are well hydrated and carb loaded prior to the run. For me, seeing porta johns along the course motivated me to keep hydrated with no worries of running with a filled bladder.
The support was amazing throughout this entire course. There not only was support from the volunteers at the water stations, but from spectators as well who brought signs, fruit, candy, and even beer & wine? By mile 24, I had given in to that urge of drinking beer while running, hehe.
Prior to the event I booked parking using SpotHero which costed only $15. My only regret after finishing the run is that I did not get something closer, even though my parking option was only a half of a mile away who wants to walk that far after running a 26.2 mile run? My advice for all interested is to get parking preferably at or within a block from the TCF Center because of it being right around the corner from the start & finish line.
As for returning, I'am considering running the event again, but not the full marathon. At this moment, I am deeply interested in running the International half marathon which hits the same key landmarks as the full marathon. My reason is so that I can get more pictures of some of the cities landmarks after the run and maybe during because I felt as though I had no time once I arrived to Detroit. And I literally had to check out of my hotel once I got in from running the full marathon.
I do recommend Detroit Free Press/ TCF Marathon as a run, but plan wisely if you wish to get a better feel of the cities landmarks & culture outside of the event.
Thomas G
Thomas Gouard recommends this race
(2019)
"Fun neighborhood run"
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Great race! Not very big, but put on well, for it being a neighborhood race. The course route was very well marked, with mile markers, and cones along the way. Edgewater 5k, is one of those races that attracts members in the neighborhood; some surrounding. Majority of the runners were elementary students, that attend the neighborhood schools in the Edgewater neighborhood. Some of the older runners were former students, or teachers at Edgewater schools
What interested me about this event, was that some of the proceeds benefited the local schools; which ever one you chose to donate to. No, I'm not a former student of any of the schools, but i do attend church at Swift Elementary, which is one of the schools that participated in the race. I've also volunteered at Swift Elementary, so I felt the need to support Swift.
Lots of post run food at the finish: bananas, pancakes, water, etc. ATHLETICO, was even on site, giving out massages to finishers which was great. Overall this event was great, and I look forward to running it again in the future.
Enjoy, if you are considering this event in the future.
Thomas Gouard recommends this race
(2017)
"Great run"
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I ran this run in 2015, 2016, and ran it again in 2017. It's a competitive, and huge race; along with a dream come true for any Big Ten sports fan. As long as I'm living in Chicago I plan on running this every year, because I love the environment. This race combines my first love (running), with the Big Ten. It's a great feeling representing your favorite sports team in the Big Ten; wearing their colors and competing against other Big Ten fans. Many post race activities with the mascots on stage, games, and plenty of opportunities to take a picture with your favorite Big Ten mascot or cheerleaders.
This race is crowded, so if you're a competitor you might want to get there early to reserve a spot near the front. The course is out-and-back, and gets crowded near the finishline due to there being two races on course; the 5k and 10k.
Enjoy!
Thomas Gouard recommends this race
(2017)
"Great run"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
My only complaint about the half marathon was the merging of it with the 10k, during the final two miles of the run. It was very frustrating merging with 10k runners that have been out on the course for over a hour. Most were walking or slow shuffling on the course, which slowed many of us half marathoners down. This is an easy fix, and hopefully it gets noticed with many others bringing this to awareness. Maybe starting 30 minutes before the 10k runners to prevent that merging of fast half marathoners and slow 10k runners on the last two miles would prevent that headache.
Other than the merging, i absolutely loved the race course; volunteer support; bands; expo; medal; shirt; and course look. Prior to doing this race, i vowed to only do it once for the medal, but after the race i considered running it again next year.