Marietta runner: ‘I’ll be back next year – with friends!’
If you truly do reap what you sow, Albany ’s in pretty good shape after its amazing display of energy, heart and community spirit last weekend.
The Snickers Marathon Energy Bar Marathon . The 1-Mile Fun Run. Georgia Maxis Cup Bicycling. Mardi Gras.
Three awesome events. One weekend. One tremendous shot in the arm for Albany ’s economy and its psyche.
We needed this. Except for rallying around the South Georgia Wildcats, we are not on the same page as a community. But thanks to the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Merchants Association, Masterfoods and dozens of other businesses, and our local hospitals, churches, community organizations, government, and more than 1,000 residents who donated their time and sweat over the weekend, more than $1 million was infused into our economy. From food vendors to other entrepreneurs to downtown businesses, a lot of people made a lot of money over the weekend. Taxpayers fared well; tens of thousands of dollars in sales tax was collected.
More importantly, a lot of people – from neighbors to a long-distance runner from Micronesia , wherever that is – had a lot of fun. Undoubtedly, friendships were forged and businesses deals were conceived. When we come together as one community and put our heads and gumption and wherewithal together, amazing things happen.
Conceived several years ago by Albany oncologist Jose’ Tongol, the marathon was birthed – so to speak — last year by Sara Underdown, who directs the CVB. This year, CVB’s Lisa Riddle took the helm – and scored big.
Nearly 1,000 Snickers Marathon Energy Bar marathoners and half-marathoners (about half of whom live outside the region) participated in Saturday’s 26.2 and 13.1 treks through Albany , doubling last year’s turnout. From rave reviews to constructive criticism, here’s some what runners have said so far on marathonguide.com, an Internet blog that solicits feedback on long-distance road races. (The numbers next to “course,” “organization” and “fans” represent the runners’ rating, on a scale of 1 to 5, of the marathon.)
WELL DONE!! WELL DONE!!Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 5D. I. from Gainesville , Fla.11-50 previous marathons
“I was most impressed by this marathon. The weather was perfect, the crowds were supportive, and the course was well marked! The police and volunteers were so helpful and encouraging! I enjoyed the various scenic spots throughout the course. I’m a walker and had support, fluids, traffic control, and cheers all the way to the finish line! I highly recommend this marathon!”
Relatively flat, bit long, good local marathon!Course: 4 Organization: 4 Fans: 5P.S. from Georgia1 previous marathon; 1 Snickers Marathon Energy Bar Marathon
“For a relatively small, local type of marathon, this is a nice introduction to marathoning. The crowd support is positive/vocal/friendly, they had ample water stations, good medics, and it’s not too crowded. The finish is well done and there are ample refreshments, fresh-pulled beer, and all-you-can-eat Snickers Marathon bars. The course was a bit long (.25 on my and other people’s Garmins) but it’s relatively flat with minor rolls. Air quality wasn’t the best and you do cross over some busy roads but the police are very helpful with traffic. Organization is solid and Albany supports the runners well. I would’ve liked more Snickers gear on-site, a beefier medal or something more creative, and some volunteers to direct us better than just cheer, but how can you really complain? On the whole I’d give this a A- for what it is.”
Got to do it!!!!!Course: 4 Organization: 5 Fans: 5A. S. from Valdosta , Ga.2 previous marathons; 1 Snickers Marathon Energy Bar Marathon
“I am a fan of this one. You must do it. It is so well organized for only its second year. The only comment would be that they said they would have Cytomax and they had Gatorade instead. I do not drink either one, but they should have what they advertised. But wow, it was so well attended. Support was amazing for this little town. Great things are going to happen in Albany these next few years. Jeff Galloway was there also. Big plus!!”
A terrific small-town raceCourse: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 4Erin Collins from Cumming , Ga.6-10 previous marathons; 1 Snickers Marathon Energy Bar Marathon
“My entire experience was terrific — from when I checked into my hotel, until after I crossed the finish line. The course was flat with just some minor rolling hills to it — just enough to keep it from being boring. The course wound its way through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods. There were volunteers at every cross street to help with traffic and to cheer us on. Many of the residents were out as well to cheer for us. The water stations had plenty of water, Gatorade and Snickers Marathon Bars. Many of the water stations had themes. The Marine band played for us at one station. When I crossed the finish line, my name and town were announced over a loudspeaker and the entire finish area cheered me across the finish line where I had my own personal escort wrap me in a mylar blanket, get me water, make sure I was okay, etc. I was blown away by the hospitality in Albany . I was invited to a spaghetti dinner party at a family’s home, whom I met while standing in line at the expo. (They also stayed and cheered me across the finish line.) Our hotel (Comfort Inn) started breakfast at 5 a.m. just for the runners and offered a late check-out as well. I will definitely be back in Albany next year.
An All-Around Great Race!!
Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 5P. H. from Atlanta2 previous marathons; Snickers Marathon Energy Bar Marathon
“I thought this marathon was the perfect size, not too big where you’re crowded at the start and not so small that you’re running for miles by yourself. The volunteers and spectators were great!! Extremely friendly and just out having a great time. The course aid stations were extremely well stocked with both water and Gatorade at every station. They said the stations were 2 miles apart, but it seemed some were probably about a mile and a half apart.”
Superb support race for marathoners!Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 5D.G. from Marietta , Ga.4-5 previous marathons; 1 Snickers Marathon Energy Bar Marathon
“This is a great course, going through neighborhoods from about mile 10 on. I was fortunate to run with some gentlemen from the area who shared bits of insight into each new neighborhood – thanks, guys, it was a real pleasure running with each of you! So, at each mile there would be a little cheering section besides the local fans scattered throughout the course. Every mile, after about 10, seemed to have water, Gatorade and frequently either gels or pieces of the Marathon bars. The finish line support is also great. Plenty of water, food, beer, massages, thermal blankets, and even a medical tent. The tagged bags were at the finish for easy pickup. And they helped me recover a shed jacket that wasn’t tagged. There’s also a nice, colorful technical t-shirt. And it’s only a 1/4-mile stroll back to your parked car at the start. I’ll be back next year with friends!
