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Post by bberk1 on Feb 16, 2008 21:26:47 GMT -5
Anyone have any experience on which is the better race to run in the spring? I've heard cleveland is really boring and windy at the end. But, cleveland is closer.
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Post by MattCollister on Feb 17, 2008 5:55:35 GMT -5
I am doing Flying Pig again this year. Did it in 2004. It's a tough course and requires some thoughtful planning. Look for a long rise from mile 5 - 8, beginning downtown and ending up in Hyde Park. You can blow it here if you're not careful. Mile 8-26.2 are net downhill, but there are a lot of rolling hills that will sap your strength.
IN 2004, the weather was miserable. Steady drizzle and temps in the low 40s. When I finished I was so cold that I didn't even celebrate. Just made a beeline to a heated bus shuttling people back to the parking area. But early May in Cincinnati can bring anything.
As for Cleveland Marathon, your note above highlights about the only good thing about that race.
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Post by Adam Patrick on Feb 17, 2008 10:47:55 GMT -5
I can't speak to Cinci but I have run Cleveland for the past 2 years. The wind along marginal was bad 2 years ago (2006) but I didn't think it was a factor last year (2007). The stretch along Chester can be somewhat boring but I find it worth it because I like getting in to University Circle / going down MLK (mostly because I am familiar with that area). One thing I will say about Cleveland is that it is a fast course.
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Post by Jack Carney on Feb 17, 2008 15:24:54 GMT -5
I will also vote for The Pig. It is a fun marathon very well run and a lot of fun. The climb Matt mentioned is definitely a challenge but the reward at the top when you are overlooking the Ohio River is worth it.
I did it in 2004 also Matt. What a horrible weather day. But a PR for me and good memories overall.
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Post by jetlink on Feb 17, 2008 16:48:45 GMT -5
I have never done Cincinatti's Flying Pig but I have run on parts of the course.
I have ran Cleveland - both the half and the full.
I would vote for the Pig hands down........run Cleveland at your own risk - if its your first marathon then I guess you won't realize how poorly run Cleveland is.....so then its a coin-flip. The pig does get tremendous support from the community and also is always mentioned when people talk about the nation's best marathon's.
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Post by bberk1 on Feb 17, 2008 20:20:48 GMT -5
It's about my 7th marathon or so. As for fans, I don't care. Hopefully I'll be with one of the pace groups.
As long as there's drink every so often and a food stop or two I should be ok.
Now the key is how to get through the later miles as those always seem to be my weak spot.
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mnowac
Olympic Member
"Once in awhile you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right" JG
Posts: 117
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Post by mnowac on Feb 18, 2008 16:13:51 GMT -5
I did Cleveland last year and it was my first and I thought it was okay, until I did the half at Akron. It was so much better organized, the expo was great, the crowds were awesome. Cleveland just doesn't have much to offer in the ways of a marathon. I am doing cinti this year and have heard great things about the race. Just prep for some hills.
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Post by Steve Wilson on Feb 18, 2008 19:05:58 GMT -5
Cinci is a much better race in every area I can think of-organization, interesting course, crowd support, etc.
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Post by elizabeth on Feb 22, 2008 10:57:01 GMT -5
Brian, Come do Traverse City with me instead! All jokes aside, do cinci, it is more challenging but the race is so much better and if you run it right and avoid killing yourself on the hills I think you can still run a strong race there.
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Post by bberk1 on Feb 23, 2008 22:21:08 GMT -5
Yea, um, not really the best motivation to run cinci. Although I'm sure cinci or traverse city would also be more fun.
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