Avenue of the Giants Marathon Reviews (2)

The Avenue of the Giants

After resting and recouping, I had some time to think about this event and have come to the conclusion that I'm not sure I would run this event again. This was my first marathon, so maybe the negative impressions can be chalked up to my inexperience and false expectations.

The first negative experience with me happened when I exited my car and a traffic control guy started yelling at me as if I was back in Airborne school. I am not thin skinned in any way, however I am sure this is not the right image the sponsors want as a first impression to their event. Unfortunately my wife (who btw had been driving since 4 am to get me there) experienced the same level of demeaning treatment from a totally separate traffic control person hours later. I am glad the people at the registration desk were nice, because at that point I was unsure I wanted to participate and had no problem with just turning around and researching another marathon to run at a later time.

The course, although it runs through the beautiful Redwoods, has uneven and cracked pavement with potholes through out the course. This is something the sponsors have no control over. The warning is, enjoy the majestic forest splendor, but keep one eye on the road.

One positive thing to note, and in my opinion its beauty bests the ancient trees: This event had some of the most friendly and supportive participants I have ever seen. Around every bend there were other runners cheering for other runners.