Inland Trail Marathon Reviews

  Ideal Boston Qualifier

By cw about 2017

Review

Fast / flat course is ideal for beginners! I missed BQ'ing by 5 min. in my first go, so will race this again this year. Also, small field made for easy movement, especially when the Half'ers were off the course. Highly recommended.

Race Tips

Expect cool temps, so perfect conditions. The course is out in the sticks, so no worries about traffic... lots of road crossing staff, aid stations and some cheering fans! Only downside.... the post-race food sucks! Bring your own!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I'm local so no tips on hotels, etc.

  PR City

By cw about 2017

Review

Flat / fast course, ideal for a go at a BQ! Weather typically is ideal...

  Love the simplicity of this race

By MAM about 2016

Review

Just park your car lineup and race. I love the simplicity of this race. The course is a flat and straight out and back with plenty of water stops along the way. There will be times especially late in the course when it's just you and the trail, so if you need spectators or a pack of other runners to motivate you, this race is not for you. I prefer the quiet environment so I see it and a positive. Awards are given immediately after you cross the finish line, so there is no need to wait around too long. There is usually pizza and fruit afterwards.

Race Tips

The last 10 miles of this course is ever so slightly downhill, so the finish is enjoyable as long as you don't start too aggressively. I have always negative split this course.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The Red Roof Inn in Elyria is clean and affordable. My daughter enjoys the indoor swimming pool. I always go the the nearby Olive Garden for my pre-race meal.

  

By FXR about 2015

Review

Pros: Flat course for PR, Can stay warm indoors until race time, Parking right at event, pretty course

Cons: If you need lots of crowds or a big field to get motivated, this is not your race. Gun start rather than chip timed start, but not a large race so eacy to get up front if seeking PR or BQ so you don't loose more than a couple seconds.

Race Tips

Course and weather was beautiful in 2015.

  

By Frank about 2015

Review

Pros: Very flat course. Pre-race got to stay warm indoors before race. Parking is plentiful right at race start. 2015 was beautiful day and the course was gorgeous. Got my BQ there.

Cons: If you need large crowds, lots of racers, etc. for energy, this is not your race. Also, the start is not chip timed but there are not many runners so it's easy to get near front and only costs at most a couple seconds if seeking a PR.

Race Tips

Nice cool, maybe cold weather at start given it is in November. Easy packet pickup and close parking day of race.