Quebec City Marathon Reviews

  

By JK about 2013

Review

From start to finish...much hillier than any of the reviews acknowledged. The hills are steep.both up and down with rolling in between. If you aren't prepared for this your legs are beat up long before you have a chance to hit the long stretch of highway that is in direct sun. Due to the late start, you're in the full heat of August. The water stops aren't frequent enough to make up for the dehydrations this combo creates. As for being scenic, you hit a few cute streets, but mainly you're too inland to enjoy the water, you spend a lot of time on the highway which isn't pretty and barely any of the race is in Quebec City. Yes you finish there, but you don't see the city at all. Felt the reviews were not honest and I was surprised that myself and elite runners I know came in 15-20 minutes over our expects times. More proper to those who pulled off fast races. Just not one i would recommend for beauty, speed, or ease.

Race Tips

Train for hill, wear your own water belt, prepare for heat (even 65 is boiling hot if there is now shade at 10:30am), and maybe just do a prettier race somewhere else.

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

Fairmont gave a nice discount but also put us in a mediocre room with the view of a wall. Good location though.