Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes Marathon

If you want to experience running through the North Woods of MN around beautiful cabin lined lakes then this is the race for you. Also, this race is run early enough in the spring that you can guarantee cool temperatures, a big plus if you tend to get over heated easily.

The course is more rolling and hilly than Grandma's or Whistlestop but none of the hills are particularly steep or long. I had fun opening up my stride and zooming down the back side as a reward for my climbs. This resulted in a big PR for me!

I didn't know what to expect going into the race. As a first-timer, I was most concerned about running on open roads that might have traffic on them. As it turned out there was very little. The cars that did pass by were usually race officials or zealous spectators trying to beat their runner to the next "cheer zone." The busier roads were always blocked by emergency vehicles, fire trucks and traffic cops directing traffic.

The second biggest concern I had going into the race was the double-loop. I was worried it might be more difficult mentally covering the same ground twice, that I might get the feeling I wasn't getting anywhere or that I was running in circles. While some runners experience may vary, I found it didn't bother me at all. In fact, I found it helpful to be able to anticipate parts of the course on the second lap, such as an unofficial water stop or a larger hill.

While my original concerns turned out to be unfounded, I do have a few complaints. I found it difficult and demoralizing to start a full marathon with the "halfers" and relay participants. I found it distracting and somewhat startling to be getting passed by runners that were pacing for a different distance. I found myself checking bib colors out of the corner of my eye as they passed to make sure they weren't a competitor. Most of this occurred during the very early miles of the race, but I continued to be haunted throughout being unsure of my overall position until the very end. (In case you were wondering, I ended up finishing in the top 10, but I had no idea until I reviewed the results).

Also, it may be a non-issue to some, but I have a pet peeve when they hand out the same t-shirt to everyone from the 5k,10k,half or full marathon whether they finish the race or not. My other gripes were very minor, quickly forgotten, but I will say the spectators weren't very enthusiastic. We need more cowbell! Perhaps the cool temperature put a chill on their excitement, which would be understandable.

The volunteers on the other hand were polar opposites. They made up for whatever lack of support the spectators may have had. I agree with other reviewers whole-heartedly: The organizers of this race definitely know what they are doing. For this reason alone I think this marathon deserves to grow. They just did everything right with the budget I imagine they had. There were plenty of aid and water stations with 2 flavors of Power Aide, plenty of food at the finish including a free beer or soda. All this with chip timing on a USATF certified course. An official even showed up at a potential cheat spot.

Overall, I highly recommend this event to anyone up to the challenge of training through the winter to get themselves in shape for a race so early in the season. You can count on the cool temperatures to help speed you on your way towards the finish line and perhaps you will be rewarded with even more than that for your efforts, such as a nice big medal to hang around your neck or put on display in the display case.

Watch the forecast and dress appropriately, consider layering, drink ahead of thirst in cold weather, learn the course on lap 1.

Parking isn't a problem, race day packet pickup is fine.

If you want to experience running through the North Woods of MN around beautiful cabin lined lakes then this is the race for you. Also, this race is run early enough in the spring that you can guarantee cool temperatures, a big plus if you tend to get over heated easily.

The course is more rolling and hilly than Grandma's or Whistlestop but none of the hills are particularly steep or long. I had fun opening up my stride and zooming down the back side as a reward for my climbs. This resulted in a big PR for me!

I didn't know what to expect going into the race. As a first-timer, I was most concerned about running on open roads that might have traffic on them. As it turned out there was very little. The cars that did pass by were usually race officials or zealous spectators trying to beat their runner to the next "cheer zone." The busier roads were always blocked by emergency vehicles, fire trucks and traffic cops directing traffic.

The second biggest concern I had going into the race was the double-loop. I was worried it might be more difficult mentally covering the same ground twice, that I might get the feeling I wasn't getting anywhere or that I was running in circles. While some runners experience may vary, I found it didn't bother me at all. In fact, I found it helpful to be able to anticipate parts of the course on the second lap, such as an unofficial water stop or a larger hill.

While my original concerns turned out to be unfounded, I do have a few complaints. I found it difficult and demoralizing to start a full marathon with the "halfers" and relay participants. I found it distracting and somewhat startling to be getting passed by runners that were pacing for a different distance. I found myself checking bib colors out of the corner of my eye as they passed to make sure they weren't a competitor. Most of this occurred during the very early miles of the race, but I continued to be haunted throughout being unsure of my overall position until the very end. (In case you were wondering, I ended up finishing in the top 10, but I had no idea until I reviewed the results).

Also, it may be a non-issue to some, but I have a pet peeve when they hand out the same t-shirt to everyone from the 5k,10k,half or full marathon whether they finish the race or not. My other gripes were very minor, quickly forgotten, but I will say the spectators weren't very enthusiastic. We need more cowbell! Perhaps the cool temperature put a chill on their excitement, which would be understandable.

The volunteers on the other hand were polar opposites. They made up for whatever lack of support the spectators may have had. I agree with other reviewers whole-heartedly: The organizers of this race definitely know what they are doing. For this reason alone I think this marathon deserves to grow. They just did everything right with the budget I imagine they had. There were plenty of aid and water stations with 2 flavors of Power Aide, plenty of food at the finish including a free beer or soda. All this with chip timing on a USATF certified course. An official even showed up at a potential cheat spot.

Overall, I highly recommend this event to anyone up to the challenge of training through the winter to get themselves in shape for a race so early in the season. You can count on the cool temperatures to help speed you on your way towards the finish line and perhaps you will be rewarded with even more than that for your efforts, such as a nice big medal to hang around your neck or put on display in the display case.

Watch the forecast and dress appropriately, consider layering, drink ahead of thirst in cold weather, learn the course on lap 1.

Parking isn't a problem, race day packet pickup is fine.

Very scenic and well organized. Friendly people and well staffed