DSM Marathon Course Entertainment

I am the Entertainment Directorfor the DSM Marathon (my name is Lori), responsible for scheduling all of the volutneer entertainers for the course on race day. I am looking for feedback about the course entertainment last year, as well as suggestions and input for this year (Sunday, October 19). I'm gearing up to get started, and would love to hear from the athletes so I can do whatever I can to make it a great experience for all of you!

I can't say anything about 2007. This will be my first IMT Des Moines Marathon. I did run the Quad Cities Marathon last fall, and the ones that I remember were the more personal ones. Bands are great, but they mostly just play while you run by. At about mile 23, the Quad Cities had a group of cheerleaders, and they were great. They were calling people by name and commenting on how they looked. By the time I came through (a good four hours +) they must have been hot and tired, too, but they made me feel like I was the first guy they were cheering for.

BVCC (Ben)

That is great input, Ben. I'm excted to hear that you're participating in your first Des Moines Marathon, and I hope you have an excellent experience! The Race Director and I just met last week, and we specifically talked about adding cheerleaders to the route. Great suggestion and great timing! I participated in the DSM Half-Marathon in 2004, and my most memorable part was also hearing people call out my name (from my bib), and it was very motivating. Thanks again!

If anyone else is willing to share their thoughts and suggestions, I am extremely interersted. Thank you!

The best course support was at the Sioux Falls Half Marathon where there were about 10 official stops and a local group was responsible for manning and entertaining at that water stop. Afterwards, each runner was asked to rank the top three water stops. I am not sure if there were prizes to the best water stops, but I can tell you some of the groups, like Augustana, went all out for theirs and were super supportive.

Last year at the DM Marathon, the drum core was really appreciated and anything to distract from the pain of mile 21 or 22 was worth it. Also it would be great to have more entertainment in the Greenwood and Ashworth parks section -- especially without the possibility of any spectators that section gets a little lonely. Hope this helps...

Sorry for my delayed response. THANK YOU for the great input. I really do appreciate it!!