FEED BACK FROM SANTACLAUSMARATHON 2005
If you only ever run one marathon, do this one!! (2005)
Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 5
J. F. from Dublin, Ireland (7/10/05)
4-5 previous marathons
Everything K.S. said for 2004 goes for the 2005 race too. From the moment I got off the aircraft and Rauna helped me collect my bags until Olga checked me back in on the return journey I was treated better than any elite runner at a major capital city marathon. We were bussed from the hotel door to the race start. Whatever questions we had were answered immediately. Every competitor was special.
This marathon really does have it all. The adventure of an arctic circle-start (with Santa himself), out-of-this-world-beautiful course with forest, fells, lakes and rivers. Not to mention the midnight sun! The water stops every 3 KM were very well stocked with water, juice, sports drinks, fruit, pickles (sounds weird but really did the trick when my salt levels went down). I even heard afterwards that one of the stations served a local berry wine. I'll have to look out for it next year.
The organization was faultless. The marshalls were excellent. Rauna even hopped in his car and was a one-man mobile support team. No chance of slacking with his encouragement.
The staggered start meant everyone finished around midnight in the town center. Loads of runners and locals hanging around which was great fun. After the race there was a free pass into the local sports institute for a shower, sauna or swim. The organizers really have thought of everything to make this special.
The wild and free company who promote the race also offer some activity half-day trips, such as hiking, whitewater rafting, visitng a local shaman village, or quad-biking. If you have a chance, do them all. You'll get to see so much more of lapland than 26.2 miles allows. I'm not usually a 'package-deal' person but theirs was such good value I have to recommend it wholeheartedly.
This is also a great family marathon. There are half marathon, roller-blading, and walking races as well, so there is something for everyone. Spot prizes mean everyone is has a chance of winning something.
I really can't completely explain the atmosphere of this race. Not only is it my favorite race ever, it is up there on the best holidays I've ever taken. It is without a doubt the standard by which all future events worldwide will be judged. I can't imagine anything else ever making the grade.
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Unique location and equal treatment categories (2005)
Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 2
Walter van Waterschoot from Antwerp, Belgium (7/7/05)
11-50 previous marathons | 1 Santa's Arctic Circle Marathon
Because of its location Santa’s Arctic Circle Marathon represents a unique opportunity for those runners collecting exotic marathons across Europe or across the globe. Starting in front of Santa Claus’s Office adds a nostalgic element. For a summer marathon the temperature is typically quite reasonable (this year 23° Celsius at the early evening start). The organization on the reasonably flat course is very adequate. A remarkable and exceptional feature is the systematic equal treatment of different age categories. Not only are separate rankings used per age group, but each category receives an identical set of victory cups awarded during a ceremony under the midnight sun. If you add the many tourist opportunities (local, Finnish and Scandinavian), the availability of a range of middle-class and budget hotels in Rovaniemi, it is only surprising that not more groups are yet participating in this young event. It looks as if this marathon will unavoidably become much more popular in the next few years.
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A truly magical and wonderful experience! (2004)
Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 5
K. S. from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (5/23/05)
11-50 previous marathons | 1 Santa's Arctic Circle Marathon
From Race Director Olga, who answered my many questions in the weeks leading up to the event, to my actual arrival in Rovaniemi, I was treated to an energetic and positive attitude towards my participation in SACM.
The old adage "anticipation is greater than the realization" was certainly not the case here. After having spent almost 24 hours traveling from Canada to Europe, and another sleepless night in the Munich airport, I finally arrived in Rovaniemi and my first impression was, "WOW!" The sun was shining and it was beautiful! From the moment I stepped off the plane I encountered nothing but smiling and welcoming faces. Rauno, Olga’s husband, greeted me like a long lost friend.
The race started at the Artic Circle with Santa himself firing the starting pistol. What a thrill! The first thing we did was run through Santa’s Park. Being a true kid at heart, I was immediately transported to another world as I ran through the old bunker. I felt like I was truly in Santa’s workshop, I could hear the elves busily preparing for Christmas, I could imagine Santa running around making sure all would be ready for the night of December 24th! It was magical!
Once out of the bunker, the marathon proceeded along the myriad of bicycle paths, passing though residential areas, the city, the lakes, the beautiful farms. It was by far the most beautiful marathon route I have done to date. The people along the route were very friendly, offering lots of support! The aid stations were well stocked and all volunteers offered nothing but positive encouragement to all runners.
As the finish line appeared, the crowds of people sitting out on the patio of the bars and restaurants downtown began to shout and clap. The midnight sun was still shining, the temperature was just right and friendly people were everywhere – definitely a finish line I won’t forget! It truly was an adventure of a lifetime and one I would most definitely recommend to all!!!
I got to see Santa (and since it was at the Artic Circle, I am positive it was the REAL guy), was transported to another world running through the Santa Park bunker, met wonderfully friendly people, and to top off the whole trip (which actually lasted a mere 15 hours in total), as Rauno and I drove out to the airport Sunday morning, not one but three beautiful reindeer walked out of the woods to bid me farewell! Once again the child in me escaped as I snapped pictures of these mystical animals!
I highly recommend this marathon to all who want to experience a well-organized, friendly and beautiful marathon!
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feedback about the SCM: Honestly, I really liked it! And
here are the strengths and fields of improvement:
(+) The route was very nice and I think for the marathon it was even nicer.
Crossing Santa Clause Cave was exiting, particularly since it was dark ;o)
The landscape was beautiful.
(+) The marking of the route was very good. There was no point at which I
didn't know which way to go. I also liked the kilometre-indications.
(+) The transportation of the baggage worked well.
(+) Santa Claus at the start was funny.
(+) The supply with food and drinks was sufficient and excellent.
(+) The ice and wood-medal after the finish was a nice surprise.
(+) The T-Shirt as well as the SCM Logo is nice.
(+) The organization team worked well.
What could be improved? 1) Some for audience for the motivation and
2) A shorter waiting time for the start of the half-marathon after the start of
the marathon. We had to "hang around" for one hour.
I hope this helps you a bit.
Looking forward to your reply, Anne . . .
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MOI Rovaniemelle!!
Kiitos hienoista järjestelyistä ja kivoista ilmoista. Tapahtuma sai
positiivista vastakaikua reitin vaihtelevuudesta, järkkäreiden lukumäärästä,
putsatuista risteyskohdista, etuauton käytöstä ja nopeasta tulospalvelusta
sekä maalialueen fiiliksestä
Lumipallot ja osanottomitalit olivat omaperäisiä ja kivoja yllätyksiä
maalissa.
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First of all, many thanks for the overall fine organisation and the effort and contribution of so many volunteers.
Personally my week-off in Rovaniemi was a real off-week having as a result that in the marathon I saw the light go under after some 24-25k and was only happy I still managed to reach the finish. To my very big surprise I was first in the age category and got this nice cup for it. I think you have an enormously strong point here viz. that all age categories are treated equally which is so unusual indeed. Since you ask me about minus points. I have been waiting for a full hour in the Santa Claus hotel for registration (after the lady at the desk confirmed you would come there that very morning). I think your on-line registration should include on-line payment. I give you the advice of including a section on frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) on your website with information e.g. on luggage storage etc. I also think your maraton has much more potential for attracting runners, since it is just a lovely course and a unique opportunity, Best wishes and sporty regards,
Walter van Waterschoot (priv. adr. Kruisveldweg 8 B 2500 Lier)
Professor dr. Walter van Waterschoot Universiteit Antwerpen
Faculteit Toegepaste Economische Wetenschappen - departement Marketing
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