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Debbie Dujanovic reportingGreg Reid/Race Director: "It's a new race, we knew there'd be some situations -- that's why it's nice to have one under our belt to assist us for 2005."
Looking ahead to Salt Lake's next marathon. Organizers examine what went right and what went wrong.
One day after the first run, and they're already looking ahead to 2005!
The plan: double the number of runners, and cutback on traffic complaints from residents.
Now organizers are looking ahead to a few changes, and hope those who were mad, can see the good that came out of the big race.
When organizers analyze the good, at the top of the list is tremendous local support. Residents cheering on runners. For some, just because.
"Why are you here today ... Here to support the runners."
Race organizers say runners noticed.
Greg Reid/Race Director: “All the runners were very emotional about the participation of the community"
Next, a better than expected turnout.
They hoped to get 5000 between the marathon and 5-k. 6300 participated
Then, there's the money.
Wrapping up the marathon, and heading off to celebrate and sleep.
Marriot at the Gallivan Center sold out all 359 rooms Friday and Saturday night.
Unusual for a late April.
Scott Beck/General Manager, Marriott City Center: “To have a full hotel to a full city to have the energy that came with the event in downtown Salt Lake was the best part for us."
Traffic gridlock on several east-west roads on the east side, will probably go down as the marathon's biggest problem.
"I had no idea it was going to be this bad."
Drivers stuck in Holladay, South Salt Lake, trying to cross 5th east in Salt Lake City.
Race organizers say they begin a series of meetings next week with transportation, city, and law enforcement officials to work out the bugs, but the course will likely stay the same for next year.
Greg Reid/Race Director: “We found a course that we think is suitable for everything i think it's a great course, but some things need some tweaking."
Two weeks before the marathon, race officials hired workers to go door to door, and sent out flyers warning residents.
They'll do that, maybe more next year.
Part of the problem this weekend, UDOT began repair work on I-80 and I-15, forcing more cars on to side streets ... and UDOT had already delayed those repairs because of bad weather.
Next year race organizers are hoping they won't have to contend with freeway closers.
They're also looking at increasing the staff on their phone hotline, so people with traffic questions on race day can call in and get advice on how to get around the marathon route.
