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Wickham Park Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Wickham Park Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 2.2
Number of comments: 11 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
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Melissa Kastanias from Florida
(5/22/2012)
"Great First Trail Marathon :)" (about: 2011)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Wickham Park Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I had run a few road marathons previously but Wickham Park was my first trail marathon. I ran it on a lark without much training because of the way the course is set up. I'll get back to that later. Course: The course is basically a 3.75 mile loop that you run several times. This may sound boring but the course is difficult enough to keep things interesting. The course isn't marked so clearly, however, so it's possible to get temporarily deterred but not lost all together. As a result, I always tried keeping a veteran of this course in my eyesight. I also recommend wearing plenty of sunscreen as there are parts of the course not shaded and it's typically in the upper eighties this time of year in Florida. Organization: This event is not organized all that much but that's part of its charm. It's free to anyone who wants to participate and after each lap, runners write down their time (using the same provided watch) on a spreadsheet. Runners must bring their own food and drinks but it's in a park so there are picnic tables, shade and public bathrooms as well as a water hose to get cleaned up. Spectators: Nobody really comes to cheer runners on because it's run through the trail, not passed people's homes or through city streets. The reason I didn't give this category one star, however, is because the runners themselves are great at encouraging each other as they pass each other along the trail. Also, many family members and friends come to cheer and act as a kind of 'pit crew' at the start/finish of the 3.75 mile loop. Getting back to why I ended up running the marathon without training....after each loop, instead of quickly guzzling down water and continuing on, I went back to a picnic table where a group of us set up a spread of food and drinks. So, I was able to pace myself, socialize for a bit, eat and hydrate. I could also better evaluate whether or not I felt like attempting another loop. While this makes for a slower marathon, it's also more fun. Definitely a unique experience that I recommend if you're in the area! | |
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Jay Ward from Nashville
(1/31/2010)
"Well run and organized race and ultra" (about: 2003)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Wickham Park Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this race, the marathon, in 2001 and 2003, and it is a well run and organized race with a friendly, laid back vibe. I didn't do the 50 or 100, but it seemed a good race for a first ultra. Highly recommend - a great experience! | |
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Michael O'Connor from Riverview Florida
(5/26/2009)
"Tough race for a first marathon" (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Wickham Park Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Wow, what an eye-opener. This was my first marathon and second trail race. Prior to this, the most I ran was 15-milers, so this was tough but very fun. Everyone was helpful when I needed sodium pills, and even gave me some pointers on future trail races. I hated it but I loved it; it was a lot of fun! | |
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M. D. from Lake Oconne, GA
(5/26/2009)
"Unique" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Wickham Park Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran this race on May 24, 2009 as a sudden decision, and I was not disappointed. The course is almost all on sand, and it's flat, with one exception. There's one uphill with a 17' rise in elevation. This is a no-frills race. There are two public water fountains and you must bring you own supplies. It involves 7 laps around a 3.75-mile trail. It had been raining a lot, and the ditches were filled with water. Between sweat and ground water, you will be soaked. If you want a unique race under extreme conditions, and are not seeking fan support, try this one next year. | |
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J. S. from FL USA
(1/28/2008)
"Not for whiners (BM in Chicago)" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 Wickham Park Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This race is the perfect race. You definitely get your money's worth. Hot, humid, sun beating down on top of your head, ankle-deep sugar sand, shiggys, mounds, gopher and tortoise holes, over and over again. Not for the faint of heart. Love the race. As far as the comments from BM below, I have to respond. First, the out-and-back is not at all dangerous, with runners running in opposite directions. I have NEVER even come close to running into anyone. And I even wear headphones!!! Marking the course with flour is a Wickham Park tradition and should never be changed. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. so that you DO have to run in the hotter part of the day. Why make it easier? I have a better idea for Mr. Mahoney. Why not pave the course, be sure there is a ribbon at every one of the 1673 turns, put a big arrow pointing in the direction in case you miss the ribbon, and start the race at 5 a.m. so people from Chicago don't get too hot? The race is perfect as is and as good of a challenge as any race in the USA. | |
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B. M. from Chicago, IL
(5/27/2007)
"Excellent Trail-Marathon Course" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The course would be perfect if the opposite-direction running on approximately 3/4-mile in each of the 3.75-mile loops can be eliminated. Running in opposite directions on a single-track trail course is pretty dangerous. Also, headphone use by runners should be banned on the single-track course. Mr. Mahoney, the Race Director, does a very good job in course markings and running along with the rest of the runners. Instead of using flour on the ground, perhaps, ribbons on tree branches would be better option for course markings. The race started at 7:30 a.m., which I thought was pretty late for the last week in May. An earlier start would take advantage of the cooler mornings. This is the first marathon I have come across where there is no registration fee. Again, my thanks to Mr. Mahoney for his selfless work in organizing this race. | |
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Andrey Semyachkin from Volzhsky,Russia
(12/31/2004)
"I like USA!" (General Comments)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Wickham Park Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Good luck and all the best! | |
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G. C. from WP FLA
(9/23/2004)
"Again" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Wickham Park Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Ran it again and made it this time. What a hoot and quite an accomplishment for me. Will try for 50 in 2005. Do it but not for everyone. | |
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S. S. from Florida
(6/11/2004)
"Must run very fast early to beat the heat!" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Wickham Park Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a great organized race. The trails are marked with faint flour in case you get lost. There is some shade, which keeps the heat index usually under 110. It is a 14-lap course, so you start to learn the tricky turns toward the end. There is even an aid station 2 and a half miles into it, which you will go by every lap for snacks or water. I have a little speed as I have ran under 18 minutes for a 5k and 3:09 in another marathon. I plan on doing this every year and have dreams of breaking 4:50 in the future. | |
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G. C. from Winter Park, FL
(1/31/2004)
"Ouch - from Runner in Central Florida" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Matt said it is Spartan and harsh - and it is. Good character builder. Not everyone finishes because it is not for everyone. I will do it again. |
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