calendar icon Sep 20, 2024

Baltimore Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Baltimore Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.9 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 443 [displaying comments 321 to 331]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 31 32 33 34 35 .. 45 > ]

 

Terry Pescosolido from Columbus, OH (10/19/2003)
"Nice course, terrible organization" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 5


This could've been one of my favorite all-time races, except for one thing. They introduced a half-marathon this year, and they started it at the marathon halfway point 1 1/2 hours into the marathon. Incredibly bad idea. I ran into the 3,000+ half-marathon walkers and slower runners at about mile 14 and had to dodge them for 7 miles. Could not even get close to a couple water stations for the crowd. There were a lot of irate marathoners. This needs major rethinking before next year. Maybe reserve a lane for the marathoners?

Other than that, the course is very nice for an urban race with parks sprinkled in. Spectators were super all during the course. Nice finish line refreshments.

 

A. K. from Washington, D.C. (10/19/2003)
"Not bad, and overall a GREAT run" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I wasn't all that jazzed about running through Baltimore of all places and especially after I saw the course map and realized it wouldn't be the most scenic of routes. Yet, this run was FABULOUS! The spectators lined the streets throughout the 26 miles and offered endless support, especially around the hills where I needed it most. Between miles 18-22, the hills were a little arduous, but a few supporters stood out there with their signs (and some with gummy bears and oranges) and even a marching band was there to help the runners keep going. Because of the locals, the last 13 miles were a cinch and I would definitely run this race again! GREAT JOB, BALTIMORE!

 

F. E. from Merrick, LI, NY (10/19/2003)
"Diamond of an event in need of a little polish" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The 2003 Baltimore Marathon was great: excellent expo, free parking, fine support along the way, the course was interesting, the spectators were very supportive, and the medal and complimentary 'Armour Guard' shirt were appreciated! Only suggestion concerns the 'carbo-loading dinner': Certificates were issued for an equal credit at one of several restaurants in Baltimore's 'Little Italy' section. I still have mine and I suspect that many other participants do also. Many runners from out of state do not necessarily stay in the locale of Little Italy, and many of those that do most often do not look forward to going out the night before the race and facing an unknown menu at a pricey restaurant. It might be better to provide for a specific venue and variable seating times for the dinner in the future.

 

l. b. from emmaus, pa (10/19/2003)
"A good challenging course!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


This was my 4th marathon. The course was a challenge which I really liked. I think though they could have found a more scenic route.
There were some areas where there were a lot of spectators, but there were areas on the route where there was no one.
Also, I was disappointed with the traffic that was everywhere. There were vehicles on the course and we had to run around them. One person was evening pulling out of a parking spot while we were running. Police offers were letting cars cross the course and one voluneer was asking us runners to slow down so traffic could cross. The worst thing about the traffic was that at mile 25 a car was supposed to stop but decided to quickly pass and almost hit me! I jumped out of the way while spectators were screaming. While I continued, I heard the police officer hollering at the driver.
I just have to say they need to improve the organization of this marathon.
Otherwise, I thought the course was a great challenge.

 

P. S. from Winchester, VA (10/18/2003)
"This novice runner had a great time" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I am so glad that they added the 1/2 marathon so this novice was able to participate. While there seemed to be a few bugs with the merging of the two races, I'm sure that an organized group such as this will have that all figured out next time. Interesting rolling course with great community support. The police were on top of the traffic and encouraging as well. Children handing out bananas, one family passing out Gummy Bears on trays (on top of frequent & well supplied stops by race organizers and volunteers). Next year I'll be back for the full marathon.

 

R. C. from Edgewood, MD (10/18/2003)
"Fun, Fun, Fun" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Set a PR today... yeah!

 

G. R. from Northern Virginia (10/18/2003)
"We were overwhelmed with encouragement from all! " (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This marathon was spectacular from start to finish for me... a first-time marathoner *smile*. The police were fabulous and encouraged us the whole way. And the hospitality of the Baltimore City residents was wonderful. It was a beautiful day full of inspiring people, a wonderful event, and a spiritual journey (from the moving national anthem to the church bells sending us off and welcoming us home). THANK YOU to ALL. I used to live in Baltimore and it is better than ever. I 'believe' in BALTIMORE!! A truly great place to live.

 

J. F. from Baltimore, Maryland (10/18/2003)
"Gosh the course was hilly, but great experience." (about: 2003)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The course was not 'user friendly', but certainly a challenge. I found the folks running the show to be awesome, and the spectators very supportive and equally as inspiring. Great experience. Lots of fun.

 

K. D. from Rockville, MD (10/14/2003)
"Hilly, but lots of fun" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The course was hilly and tough for first-timers like me. Especially the 'up' around miles 18-22 was hard. That only added to the sense of achievement when I finally crossed the finish line!

The spectators were very encouraging and running was a lot of fun. The organizers, local police and volunteers did a great job! I would run it again.

 

John Fey from Omaha, Neb. (9/20/2003)
"My fourth marathon, at age 50, was awesome" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The course had more hills in the second half than I would have preferred, but the great crowd support more than made up for it.

 

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