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☰
Baltimore Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Baltimore Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.9 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 4.1
Number of comments: 443 [displaying comments 341 to 351]
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A Runner from Pittsburgh
(10/22/2002)
"2001 Runners who skipped 2002- come back again!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Nice expo in a great setting. Good pasta dinner, but maybe the steep price tag kept diners away. A free glass of beer wouldn't be too much to ask for our $20 (or $25 for non-entrants.) Start is a bit far from the stadium. Not much hoopla at the start- how about a band, or the national anthem, or a fly-over, or a word from the mayor, or something more than just the starting gun? Well-stocked and well-staffed aid stations. Mile 19 station workers- nice job! Challenging course, but not onerous. Nice finish through Camden Yards, although the two balloon arches prior to the actual finish line fooled more than one runner, inc. me. Post-race grub was average. | |
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Michael from Brooklyn, NY
(10/22/2002)
"First Marathon at 53" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I enjoyed the whole thing. The course was great from a couple of points of view. It went through downtown twice, so my family who came along got to root for me twice. The finish through Eutaw Street went past Oriole Park and was a rush; plus there was plenty of room for non-VIP spectators. Beginning and ending downtown made this a very visitor friendly race. Although there were hills, they were from 1 to 3 and 16 to 21 miles and didn't break down one's stride. The fact that I broke 4 hours suggests that the course was fast enough. There were lots of volunteers at every water station. Geez, I am used to having to pick my cups up off of a table. These guys were out there handing them to me. I got lots encouragement out on the course from spectators. I also loved the 8 am start and the pace groups. Go Baltimore, great job. Thanks. | |
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A Runner from Baltimore, Maryland
(10/21/2002)
"A male runner from Baltimore" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and enjoyed it. Yes, a marathon is supposed to be a challenge so the few hills were to be expected. The major hills weren't a problem but the little ones got me in the later miles. I'm only referring to the little overpasses at about 22-24 miles. I struggled late in the race a little bit only due to my fast pace in the early miles. I thought the race was well organized with more thought put into it compared to the inagural event last year. I will run it again next year and am looking forward to it. I thought all of the aid stations were well supported and stocked with water and gator aid. Maybe next time there could be a couple of more stations that have energy gels. One thing that would be nice is to invite some of the local bands out onto the course to play during the event. The spectators were great but could use more energizing music to help the runners. | |
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A Runner from New Jersey
(10/21/2002)
"One of my favorites" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have run both Baltimore marathons. The course was much better this year, however, the hills from 17 - 21 felt like last year. I didn't even notice the climb from 1 - 3. The start was way too far away from the stadium if you are checking baggage or meeting people. I think some people actually missed the start. I really loved the way the course came back to the inner harbor at miles 8 and 14. They just need to bring it back at about 21 and then the finish - that would be perfect. There were places where you had to dodge traffic on cross-streets but the police absolutely did a great job. The shirts need a makeover - very plain this year (I suspect to get you to buy other ones from Fila). I enjoy the fans in Baltimore, although sparse in some areas, they really cheer you on. Wear your name on your shirt and you'll hear it quite a bit - it helps in the later miles. The finish was spectacular this year! Great improvement! I love Balltimore because it is a loop course near the inner harbor, all hotels and two great stadiums - no buses. The water/gatorade stops are numerous and each group cheered you on. The bananas were a nice touch too. Honoring Johnny Unitas at mile 19 with colt #19 jersey's was great. I always enjoy the Army cadets at mile 21. They will have a perfect marathon with a few more tweeks to the course and a closer starting line. It is a large relay marathon so be prepared for faster paced runners passing you by. | |
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A Runner from Birmingham, Alabama
(10/21/2002)
"Good solid marathon in all aspects" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run 17 marathons and was well pleased with what I found in Baltimore. I did not run the 1st but did not find the hills especially difficult for this race. Folks, flat and fast can be boring. Nothing is better than catching some speed on a slow desent. What I liked was awesome finish, frequent water stops, organization and plenty of folks working the message tent. Minor minuses were, Pasta Party (where was everyone), lack of spectators though loud when there were some, some seedy neighborhoods with dead rats in road (I counted 4 enroute) and where was the gu around mile 13 which was posted on the race map? Whoever complains about the hills in this race needs to step up their training program a notch or only plan to run flat boring marathons. Give hills a break for pete's sake! | |
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A Runner from Washington, D.C.
(10/21/2002)
"Good Organization and Response" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Baltimore Marathon is the second marathon I have run and I liked the following aspects of it: 1) The abundant amount of water/gatorade supplied to the runners. 2) The police have to be commended in keeping the traffic flowing. At every intersection the presence of the police assured runners that automobiles would not hinder the run. 3)The various views of the city. 4)The support of spectators throughout the city, though not large in numbers, was exciting. There were bands, bagpipes, clackers, etc. I did not like the fact that there were so many hills along throute, which probably did lengthen times, but I liked running through the various districts of the city. | |
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A Runner from Bel Air, MD
(10/21/2002)
"Well organized; somewhat challenging course." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my fourth marathon but my first time participating in the Baltimore race. I thought the course was challenging but not too tough. The finish through Camden Yards was a nice feature. For the most part, the course captured the flavor of Baltimore but maybe next year consider adding such scenic venues as Fort McHenry, Fells Point and/or Charles Street. Also, a medal in the shape of a crab would be perfect! Participated in other marathons where local high school bands performed at various water stops--the music really got me pumped. Would like to see more Baltimore City high school bands along the route. | |
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A Runner from Baltimore
(10/21/2002)
"Good Experience for this newbie" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I sadly realized that I should have trained a lot more than I did. Indeed, 20 minute workouts may be enough to make one look good, but not enough to adequately prepare a person for this! I'm still having a heck of a time walking around even today. Ouch! As for the course, there were a number of hills although at least there were no monster hills. They definitely could use some more porta potties though!!!!!! I thought the crowd support was great. The little kids giving out the high fives was a hoot. While some may not have enjoyed jogging through the less than scenic sections of Baltimore, it gives a good indication of what life in Baltimore City is like. And honestly there really isn't that much more to see around Baltimore with the possible exception of Fort McHenry. One highlight for me was going by the football fields with the pee wee football players. The biggest highlight by far though was the finish through Camden Yards. Very very cool!!! All in all, I had a very good experience. | |
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A Runner from PIkesville. MD
(10/21/2002)
"Course still too hilly for beginners" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I understand this course is relatively flatter than last year, however it is still very hilly. This was my first marathon and I found the course to be very challenging. | |
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A Runner from college park, MD
(10/21/2002)
"too hilly for a first-timer" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I should have trained more, but the course was a bit hilly, but I'm not sure how Baltimore can overcome that being that Baltimore is built on a hill. It would have been nicer for my own personal pace had all of the water stations been closer to the mile markers. |
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