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☰
Marine Corps Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Marine Corps Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 3.9 
Spectators 4.6
Number of comments: 937 [displaying comments 321 to 331]
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T. H. from Arlington, VA
(12/2/2007)
"Always great atmosphere, not a fast course" (about: 2007)
3 previous marathons
| 2 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my second MCM, and my goal for the race was insanely aggressive (and I knew that going in). I knew it wasn't going to happen at the halfway point - the hills over the first 7 miles (most of them added in 2007) just took too much out of me and I didn't adjust my pace the way I should have. So the last 10 miles were agony. But that was totally my fault. It's a great course if you're just running to finish, or if you don't care about a PR. Amazing crowd support (and that's the only reason I even managed to finish this year - I came unbelievably close to stepping off and just taking the metro home, but I'm glad I stuck it out), good organization, and great/historic scenery at least for the first 15 miles. As others have noted, the last 10 miles aren't so wonderful - Hains Point is barren and endless, the 14th Street Bridge is torture, and Crystal City is where fun races go to die - but the finish is always electric. The finish area was better than last year - at least we weren't packed into the overpass for an hour like refugees - but segregating the runners so much from the spectators also made it tough to link up with anyone. I was finally able to find my kids (who were there at the finish somewhere) by making a phone call from the "free phone call" tent - a great touch. I probably won't run this again unless it's purely for fun (with a friend), but it's a great atmosphere for a first marathon. | |
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M. A. from WInchester, Virginia
(11/29/2007)
"I loved this marathon." (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I loved it. The course was great. Well marked. Water and food support were nice. I liked seeing all the Marines on hand at the water stations, start and finish lines. I will definitely run this one again. | |
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S. F. from Notre Dame, IN
(11/27/2007)
"This was my first marathon and it was wonderful" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I decided to do this because my mom had run it in years past and said it was a great community - and I have to agree. The atmosphere was wonderful, and as we ran I felt encouraged not only by the spectators lining the roads, but also by my fellow runners. The stretch at mile 16 on the peninsula is pretty boring, but if you can get over that mental hump it's a great race - even the "beat the bridge" stage wasn't that bad. For my first marathon, it was a tough course, but I'm glad I chose to do the MCM! | |
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Armand Minutillo from Connecticut
(11/21/2007)
"My first; glad I chose the MCM!" (about: 2007)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My first marathon. Debated small vs. large, but based on suggestions from friends I was encouraged to do the MCM. It was an extremely positive experience. The pre-race expo was very well organized. Went Friday as suggested. Smart move. The start area was spread out and no hassles. The course, although challenging through the early miles, was great. Running by all the national monuments and the crowd support overall was very inspiring. Last, but not least... the Marines were the best - courteous and respectful, and there's no better feeling than crossing that finish line and having a Marine put that medal around your neck. Finish area logistics were crowded but no major complaints. If you're debating which marathon to do - especially for your first - you won't be disappointed with the MCM!!! | |
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e. h. from east coast
(11/17/2007)
"A Well Supported Race" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was overall a positive experience. One of the better expo experiences and the organization was superior in terms of aid stations, post-race refreshments, and baggage trucks. Thanks for the idea of buying the metro day pass! There were ample spectators. I give the course high ratings for points of interest passed, but poor ratings for the actual course layout. I do not mind hills, but so many out-and-backs and sharp turns are tiresome. I was really looking forward to this event and I am glad I ran it, but for a big event, I still give Chicago the highest praise. | |
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R. H. from Florida
(11/16/2007)
"Great First Marathon" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Great first marathon. The Marines were great and the setting in D.C. was unforgettable. There were always crowds of spectators to cheer you along. I would love to run again. Fairly hilly from mile 3 to mile 9. | |
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m. k. from cambridge, ontario, canada
(11/13/2007)
"A definite must-run marathon" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Although the inevitable downsides of such a huge marathon (lineups, crowded running, etc.) are things that I didn't particularly like, the positives make this a mandatory marathon for everyone who does the 50-state thing, in my opinion. The course is simply incredibly packed with sights, and the hills make it challenging as well. The weather was amazing. One thing I liked was the marine sergeant around mile 25 who yelled, "Just 14 more miles and then we do push-ups." I'm extremely glad I ran this one, and recommend that everyone try it at least once. Kudos to all the Marines and citizens of Washington who did everything from handing out drinks and medals, etc., to answering questions and shouting encouragement. Thank you. | |
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K. G. from Oakton, VA
(11/11/2007)
"The Great American Race" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There is a reason that there is great enthusiasm and genuine affection among runners for the Marines Corps Marathon. The 2007 edition was complemented by a crisp sunny day that highlighted the course's benefits. The MCM route provides vistas that linger in the your recovery memory: Georgetown University bathed in early morning light, the grandeur of the Mall and its many monuments and landmarks, and the close at the Iwo Jima Memorial. There are thousands of committed Marines and volunteers that run this race like a well-oiled machine. There is some congestion at the end but it is small price to pay for an inspiring finish. You would lose so much by ending this race in a spacious parking lot or a stadium. First-timers should consider orienting friends and family to the Smithsonian Metro station: it provides good vantage points to watch the race and the many benefits of the Mall. I ran 2007 as a charity runner and using that group's tent as a gathering point made for an easy finish line reunion. "The People's Marathon " is not just a slogan. The MCM does not pander to elites (no cash prizes for anyone) or the elitist. Seven hours into the race, young Marines are exhorting limping runners to the close. It is no accident that so many pick the MCM as their first marathon. There is a solemnity and sense of honor to this race that sets it apart. In 2007, scores of alumni from one Naval Academy class ran in honor of classmates who have fallen in combat. You encountered many poignant memorials and tributes over the course of that day. At times, it was as if more than just the great course and the raucous crowds carried you over the long road that is a marathon. There exists a wealth of big-city, world-class U.S. marathons: New York, Chicago and (for some) Boston are special, each in their own way. But the Marine Corps Marathon is the Great American Race and every runner, everywhere, should experience it at least once. | |
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S. C. from Saint Louis, Missouri
(11/7/2007)
"Challenging-but amazing fans & great views!" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 While it felt like the crowd didn't thin out until late in the race (with 20,000+ people though to be expected), the fan support and sights made this an amazing race. There were tough spots (what marathon doesn't have them?,) but the push you had to give at the end up the final stretch felt amazing once you had finished. And to have Marines lined up shoulder to shoulder congratulating you at the end was awesome! Definitely recommend runners to run this marathon at least once. | |
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D. H. from Saskatchewan, canada
(11/7/2007)
"excellent organization, amazing spectators" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 10th marathon, and everything was great about it. The weather, the fan support, and the route were great; the hills were challenging, but the Marines were so supportive. It was a honor to run this great race. |
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