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Marine Corps Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Marine Corps Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 937 [displaying comments 331 to 341]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 32 33 34 35 36 .. 94 > ]

 

mike burke from Torrance, CA (11/7/2007)
"Can you say CROWDED?" (about: 2007)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Not until Constitution Ave, around 11 or 12 miles, did I begin to feel like I could run free. The finish line was even worse. However, there was a totally enthusiastic, big-city bunch of volunteers, and there was lots and lots of food at the end. The weather was awesome and you got to see some of the monuments (from a distance) along the way. Pretty certain I won't do it again. If you're a 50-stater who doesn't like crowds, this race is not for you.

 

J. H. from asheville, nc (11/6/2007)
"Fantastic course, slightly confusing start" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Great marathon course, supportive fans, and marines & volunteers the best. I was hoping to run a sub 4hr so I started in the 4hr corral thinking I'd be with runners of similar pace. I couldn't believe some runners were already walking up some of the early hills and no way to get around due to the massive crowd. Go to an assigned corral according to estimated finish time. This worked very well in VA Beach. By mile 7 or 8 things finally opened up a bit and I was able to PR under 4hr. Overall just a great city to run a marathon - would do it again

 

A. H. from Dallas, Texas (Wylie) (11/5/2007)
"Good experience!!!" (about: 2007)

4-5 previous marathons | 2 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I had a very good experience for this year's race compared to last year. This was my second year running the race. I went to the expo on Friday, which was much more enjoyable than the crowds on Saturday. I did like the course except for the last mile where we ran past the finish and came back. The crowd support was good heading to the finish, but then we ran past them and it was quiet until we turned around and headed for the finish. But that is really my only complaint. The finish line was much better organized. Yeah the food line was slow, but it is a large race with lots of people. Moving the finishing ceremonies and meetings areas to Roslyn area made a huge difference. I was able to get food and keep walking without the bottle-neck.
Not being from the DC area, I really enjoyed the course, even the out and back at 16.
All that being said, I will probably not run this again. I would like to try other marathons. Plus it is difficult to train in the Texas heat for an early fall marathon.

 

E. R. from Phoenix, AZ (11/4/2007)
"Incredible Race" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Anyone that complains about anything, ANYTHING, other than the bottleneck to get water, food and exit is simply being petty. And as a complaint goes, it is worth it to finish at the Iwo Jima Monument. Yes you have out and backs, and the last bit is tough, but try and name another marathon that has a hill that steep at mile 26 and you simply cant help sprinting up it because of the insane crowd support.

 

J. L. from Toronto, Canada (11/4/2007)
"The coin topped it off!" (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


First off... thanks to the Marines and all the civilian volunteers.

The crowds on the Mall, in Crystal City and by Arlington National Cemetery were unbelievable.

For people who complained about the crowded metro, or the water stations... get over it!! You will find this at any large marathon!

The coin was a nice treat, which I will certainly treasure, and the memory of trucking up that hill towards the Iwo Jima Monument will be instilled in my mind for quite a long time.

Thank you very much to the city of Arlington, Washington, the Marine Corps and all organizations involved in this spectacular race.

 

E. M. from Colorado (11/4/2007)
"Fun race - tough course!" (about: 2007)

3 previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


While the course is mostly flat, the first 8 miles tire you out. There are hills up and down and the course really doesn't flatten out until you get to the National Mall. The Awakenings point was tough; they need to consider routing the course through parts of the city rather than a large out-and-back like that.

I had plenty of food at the finish line. The food line moved slowly and was very uncomfortable. All I wanted to do was sit down somewhere but I was stuck in this VERY slow food line. After I finished, I walked a ways to get to the finish festival and the metro. This too was tough.

The fans were ok, and not as numerous as others keep posting about. The fans are only in select locations.

The aid stations were great. Not a problem at all. Plenty of them and very well managed.

Good race, and a great city, but I'm looking forward to another race in another city.

 

Molly Beard from Muncie, Indiana (11/3/2007)
"Marines!!!! Incredible!!!!!" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ended my day "the happiest girl alive!" Marines... inspiring! Spectators... I loved each one! One suggestion: Buy a day pass for the metro on the day of the race. It will save you a lot of time!

 

v. d. from bpt,ct (11/2/2007)
"excellent organization" (about: 2007)

3 previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


It was my first Marine Corp Marathon and it was so organized. The thought of 20,000 runners was a little overwhelming, but there was very little waiting or congestion anywhere. The course was a little challenging, but so scenic and historic. I would definitely run this again.

 

M. C. from Minneapolis, MN (11/2/2007)
"Marines were awesome, course layout was curious" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Pros: The Marines and other volunteers working the course were absolutely top-notch. Hoo-rah! Most of the course layout was great (through the monuments and Georgetown).

Cons: Too many double-back sections after mile 21 made for an overly tough mental challenge. The last mile was especially bad... terrible route that didn't allow for any spectator support down most of the homestretch and left you wondering how much further you really had left to go (yes, I agree that the support for the last 200 yards was great, but you need that support for the last mile or 2). Post-race shuttle bus logistics were awful... waited in line for an hour and a half for the shuttle back to Crystal City.

 

S. S. from Virginia (11/2/2007)
"Great Experience!!!" (about: 2007)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I had a great time! The marines were absolutely outstanding. I loved the course. The weather was perfect and the crowds were unbelievable. I do agree with others that some drink stations were crowded, but I can't wait to do it again next year.

 

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