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Marine Corps Marathon Runner Comments

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Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 937 [displaying comments 351 to 361]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 34 35 36 37 38 .. 94 > ]

 

Daniel Jason from Houston Texas (10/31/2007)
"5-star marathon with great spectators" (about: 2007)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is a beautiful course, and the spectators' shouts of encouragement really liven you up. The organization of the race is second to none. I would expect nothing less from the Corps.

My legs cramped after the race while in the food line bringing me to the ground and a marine helped me to the medical tent. Two nurses worked on my calves for 30 minutes and I want to thank them. I will run this race next year. Semper Fi.

 

J. R. from Chicago, IL (10/31/2007)
"Makes one proud to be an American!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Overall, a terrific race. I agree with the majority of comments already posted. I found the course easier than my first MCM in 2005 and PR'd (who'd have thought!). The non-moving crowd for food was a negative-many of us in the 'pack' didn't even know what line we were in; just knew that we were pointed towards the exit! So the food was a pleasant surprise. I didn't see bagel and have to assume they ran out (I ran 4:49) I loved the juice!

all in all a FANTASTIC experience. Congratulations!

 

M. W. from Boston, MA (10/31/2007)
"Great experience!" (about: 2007)

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


This was my first MCM and I thought it was a fantastic event. There were some hills in the beginning but I would call this course mostly flat. The crowd support was terrific. The course was congested at the beginning, which is to be expected at any big marathon. The only real problem I encountered was that the wheelchair racers didn't have a big enough head start. They would take understandably longer to get up the hill, so we would run around them and then we would have to make a hole as they came roaring down the back side of the hill. Otherwise, a wonderful wonderful event!

 

J. B. from Boston (10/31/2007)
"some typical megathon issues" (about: 2007)

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


Weather great, lots of fans in places, organization fine...

...BUT...

...I don't know if I am actually a fan of the megathon. The long lines getting out of the Metro, the crowds crowding in on some parts of the course. Some areas devoid of people because all non-subterranean transportation dead. Difficult to see my family without an exact and conservative number of prearranged points. Long lines at the expo. Hard to get back into the subway after race. These things can't be helped with big races and I may be changing my preference to smaller ones.

 

J. C. from Twentynine Palms, CA (10/31/2007)
"Simply Awesome" (about: 2007)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first ever full marathon. I was completely swept up by the whole experience. Who would have ever thought that so many people would come out to support a bunch of runners? The crowd was outstanding. As a Marine, I am glad that my first marathon was the Marine Corps Marathon. I will most definitely run in next year's. Semper Fi!

 

G. C. from Los Angeles (10/31/2007)
"Excellent, inspiring race... nearly perfect..." (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I truly enjoyed my first MCM. I'm blessed with the ability to finish fast, and my 3:04+ allowed me to avoid the crowding at the Rosslyn Metro post-race that others suffered. I grabbed my UPS bag and dallied only a few minutes at the post-race party before riding down the seemingly 'longest escalator in the world' to get on the train to my hotel without delay.

The Expo on Saturday was well run and only a little crowded. Bag check at the start, and recovery at the finish, was outstanding... NO delay! I loved the scenic course. There were a few miles (mostly north-ish-bound, late in the race) where a nasty headwind rose, but that's not the race's fault. The many miles of history along the Mall, G-town, Arlington, and so on, raise this race to the first tier.

If *forced* to complain... I found the water stations to be inconsistent, with unclear info as to whether Powerade or water was first, second, or either. It varied along the route.

Oh don't make more of that than necessary. This was an outstanding race that I would run again without question.

 

m. m. from united states (10/30/2007)
"a great experience, great people, wonderful fun" (about: 2007)

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


I was very impressed with the efforts displayed by all the workers who put this event on. The marines and the civilian volunteers could not have been more helpful.The race course itself was absolutely beautiful and the bystanders watching the race were great.For an old slow runner like myself I could not have been more satisfied.

 

L. W. from Texas (10/30/2007)
"Great fans, beautiful course, super Marines!" (about: 2007)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 4


Worthwhile race, beautiful tour of our capital. Enjoyed the rolling hills for the first several miles, but the final 1/2 mile uphill almost broke me. Ouch! Still, I set a new PR. Problems: not enough port-a-potties, or not distributed well. Way too crowded and compacted on the two-lane roads, especially from start to mile 10. Water stations were bottlenecks, Marines should stay close to the tables and not lean out to serve water/Gatorade. Bands and music were few and far between. Limited food at end of race (bagel, pretzels, raisins - what? no jambalaya?) No finisher's shirt. Getting out of the Rosalyn Metro station was a bigger challenge than completing the race. So far, but for the course, this was my least favorite marathon (my fourth). Thanks to all the great Marines and sailors who helped out.

 

J. M. from New Jersey (10/30/2007)
"Wow, what a great time for my first race" (about: 2007)

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


The only thing I have to say that isn't good is that I felt I had to hide my iPod.... I have been running all my life with music. I only had one ear with music, but without it, that would not be right.

 

T. M. from Bethesda, MD (10/30/2007)
"MCM #5" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


After running my 5th consecutive MCM, I've witnessed innumerable course changes, added hills, and a variety of weather conditions. Two things remain the same: the stellar Marine volunteers, helpful and pleasant throughout, AND the rabid fan support! This year was no different. The low point, and something that MUST be fixed, is the last 1/2-mile of the course, as runners approach and SEE the finish and are forced to run past it to a switchback up yet another hill. It was simply cruel, especially since no fans can line that part of the course. I hope next year will be better.

 

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