Philadelphia Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.3

Organization 3.6

Spectators 3.8

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Jeffrey Seefeldt from Philly (11/27/2009) "Great Fans!" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my 2nd Philly Marathon. I had a terrific time. I just want to thank all the fans who cheered us along. It really helps. The Chestnut St. leg was lined with fans calling out our names with encouragement. Must have been like what the Phillies experienced in last year's parade! - Jeffrey
f. b. from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (11/26/2009) "A wonderful morning" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I've run this course 6 other times, and this, for me, was by far the best: Exceptional weather, much better organized race than in past years, an enjoyable route, and very supportive fans. Each year it gets more organized because the planners/director listen to the feedback. Thank you for all your work.
B. B. from Elkton, MD (11/26/2009) "Below average" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I think the overall organization of this race could have been handled much better. I was not pleased with it. One example: I ran an average pace for the marathon for a woman, and when I finished there was no water. I felt this was a safety issue and simply not okay. I was very surprised that, for a race of this size, they weren't better organized. The only thing they had were small containers of frozen apple and orange juice. After running a marathon, all I wanted was a cold bottle of water, a snack, and a place to sit. If you are looking for a flat, fast race, this is it. But if you're looking for a great marathon experience, it's just okay.
T. T. from New Jersey (11/26/2009) "Best Philly that I have run" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my 4th Philly Marathon. While many think that the race is flat, Philly is far from flat, but has many smaller rollers and two big hills that really are not too bad. The organization of the race, which is usually poor, was much improved. While the organizers need to do a better job with making sure that the start is not only marked, but followed (corrals, etc.), I had no trouble in the gate. Great course - lots of fluids. Great shirt.
E. Y. from Philadelphia (11/25/2009) "BEST EXPERIENCE" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my first marathon. Had a great time. The event was well organized. Plenty of spectators to cheer you on! Scenery is great; weather was perfect.
R. F. from Darien, CT (11/25/2009) "Great Marathon" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a great fall marathon and a great alternative if you don't get into NYC. Here are my pros and cons: Pros: * Great fan support - big crowds at many locations with a festive atmosphere (high-fives and lots of signs). People were very friendly. * Very good organization - good pre-race email communication, pretty organized start, great support on the course. * Great city - Lots to do and see while you are in town for the race. We took our kids to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Duck Tour, etc. Cons: * The course was very narrow for much of the beginning of the race, which made it difficult to settle into your pace. I found it very difficult to pass anyone for the first seven miles and was behind my pace. I'm also not that fond of "out and back" sections of the course. Overall, I would highly recommend the Philadelphia Marathon. We had perfect weather this year, but I am aware that it has been very cold other years, so there may be a bit of a crap shoot for a late-fall marathon in the Northeast.
S. P. from Haddonfield, New Jersey (11/25/2009) "Very nice marathon; needs a few improvements" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my third time running Philly (previously in '05 and '06). I can't stand that the start time is now at 7 a.m. - probably because the course is now open for 7 hours instead of 5 1/2. But between the longer course time and the added half marathon and 8K, there are just too many people at the start. How about we make the halfers start at 7 and the rest start at 8? Also, as I was waiting in my corral, I had to listen to Bart Yasso and Mayor Nutter yak on for 10 minutes as I edged my way to the start line. Have these guys even heard of playing music?! I have no issues with the course; I liked the variety and didn't find any of the hills to be too bad. The gloves and shirt and medal were all nice.
E. O. from Dover, DE (11/25/2009) "City of Brotherly Love out in Full Force!!!!!" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and overall it was a great experience. The weather for '09 was absolutely perfect, so fans were out in full force. It kept me going when I started to doubt myself. My only complaints would be that 1) They started the slower waves together. Any wave over four hours was started with people in five-plus-hour waves. I knew I would be right around four hours, but I actually had to fight through walkers at the beginning who were walking the half. 2) The out-and-back is at a really tough part. I'm not sure there is much that can be done about it, though. The trip to Manayunk was tough, but once we got there the fans were awesome! The only hill I distinctly remember was the one at mile 14, which was killer, but short. I would describe the rest as slow rises. Don't think about them while you're on them, and before you know it, it's done! Expo, shirt, food, etc. were sufficient. Hotels book up early, so book your hotel as soon as you sign up. I finished right at my goal time - not faster, not slower.
J. L. from Limestone, TN (11/25/2009) "Nice course (I like hills), but no water at the fi" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I liked the course; it had good variety and good support along the course. The start and finish seemed a little unorganized, with amoebic corrals and a very narrow course at the finish and at several water stops. I'm a slower finisher (4:55), but there was no water when I finished. I would still recommend it, but I wouldn't do it again; there are too many others to run. My wife said they handed out goody bags to the half marathon finishers, which would have helped the organization at the finish line. All in all, it was a great experience.
B. D. from USA (11/25/2009) "solid marathon" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 There is a lot to like about the Philadelphia Marathon, and it really could be one of the nation's great marathons (as they seem to like to self promote it), but they really need to make it a marathon only and to get rid of the 8K and half marathon. The pre-race and post-race needs of marathoners cannot adequately be accommodated when you have more than twice as many people using the same resources who are not going to be running 26.2 miles. Take a cue from the best US marathons (NYC, Boston, Chicago, Portland, St. George) and make it a marathon - and not a half marathon and 8K where you can choose to also run 26.2. I realize it comes down to money, and if the numbers aren't there, you have to make concessions; but that does detract from the "marathon experience" in my book (which now has 37 chapters). The course itself would be first rate if not for the TWO unforgivable cone turnarounds (there is really no need for this). I would rather run up a steep hill and run around a city block than stop on a dime and reverse directions, and I think that most marathon "runners" would agree with me. Otherwise the course is really quite nice. It is mostly flat, but does have some manageable inclines and declines (no real hills) to keep things interesting. The crowd control near the finish needs to be a little better too. Too many spectators clogging the finish area and even the street leading up to the finish. Philly is a great town to visit, and this year the weather was just about perfect for running. The former will be true every year; the latter is the luck of the draw. One last observation: I'm not sure that they needed a bogus "theme" for the marathon. I still don't know what "running means..." is supposed to mean other than that I probably won't be wearing my "running means..." shirt very often. Ice the marketing department and stick with "kicking 26.2 miles of asphalt."

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Jeffrey Seefeldt from Philly (11/27/2009) "Great Fans!" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my 2nd Philly Marathon. I had a terrific time. I just want to thank all the fans who cheered us along. It really helps. The Chestnut St. leg was lined with fans calling out our names with encouragement. Must have been like what the Phillies experienced in last year's parade! - Jeffrey
f. b. from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (11/26/2009) "A wonderful morning" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I've run this course 6 other times, and this, for me, was by far the best: Exceptional weather, much better organized race than in past years, an enjoyable route, and very supportive fans. Each year it gets more organized because the planners/director listen to the feedback. Thank you for all your work.
B. B. from Elkton, MD (11/26/2009) "Below average" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I think the overall organization of this race could have been handled much better. I was not pleased with it. One example: I ran an average pace for the marathon for a woman, and when I finished there was no water. I felt this was a safety issue and simply not okay. I was very surprised that, for a race of this size, they weren't better organized. The only thing they had were small containers of frozen apple and orange juice. After running a marathon, all I wanted was a cold bottle of water, a snack, and a place to sit. If you are looking for a flat, fast race, this is it. But if you're looking for a great marathon experience, it's just okay.
T. T. from New Jersey (11/26/2009) "Best Philly that I have run" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my 4th Philly Marathon. While many think that the race is flat, Philly is far from flat, but has many smaller rollers and two big hills that really are not too bad. The organization of the race, which is usually poor, was much improved. While the organizers need to do a better job with making sure that the start is not only marked, but followed (corrals, etc.), I had no trouble in the gate. Great course - lots of fluids. Great shirt.
E. Y. from Philadelphia (11/25/2009) "BEST EXPERIENCE" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my first marathon. Had a great time. The event was well organized. Plenty of spectators to cheer you on! Scenery is great; weather was perfect.
R. F. from Darien, CT (11/25/2009) "Great Marathon" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a great fall marathon and a great alternative if you don't get into NYC. Here are my pros and cons: Pros: * Great fan support - big crowds at many locations with a festive atmosphere (high-fives and lots of signs). People were very friendly. * Very good organization - good pre-race email communication, pretty organized start, great support on the course. * Great city - Lots to do and see while you are in town for the race. We took our kids to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Duck Tour, etc. Cons: * The course was very narrow for much of the beginning of the race, which made it difficult to settle into your pace. I found it very difficult to pass anyone for the first seven miles and was behind my pace. I'm also not that fond of "out and back" sections of the course. Overall, I would highly recommend the Philadelphia Marathon. We had perfect weather this year, but I am aware that it has been very cold other years, so there may be a bit of a crap shoot for a late-fall marathon in the Northeast.
S. P. from Haddonfield, New Jersey (11/25/2009) "Very nice marathon; needs a few improvements" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my third time running Philly (previously in '05 and '06). I can't stand that the start time is now at 7 a.m. - probably because the course is now open for 7 hours instead of 5 1/2. But between the longer course time and the added half marathon and 8K, there are just too many people at the start. How about we make the halfers start at 7 and the rest start at 8? Also, as I was waiting in my corral, I had to listen to Bart Yasso and Mayor Nutter yak on for 10 minutes as I edged my way to the start line. Have these guys even heard of playing music?! I have no issues with the course; I liked the variety and didn't find any of the hills to be too bad. The gloves and shirt and medal were all nice.
E. O. from Dover, DE (11/25/2009) "City of Brotherly Love out in Full Force!!!!!" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and overall it was a great experience. The weather for '09 was absolutely perfect, so fans were out in full force. It kept me going when I started to doubt myself. My only complaints would be that 1) They started the slower waves together. Any wave over four hours was started with people in five-plus-hour waves. I knew I would be right around four hours, but I actually had to fight through walkers at the beginning who were walking the half. 2) The out-and-back is at a really tough part. I'm not sure there is much that can be done about it, though. The trip to Manayunk was tough, but once we got there the fans were awesome! The only hill I distinctly remember was the one at mile 14, which was killer, but short. I would describe the rest as slow rises. Don't think about them while you're on them, and before you know it, it's done! Expo, shirt, food, etc. were sufficient. Hotels book up early, so book your hotel as soon as you sign up. I finished right at my goal time - not faster, not slower.
J. L. from Limestone, TN (11/25/2009) "Nice course (I like hills), but no water at the fi" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I liked the course; it had good variety and good support along the course. The start and finish seemed a little unorganized, with amoebic corrals and a very narrow course at the finish and at several water stops. I'm a slower finisher (4:55), but there was no water when I finished. I would still recommend it, but I wouldn't do it again; there are too many others to run. My wife said they handed out goody bags to the half marathon finishers, which would have helped the organization at the finish line. All in all, it was a great experience.
B. D. from USA (11/25/2009) "solid marathon" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 There is a lot to like about the Philadelphia Marathon, and it really could be one of the nation's great marathons (as they seem to like to self promote it), but they really need to make it a marathon only and to get rid of the 8K and half marathon. The pre-race and post-race needs of marathoners cannot adequately be accommodated when you have more than twice as many people using the same resources who are not going to be running 26.2 miles. Take a cue from the best US marathons (NYC, Boston, Chicago, Portland, St. George) and make it a marathon - and not a half marathon and 8K where you can choose to also run 26.2. I realize it comes down to money, and if the numbers aren't there, you have to make concessions; but that does detract from the "marathon experience" in my book (which now has 37 chapters). The course itself would be first rate if not for the TWO unforgivable cone turnarounds (there is really no need for this). I would rather run up a steep hill and run around a city block than stop on a dime and reverse directions, and I think that most marathon "runners" would agree with me. Otherwise the course is really quite nice. It is mostly flat, but does have some manageable inclines and declines (no real hills) to keep things interesting. The crowd control near the finish needs to be a little better too. Too many spectators clogging the finish area and even the street leading up to the finish. Philly is a great town to visit, and this year the weather was just about perfect for running. The former will be true every year; the latter is the luck of the draw. One last observation: I'm not sure that they needed a bogus "theme" for the marathon. I still don't know what "running means..." is supposed to mean other than that I probably won't be wearing my "running means..." shirt very often. Ice the marketing department and stick with "kicking 26.2 miles of asphalt."

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