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New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon Runner Comments
Back to New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 315 [displaying comments 141 to 151]
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Greg Phillips from Kingston, Ontario, Canada
(2/29/2008)
"Fun course; watch the start!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course is a lot of fun, running from the Superdome, through the French Quarter, along the St. Charles streetcar line through the Garden District, and includes loops around two parks. Running along Bourbon Street to the cheers of the partiers still drinking on the street from the night before was a hoot. One thing to watch for is the start - if you're a fast runner make sure you're near the front of the pack or you'll be stuck in traffic for the first few KM, which are run mostly on narrow streets. Starting the full marathon and the half simultaneously made things that much more congested. Not too many spectators, especially in the second part of the course. However, lots of aid stations with great volunteers, and gel at almost every station on the second half of the course along with a random assortment of cookies, peanut butter sandwiches, etc. We stayed at Ashton's Bed and Breakfast - not only did Patrick Ashton get up early to serve us all a pre-race meal, but he also shuttled everyone to the start line in his van so we didn't have to worry about cabs - and he had lots of snacks laid out in the dining room for the afternoon after the race. Very highly recommended. And of course, the rest of New Orleans simply has to be experienced. | |
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T. L. from Starkville, MS
(2/28/2008)
"My Favorite Marathon Course So Far" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This year's MGM course was outstanding (esp. the first half), including some of the most well known parts of the city. Don't run with headphones so you can enjoy the whirl of the passing streetcars on St. Charles Ave. and the occasional trombone or brass ensemble playing! Temperature got kind of warm as the race progressed, but the first hour was nice and overcast. Drink your fluids at the water/Gatorade stations. Next year the race is in early February, which should guarantee cooler temps. Super flat course; only one hill overpass and one 20-yard minimal incline on Marconi around mile 21. Just watch your feet as you run because occasional pavement defects are present and you don't want to fall or twist an ankle. I will go as far to say that this was my favorite marathon course I have run, and I've completed the Rock N Roll Series marathons, Chicago, and Houston. Wasn't a big fan of the old course, but this one is a must-keep. Go visit the Big Easy; you'll have a great time besides the race to (New Orleans knows how to party)! Aside from refreshments at the Superdome finish, the great after-party with NOLA poboys and beer at Parkway Bakery a few miles away was nice. I believe this was sponsored by a local running group, and they do it every year. | |
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E. L. from Decatur, AL
(2/28/2008)
"1st marathon; great" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and I found the experience very good. French Quarter streets are very uneven, so run on the sidewalks (they are flat). First-timers please focus training on a road surface. I trained largely on trails and felt the asphalt and concrete were very taxing on my legs. That was my fault. I wish more people were around for crowd support; this would help in the late miles of the run. Water stations were well spaced and stocked well with water, Gatorade, and peppermint. I would like to see more bananas, long before mile 19. I am glad to see that the 2009 race is at the start of February and at Mardi Gras time. Hope I can make it; I know the crowds will be great. | |
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D. I. from Gainesville, Florida
(2/28/2008)
"New Orleans is a great place!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 New Orleans is a great place to have a marathon. Beautiful city, friendly people. The weather was warm, but not too bad! The event was well organized, and the course was well marked. I am a walker, and I had traffic control throughout the entire event. Thanks, NOPD! Volunteers were friendly and helpful, and even strangers on the street were cheering me at the end! Yes, the first half is through the more traditional, scenic portion of New Orleans, but the second half was not bad. I enjoyed the straight, flat shots through City Park in the second half. There were bumps and cable tracks on the course, but the staff did a great job keeping the course clean. AND, starting and finishing at the Superdome was a nice touch! Thanks, NOTC, for a great marathon experience! | |
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d. d. from niagara falls, NY
(2/27/2008)
"Nice race overall - PR ready!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Overall, my experience in New Orleans and with the marathon was excellent. Positives: flat course with plenty of aid stations that were run smoothly. After getting off the plane on Friday, I was nervous about the humidity, but the weather was great. Before I get into the negatives I want to say this is just nitpicking. I'm just giving possible suggestions of how they can improve this wonderful race. Different start lines for the half and the full would be great. Buffalo does this and the marathon is about half the size. Giving out bags that have draw strings would help for baggage check-in. The finish line was hectic for me since I finished a few seconds ahead of the female winner. A guy who was taking pictures told me to hurry out of the way as they were also trying to get the tape up. I don't know about you, but after 26.2, I don't feel like taking another step. Also water was not immediately provided; you had to walk up the ramp and find it in the back of the party (I never found water). The water thing was mind-blowing since most 5K's I do have water immediately at the finish. They didn't give those wraps when you finish so I froze walking back to my hotel. Sorry about the sob story, because I have to say I loved the race overall. I met 3 great guys as I ran. That's what it's all about. The crowd was what I expected, if you want big crowds run a big marathon. Perfect time of year if you want to do 2 marathons in the spring. I'm trying to run in different places so I'm not sure if I'll be back. But I would recommend this marathon to any that asked. I'd also like to come back to New Orleans without the pressure of running so I could really enjoy the city and food. | |
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B. G. from Illinois
(2/27/2008)
"Worth the experience" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The race expo wasn't great, but it was a small marathon. The first half was scenic and flat, but the second half was extremely lonely. Some parts of the roads were difficult to run on with cracks and holes. Volunteer inexperience at the water stations was obvious. The GU station was after the water and I didn't know it was there until I had already gone by - no warning. I did run into a spectator/volunteer crossing the street even at a controlled area. Great post-race party. I highly recommend eating at The Italian Pie for lunch or dinner the day before the marathon. I came with a big group and we definitely enjoyed the city and races. A lot of friendly, helpful people is what made this race for me. With a little more work, I think this marathon could become a great success. Thank you, NOTC. | |
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W. Y. from New Jersey
(2/27/2008)
"Loving NOLA and its people!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I truly enjoyed my experience in NOLA. This was my 7th marathon, and I felt it was the easiest since the only "hill" to speak of is a slight upgrade for an overpass! Although the course does not have many spectators, those who are cheering are great! Go for a PR! | |
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Laine Doss from Miami Beach, FL
(2/27/2008)
"Perfect Half-Marathon" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have run so many half marathons and marathons - from NYC to Anchorage - but I have never been so enchanted with a city and a race as I was with New Orleans. My fiance and I flew in from Miami Beach at the spur of the moment, so we registered at the expo. Registration took all of 1 minute - so easy, and the people were so helpful. Race day the next morning was an easy 10-minute walk from our hotel, so we didn't check bags. The half marathon course went through the French Quarter (we ran on Bourbon Street!) and then to the Garden district and through Audubon Park. The scenery was breathtaking - those houses! I enjoyed every second of the race and we were thanked numerous times for coming to NOLA by so many wonderful people. This is our new annual race! Long Live N'awlins! | |
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E. I. from Hollidaysburg, PA
(2/27/2008)
"Beautiful and Fast" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I only ran the half marathon, but thought I would share my comments for those considering that race or looking for tips on the first half of the marathon since it is run simultaneously with the half. HIGHLIGHTS: Flat and fast course. I ran my half marathon PR, this being my 10th half marathon. The course is pancake flat, the first half didn't even have a highway overpass. Seriously, there are no hills, or even bumps, on the first half of this course. Beautiful course. I loved running through the French Quarter and Garden District. The start and finish at the Superdome was pretty neat too. I've never run on such a lovely course. The race director got the course right, hitting all the areas that many people come to New Orleans to see. The loop through Audubon Park was also very cool. Lots of fluid stations. From previous reports I heard this was a problem. Well, the race director worked out the kinks on this one. There were ample fluid stops with both water and Gatorade. The volunteers at the stations were very encouraging as well. Finisher's medals: I'd never received a medal for running in a half marathon. And the medal I received is nicer than any I have from a marathon. Nice touch! Organization. This race was very well organized. The packet pickup, baggage check, registration and other logistical concerns were well taken care of by the volunteers and race staff. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Fan support. I have to say I was surprised more spectators were not on the course. There were small pockets of spectators, but overall they are sparse. The inspiration from running in such a beautiful and fascinating city makes up for it though. Footing: Not much the race director can do about this, but it's something you need to be aware of if you're going to run this race, especially if you're a competitive runner like me. I planned on wearing racing flats for the half but opted to wear my training shoes instead. The roads have lots of cracks and generally are in rough shape. They even warned you of such on the race instructions in the race packet. Also of note: the crown on most of the roads (in the first half, anyway) is very high. OVERALL: I give this race 5 stars and definitely plan on coming back. A high-quality race and unique city make the perfect combination. If you're looking for a destination marathon (or half), I highly recommend the Mardi Gras Marathon. | |
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B. O. from Albuquerque, NM
(2/27/2008)
"Great Race" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Great race, great after-race party, and spectators were outstanding. The only drawback was the lack of finisher medals for the 1/2 marathon. This was my wife's first experience, and because of all the late entries, they'll have to mail hers. Otherwise, outstanding event. Due to the "friendly" course, I was able to top my marathon PR by 20 min. A definite must-do! Suggest if the organizers are going to allow walk-up registrations, those people receive a different color bib, and if there are not enough medals, then those late registrants should receive theirs in the mail. We registered four months ago, and my spouse should not have been penalized due to her finish. |
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