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☰
New Jersey Marathon Runner Comments
Back to New Jersey Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 464 [displaying comments 251 to 261]
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shannon police from bronx, ny
(7/19/2006)
"Decent, convenient race..." (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Coming from the Bronx (me) or any surrounding area, you can conveniently take the NJ Transit train right to the Long Branch station. It's a quick walk to the start of the race (we actually pass the station twice on the course). The race itself was decent - a little too flat for my taste, and LOTS of turns. I don't like straight stretches in a race, but this one seemed to have a LOT of turns and it got kind of crazy, but nothing to make me not want to go back. The wind required a bit of an effort on the stretch back to the staging area, but I know it could've been worse than it was, so we were lucky this year (2006). It wasn't too pricey, and there were decent places to choose from to lodge. The sun was crazy and I definitely burned out there - WEAR sunscreen! I'll surely do this one again, just because it was so easy to get to if nothing else. | |
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T. C. from USA
(7/15/2006)
"my favorite marathon" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 New Jersey Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great, well-organized marathon. The double-loop course is scenic, flat, and has plenty of water, gel and other food stops, and tons of volunteer support. The host hotel is right at the start/finish line - it doesn't get any more convenient than this! Race director does a terrific job in making this a wonderful event. Emails are sent on a regular basis after registration is submitted with race updates. I personally had an injury issue and wasn't sure I'd be able to run even after I had registered. I emailed, and got an immediate reply with a variety of options for me to consider.... Much appreciated! Registration and the expo at the host hotel were also well organized. Speaker was Kathrine Switzer this year - I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to hear her speak. This is a great first or any number marathon, I highly recommend it. | |
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j. m. from New Jersey
(5/30/2006)
"Great first-marathon experience" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 My first and not my last marathon. I liked a two-lap course, as I knew what was coming up. The weather was great. The course allowed my family to see me at various milages with relative ease. The boardwalk area also was a nice place to hang out for them during the race and afterward. It was nice to run my first marathon after sleeping in my own bed, as I live in Jersey. I would definitely run this one again, as I now have the bug. | |
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Robert Ross from Northwest Pennsylvania
(5/8/2006)
"VERY WELL-ORGANIZED RACE" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Just got back from running the full NJM. (I needed to get NJ in as one of my 50 states, and wanted to return to where I grew up.) Weather was almost perfect - 50's to start, slight wind, sunny, and low humidity. Fluid stops at every mile, lots of friendly volunteers, great expo and these awesome pacers who enabled me to make the goal/set a PR. Even got a hug from the lady who de-chipped me at the end.... I am definitely returning. | |
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D. S. from Western Massachusetts
(5/8/2006)
"Pleasant Experience" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 My first time in NJ. The day was gorgeous - almost perfect for running. The volunteers from pre-race to post-race were AWESOME - friendly and helpful. The police did a great job - always felt safe. The half marathoners and walkers starting before us (the marathoners), which made the first loop crowded - not enough port-o-pots the first time around (and few alternative spots). I would prefer the halfers and walkers start at the same time as us, or later. Post-race food - unexceptional. I prefer a "to go" bag so I can eat at my own pace. The baggage drop-off and pick-up was really organized and convenient. There was just enough incline to keep the leg muscles interested - but no real hills. The headwind my first time up the ocean was daunting but much reduced as I ran those last 3 miles to the finish. I prefer a shoe chip as I also chafed my ankle - not going to change the socks I trained in to accommodate a chip. The multiple GU stops and "flat cola" were not found on my route (one GU stop). Overall, I thought the event was VERY well organized. Staff was very responsive, before, during and after race day. I love the T-shirt. I would recommend this race but will probably not do again - nothing really interesting to make me want to return. | |
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Julie Schramm from Hurley, NY
(5/8/2006)
"A wonder marathon with community spirit." (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL HALF MARATHON!!! Just wanted to take the time to let you know what a wonderful job was done for this event. What a beautiful community and such spirit!! They were out there cheering us on all the way. This was my first 1/2 marathon and would recommend this one to all!!!! THANK YOU...!! Julie Schramm Hurley, NY | |
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K. G. from Brooklyn, New York
(5/7/2006)
"Terrific experience!" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Kudos to the race director of the New Jesey Marathon/Long Branch Half Marathon. I ran the half this year and had a wonderful experience. Superb organization from number pick-up to baggage pick-up at the finish. Everything was quick and efficient. Kudos also to the wonderful volunteers. All were friendly, helpful and supportive. The course was flat and fast. There were many turns, but because of this the wind was never in your face for too long a period of time. I'll definitely be back next year, maybe for the full this time. | |
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S. M. from Massachusetts
(5/6/2006)
"alright" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The course was hyped up to be a "beach" marathon, but there was only a 2- or 3-mile stretch of beach, and the rest of the race went through the town, which was, well, nothing special. There were a couple slight hills, which were nothing to me. Slower runners and walkers from the half marathon were along the way and we had to go around them. The crowd support was sparse, but the people who were out there were enthusiastic. There wasn't much food; there was only one point in the race that gave out candy, and one other point that gave out orange slices. There was warm water at the finish, and it was difficult to find the first aid station. The spa available for a $10 fee was very nice. There was some chili available after the race. All in all, it was a good experience, but I wouldn't run it again. | |
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J. C. from Cape Cod, Mass.
(5/6/2006)
"Highly recommended, perfect-size marathon" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Nice safe course. Excellent traffic control everywhere. In response to the runner who complained about the chip, I'll mention that I MUCH prefer the ankle-strap type of chip - the kind that ties on your shoelace is such a hassle. Just wear the chip over your sock if it chafes your ankle. I LIKE the double-loop courses. When you're running in an unfamiliar area, it is SO comforting to have an idea of what's coming on that second loop. The volunteers were really great. There were signs announcing the fluid stations about 100 meters in advance, which enabled me to time my gels. And you could eat well on this course, too! There was a nice, humane number of spectators. Every so often you'd have a bunch of enthusiastic people cheering or banging on drums, and it was really friendly. But it wasn't that incredibly annoying, physically draining noise of the constant screeching crowds you get in the mega-races. My only complaint is that many of the walkers got in the way, but that could be remedied with a mass start, as someone else has suggested. | |
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Noah Canoe from Long Island, NY
(5/5/2006)
"Great race for a 1st-timer!!!!" (about: 2006)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I actually ran the inaugural half marathon (Long Branch Half Marathon), and my friend Allie ran her 2nd full marathon (2 loops - same course). The organizers did a superb job in coordinating everything and making the experience as smooth as possible. The pre-race expo and activities were great; there were excellent fluid stations and plenty of course marshals and security (LBPD did a very good job); there was sincere local-town enthusiasm; a the race was held at a great location by the beach in a generally happy place to run. If you stay at the Ocean Place Resort on the start/finish line... the whole process becomes effortless. Minor issues: could have used mile markers at every mile, and a few parts of the course had no spectator support. Early start makes for a cool start, but you will warm up fast on a sunny day as there is essentially no shade for the entire 13-mile loop. The course is flat with a few relatively short inclines. The couple of beachside miles are awesome. The road conditions were generally good, with few ruts and potholes. Most roads were completely closed, so dealing with vehicles, fumes, etc. was not an issue. The finisher's medals are very nice, and the Mizuno technical T and hat are wonderful post-race goodies! Bottom line: great race for a marathon "newbie" to break into long-distance races. |
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