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New Jersey Marathon Runner Comments

Back to New Jersey Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 464 [displaying comments 281 to 291]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 27 28 29 30 31 .. 47 > ]

 

Patti Beauchesne from Newark, Delaware (5/3/2006)
"Great Marathon!" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The course was much nicer not running through Sandy Hook as it did 2 years ago when I ran this marathon. Perfect weather and the crowds that did turn out were enthusiastic. I'll be back next year.

 

m. r. from ridgewood, nj (5/3/2006)
"Great pacing - 3:30 pacing leader" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I just added my positive comments to the race, but neglected to say that "Rich," our 3:30 pacing leader, was FIRST-CLASS. He clicked-off the 8-minute miles, mile after mile - just amazing. He added fun to our serious effort, and camaraderie to the group. Rich, you were great. Many thanks. (Note, I lost sight of you around 22, but you got me to the end at 3:32:28. Awesome!)

 

m. r. from Ridgewood, New Jersey (5/3/2006)
"Wonderful venue and experience." (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


First marathon; great experience. Course was flat and fast as advertsied; staff support was excellent as advertised; crowds were thin in most places, which is understandable, but thick in some places, which was nice. Weather was perfect this year, and the stretch along the ocean was just great. I plan on returning next year, and for a few more to attempt a BQ! Thanks to the race organizers for a fantastic venue. An experience to be cherished for many years to come.

 

J. M. from Bergenfield, NJ (5/2/2006)
"Best Race Experience Ever" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was one of my most enjoyable race experiences ever and my first non big-city marathon. Beautiful weather on a fast, forgiving course. I was astonished at the etiquette shown at the start of the race, i.e. nobody seeming to line up in a position beyond their ability, ensuring a very smooth first mile with no bumping or barging. When you run a lot of races in Central Park, this is a welcome relief. Excellent support staff on route with fluid stations well marked in advance and enthusiastic locals providing encouragement. Ample toilet facilities before the event are a big plus too. Arrive early to avail of good parking and avoid traffic snafus. Also, if staying over, try to get a hotel in Long Branch. I stayed 12 miles away, but with traffic it felt like 50. The green beside the finish area overlooking the Atlantic waves was a great location for post-race recovery. A superbly organized event! The only reason I will not be running next year's event is that I achieved my Boston qualifying mark in last Sunday's race. The only complaint I had was with the large contingent of walkers who clogged up the narrow lanes from miles 24-26 when a lot of marathoners were finishing.

 

D. D. from Doylestown, PA (5/2/2006)
"A wonderful running experience" (about: 2006)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I picked NJ with the flat terrain and the climate in mind. It totally exceeded my expectations! The volunteers and spectators were great and their enthusiasm was contagious. Fluid stations were very well run. Course was gorgeous, and with a gentle sea breeze and blue skies, the weather couldn't have been better. It was very well organized, so even as a newbie I knew exactly what was going on, where to park, etc. My deepest thanks to all involved for making this such a great experience for me - looking forward to next year!

 

H. M. from Massachusetts (5/2/2006)
"Small marathon with a good feel" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Good smaller marathon. It has a two-loop course that finishes along the ocean. This was very well run and organized, with plenty of aid along the course and great volunteers. The only negative was the half marathon walkers. They tended to walk in the center of the road - sometimes two, three or four across - blocking the runners. The only other negative was one 180-degree turn-around that got really backed up in the first half.

 

B. M. from Virginia, USA (5/2/2006)
"Nice, flat course; well-organized" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Overall this was a great experience. The course was nice and flat - only a couple of very minor inclines. The stretch along Ocean Blvd. towards the end with cones separating runners from traffic was the most challenging part, as it would have been nice to have more spectator support at that point instead of drivers who were cranky from sitting in traffic.

BIG THANKS to the pacers - I hit my target thanks to them and took off over 20 minutes from my previous time. The fluid stations were great, although I had a hard time tracking down the GU that was advertised. Also, I was a bit disappointed at the finish when there was no fluid station. Fortunately some spectators handed me some water, but it would have been nice to have something more than warm water bottles available. The post-race food offerings were also a little more than my stomach could handle at that point (chili?? yogurt??).

In general though, this is a great, flat course that was well-organized and a positive experience. Thanks to the organizers!

 

T. S. from Washington State (5/2/2006)
"A+ marathon" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was a great medium-sized marathon. I really liked seeing the frontrunners at mile 21. There was wind coming off the surf, a nice touch. Only drawback: Gu should have been given out 100 yards prior to the water. I brought my own Hammer Gel so it didn't matter to me. Excellent event in every way! Parking was perfect if you followed race management directions! I PR'd in my third double, ran Delaware Triple Crown Marathon and won the day before.

Thanks for a perfect marathon!

 

R. L. from New Egypt, NJ (5/2/2006)
"Forgot one thing!" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The tech shirt, goodie bag, medal, hat and extra tie pin were all excellent. Having that pin to wear on my suit coat really was an especially AWESOME touch. I hope they continue that one!

 

R. M. from Union, NJ (5/2/2006)
"Perfect conditions and a fun race." (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


What can I say? It was my second marathon (Philly in '05 was my first) and I was shooting for 3:45 and ran 3:29. I loved the course and the sparse but supportive spectators. I didn't mind running two 13.1-mile loops, and the weather was perfect. Brilliant sunshine, cool breezes, flat course, easy parking, close to home (North NJ), and of course great people. The chili and cornbread were nice, but I'm used to bagels and apples after a long race. This race gave me the confidence to start pushing for Boston in '08 or '09. Art Castellano and the gang did a great job and we got very lucky with the weather. I will do this one next year.

 

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