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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 291 to 301]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 28 29 30 31 32 .. 47 > ]

 

Ritchie Lavene from New Egypt, NJ (5/2/2006)
"Really great, but..." (about: 2006)

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


Let me start by saying overall... I loved it! I had a great time! I was the pace leader for the 3:30 group, and had an awesome time on the course. How can you not have fun in a marathon???

As far as the course is concerned, I can't complain about the wind since the course is virtually flat, with maybe 2 inclines (not hills!). We did get wind along the shore; that will happen! But you need something to keep you honest, right? I agree some of the areas got a little tight and when you run around the lake, you have to do this loop around on the same street and run through a very narrow chute so your chip registers (to keep people from cheating?). That was kind of annoying.

Organization was excellent. The only two reasons they lost a star is the food afterwards. I definitely would've preferred more runner-friendly treats after. I ended up going out to lunch somewhere instead. Secondly, the massage area was ridiculous! They had very few therapists working. I signed up and the Woman told me about an hour, I said okay, I'll go get some food and come back. I came back 45 minutes later, showed her my name on the list, asked for an estimate, and she said... "About an hour."

I never complain about spectators! Anyone willing to stand out and yell for people running by is okay in my book! I appreciate anybody out on the course! That goes quadruple for the volunteers and safety workers!

I won't comment on the weather, since that is useless information for people looking to run next year. Just be aware that there might be wind, that's all!

Larry the Lighthouse rules!!! He ran the whole marathon in 5:54! This guy is my new hero... or he's nuts! Either way!

I look forward to pacing this race again, if I'm not running Boston.

My congratulations to the race director and his team! Thank you for such a solid experience in my first "in-state" marathon!

3:30 runners rule!!!!

- Rich Lavene

 

Jennifer Arozamena from New Jersey (5/2/2006)
"I loved the New Jersey Marathon!" (about: 2006)

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


I had a great time at this race! I really liked that the course was two loops because I got to see my friends and family at the start, finish and 1/2 way through. The shirt and hat were really great too! I love that they are made of the Dri-Fit fabric. I was worried that it would feel sparse running since it's a smaller marathon, but it didn't. The volunteers were super friendly and very encouraging. The spectators were also. There weren't as many as at a bigger marathon, but the people that came out were just fabulous. I will definitely be running again next year!

 

Glen Hoffman from Philadelphia (5/1/2006)
"nice little marathon" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The marathon was well run. Nice shirt!! Plenty of water stops. There were little extras like Gu, orange slices, bananas and gummy bears, which were most welcome. There were also pace groups for runners of most levels. The volunteers were nice. Ending the run on the ocean was a plus. Even though it was a smaller marathon, I never felt like I was running solo. If you don't want to do the full 26.2, the half is also worth doing. You could tell that the organizers of this event did everything possible to make this a nice run and it showed.

 

M. S. from Springfield,MA (5/1/2006)
"Incredible organization!" (about: 2006)

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


This was my 23rd marathon and it was one of the best organized events that I ever participated in.

I had the opportunity to meet the race director, Art, (a very down to earth person). I also had the opportunity to meet Kathy Switzer (also very down to earth). Received emails, and a "hot sheet" with race details and where to park prior to the marathon. There was a race on Saturday for the kids. The marathon, half-marathon and relay were on Sunday. The water stops (fluid stations) were plentiful and had plenty of water and Gatorade, and signs were placed prior to them so you knew they were coming up. Some stations had bananas, oranges, candy, Gu, and de-fizzed cola. There were pace setters for every 15 minutes in the marathon. There were time clocks in many locations. The medals were given for all events and were great looking as well as the CoolMax shirts. The marathon medal even had a lapel pin attached to the ribbon.

The course was forgiving and finishing on the boardwalk with the ocean to your right was fantastic. Also, your name and where you were from got announced when you finished.

Stayed in Middletown to save money on the pricey overnight at the host hotel and ate pasta at Carrabbas to avoid the pricey pasta dinner.

Nice job, Art. Thank you for a GREAT MARATHON.

 

A. T. from Skillman NJ (5/1/2006)
"great race - really enjoyed the course" (about: 2006)

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


I was looking for a flat course to improve my time - and this was a great choice.

Good water stops and refreshments (Gu, oranges, gummy bears) along the way.

I would recommend this race to all.

 

J. K. from New York City (5/1/2006)
"Great Small-Town Run" (about: 2006)

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


Nice change after doing two in NYC. Can't think of many races with a start and finish on the beach like that, especialy with perfect weather (55 and sunny at start). The double-loop was nice because you had a feel for the course the second time around, as well as being great for your friends/family to see you 2x in same spot. Not so many spectators, but those out there were great! Volunteers were excellent with plenty of water/Gatorade/fruits available along course. However, one complaint: for some reason water tasted real bad. Flat course let me hit a personal best at 3:31. But keep in mind that there was some wind. I'd definitely do this one again!

 

Danny Swindle from Newport,MI (5/1/2006)
"Love that Ocean" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Nice race. Should have stayed to see more of the coastal area.

Pros:
Staying at the Ocean Place Resort made life simple since all activities were there and the race started and finished outside their door.
Good crowd of spectators
Enjoyed the finish along the boardwalk.
Nice technical shirt that can be used to run in instead of a t-shirt (drawers are full of t-shirts).

Cons:
I expected more than bean soup and water from the after-race party since they were charging $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Having to run around the walkers that were walking 5 abreast was a hassle.
Packet should have included more about the area.

 

B. L. from Columbia, MD (5/1/2006)
"A great first time!" (about: 2006)

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


I just want to thank all of you who put this wonderful experience on for me and so many others. This was my first marathon and a memorable one I am sure. The volunteers were great, the course was perfect and the weather could not have been better. I am so happy I picked this small but great marathon for my first one. See you all again next year. -Beth

 

T. P. from Bellbrook, OH (5/1/2006)
"Great Volunteers... Perfect Weather... Decent Cour" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I recommend this marathon to everyone.

The course wound throughout Long Branch, NJ. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful. The people who came out were full of energy and very supportive of all the runners/walkers. Marathoners had to run the same course twice (benefit - knew where the water stops were, con - no change of scenery).

The Dri-Fit shirt at the expo and the running hat were very nice giveaways.

 

T. S. from Philadelphia (5/1/2006)
"Gorgeous Ocean Views" (about: 2006)

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


A beautitiful morning to run a marathon along the Jersey Shore. A scenic 2-loop course through Long Branch, starting and ending on the boardwalk next to the beach. As a Jersey native, it was nice running along the ocean a stone's throw from Bruce Springsteen's hometown in Monmouth County.

Course was very flat which allowed for some fast times. I beat my PR by 5 minutes, and did not set out to do so. Yet, it has a very laidback atmosphere, unlike some big-city marathons.

Tremendous amount of effort by the local Long Branch residents (wearing volunteer t-shirts that identified them by their different neighborhoods) and Monmouth University students. The water stations were organized perfectly. Food was plentiful along the course. Only criticism, and it is a big one, there was no water or food at the end of the course. I guess that the organizers did not anticipate how much water to supply at the end, considering all of the half-marathoners in the race.

Very pleased with the nice medal in the shape of New Jersey and finisher's hat (totally unexpected).

Great weather, great course, great day.

 

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 28 29 30 31 32 .. 47 > ]


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