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Marathon Details - Garden Spot Village Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > PA > New Holland > Garden Spot Village Marathon

Garden Spot Village Marathon

Garden Spot Village Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

New Holland, PA USA

~~April 6, 2019~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.gardenspotvillagemarathon.org

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifier course through scenic rural Lancaster County, Pa.

Contact Information

Name:	Scott Miller
Address:	433 South Kinzer Avenue New Holland, PA 17557
Phone Number:	717-355-6000
Fax Number:	717-355-6277
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (41)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.9

Spectators 3.4

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Number of comments: 41 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

Steve Lauzon from Charleston, SC (5/22/2018) "One of the Best Marathon Experiences I have had" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is really unfortunate that this was the last year for the marathon, but I am glad I got to run it in its last year. This was an excellent experience put on by a small community. The Amish people were wonderful and actively participated and cheered on the runners. There were massages, showers, great food, everything you would want post-race. On the course the support was excellent. The hills were exactly what was advertised so having trained for it, I did not have issues with them. It was out-of-control hot in the 2018 race and a lot of people were burning out near the end due to that but it was still a great experience.
John Holland from Coronado california (2/8/2018) "Poop but I understand" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I loved this race It tests all parts of training Next year I will be back
S. M. from Berlin, NJ (4/12/2017) "Well run but difficult" (about: 2017) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm not sure what I was expecting but this course was a lot more difficult than I expected. Rolling hills with not much flat spots. I wish I had prepared better but it was a beautiful course.The organization was top notch; they know how to provide for runners (received a T-shirt and a Tech shirt, nice!). Volunteers were very nice and helpful. Not a lot of spectators but I think I was actually cheered on by a cow.Overall great experience and I would highly recommend it!
Corby Myers from Carlisle, Pa. (4/10/2016) "One of the best organized marathons" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Garden Spot Village Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Just finished my 5th Garden Spot Marathon and this race continues to improve every year. The organizers do a fantastic job of taking care of the runners with swag and amenities not found at other races. The volunteers are great with plenty of water stops and a runner recovery tent at the finish serving omlets, soup and milkshakes. The weather was unusual this year with snow, wind, a temp of 32 degrees, yet was one of the most fun races I' ve done (my 63rd marathon). The course is very hilly and the two mile hill at mile 21 can be a real challenge at the end but this race is on my 'must do' list every year.
s. s. from west chester, PA (4/15/2014) "Tough Small Marathoin Course" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is a really tough course that is almost never flat and has an killer uphill section lasting nearly 1 mile right at 21. It was sunny and (too) warm when I ran this, but not windy. It could be brutal with wind because you are out in the open the entire time. Well organized race with sparse, but enthusiastic spectators mostly at the start/finish. Easy to park and you can stay in your car until 20 mins before the race if you want. Not a PR course, but an enjoyable run through rolling hills and farms.
J. F. from York, PA (4/13/2014) "Event is as good as it gets" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 2014 event was marathon number 5 for me, and this one was definitely wothwhile. I was a walk up registrant, which was no problem as there is no limit on marathon entrants. Parking was a breeze...very close to start line and registration. The marathon starts and ends in a beautiful retirement community, so there were tons of extremely friendly and helpful volunteers all over the place ready to assist in any way. Think of your grandparents times like 200. The course is a beast...check it out on the Mapmyrun website and compare to a few others like Baltimore or Boston. The shirt, hat, and medal all say 'I conquered the hill', which is an understatement since there are 2 big ones and rolling hills throughout. Water stations every 2 miles stocked with everything including gels and bars. Post race best ever setup including acces to showers, pool, and hot tub. Food is off the charts (omelette, milkshakes, sandwiches, burgers, oatmeal, soup, chicken pot pie, and much more). Event is a bit pricey at $110 without the early entry discount. But no regrets here. This was a training run for me, with a nice flat marathon coming up in 6 weeks. But managed a BQ time on a tough course , on a gorgeous spring day, and got to hang out with a bunch of really nice people.
J. H. from Blakeslee, Pa. (4/12/2014) "Train for a course with rolling hills and enjoy." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Garden Spot Village Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my third time on this course so I had a good idea of how I needed to train for it. The lowest elevation is at mile 14 and there is a nasty, but short, hill right at the 21 marker. Train on hills and you will do well here. The scenery is great, the volunteers are the most cheerful and helpful of any marathon I have run, where there are spectators, they are enthusiastic, and this is the best organized and run marathon I have ever been to. It gets better every year. I'm definitely planning to be back next year.
R. B. from Pennsylvania (6/16/2013) "Awesome Race" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first time running this race. I had an excellent time. I heard the course was hard, so I ran my own race and PR'd by a large margin. The race director was right when he said that people PR during this race. I did. The volunteers are the best. I definitely will return. The heated tent at race start was awesome.
B. V. from Paoli, PA (5/14/2013) "Tough, Punishing Course" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I really think the race organizers sought out the only hills in Lancaster County to run this race over, because it was brutally hilly, and most of the county is pretty flat. This was my 7th full marathon, and I don't think I'll be back as it was too much (especially the nasty hill coming back at about mile 21-23). Also, once you pass the half marathon turn around, the roads are open to traffic and it can get a bit dicey. I had heard it was tough, but I didn't expect as hard as it was. I picked it out because I was looking for a local spring marathon, and pickings are pretty slim around Philly except for this and Delaware (which for some reason put their race on Mother's Day this year). On the positive: Organizers were great, and the community really comes out and supports you. Great pre-race and post race food. Probably one of the best I've been to. Awards go pretty deep, and the race is small, so if you post a pretty good time you've got a decent shot at bringing home a little hardware. The scenery is great, and it really is a pretty peaceful run (since most of it you will be by yourself). If you are looking for a BQ race, this isn't it. If you are looking for Spring race, and just want to get a marathon in, enjoy country scenery, don't need large crowds to cheer you on, and don't mind hills, give it a try. I think I'm done with Garden Spot though.
Ed Robins from Philadelphia, PA (4/22/2013) "Well organized challenging race" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Garden Spot Village Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have run the half marathon of this race 3 times and each time I have really been glad I did. The race is run by the Garden Spot retirement home and the residents make up most of the volunteers and they are just tremendous. Everyone is friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable. When you arrive volunteers direct you to parking which is nearby the race area. If its cold you (it was this year) you can stay warm in your car right up until a few minutes before the gun. They have a race day packet pick-up and plenty of pre-race port-a-potties. As others have said it is a tough, hilly course. I have run this race not to set a PR but to give myself a tough workout. Even with the hills I love that the last 3 miles are flat or downhill so at least a runner can end strong! The course runs through Amish farm country on quiet roads. The roads are closed early on but eventually open up to traffic but this isn't an issue (at least for the half). The race has gotten larger over the years but it still maintains a small race charm and more importantly is still a stress-free experience. You get a medal, a nice tech shirt and a decent post-race spread.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]



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Steve Lauzon from Charleston, SC (5/22/2018) "One of the Best Marathon Experiences I have had" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is really unfortunate that this was the last year for the marathon, but I am glad I got to run it in its last year. This was an excellent experience put on by a small community. The Amish people were wonderful and actively participated and cheered on the runners. There were massages, showers, great food, everything you would want post-race. On the course the support was excellent. The hills were exactly what was advertised so having trained for it, I did not have issues with them. It was out-of-control hot in the 2018 race and a lot of people were burning out near the end due to that but it was still a great experience.
John Holland from Coronado california (2/8/2018) "Poop but I understand" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I loved this race It tests all parts of training Next year I will be back
S. M. from Berlin, NJ (4/12/2017) "Well run but difficult" (about: 2017) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm not sure what I was expecting but this course was a lot more difficult than I expected. Rolling hills with not much flat spots. I wish I had prepared better but it was a beautiful course.The organization was top notch; they know how to provide for runners (received a T-shirt and a Tech shirt, nice!). Volunteers were very nice and helpful. Not a lot of spectators but I think I was actually cheered on by a cow.Overall great experience and I would highly recommend it!
Corby Myers from Carlisle, Pa. (4/10/2016) "One of the best organized marathons" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Garden Spot Village Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Just finished my 5th Garden Spot Marathon and this race continues to improve every year. The organizers do a fantastic job of taking care of the runners with swag and amenities not found at other races. The volunteers are great with plenty of water stops and a runner recovery tent at the finish serving omlets, soup and milkshakes. The weather was unusual this year with snow, wind, a temp of 32 degrees, yet was one of the most fun races I' ve done (my 63rd marathon). The course is very hilly and the two mile hill at mile 21 can be a real challenge at the end but this race is on my 'must do' list every year.
s. s. from west chester, PA (4/15/2014) "Tough Small Marathoin Course" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is a really tough course that is almost never flat and has an killer uphill section lasting nearly 1 mile right at 21. It was sunny and (too) warm when I ran this, but not windy. It could be brutal with wind because you are out in the open the entire time. Well organized race with sparse, but enthusiastic spectators mostly at the start/finish. Easy to park and you can stay in your car until 20 mins before the race if you want. Not a PR course, but an enjoyable run through rolling hills and farms.
J. F. from York, PA (4/13/2014) "Event is as good as it gets" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 2014 event was marathon number 5 for me, and this one was definitely wothwhile. I was a walk up registrant, which was no problem as there is no limit on marathon entrants. Parking was a breeze...very close to start line and registration. The marathon starts and ends in a beautiful retirement community, so there were tons of extremely friendly and helpful volunteers all over the place ready to assist in any way. Think of your grandparents times like 200. The course is a beast...check it out on the Mapmyrun website and compare to a few others like Baltimore or Boston. The shirt, hat, and medal all say 'I conquered the hill', which is an understatement since there are 2 big ones and rolling hills throughout. Water stations every 2 miles stocked with everything including gels and bars. Post race best ever setup including acces to showers, pool, and hot tub. Food is off the charts (omelette, milkshakes, sandwiches, burgers, oatmeal, soup, chicken pot pie, and much more). Event is a bit pricey at $110 without the early entry discount. But no regrets here. This was a training run for me, with a nice flat marathon coming up in 6 weeks. But managed a BQ time on a tough course , on a gorgeous spring day, and got to hang out with a bunch of really nice people.
J. H. from Blakeslee, Pa. (4/12/2014) "Train for a course with rolling hills and enjoy." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Garden Spot Village Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my third time on this course so I had a good idea of how I needed to train for it. The lowest elevation is at mile 14 and there is a nasty, but short, hill right at the 21 marker. Train on hills and you will do well here. The scenery is great, the volunteers are the most cheerful and helpful of any marathon I have run, where there are spectators, they are enthusiastic, and this is the best organized and run marathon I have ever been to. It gets better every year. I'm definitely planning to be back next year.
R. B. from Pennsylvania (6/16/2013) "Awesome Race" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first time running this race. I had an excellent time. I heard the course was hard, so I ran my own race and PR'd by a large margin. The race director was right when he said that people PR during this race. I did. The volunteers are the best. I definitely will return. The heated tent at race start was awesome.
B. V. from Paoli, PA (5/14/2013) "Tough, Punishing Course" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Garden Spot Village Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I really think the race organizers sought out the only hills in Lancaster County to run this race over, because it was brutally hilly, and most of the county is pretty flat. This was my 7th full marathon, and I don't think I'll be back as it was too much (especially the nasty hill coming back at about mile 21-23). Also, once you pass the half marathon turn around, the roads are open to traffic and it can get a bit dicey. I had heard it was tough, but I didn't expect as hard as it was. I picked it out because I was looking for a local spring marathon, and pickings are pretty slim around Philly except for this and Delaware (which for some reason put their race on Mother's Day this year). On the positive: Organizers were great, and the community really comes out and supports you. Great pre-race and post race food. Probably one of the best I've been to. Awards go pretty deep, and the race is small, so if you post a pretty good time you've got a decent shot at bringing home a little hardware. The scenery is great, and it really is a pretty peaceful run (since most of it you will be by yourself). If you are looking for a BQ race, this isn't it. If you are looking for Spring race, and just want to get a marathon in, enjoy country scenery, don't need large crowds to cheer you on, and don't mind hills, give it a try. I think I'm done with Garden Spot though.
Ed Robins from Philadelphia, PA (4/22/2013) "Well organized challenging race" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Garden Spot Village Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have run the half marathon of this race 3 times and each time I have really been glad I did. The race is run by the Garden Spot retirement home and the residents make up most of the volunteers and they are just tremendous. Everyone is friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable. When you arrive volunteers direct you to parking which is nearby the race area. If its cold you (it was this year) you can stay warm in your car right up until a few minutes before the gun. They have a race day packet pick-up and plenty of pre-race port-a-potties. As others have said it is a tough, hilly course. I have run this race not to set a PR but to give myself a tough workout. Even with the hills I love that the last 3 miles are flat or downhill so at least a runner can end strong! The course runs through Amish farm country on quiet roads. The roads are closed early on but eventually open up to traffic but this isn't an issue (at least for the half). The race has gotten larger over the years but it still maintains a small race charm and more importantly is still a stress-free experience. You get a medal, a nice tech shirt and a decent post-race spread.

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Marathon Details - Garden Spot Village Marathon