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Whidbey Island Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Whidbey Island Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 4.1 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 90 [displaying comments 71 to 81]
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Runner from Seattle from Seattle, Washington
(4/7/2004)
 "Terrific Course, Terrific People, Terrific Race!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Whidbey Island Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The hills are steep and relentless, but the scenery--and the enthusiatic supporters--make it (almost) possible to forget about the difficulty of the course. Along the way, I spotted mountains, cows, goats, and even a bald eagle! Motorcyclists escorted runners over the entire route, and helped me to feel entirely safe, even when running on the shoulder of a main road. A group of kids offered lemonade and cookies around mile 16. At mile 25, volunteers cheered runners on by name. This was in every way the most enjoyable race I've ever run. Though the hills make a PR improbable, the location and the people make for a wonderful run. One note on logistics: The early start and limited early-morning ferry service make it necessary for many runners to arrive on Whidbey the night before the race. For full-marathoners who need to save on costs, I'd highly recommend camping at Deception Pass. Many of the camp sites are less than 2 miles from the marathon starting line, and the lack of electricity ensures an early bedtime on the eve of the race. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time! Note also these camp sites are a little less-than-ideal for those running the half-marathon, since their race starts in Oak Harbor, ~13 miles south of the Pass. | |
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Matt Anderson from San Jose, CA
(4/7/2004)
 "Excellent support, camaraderie and ceremonies" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Whidbey Island Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I did the half-marathon on April 4, 2004 on Whidbey Island. Started at the elementary school on a chilly but sunny Sunday morning. The organizers were receptive and willing to help out on small questions I asked. Definitely a positive sign that they support the community. Some great samples of Gu along my run provided me with more energy to complete the half-marathon without incident. Hills were amazing and view of the waterfront enticed us runners to journey to the finish line! | |
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Judy Sande from Bellingham Washington
(4/6/2004)
"As Advertised - Beautiful Scenery!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Whidbey Island Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Whidbey Island at its best. This was my first time running this marathon; I did it as a 'support' person for a friend who was on an 'adventure.' She was doing back-to-back marathons, and did Yakima on Saturday. I only volunteered to run with her because I knew if she had run 26.2 the day before, I might be able to keep up with her! We both loved the whole adventure. The most beautiful course and weather ever. Having the motorcycles going back and forth was great. Some carbs at the end would be nice, but really a great day to play outside. Did I mention the hills? | |
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k. h. from oak harbor , wa
(4/5/2004)
"It wasn't as well organized as the last 2 years" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 3 Whidbey Island Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I have run the half marathon every year now, and although I still enjoyed it, I was disappointed with it this year. For one, why on a Sunday? Also, the registration fee went up but the quality of shirt went down - who wants to run in 100% cotton? There were less promotional give-aways at the end, and I heard from one marathon participant that the route wasn't as well marked in the beginning, causing confusion. But the scenery is the best (that's why I live here!) and the water stations and support were great. | |
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bill mahoskey jr from everett washington
(4/5/2004)
 "Overall grade: B+" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Whidbey Island Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is my 3rd half marathon and I am feeling the effects of the hills today the 5th of April. Thanks sooo much to all of the participants and volunteers who made this possible. Loved the scenery and rural route the run took. The hills were a challenge and this course should not be undertaken by anyone who has not trained for them though. My only gripe is that the water stations were toooooo small. Everyone had to cram into the space of one or two tables, and at most spots, only one person was handing out water to 1200 runners. I rolled my ankle 6 miles from the finish because of a near collision with another thirsty runner. I'll be back next year. | |
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K. S. from Sequim, Washington
(1/24/2004)
"Supportive and scenic, but why Sunday this year?" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first long race. I did the half in preparation for the Newport Marathon. I finished first in my age group. And even though I didn't expect hills, it added variety, and kept my muscles from cramping. It was a beautiful course, but I wish it would start late enough to be able to take a ferry, since I live in Sequim, WA. I didn't like having to come over the night before. But the race was absolutely my favorite I've done... tons of variety in the course, lots of specators for a small town, and great weather and scenery. I wanted to do the full marathon on Whidbey this year, but can't do Sundays for religious reasons... darn... Saturday courses are getting harder to find. | |
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Joe Chambers from Puyallup, WA
(4/28/2003)
"Beautifull but HILLY" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I thought the race was well organized. I wish I had known the course was as hilly as it was. I would have trained differently. I realize this is a common theme. The support was excellent. The scenery and weather were great. I don't care for the shirt. Too short in the body for a big fella. Glad I did the race. Not sure I will do it again. Did I mention the hills? | |
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R. P. from Seattle
(4/18/2003)
"Very well organized, course too hilly." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It was a fun race that was organized well. The course was well marked and the volunteers were great. The course was very hilly. It would've been nice if a course profile was provided online. | |
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c. S. from Glendale, CA
(4/18/2003)
 "Most Scenery - Coolest" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Would have been good to have an on-line elevation profile. Would have helped training | |
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M. B. from Portland, OR
(4/17/2003)
"Thoughts after running the half-marathon..." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This course was very challenging (read: HILLY), but the beautiful weather and scenery take your mind off that...a bit! The awards ceremony was held a bit too early -- marathon finishers in the 3:30 range were still coming in when awards started and this took away from the crowd cheering on the finishers. More on the awards...they could have moved a little faster, and overall winners should have been removed from the age-group awards. The 'freebie' giveaways were fun and kept the crowd interested. Support was good along the course. There was a really good amount of water/port-a-potty support. Spectators were somewhat few-and-far-between, but those that were around were very enthusiastic and friendly. Overall, a great race that was well-organized. We'll be back! |
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