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☰
OC Marathon Runner Comments
Back to OC Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.5 
Organization 3.4 
Spectators 2.8
Number of comments: 181 [displaying comments 111 to 121]
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Kyle EricSon from Riverside, CA
(1/9/2007)
 "Change The Course Please!" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 OC Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have now run this marathon all three years and have to commend the organizers for continually trying to improve it. Unfortunately, I still think there is room for some much needed changes; specifically on the course itself. As another reviewer pointed out previously, if they keep the same course, it should more accurately be named "The Irvine Freeway, Wearhouse and Industrial Park Tour." Having never been involved in planning or organizing a major marathon in Southern California, I can only imagine what a nightmare it must be trying to get road closures, permits, police presence, etc. However, I think this course is one of the least scenic of all the marathons in the area which is a real shame considering the fact that the Pacific Ocean is about two miles from the starting line. First off, the "equestrian trail" between miles 8 - 10 is nothing more than a riverbed - nicer than most in Southern California, but still just a riverbed. Second, having to run on the 261 Freeway between miles 12-15 is hardly my idea of a desirable marathon route. Third, the gradual incline between miles 12-22 is a killer (about a 400' increase), and comes at a point in the race when most people are the least prepared for it. Fourth, the "scenery" between miles 19-22 consist of the now-closed El Toro Marine base on one side of the street, and vacant Marine housing on the left. The last four miles of the race then runs through an industrial and business park - once again, nicer than most, but an industrial/business park all the same. Lastly, please, please, please do away with the point-to-point nature of the course! After having just run 26 miles, I really don't look forward to a 13-mile school bus-ride back to my car with my knees tucked up underneath my chin (the legroom wasn't an issue when I was four feet tall and 10 years-old, but it is now!). Upon departing the bus, I could barely unfold my legs and walk. Not to focus soley on the negative and the changes that I think need to be done to the course, all other aspects of this race are done quite well. Registration and packet pick-up went very smoothly, although I'm sure some people will complain about the size of the expo (held in a conference room of the Hyatt Regency Hotel) or the nature of their T-shirt (white, cotton, long-sleeved). neither of these are important to me, so I'll let others complain about this. All the volunteers I encountered at the expo and the race were very helpful and pleasant. There seemed to be plenty of water and Gookinaid out on the course, and the volunteers were very supportive. Lastly, the finish line also went very smoothly with plenty of water, orange slices, bananas, etc., and at least when I finished (3:32), there were even free Snickers bars (which tasted absolutely awesome!). The finisher's medal is very nice, and for having been one of the first 1,000 people to register, I was even given a nice OC Marathon windbreaker (a perk I wasn't expecting). All in all, I think the OC Marathon has gotten better every year and I will continue to run it, but I really wish the organizers would change the course in line with my comments above - at the very least do away with the point-to-point aspect of it. | |
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T. T. from Suburbs of Philadelphia, Penn.
(1/9/2007)
 "What an experience!" (about: 2007)
3 previous marathons
| 1 OC Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I knew coming into the race that the course would be hilly because it's called the OC Marathon Challenge. It sure fit the name because the course was very TOUGH! Although I finished at the time I predicted, I had a rough time running uphill from mile 12 - 22. It was straight uphill and the elevation chart was not helpful. I sat in the logistics meeting at the expo and the director of the race was very short with the course. He knew it would be a challenge and made it like it was an easy course. All in all, I felt alone on the course because there were only a few patches of spectators miles apart. The finish line was so boring coming in. I could hear a pin drop because there was no cheering or music at the end. I believe it's a nice event for the community, but to make it a start of an historical marathon, they need to make it more lively and entertaining. | |
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K. D. from San Diego, CA
(1/8/2007)
 "Boring Course; Difficult 2nd Half" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 OC Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 It was a hot and windy day, and the last 10 miles were not fun (going up an incline). I wonder why it doesn't run the opposite way. Not many spectators on the course, but the medical support on the bikes I thought were great. The course was very boring and it's not a place for PR's. If you live close to this race, it's ok, but I don't think I will be entering it again. | |
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D. K. from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(1/8/2007)
"Not a World-Class Experience" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 OC Marathons
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The course selected for this race will preclude it from becoming a world-class marathon. Much of the course is on bike trails, freeway and on roads or highways without easy access for spectators. Two bands, no cheerleading squads and very limited spectator support. The course is mostly uphill from mile 12 to 22. A lot of it seemed to be into the wind. Volunteers/water stations were good and miles were clearly marked. I'll stick to the 1/2 marathon in the future. | |
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T. P. from orange county california
(1/8/2007)
 "Had a blast, but where were the donuts?!" (about: 2007)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first half marathon (I have only run 5K's and 10K's prior). I had a blast, and training for it with Cal Coast was a great time. All I could think about the whole time were some Krispy Kreme donuts waiting for me at the end, but sadly there were none to be found. | |
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Giorgio Ramirez from Newport Beach
(1/8/2007)
"I ran into a volunteer" (General Comments)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 It was really windy and I had trouble during the race when the whole and half runners split because there were hardly any people around running or spectating. Also, around the 22nd mile I ran into a volunteer who was playing around on the course, and I almost fell. By that time, obviously, it is hard to maneuver around such things. All in all, it was a hard day and an okay race. | |
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N. M. from USA
(10/24/2006)
 "Awesome Race" (about: 2005)
50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon and absolutely loved the gentle rolling hills and the spectators throughout the course. I would definitely go back! | |
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B. C. from United States
(8/28/2006)
"Loved the weather. Hated the course." (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 OC Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Absolutely dreadful course. Splendid volunteers and high-quality post race organization. I read the comments regarding the post-race problems from the previous year and entered with apprehension and reservation but was pleasantly pleased with the post-race organization. The course elevation chart on the website was a rotten lie. The race advertises that the race is in Newport Beach, yet I felt I toured Irvine. Did I miss the part of the course where runners experience views of Newport Bay and yachts that is shown on the race website? | |
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T. M. from Madison, WI
(5/8/2006)
 "Poor Route" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 OC Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Much of the course was on freeway-grade. This is not the best way to see a community. To think, there are miles of bike trails along the ocean, and OC decides to run freeways. It must be the California culture. | |
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S. G. from San Diego, California
(4/15/2006)
"a quality experience" (about: 2006)
2 previous marathons
| 1 OC Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The weather was beautiful and the course was surprisingly rural and lovely. Hills are very gradual and therefore not difficult. I had a great experience and my only complaint was that the organizers ran out of GU gel at the first of two places where it was advertised to be given out to runners. |
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