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OBX Marathon Runner Comments
Back to OBX Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 4.3
Number of comments: 183 [displaying comments 91 to 101]
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S. B. from USA
(12/1/2008)
 "Great marathon, best PR ever!!!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 OBX Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed this marathon. I love the Outer Banks, and this made it even more enjoyable. I read the negativity associated with the 2008 race, and frankly if you have to complain because there are no tongs in the serving trays, maybe you should run somewhere else. I also thought the water, Gatorade, and gel stations were adequate. I came in around 4 hours and the volunteers actually opened your water for you, and took your ankle band off for you. What more could you ask for? Whiners need to stop whining and appreciate what was given to them. There was plenty of food and drink as well. I think the volunteers and race committee did a great job. The town welcomed the runners with open arms and were very kind. This race is a must-do again. I appreciated all efforts associated with this race. Thank you for organizing a well thought-out race! | |
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Pat LaSitis from New Stanton, PA
(11/24/2008)
 "Nice course, but not for PR or BQ" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 OBX Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 First of all, the organizers did a wonderful job. Packet pick-up was easy and well organized. Like many others have commented, the course will fool you. If you think you're here for a PR or BQ, you may have chosen the wrong "flat" course. The 3-mile run on the sand road will slow you down and the thin trail through the woods prevents passing. The woods trail also has quite a few ups and downs. The weather was great, but the sun got a little hot during the second half. Maybe it was just me, but didn't the water stops seem to be a little far apart, especially right before the bridge? All in all, though, it's a nice marathon that I'd repeat... I'm still wondering, though, what's the correct spelling of "AAAARRRRGGH!?" Check the back of your race shirts. Hope they got a discount for that. | |
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R. M. from Dumfries, VA
(11/23/2008)
 "Good time, a little room to improve" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 OBX Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Overall, the OBX Marathon was an enjoyable event. The expo was small but well organized, though I heard that they ran out of give-aways. Getting to the start was very easy and did not require waiting hours at the start. The first half of the course was more interesting than the second, and the crowd support the best there too; overall, the crowd support and volunteers were great - especially for a smaller marathon. The only really disappointments were that they advertised several gel stations, and by the time my husband and I came through, there were none to be found. There was also no food handed out on the course, unless I missed that too. The half-marathon started prior to the full, and maybe all of them taking gels was not accounted for and running 26.2 requires gel a little more. Also, following the race, they ran out of beer. Again, not sure if they gave it all away to the half-marathoners, and for that they did not account for the later marathoners. I came in at the 5-hour mark, so felt there should be a least a beer left for me, especially since the course is open for 7 hours. Maybe they should manage the handout of beer to ensure that there is enough for everyone. | |
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D. M. from Centreville, Virginia
(11/20/2008)
"Shhh, if the word gets out, it'll get too big" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 OBX Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You can't please all of the people all of the time, but this race pleases me every time and it just gets better. When you drive onto the Outer Banks (OBX), you start seeing welcome runners signs on all of the message boards. The OBX really support this race. The race directors make minor changes every year that show they listen. I think the wife has already signed us up for next year. The shuttle bus drivers are awesome!! If you don't stop at Stack 'em High for breakfast and a debrief Monday morning after the race, you should!! This can be a fast course, but it's too pretty to rush through. Let the whiners go somewhere else; keep it small and friendly. | |
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B. B. from Atlanta, GA
(11/19/2008)
"Great First 13 Miles, Last 13 Need Improvement" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 OBX Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Upsides: - Small, well-organized race, with easy race pick-up and easy drop-off (I got to the start with only 3 minutes to spare - no problem!). - Really lovely and diverse first 13 miles - wooded roads with turning leaves, views of the water, a trail run. - Surprisingly strong local supporters out and cheering during the 1st 13 miles, and there were even supporters on the wooded trail. - Great teams providing water, etc. throughout. - Good weather; cool, not too windy. Downsides: - Last 13 miles have large segments on a four-lane road, with traffic - not the most scenic course! - Last 13 miles are largely un-sheltered, so lots of sun and exposure to any other elements - By the time the slower marathoners got to the last half, the crowd support was virtually non-existent - in one neighborhood, people were playing golf, cutting the lawn, etc. (can't say I blame them!). | |
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S. M. from Virginia
(11/18/2008)
 "I'll be back" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 OBX Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For a first-timer, this was the way to go. The experience was incredible and fans make the trip to the Outer Banks worth it. Because this was my first marathon, I wasn't sure what to expect and would recommend this "smaller" marathon for anyone looking for their first time. The course was terrific - especially the first half - but the long stretches along the highway in the second half were a bit boring. Putting a bridge at mile 22 is a bit diabolical, but the fun in Manteo makes it worthwhile. Overall, I couldn't have been more pleased and am already making plans to return for 2009. I hope as word spreads of the OBX that this marathon doesn't lose its small-town feel or flavor - the world needs a few Marine Corps, Bostons, and NYCs, but the smaller ones are ideal for those who don't like the huge crowds. | |
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W. A. from Natick, MA
(11/17/2008)
"Very scenic, well organized marathon!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 OBX Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 17th marathon and it was by far the most scenic. I was a little nervous about running it since it was only in its 4th year and some of the comments were "iffy." So many people talked about the "huge" hill on the bridge at mile 22. Yes, it's a hill, but it is not as bad as everyone made it out to be. The course is so beautiful, especially the first 1/2. Yes, you go on the highway, but it's not bad at all because you turn back into cool neighborhoods, and pass giant sand dunes and so many beautiful houses. The 3 miles in the woods were nice, but I wasn't a big fan of the last .5 miles on the "mulch." It had small, rolling hills and the footing was sort of difficult, but it's only a 1/2-mile or so and the PLUS side is that your body gets a break from the pavement pounding the entire time you are in the woods, so it's a GOOD thing. It really is a beautiful, well organized race. There weren't a ton of spectators, BUT the people that were out there were so nice and the volunteers in pirate costumes were awesome. I would do this marathon again in a heartbeat and totally recommend it to anyone thinking of a North Carolina marathon. It is small but that is what makes it special. Really a great marathon overall. It is a point-to-point race and we found staying near the halfway point was really nice You can drive most of the course to check it out before the race and get an idea where you will be running. My husband found it very easy to navigate the course and was able to stop and see me 5 times while I was running! | |
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K. H. from Washington, DC
(11/16/2008)
"Beautiful Course, Fun Race" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first time in the Outer Banks and I really thought the area and the course was beautiful. The weather was great... sunny, no wind, and highs in the low 60s. Great day for a race. I had heard that the course was flat, and I came trained and ready to qualify for Boston. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. There were probably only about 2,000 people total in the full marathon. Without the crowds to hold me back, I went out too fast and wasn't mentally prepared for the 4 miles on trails (dirt, mulch, pine), up and down hills through the woods (from miles 10-13). In retrospect, maybe the woods weren't that hard, but I wasn't expecting it, so I mentally let it get to me. When I hit the halfway point, I was tired. Thankfully, the rest of the course was flat, but the bridge into Manteo from miles 22-24 is a challenge. I didn't qualify but I did have a good time overall. The race takes you through some beautiful neighborhoods and through scenic woods. This is not a race with tons of spectators (I've run Chicago, Marine Corp., and Philly in the past), but the ones that do show up really are supportive! The festival in Manteo after the race was great. Packet pick-up was easy and so was the bag check before and after the race. There were absolutely no problems with race organization. My fiance was able to easily drive along the course and watch me at several points. The t-shirt was okay - long-sleeve cotton. The medal was nice. My one small complaint was that they didn't always have Gatorade at every water stop. I trained drinking Gatorade and my stomach got a little upset during the race from switching between water and Gatorade. It was a warm day and the sun was quite hot. I would have preferred consistently to drink Gatorade at every stop. Also, I would have liked a later race start. I just struggle with any race that begins before 8 a.m. (The half started at 7 a.m. and the full started at 7:20.) Overall, good race. I would do it again. | |
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M. T. from Maryland
(11/16/2008)
 "Need Improvement" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 OBX has many good features but needs improvement to compare to other mid-sized, point-to-point marathons such as Steamtown. The volunteers at packet pick-up didn't know who to talk to when an issue arose. On my Garmin, the course was 26.38 miles and I tried to run tangents! Also, the half-marathon walkers were tough to dodge the last 10K. It's not a fast course with all the turns, the X-C 3 miles in the middle and the potential for a windy day. The course volunteers were great. | |
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M. W. from Syracuse, NY
(11/16/2008)
"Awesome Race!!" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 OBX Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my very first marathon and I couldn't have picked a better spot. Of course, "Mother Nature" delivered with some spectacular weather!! Great views, mostly flat course, and my family appeared at several spots along the way to join great local support! The bridge at mile 23 was intimidating to approach, but not so bad. My only (minor) disappointment was that the t-shirt was a cotton shirt. Also, if you are only staying one or two nights, I would suggest booking hotel space early, as they filled quick and most of the vacation rental homes required a minimum three-night stay. |
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