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☰
Marine Corps Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Marine Corps Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 3.9 
Spectators 4.6
Number of comments: 937 [displaying comments 901 to 911]
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Jon Moskal from Acworth, GA
(4/16/2001)
 "Fanstatic for a First Marathon" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was very fortunate to have picked this as my first marathon in 1999. Everything about it was superb except that final hill you had to climb at the end of the race. The Marines were fantastic not only at providing information but also as a tremendous support mechanism during the race. Since it was my first, I was overwhelmed by it all. The event coordinators did an exceptional job of providing registration information and the vendors, also knowledgeable about the sport and their products, made you feel at home. The pre-race food given for free was super. If it wasn't for the spectators and Marines support, I am not sure I would have finished the race the way I did, running a 3:47:20. I have since run my second at 3:28 and this year I am looking for a Boston qualify time of 3:15. Keep up the great work, Y'all. | |
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A Runner from Washington, DC
(4/12/2001)
"Great-- if you can get in" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and everything about it was terrific (well, except for the last 1/5 mile uphill that feels like climbing a mountain). The course is beautiful, the crowds are plentiful and encouraging, and the race is extremely well organized. The only downside is getting into the race-- the online registration system now in place essentially amounts to a lottery that you need to enter constantly for hours at a time. But, based on my experience, it's easy to see why the race is so popular. If you can get in, go for it! | |
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A Runner from Lebanon, Pennsylvania
(4/2/2001)
 "Great course, but tooooo big" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 MCM has probably one of the best courses around, with the DC Monuments and landmarks, and it surely has wonderful crowd support. But there is a price to pay: The first 7 mile loop back past the start is very crowded, even with the wave starts (which I don't like anyway), you spend almost 2 miles early on running through, over, under, and around the Pentagon Parking Lots, but after you cross the river, its a great course. Loved the course, hated the crowds. Maybe 25,000 runners just isn't for me after 80 marathons. A good race for rookies, but veterans might try another race. Also VERY difficult to get into. I don't like having to register on-line 8 months early when there are other good races to run (Hint: If you don't get in, come to The Steamtown Marathon in Scranton PA). | |
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A Runner from Annapolis, MD
(3/12/2001)
 "Hot and Crowded but Well Organized/Great Scenery" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second Marine Corps. It was freezing in 1999 and hot in 2000: typical D.C. However, the race was extremely well organized thanks to the Marines and the spectators were very encouraging. Some water on the 14th Street Bridge would have been nice. They had run out of shirts-not quite sure why since registration closed so long before the race, but the medals were great. The only major problem was the number of people, much more crowded than 1999. It was hard to get around/pass people at many points in the race, and get to water if you were a midpacker. If the race continues to be this crowded/popular, I may not sign up again. I recommend it for first time marathoners (flat and great spectators), as long as you aren't claustrophobic; just be prepared for nightmarish online registation and possibly no shirt. | |
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A Runner from East Greenville, PA
(3/2/2001)
"Best marathon EVER!!!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and I was 16 years old when I ran it. It was a great first marathon, because of the organization, and the fans. The last hill, psshhh, with all those people yelling and screaming, drove me into the finish, for I sprinted up the hill, and all the way around the loop to the finish. I thought the course was great, just to see DC from a different angle. I didn't notice that the water points were spaced apart until I read other people's comments on the race. Although I say it's the best marathon ever, I'm a little biased, since it's the only marathon I ran, haha, oh well. | |
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A Runner from Panama City, Florida
(2/24/2001)
"What a race...Definitely an experience you need" (about: 1997)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Wow! What a race. It was my first one and it was awesome. The course, with the exception of the 'horrible point' between 16-18, was awesome. There were some problems with water in the last few miles, definitely 'drink up' before you hit the bridge. Also, watch the end hospitality tent, the Marines don't 'shoo the flys (marathon family/friends)' that like to get in your way when you try to get out of the tent. The last .2 miles are a true challenge...Check it out for yourself. It is flat and wonderful (for the most part). I would definitely do it again! | |
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Steve Kunze from Washington, DC
(2/24/2001)
"Great First and Next Marathon" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have run this marathon 3 times and hope to continue running it for many more. Each year I train with enthusiasm as I look forward to this rewarding experience. The fans, the Marines and the course make it a great experience. To hear everyone cheering you on as if you are THE runner is so GREAT! I would encourage others considering to run a marathon, to make this the one to run. | |
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A Runner from San Francisco, CA
(2/16/2001)
"well organized 'BUT' they need more H20 points" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a well organized marathon. However, the major downfall about this race is that there is no water at every mile mark after mile 10. They need to consider placing water after every mile mark since the temperature rises quickly after 0900. I've run this marathon 4 times and I alway struggle at the end because of their limited water supply. You can't find water when you need it the most! | |
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A Runner from Baltimore, MD
(1/31/2001)
"dissatisfied" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon that my friend and I ran together. We were so excited to be there and to actually finish the marathon in a respectable time. What bothered us both the most is that we did not get a shirt. They had 25,000 people run the marathon they closed the marathon in March they should have had enough to provide for everyone. They even asked for our sizes ahead of time. Now they are telling us that we can go to a web site and buy the shirts. I think it's just ridiculous. Next year if we decide to run again I hope they don't let us down again. Now I don't have a momento from my first marathon... Mark Motes | |
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A Runner from Laurel, Maryland
(1/22/2001)
"WOW!! Incredible first marathon" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and I couldn't have asked for a better course or better spectators. My best suggestion for beginners... Put your name on the front of your shirt. Everyone will cheer for you!! |
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