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☰
Jacksonville Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Jacksonville Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 3.9 
Spectators 2.7
Number of comments: 166 [displaying comments 91 to 101]
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s. s. from Kaufman, Texas
(12/19/2006)
 "Small race grown too big" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 This marathon has outgrown its limited space. Transportation and parking were not adequate. There were not enough buses to get to the start line. People were trying to hitchhike to the start line, because they could not park on site, and the line for the buses was too long to make the start. This can be addressed to make the race better, but this year, the logistics were awful. Otherwise the organization was fine. The course is flat and mostly shaded. No spectators to speak of but if you need someone to cheer for you, I would find another sport. | |
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T. C. from Ohio
(12/19/2006)
 "Poorly managed, poorly organized. Nice and flat." (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Very poorly organized marathon, with no expo, though packet pickup was quick. On race day, the busing to the start line was a problem; only one bus was available for pickup at three different locations. The race was late getting started. During the race, cars and pickup trucks and motorcycles were all over the running areas. Directions along the race were sometimes unclear; I had to stop early in the race and several other times to ask for directions. Some of the teams running and walking the race were 5 or 6 people wide, slowing to a walk suddenly, preventing runners from getting around them; this was very irritating. Good water stations and adequate facilities. Very few specators. On a positive note, the run through the park and residential areas was nice. | |
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S. H. from Austin, Texas
(12/19/2006)
"OK - Not Great - Keep Expectations Low" (about: 2006)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 Once again, another marathon where half marathon runners get most of the post-race food. Why can't race directors limit food to the runners and volunteers only? Why can't food be placed aside for marathon runners? The Jacksonville Marathon advertised a "Free Post Race Meal at the Finish Line" on the web site. I don't consider bagels, fruit, water and Gatorade out of cups a "post-race meal." They had several boxes of crackers and empty bowls from Wendy's but the meal was long gone before 50% of the marathon runners finished the race. I was finisher 411 and there were 898 finishers. In poorly planned races, marathon runners pay double the fees, expend twice the effort, but get fewer amenities. If amenities aren't going to be available then don't advertise them. The course was pancake flat. Some of the aid stations were a little too far apart. If there are low temps and low humidity, it could be a PR course. | |
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C. E. from Tallahassee, FL
(12/18/2006)
 "Good, but some minor issues" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Overall, I would say the same complaints lodged by users from past editions of the marathon held true for 2006. I enjoyed the course - flat as advertised, mostly shaded, fairly scenic - but rate it only 3.5 stars (closer to 3 than 4) due to Jacksonville Police dismantling it from the south on up well before the 6-hour cutoff and before a 6-hour projected pace. This was particularly troublesome for the final 2.5 miles, but admittedly is not an issue for those finishing in about 4:30 or less. Fans, while relatively few in number, were very supportive along the way. The organization and volunteers were supportive as well. Finishing straight across the Bolles fields was a nice touch but a little slick despite the drought; I can see how it would be a problem in other conditions. Parking was not an issue with a little searching and packet pickup was straightforward. I'm a runner who doesn't need the trappings of a large marathon, so for me Jacksonville was a very nice marathon. Just be on the lookout if you're having a slow/bad day (like myself!) or are a slower runner. | |
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C. R. from Orlando, FL
(12/18/2006)
"Great first marathon" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I loved the race. Great course - flat and shaded. Kind of lonely out there because there are not many runners, but a truly enjoyable challenge. Plenty of aid stations along the way. Only thing I'd change is the very end - running through the wet and rocky field and back woods. You're already ready to be done and then focusing on dodging tree stumps and rocks isn't enjoyable. Overall, amazing first marathon experience. | |
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D. C. from Lakeland, FL
(12/18/2006)
 "Beautiful course, great volunteers" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 One suggestion. The shirts are great, but the sizes were too large for females. I got a small and it is long enough for a dress and the sleeves come past my hands. Maybe next year, have your female employees try the shirt samples on for size. | |
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Erin Shepherd from Tallahassee, FL
(12/18/2006)
"I return every year for the half" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Jacksonville Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a great training run for me - half marathon only. I run it just about every year as I train for Feb. marathons. I know there is little fanfare. I know it can be unseasonably warm and humid. I know the route can be tedious. They changed it in 2006 because it used to be point-to-point with a most unpleasant ride back in a school bus (yak). I was very happy to turn around at 6.6 - this year, more than I remember before, the running path was much too narrow for the number of runners. You learn to use your elbows, and zig-zagging is not optional. Ok, so there are some major problems, but I think registration was well organized and the staff/volunteers were friendly. The provisions before, during and after were above par (water, goodies, warm soup and food items after). | |
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B. M. from Chicago, IL
(12/17/2006)
 "Mostly excellent course, except..." (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Around the 23 mile-mark the course takes runners against heavy automobile traffic; though the running lane is separated by safety cones, traffic is moving at 40-50 mph. The rest of the course is excellent, with ample tree shade and smooth neighborhood roads. Ample fluids on the course at frequent intervals. But as usual with races that combine half marathon with marathon, food at the end of the race was mostly gone for marathon finishers. Parking was well organized, but the shuttle buses should start picking up sooner. | |
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M. M. from Savannah, Georgia
(12/17/2006)
"Good, fast race." (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Just completed the 2006 JAX Bank Marathon. I completely enjoyed the experience. It was my first marathon, but I have run half-marathons before. Weather started in the fifties but rose to the 70s as the race progressed. Only issue with the course was that part of it was on a main city street but there were plenty of police around to keep traffic at bay. The race is very flat. Slight headwind throughout, which was nice. I stayed in the Embassy Suites, which is recommended by the race. Beautiful hotel. Great experience. I wasn't able to get a race rate because I had made reservations too late, but I did get a great room and they gave me a late checkout. Just have to make sure and ask. Everyone was friendly. Packet pick up went well, it only took about 15 minutes. Unless you know Jacksonville, I would have the packet pickup at First Place Sports on Baymeadow. It is right down the street from a large hotel section of town and where the Embassy Suites are. It is really nice running into the stadium at the end and having them call your name out. It is an out-and-back course. The half participants break away at their halfway point. There was GU available and plenty of water stations. The only fans on the route were volunteers, family and friends and people whose houses you run by. Everyone was supportive. I would definitely recommend this. | |
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mike ryan from Lakeland, Fl
(12/17/2006)
 "Wider starting line/walkers in the back" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Jacksonville Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Great course, great event. While the bus situation was stressful due to one driver not showing up, that logistics could be improved. A wider starting line would be most appreciated. Walkers should be toward the back. Using the entry form to request this would help. Otherwise great event! |
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