Jun 30, 2024
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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 151 to 161]
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R. G. from South Carolina
(1/14/2003)
 "All-around Great Race" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Yes this was my first marathon so I am no expert but I can not imagine a flatter, faster, more scenic (!) course. The organization was great (plenty of refreshments including tootsie rolls, gels, etc.), map of course, local hotel shuttle, and a great post race meal, medal, and tee shirt. One relatively minor drawback on the course. The end, where I must agree it appeared they needed mileage, took us through a forgotten neighborhood jaunt at mile 25 (many, I talked with afterwards including myself forgot about this on the map) and it seems like we were a bit back and forth on the soccer field. Of course at mile 26 it all seems pretty wicked anyway. No worries. Next year I will know. :-) Great marathon and memory. The JAX marathon will become an annual event for me now. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers. Final Comment - stay away from 'The Hotel's' Pre-race CARBO-LOADING dinner. It was probably the only negative experience I had the whole weekend. | |
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A Runner from Florida
(12/23/2002)
 "2002 - Best Weather in 10 years!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I've run Jax about eight times. The weather this year was the best since 1992. This is a very fast course in cool weather but can be miserable on a hot, humid day. It's a good medium-sized marathon. Fan support is sparse but those out on the course are very supportive. The race was moved from Saturday to Sunday for the first time this year. That seemed to alleviate some traffic problems. Contrary to other opinions, I really enjoy the 'cross country' finish as a means to wind up finishing on the track. It gives the race a unique and memorable twist. | |
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A Runner from Thomaston, CT
(12/20/2002)
"Pleasant, flat course through mostly residential n" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I was leary of this course based on numerous negative comments on this website. I came away thinking either they represented a conspiracy by disney , or they all ran it last year when the temp was 80 degrees and the heat index probably 86. This is a well organized, ideal course for a fast time given the right weather. Motorcycles do cruise the course, but they ensure a full lane in residential streets just for runners, a protective plus not a minus. The so-called cinders in the last approx. 1/2 mile is actually running across a soccer field( I used to play soccer) and a smooth path to finish around a cushioned track where the grandstands were sparsely filled. There was plenty of water and poweraid, with gu gels at 13 and 18 miles, I think. Though I was better prepared for this race it was the fastest of three I've run this year, and all three were in good weather. | |
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A Runner from Tennessee
(12/18/2002)
"Great Race-Perfect Conditions" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A very cool start, but perfect conditions for a marathon. Flat,well marked course. Support was very, very nice and encouraging but Could have used more. The soup and the huge bagles were a real treat. I must say, I met some of the nicest Local runners I have had the privelege to run with. Real southen hospitality. Parking was very good, Could have had more port-a-johns on site. The ending of the race was a lot of fun, finishing in the stadium. Could have had a better sound system to announce the names of the finishers. Very nice metal. Area near race has lots of nice motels and great restaurants. The suggested restaurant for the carbo loading was great (nice local runner owns the business) Overall, very nice marathon. Jacksonville is one of the best kept secrets on the marathon circut. I take it over Chicago anyday! | |
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A Runner from Michigan
(12/16/2002)
 "A Solid Small-Scale Marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my 6th marathon and my 1st Jacksonville Marathon. The course was extremely fast and flat. At times, vehicular traffic was rather annoying and caused runners to break stride. Overall, the combination of the flat course and cooler temperatures made this race a great opportunity to achieve a PR and qualify for the Boston Marathon. In addition, the fans were very encouraging and supportive eventhough there were not many of them. The one major disappointment I had about the race was the last couple miles of the race. There needed to be a greater build-up leading to the finish. Instead, you were all alone in a subdivision running in a circle as if the course designer struggled to find 26.2 miles. The last mile led you through a trail with poor traction and muddy conditions. Finally, the last 200 yards ended on a track. Bad finish! | |
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A Runner from North Carloina
(1/6/2002)
 "You can't control the weather..." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 After running the Dublin marathon seven weeks earlier, I was quite impressed with this 'little' marathon. I was able to use the port-a-john before the start with no problems other than waiting in line, which is to be expected. The volunteers were incredibly helpful and supportive, especially the teen-agers. There was plenty of water along the course. The sports gel Carb Boom! was also in abundance, lasting even for us at the back of the pack. Loved the medal and the flat course. Spectators were few and far between, which was surprising since a chunk of the course ran us through neighborhoods. I was grateful for those who came out anyway. I would not recommend this race for anyone who wants the hoopla of a Chicago or New York. If you're looking for a good, smaller marathon on a flat course, this is about as good as it gets. Unless of course, it's an unseasonably warm day... | |
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A Runner from St. Louis, MO
(1/4/2002)
"Flat, fast course!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was an easy course proceeding through some pretty neighborhoods. They kept you off of main roads and secluded. Traffic was a problem at times and the guys on the motorcylces attempting to control the runners vs. the traffic were fairly rude. No spectators to speak of, some areas of the course spectators were not allowed due to the narrow road I assume. It was fun to finish on the track and I didn't think the soccer field and parking lot were that bad to run over. I would run this marathon again simply because the course is so easy and I thought the volunteers were great. Very small, no hoopla but well run I think. | |
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A Runner from North Carolina
(1/1/2002)
 "Could be better.." (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my sixth marathon this year. Jax marathon has the potential to be great, but not as long as the course is an open course. The traffic was a real problem. Lack of porta-lets didn't make things any better. With some work, this could be a nice marathon.... I hope that the 'powers that be' will consider it.... | |
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A Runner from Jacksonville
(12/27/2001)
"Not the greatest marathon I've ever run" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is the 2nd year in a row that I have run this race, The advertised weather temp said mid 50's, but this years the race starts in the mid to upper 60's at 7 am. Lack of porta potties means getting there early to ensure 'business' has been taken care of in time to race. Cars are routed down the roads that you run and they sometimes weave in and out of the runners as traffic is oncoming. The last 1/2 mile is a cross country race as you go through an uneven gravel/cedar chip parking lot, through the school maintenance yard, oh just follow the police tape! I personally had the worst race of my 5 marathon career but at 4:45 after the start there was no soup, no sports drinks to be had. Water and muffins only. At the finish they took off your chip and gave your finishers medal to you in the plastic bag. Thanks, I walked to my car, drank some Gatorade and left via the gravel parking lot where runners were still streaming through. I'll run more marathons, but not this one in my home town! | |
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A Runner from Jacksonville
(12/27/2001)
"Poor, not impressed at all, again." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I've ran in several marathons and the Jax Marathon is the worst put together race. There was not much parking, the toilets were few and far between. This was the second year I ran this and was disappointed again. When we finished, there was no soup, no drinks, just water and bananas. After running 26 miles and drinking water, I needed sugar not more water. The race packets were weak compared to other races. The medals were nice. I've decided not to run the Jax Marathon again, sad when your from Jax. |
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