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Jul 2, 2024

Kiawah Island Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Kiawah Island Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.1

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.2

Number of comments: 211 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 8 9 10 11 12 .. 21 > ]

J. J. from Fayetteville, NC (12/9/2008) "Great Weather, Good Course" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have only a few minor complaints, and they are similar to those who have posted about years past. Starting the half and full marathons at the same time led to an extremely congested start. I was constantly accelerating and slowing down to get around traffic. In addition, the pace signs only went up to 9 minutes and then to walkers. That led to even more jockeying for position and congestion, as it seemed very few runners were running with similarly paced competitors. Aside from that, the course was nice and flat, the volunteers were great, and you couldn't ask for better race weather.
A. R. from Franklin, TN (12/8/2008) "excellent race" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I thought this was a great race. Very well organized, everything started on time, the weather was ideal, and there were plenty of water stops with enthusiastic volunteers. I thought the crowd support was fine, especially since we ran through a resort community, not a major city. There were more spectators than I was expecting. The course, while being a double loop, is very flat and fast. The huge mansions and estates that we ran by made the second pass through the course more enjoyable, too. Overall, I would definitely recommend this race to anyone trying to qualify for Boston or set a PR. It was a nice relaxing location for a vacation, too.
J. D. from Wilmington, NC (12/8/2008) "nice scenery, nice weather, nice people" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Kiawah Island Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The marathon and half seriously need to be separated; it was way too crowded. There were so many walkers that you had to try to get around - very frustrating. Paths are too narrow. Sometimes you couldn't even pass if you wanted to. I love the course, the people and the scenery, but it is way too crowded. Not sure if I would do it again unless the two races started at different times.
J. N. from Chicago (12/8/2008) "Top-notch Course on a Perfect Day" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great place for a marathon on many levels. The course is run through several miles of some of the most beautiful homes you'll ever see. It is easy because it is 100% flat. Adequate water stops. Enough porta-potties at the beginning. Very nice pasta dinner ($27). Very nice buffet lunch for marathon finishers (FREE). Very nice massages (FREE). After 22 marathons, I'm a bit picky and critical of badly run races. These folks really have it all together to create a great experience. The villas were a great place to stay at $200/night for a two-bedroom villa that could accommodate four. The bike tour of the course on the day before was a very nice touch. Yes, low fan support, and since this is run in a "gated community," they aren't crazy about letting the riffraff in to line the course and disrupt the genteel setting. But I didn't mind. A decent place for a PR or Boston qualifier - if you start up front and don't get caught up in the crowds for the first couple of miles.
C. J. from Charlotte, NC (12/8/2008) "A few glitches, but overall a strong race!" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I ran this marathon to provide a change of scenery from the Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon, which I ran two years ago and which also happens to take place within a a week of the Kiawah Marathon each year. Overall, it was a solid race. It is a flat course with a few small inclines here and there (certainly not enough to call "hills"). The course runs through some nice private neighborhoods and is a good change for anyone who is used to running races in large cities. It is, however, a "runner's," race and anyone who needs massive spectator support to stay motivated is doing it for the wrong reasons (yes, there are pockets of spectator crowds, but you won't find them at every corner). Runners should also be aware that this is a two-loop course. Having to run the same loop twice wasn't as bad as I expected going in - in fact, it was nice to know where you were going the second time around. Runners also should know that there is no gel provided - again, not a big deal, as long as you know and are prepared. I will mention that I believe at least one of the mile markers (mile 10) was off (stretched a bit longer than it should have) and I believe that this was not compensated for in future miles. Anyone else feel this way? I have to believe I'm not the only one, given that I was tracking my pace and distance pretty sharply. Race coordinators should look into this more in the future. For lodging, I highly recommend staying on the island. I got a 2-bedroom villa within 5 minutes walking distance to the start for $175/night. Most places will give you a nice discount because it's the off-season on the island. No race is perfect, so despite a few setbacks, I consider this a strong marathon and recommend it for those considering running in the future.
C. F. from USA, NC (12/8/2008) "Great, Flat Course" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon and a PR. The course was flat and enjoyable. The race was a bit quiet at times, as far as the spectators compared to the Chicago Marathon. My only complaint was the crowded start. The start should be staggered. Overall, I recommend the race and would run it again.
K. C. from Columbia, SC (12/7/2008) "Overall great race! I'll be back next year." (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 5th marathon and my first at Kiawah. I was a little concerned after reading some of the comments from previous years, but after running the race, I have to say it was my best marathon experience so far. The course was great. There were no long, boring straightaways. I actually enjoyed the combination of roads and bike trails. It was a good change of scenery. I didn't think I'd like the race being 2 loops, but I actually did. You get through the first loop nice and easy, then you know what to expect and what you have to do on the second loop to hit your time. The walkers were considerate enough to stay to one side as the marathoners were running by on the bike path over the last 2 miles and actually had encouraging comments as we ran by. I thought the fan support was impressive for such a small island marathon. I didn't expect as many fans as I saw. The post-race setup was nice as well. Plenty of food and drinks. Places to watch other finishers or sit down and rest. The only negative experience was packet pickup on Friday night. It took forever to get onto the island simply because every car was being stopped and given a "pass" to get onto the island just to pick up a packet. I have no idea why they don't just open up the island for packet pick up. It would save us all a lot of time. Other than the packet pickup ordeal, I thought it was a great race. I'll be back next year.
J. P. from the USA (12/7/2008) "Good organization" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 38th state and marathon. The race is a double loop with the inbound portion of the loop run on a bike path that I didn't care for. Makes for a better half marathon than marathon. We stayed in Charleston and saved lots of money on our hotel, and the drive to Kiawah isn't that long. The race is well organized, with excellent water stops and fabulous volunteers. Thanks so much for all of your hard work.
J. C. from United States (12/7/2008) "Worth smoking a cigar at mile 12?" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great time, awesome run, loved the view. We stayed in an amazing place on the island. And can you believe that guy who lit up a cigar at mile 12?
A. R. from Charleston (12/6/2008) "Fun run but no spectator support at all." (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The race was fun and well organized. The food and beer were great afterward too. The lack of spectator support was very disappointing. People sat in their driveways looking at runners going by and didn't say a word. Not even a "good job."

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