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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 101 to 111]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 9 10 11 12 13 .. 21 > ]

Julie Emerson from Raleigh, NC (8/5/2008) "Perfect for your first race or your PR!!" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had never raced anything longer than a 10K and completed my first half-marathon at Kiawah in 2004. I have not missed the race since and had such a fantastic experience personally in 2007 that I am going for my first full this year.
R. L. from Worthington, Ohio (4/22/2008) "Loved It" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I PR'ed in this race, so I'm probably a little biased but I really, really liked it. You will never find a flatter course, and I've run both Chicago and Berlin, so I have some experience in this regard. I was actually a little surprised that people had problems with overcrowding. That was not my experience at all, but I was running close to the front, so that may have made a difference. There were definitely walkers on the path in the second half, but it didn't take much effort to go around them, and they were really cheering us on, which I liked. The awards are hand-crafted and beautiful. It's a smaller race, so you shouldn't expect many spectators. The course is a bit exposed, so if it's a sunny day like it was this year, it can get a bit warm in the second half. Overall the weather was pretty decent though. Three different people with Garmin's told me the race was about .3-.4 too long. I'm not sure if that was the case, but that's important and race organizers should be really careful about measuring out the course next year, because people run flat races to PR, qualify for Boston, etc. It's off-season down there, so we were able to get a great two-bedroom condo right across from the beach within walking distance of the start and finish for $160/night. The course loops twice, so your family can see you several times along the way or rent bikes really inexpensively (they open early just to rent bikes for this reason) and see you many more times. Then you can all go into Charleston to celebrate your PR.
M. S. from PA (1/26/2008) "Another Fantastic Kiawah Marathon" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Kiawah Island Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This as my 15th overall marathon and 7th year in a row for Kiawah. I love this race!! I love small marathons and this is one of the best organized races with a spectacular scenic course. I think the comments regarding the crowding on the bike paths need to be considered. The half marathon seems to have gotten bigger and the paths were a bit crowded at times. Nonetheless, I'll be back again.
C. D. from Bridgeport, CT (1/14/2008) "Results, Anyone?" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my very first full marathon after running my first three half marathons all in the same year. This was a BIG deal to me and, although I did like the course once I made the turn at mile 13 (repetition is helpful for a newbie) and the few spectators were friendly, I am extremely disappointed that my results did not post. I have written the race organizers numerous times since the race and have only received: "We will pass this on to the timing chip company" and nothing else. As a first-time marathoner with pictures to prove a timing chip was cut off my shoe at the finish, I would have expected more from the race directors.
K. D. from Carbondale, Illinois (12/18/2007) "Flat and crowded" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall I liked this race. The expo was nice and small. Everyone was super friendly and very helpful. They even had printouts of the predicted weather hour by hour since it was going to be warm. I stayed in a house on the west side and drove to Night Heron Park to park. It was so easy to park there and walk about 3 minutes to the start. The problem was I was going for a PR and due to the extremely crowded and slow entire first half made it very hard and frustrating. I know I made a rookie mistake by running around people and dodging people, but I couldn't help it - I was constantly being blocked by slower people in front. Also the bike paths were very crowded. Obviously it's the runners who didn't line up in the right spots, but I agree that the half marathoners should start a half-hour later to help relieve the congestion. I didn't mind the small number of spectators - I love small marathons and don't pay attention to crowds anyway. I also didn't mind the 2-loop course - just be prepared for it mentally and it's not a big deal. The shirts were ok, and the medals were nice. All in all, it's a good marathon and I'm glad I did it; it was just a bit frustrating at times.
D. J. from US (12/14/2007) "Beautiful scenic course and wonderful volunteers" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Overall, this race is one that I would encourage runners to sign up for with some reservations. The organization - particularly aid stations and packet pick-up - are great. However, the half marathoners need to start a half-hour later.... I would recommend that the marathon start at 7:30 a.m. so as to avoid the shoulder-to-shoulder logjam in the beginning and on the bike trails. It is annoying to continually have to run around others even into the second half of the race. Since this is gun timed (can you imagine that in 2007?!) in the age group ranking (which is only ranked 3-5 deep), many of the participants are at a disadvantage if they start in the back. The only recommendation that I would make, besides a different start time for the halvers, is to demand that the race management firm provide a COMPLETE breakdown of ALL runners within their age group and rank them AS MOST RACES DO by the chip time, not the gun time. Otherwise, why are they bothering with chips? Won't run this again till both these issues are changed.
R. P. from Cary, NC (12/14/2007) "I'm happy" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was only my first marathon, so I don't have much to compare. But I can say that the race was very well organized from start to finish. As others stated, the start was crowded, but like most races, you'll have this. People are always going to line up in the wrong area, and it will always take some time for things to thin out. I also agree that the beginning of the second loop being run on the shoulder was not fun. I found it very difficult to pass during this stretch and almost got hit by a passing vehicle when attempting to do so. Not that big of a deal, but it would be easier if they opened the road a bit more. The course is flat and scenic as advertised, but the second loop does get boring due to the lack of crowd support, and the scenery did nothing for me after the 20 mile mark... LOL. I did stay on the island at the west beach villas, took the shuttle and went from my front door to the start in 10 minutes. Very easy! The east beach villas and Sanctuary are within walking distance to the start. Overall I am pleased that this was my first. The locals were nice and friendly, Charleston is awesome city, and the weather was great!
S. F. from Indianapolis, IN (12/12/2007) "Flat and Fast" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 One of the most organized races I have ever run. Plenty of food at the end. Only problem was that a few of the mile markers are off.
G. G. from Birmingham, AL (12/12/2007) "Good race with a couple of issues" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Organization of the expo and race were great. Overall the experience on the island and with the race was great. But a couple of suggestions: 1. The bike path on the second loop was a minefield. You have half-marathon walkers across the path at the same time (3 hour-mark) that you have marathon runners coming in to PR, break 3, and qualify for Boston. I nearly ran over one girl and I feel bad, but it wasn't her fault. We shouldn't have been in that position; perhaps open up a slice of that road for the marathon's second loop and cone it off? 2. All my friends and I had it measured long, by about .3 miles. Might need to take a look at that as well. Otherwise, great event. I'd run it again for sure!
L. C. from North Carolina USA (12/11/2007) "Great Marathon - Couldn't Be Better!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kiawah Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, but I can't imagine how this one could be improved upon. It was wonderful from start to finish. Bib and chip pick up were quick and easy. Plenty of support all the way through. Beautiful course - very flat. Plenty of water and Gatorade, and bananas and oranges. Clocks for splits on most mile markers. Great temperatures and lots of shade. The volunteers were amazing and kept the aid stations cleaned up so I did not have to run on squashed cups! Part of the race is on paved bike trails and this was a nice change from the roads. Loved it!

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