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☰
Long Island Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Long Island Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.0 
Organization 3.5 
Spectators 2.6
Number of comments: 145 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
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Kevin Donoghue from New York, NY
(5/7/2003)
 "Great Course to Improve Time and Focus" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Temperature for 2003 race was perfect for a run. The course is run mostly on a closed-off highway. Although marked as flat, it gradually goes up one direction and down the other. The water stations are staffed with awesome volunteers. The only complaint I had was during the last 7 miles, marathoners run into an enormous pack of half-marathon runners who started an hour after the marathon. Such congestion naturally slows you down and affects your concentration. The benefit of starting the half marathon an hour later was less congestion at the start and a lot more people cheering the runners on over the last 4 miles. I would recommend either (1) the marathon start at 7:30 instead of 8am and still have the half start at 9, or (2) cones be used to separate the full marathoners from the half marathoners on the overlap portion of the course. Race organizers were very helpful. I recommend this race to all those runners who are looking to improve their times and concentration. | |
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m. m. from Rego Park, NY
(5/7/2003)
 "Good race, but needs some improvement." (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 1 - Return to same start time for the full and the half marathons; having the option was a great feature in 2002 when I did the full marathon. 2 - Have a clock or someone giving time at each mile marker, at some points in the race (half) I did not see mile markers. 3 - Provide sports drinks, water, power gels etc. at a central point along the Wantagh. Erecting a narrow table/platform over the concrete median near the 10 mile mark would not interfere with the runners, while giving full marathoners three chances to refresh themselves and half marathoners an energy boost to finish strong. 4 - To avoid possible ankle/foot injuries, place astro turf mats over the grass strip where the race exits the Wantagh to local streets. 5 - Improve web site, post race photographs of participants at various points along the course. 6 - Kudos for your pre-race expo change, this larger site was a big improvement. | |
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W. S. from New York
(5/5/2003)
"If you want a flat Boston Qualifier, this is it!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 After reading the negative comments from previous years, I was reluctant to run this marathon. However, under new management, I have mostly positive things to say. The course is extremely flat to run a PR, there was plenty of water (and sport drinks) along the way, and there was plenty of parking at the start. On the downside, you cannot pick up numbers on race day (tough for out-of-towners), no hotel affiliation even with a Marriott less than a mile away (they offered no special discounts), and the fan support -- although friendly -- was small. If this race is properly marketed and they continue to improve on the logistics, this will become a very popular spring Boston Qualifier. Congratulations to the race organizers. | |
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M. B. from Levittown, NY
(5/5/2003)
"water breaks, organization, " (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 I cannot believe there were no water breaks for the first 3 miles of the race and it is hard to believe there is no Gatorade given out for the 1/2 marathon except at the 9-mile mark. And why aren't there water stations set up at every mile? The pre-race pick-up is never smooth and the waiting period is too long. I love being in all races, especially on Long Island, but I do not like dehydrating because not enough H20 is available in a 1/2 or full marathon. | |
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Eliot Collins from Raritan, New Jersey
(5/5/2003)
"Bargain Price ($22) - Well Organized Race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was the 2nd time that I have run this race and it was my 50th marathon overall (plus 21 ultras). I enjoyed this race once again, and the positive comments that I posted here on 05/06/2002 still apply. Just so new runners know what to expect: 1. The course is relatively flat and much of it is run on a six-lane highway that has been closed to traffic. The scenery is pleasant, but not that memorable. 2. There are very few spectators, but they were all very supportive. 3. The aid stations had plenty of water and sports drinks (but nothing else) and were staffed by well-prepared, helpful and enthusiastic volunteers. 4. This is actually a small marathon, with only 454 finishers in 2003. I ran much of the race without much company. 5. The six-hour cut-off is strictly enforced. 6. Quite a few runners that I knew ran the race, but all of them were local ultra-runners. Most of us were either running for fun, or to get a supported long run prior to an upcoming ultra. In summary, I had an enjoyable day, I would recommend this race to others and I look forward to running the Long Island Marathon again in 2004. And of course, at $22 you cannot beat the price. | |
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k. s. from Annapolis MD
(3/27/2003)
"A training run!!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I live away from Long Island and come back to run the 1/2 marathon, so my family can cheer me on. They always have a hard time finding a place along the course to cheer me on. I would never take my running friends to this race. On the positive-I love to hear everyone talking around me in their Long Island accents. It warms my heart!!! | |
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A runner from from Manhattan
(2/18/2003)
 "Fast , yet painful course" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 A ran my PR in this race, either because the course was extremely flat, or because I was very anxious to get it over with. Most runners completed only the half, and when the marathoners completed the second loop, all the water stops were GONE. Most of the race was on a highway, with little variation in the surroundings. I did appreciate the massage tent at the end, but the bagels in the food tent were stale! If you're in the area, it's worth the run for its very low fee, but it's certainly not worth a big trip. | |
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N. B. from East Meadow, N.Y. (formerly Ecuador S.A.)
(1/15/2003)
"80% Half ; 20% Full Marathon - Why?" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I have racewalked and completed the Half Cannon Long Island Marathon every year starting in 1998. I have also completed the 2001 New york City and the 2002 Philadelphia Full Marathons and for 2003 I intend to complete the L.I. HALF Marathon and the Chicago FULL Marathon. I have never attented the Full Marathon in Long island simply because is unatractive, boring and most of the course runs in a Parkway. This is the oppinion I have heard many times from different sources. Could we change this? I think so, if changes like making the course and prizes more attractive, are made. We also need more enthusiasm, music and noise. I bet that a lot of HS Bands are anxious to be asked for their participation and cooperation. We could make the Long Island Marathon as attractive and competitive as the best in the Country is we try harder. | |
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A Runner from Long Island
(11/30/2002)
"Weak to call it a marathon" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 This really is a no-frills marathon. My complains with this marathon are: 1. Marathon pickup has to be done prior to race day. There is no race day pickup. 2. No sports drink on the course. All water. 3. Hard to spot mile marker signs. 4. Hardly any time splits on the course. 5. Majority of participants are in the half marathon. Really no support on the full marathon portion of the course. 6. Most of the marathon course is run on a closed three lane highway made of concrete. 7. T-shirt is the exact same every year except for the color of the T-shirt. 8. To get the post-race food and drink you have to go from booth to booth and collect it yourself. 9. Marathon caters to local runners. No baggage dropoffs, showers, or other support for non-locak runners. | |
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A Runner from Cornwall, New York
(5/15/2002)
 "No frills race." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 After reading so much negative feedback from previous runners, I was prepared for a lousy race. However, the Long Island Marathon was quite well organized, had plenty of water and power gels at the start and lots of apples, yogurts, bagels, puddings, and water at the end. The course of the marathon was mostly flat highways,and there were not many spectators. The lack of spectator support along the course certainly slowed some of us down. Thank God for water station crew! They were absolutely great-attentive and enthusiastic. My wish lists for future LI marathon are: 1. Sports drinks along the course in cups-NOT IN A BOTTLE, please! 2. Same day number pick up for runners from far away-I drove 80 miles to pick up my number. 3. Some entertainment (music etc.) along the course. 4. Food in a bag to carry after the race. Over all, it was a GREAT marathon for 22 dollars!!! |
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