calendar icon Apr 29, 2024

Sugarloaf Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Sugarloaf Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 81 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

 

Tresa Casaletto from Medford (7/6/2010)
"Follow Up from Earlier Comment" (about: 2010)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Sugarloaf Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I am writing to add to my earlier comment. Today I received my finisher's medal. Unfortunately the race was much more successful than in years past and there were not enough medals at the end. The letter I received and the explanation were worthy of further praise. Not only did they explain how many more runners came, but they also let me know that next year they will close registration a few weeks before the race. So plan ahead, sign up and run the Sugarloaf Marathon. Also, make your lodging and your pasta arrangements in advance.
 

L. J. from Syracuse, NY (5/23/2010)
"Hillier than advertised" (about: 2010)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Sugarloaf Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The race organization was great, the course was well-marked, the technical shirt is wonderful, and it was as scenic as promised.

I came to Sugarloaf hoping for a BQ though, but just couldn't come close on this course. I do run hills on a regular basis, but I admit I'm not a great hill runner. The beginning of the course was exactly what I expected, through mile 11. The downhills at 11 and around 15 were steep enough that they pounded the legs a bit. After that it is rolling all the way to the end. I know some people like this type of variety, but I found it unrelenting. The camber of the road is also a challenge.

The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers offered kind words. The map indicated there would be a water stop at mile 18, but there wasn't one there, which was disappointing on a warm day.

There weren't many spectators, but those that were out there were loyal! They offered everything from encouragement to gum!
 

Paula Jean Lunt from Tenants Harbor, ME (5/21/2010)
"First marathon I'd run again." (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


While my goal is to run a marathon in every state, this is the first race I'd consider doing again. It is 100% Maine. If you can't accept our state for what it really is, then this isn't the race for you. There's no fluff: No big expo, no large crowds, no giant goody bags. It's run on real Maine roads - ones with hills, cars and in places, terrible shoulders - but it's also the most beautiful race I've run (not just in places here and there, but all 26.2 miles).
 

E. R. from Maine (5/19/2010)
"Scenic, but lonely if you are slow" (about: 2010)

1 previous marathon | 1 Sugarloaf Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


It was my first marathon, and although I'm not super slow (9:20 average), I felt very alone towards the end. Traffic can get a little bothersome (they don't close the roads) but the scenery is beautiful. The climb from miles 8-11 isn't as bad as it seems. No chip timing, and it would be nice to have a porta-potty or two in the last half of the race! If you are into low-tech, small, scenic marathons, this one is for you.

One recommendation: eat at Tufulio's the night before the race. The pasta dishes are delicious.
 

mary smith from maine. USA (5/19/2010)
"surprisingly pleased" (about: 2010)

3 previous marathons | 1 Sugarloaf Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


I am from Maine, so when they said, "its mostly a downhill marathon," I had to see it to believe it. Well, it is definitely a fast marathon. The first 18 miles were challenging, but relatively easy, with some obvious hills. the last 8 miles were not as hilly as the first 18, but it was NOT 16 miles of a decline like they had stated. I was told the spectator support was not huge, but I felt that there was tons of support from the crowd. All of the volunteers were more than generous, and the cyclists on the course were extremely attentive. The weather was fabulous. It's definitely a great BQ race!!!
 

Tresa Casaletto from Medford, MA (5/17/2010)
"Fun, Fast, Small Race" (about: 2010)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Sugarloaf Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This was my first time running the Sugarloaf Marathon, which I think put me in the minority of the runners. The many return runners all had stories to tell me about how great this course is. The last 16 miles of this point-to-point are mostly downhill, with only small, uphill climbs. With one exception, all water stops were in basic, 2-mile intervals. The one exception is at roughly at mile 18. Due to the layout of the road, there just wasn't a place for a water stop.

I gave the spectators a rating of 5 even though there were not a lot of them out there because the ones that were made up in effort what they lacked in number.

My only other problem was the lack of shade for the last three hours. Of course, that was because I ran the race in five hours, but I now have sunburn on one arm (it is a north-to-south run).

The start is very beautiful, and after you get past the hills from mile five to mile 10, you can just keep rolling for the last 16 miles.

There are a lot of top notch runners in this race (not running in my section of the pack but they are there), so if speed is your issue, you will have company. My only tip is that, if you plan to attend, get your lodging early and know where you plan to eat. The pasta dinner sold out and we ended up eating in the hotel restaurant. Not bad, but we had to pay hotel restaurant prices, and there was not a lot of selection.

But enough complaining. This was a fun race and a fun atmosphere.
 

Jamie Tierney from Northern Maine (5/17/2010)
"Best Small Marathon" (about: 2010)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Sugarloaf Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


This was the second year I have run the Sugrarloaf Marathon. I had a great experience. The course is challenging but not too much for a novice who just wants to run the whole distance. It is the only marathon that I have done that I would recommend to beginners as well as experienced runners. The water stops are well spaced about every 2 miles and the spectators are few but enthusiastic. I highly recommend the host hotel, which gives great rates. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.

NOTE: porta-potties are at the beginning of the race at the start. BUT they are very limited along the course (one at 3 miles only I think). This was not a problem for me but might concern some others. The route is very wooded and remote, and runners are free to "use the woods."

I will continue to do this marathon.

MAJOR GRIPE ALERT!!!

If this is your first marathon or having a picture of the event is otherwise important to you, I strongly advise you have a friend or family member at the finish line to take a picture of you.

MY ONLY CRITICISM IS THAT ONCE AGAIN I GET NO FINISH PICTURE OF MYSELF!! LAST YEAR, ABOUT 300 PEOPLE RAN THE MARATHON, AND IF YOU DID NOT FINISH IN THE TOP 20%, NO ONE BOTHERED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF YOU EITHER AT THE FINISH OR ALONG THE ROUTE. ONCE AGAIN, THERE ARE ABOUT 10 PICTURES OF THE SAME 30 PEOPLE AND NO ONE ELSE!!

So a word to the race director: "Remember the little people..."

Not everyone runs a sub-3 hour marathon (or ever will). With only about 300 finishers, you would think you would be able to get a picture of yourself....
 

S. B. from Maine (10/19/2009)
"Excellent race - highly recommended" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Sugarloaf Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I ran the 15K in 2008 and the marathon in 2009. The race was extremely well organized. Ample aid stations. Plenty of volunteers on the course. Scenery was perfect. Personally, big crowds at races stress me out. At big races I've been stepped on, whacked, and slowed down by crowds. None of that here. I was able to focus on myself and my goal. There were not a lot of fans along the course, but the ones there seemed very genuine. I can't wait for 2010.
 

M. T. from Quebec (8/8/2009)
"Superb" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Sugarloaf Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


It's was a very nice experience and I will be there in 2010. ;o)
 

p. t. from raymond, maine (7/2/2009)
"great day running in the rain" (about: 2009)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


My first marathon, and it was great!! I'm already getting ready for next one. Thanks to Scott, Pete, and my wife, Rebecca, for the race-day encouragement. The massage provided at the finish saved an old man's legs. Thanks again to the organizers of a great event.

Regards,

Paul Tracy
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser