May 21, 2024
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☰
Clarence Demar Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Clarence Demar Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 3.6
Number of comments: 142 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
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J. S. from St. Louis, MO
(10/1/2003)
 "Outstanding race, beautiful course!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the 2003 edition of the DeMar marathon and was wholly impressed with my entire experience. From the pre-race pasta dinner (very much recommended, inexpensive and all you can eat, plus a guest speaker... can't get that at Olive Garden) to the aid stations and post-race food, everything was top-notch. I can tell these folks have done this a few times. Course - Very similar to Boston, point to point with a significant net downhill, a decent hill at 18 miles, and gorgeous New England scenery. The first 5 miles are closed to traffic, down a narrow road flanked by towering trees and a rushing stream. I can't think of a more picturesque marathon moment. One negative: course is not closed to traffic after 5 miles, and the number of cars can get a little oppressive. Watch yourself. Street crossings, however, were never a problem. Aid stations - Plentiful, with water and Gatorade. Bananas or pretzels, maybe energy bars, would be a great addition. Spectators - It's a rural marathon, don't expect many. The ones out there in the rain were great, of course. Overall value - Excellent. For $35 (in 2003), you got a great marathon experience and a fantastic shirt on top of that. This is a well-kept marathon secret that shouldn't be divulged. :) | |
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Chuck Bryant from south Florida
(9/30/2003)
 "Excellent course - just add porto-potties" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 BEAUTIFUL course even though autumn color lies a couple of weeks away. Gently rolling, overall downhill, one climb, maybe 3/4 mile, requires lower gear, but anyone in decent condition should have no real problem with it, even at mile 17. Sparse spectator support, but enthusiastic (by standards of New England decorum); even backed-up traffic at road crossings behaves politely as well. Peerless Insurance, major sponsor, shows real class ? they leave the VERY high-quality, beautiful long-sleeve shirt free of commercial logos. Only one significant concern: I saw *no* porto-potties after the start, and four other runners said the same (but you have lots of forest available...) Otherwise all the basics superbly done, ABSOLUTELY recommended. | |
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Mike Herrin from Tremont, Illinois
(9/29/2003)
"This race was great!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I was looking for a race in New Hampshire to do toward my 50 states goal and this was a great choice. If you're looking for a big-time race with lots of spectators and bands, this is not one you should choose. If you're looking for a race with great organization, excellent pre-race pasta dinner, beautiful scenery, and neat awards (the t-shirt was cool), this is truly the race for you. I commend the race directors on a great job. | |
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Claire Gadrow from South Kingstown, Rhode Island
(10/23/2002)
 "The best marathon I have ever run!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A friend suggested that I try this course to set a PR and he was right-I ran 3:03 and shaved off 5 minutes! My sister came from Canada and she had an 18 minute PR! The start was easy to get to-we elected not to use the bus provided and had my friends take the 10 minute drive from the Keene. The course is beautiful and fast-the hill actually gives your legs a break from the opening downhills. The aid stations were well staffed and some locals had set up additional stations in the front yards. Some of the water at the official stations did taste like chlorine. The spectators were thin but those on the course were fantastic-one woman followed us the whole way giving encouragement. The finish area was perfect-you crossed the line, got soup, had a massage and then we only had to walk two blocks to our hotel to shower and get our car. And made it to my sister's in Boston to catch the afternoon start of the Patriot's Game. What a day! I plan to return in 2003. | |
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A Runner from New York, USA
(10/23/2002)
"excellent marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This marathon was my 10th. I have run NYC and Boston and several other smaller rural marathons and this was the best course ever. Although there were not a lot of spectators, there were enough and the course was accessable to supporters. The rolling hills were very forgiving on the legs and allowed for only a one minute fade factor in the second half despite a significant hill at mile 18. The water stops were plenty and the volunteers did an excellent job organizing the race. The course was also very scenic. I would run it again for sure. | |
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A Runner from Folly Beach, SC
(10/17/2002)
 "Great race" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As everyone as already mentioned, the course was beautiful, it was very well organized, the people were especially friendly, and it is a fast course (I finished 6 minutes ahead of my expected time). It was one of my favorite races. My only suggestion would be to include a port-o-john somewhere on the course. The advertised moderate hill at mile 18 wasn't bad at all (in fact it was worse going down than it was going up). Supporters were few but great...no one to block my view of the beautiful scenery! | |
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A Runner from Lowell, Massachusetts
(10/11/2002)
"New England's Beauty on display" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A course that dodges the significant vertical terrain that surrounds the race venue. Yankee-like organization, basic but fully functional; excellent traffic control where it counted. Highlight for me was the first 7 miles winding down the beautiful river valley. Not for city lovers. | |
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A Runner from westfield ma
(10/11/2002)
"Six times and still loving it" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run this course 6 times and always say it is one of the finest marathons in New England. I've set my PR here four times so if that is your intention it is very possible. The first 5 miles has alot of downhill and puts me in a very postive mind set. I ran a 5 mile road race, 2 weeks earlier 90 sec. slower than the first five of this course. I`ll be back again and again! | |
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George Tantzen from Seattle, Washington
(10/6/2002)
"Great Small Marathon!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great marathon. It was well organized and the most friendly people that I have ever seen put on a marathon. The course took you though many small roads in New Hampshire, with beautiful views. The fans were few, but very supportive. | |
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A Runner from Seattle, Washington
(10/4/2002)
"Great Marathon!!!!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a well-organized and friendly run. Everyone associated with the marathon was great. The course was very scenic. The run took you over many rural roads. It was not a large run and they really took care of each and every runner. I would highly recommend any marathon runner to support this run. It is one of the best. |
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