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May 1, 2024

Clarence Demar Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Clarence Demar Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.6

Number of comments: 141 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (9/30/2015) "Tremendous" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 As good as a small race gets. Spot on organization with race day packet pickup and easy logistics. Indoor staging area with plenty of room to stretch and lots of bathrooms. Free parking close to the finish. I really liked the course. Lots of down hills and gentle up hills. The out and back over the dam and the cemetery are the most memorable parts, but much of the course is very pretty. The aid stations were frequent and well staffed with enthusiastic volunteers. Medal and shirt are first rate. My new favorite small marathon.
R. M. from MA (9/28/2015) "I love this race!!!!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Clarence Demar Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've done this race twice. This is a very small race. If you need huge crowds all along the course to motivate you, then this isn't the race for you. They're not here. If you prefer enthusiastic volunteers who perform cheerleading cheers for you personally, and who are uniformly positive, friendly, and helpful, then you're going to love this race too. Good organization, nice quiet country roads, scenic views, good post race refreshments, and warm showers after the race.
E. G. from Connecticut (10/17/2014) "Perfect Long Run in Gorgeous New England" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is the smallest (by far) marathon I've ever run, and much of it didn't feel like a 'race' at all, which I loved! I soaked it all in, the sheer beauty of the day, from freezing at the start to resting/roasting in the sun with my bagel (THANK YOU to the kind volunteer who found me an uncut bagel, the only thing I'll eat after a race, I would have been happy to buy one) at the finish. Satisfied with my time (BQ, but I don't care, been there, done that), not my fastest, but learned so much from this experience, helped me get clear on why I run marathons and how I want to continue 'till I croak. Aggravating little things (like the walk to the start, for one) matter not at all. Shirts, medals, food? Whatever. People here were just wonderful; fellow runners I had the pleasure of talking with, super volunteers, supporters. I highly recommend this marathon, just do it, don't worry, be happy!
T. S. from Indianapolis (10/9/2014) "Leaf peeping and more" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 You're heading to New England to check out the fall colors? Might as well do it on foot from Gilsum to Keene. A gorgeous course, especially the first half, with a trip across the dam being one of the highlights. With around 350 full marathon finishers, it was never too crowded (the half started 13 miles down the road), and it seemed there were almost as many volunteers as runners. Hats off to all of them, especially the local Rotary Club, which took the lead a few years back when it appeared the event might come to an end. A great finishers medal, though the shirt left a bit to be desired. But I saw shirts from previous years, and they were nice, so maybe this one just comes under the heading of one man's art is another man's trash. And it was nice that the goodie bag included a mini-bio of Clarence Demar, a former Keene resident and the only person to win the Boston Marathon seven times. His 76-year-old daughter walked the half and was an inspiration. Whether you're into fall scenery or not, I recommend this race.
B. C. from Concord, MA (10/2/2014) "Fun, Small, Scenic Marathon" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I enjoyed this race very much. Course: The first 15-16 miles or so are absolutely beautiful New England countryside. They are net downhill, which seems like a pro during those early miles (feels so easy to run target pace), but may on net be a con (my legs were shot for the last few miles; the extra downhills may have contributed to that). I could have run on the first section, which slopes gently downhill next to a wide brook, forever. The course is less scenic for the last 10 miles or so. It's fine, just not as great as the first half. The hills in the cemetery aren't too bad; I lost some time on them, but by that point I was losing time on the flats, as well. Organization: The race is extremely well organized, and most everyone involved with the race was positive and friendly. Registration and taking the bus to the start was quick and easy- no crazy crowds or hassles. I don't run races for the swag, but I have to say, the finishers' medals were really nice. And I really like my etched mug that I got for winning my age group! If you like a no-hassle, well-run race, look no further. Spectators: The spectators were great; there just aren't very many of them. Which makes sense for a small race. But, there are times late in the going when a little more attention and encouragement would be handy. The crowd at the finish line was great.
V. M. from Boston, MA (2/16/2014) "Scenic and unique, a top destination marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had the privilege to run in famously scenic places and this marathon is up there with the best.The course is in the mountain roads near Keene, NH. Keene is a beautiful town; if you can, stay over Sunday night to R&R because the marathon ends late (unless you're Ethiopian, which would also help to actually run the epic downhills rather than downshift and engine-brake like I did). The staging area at Keene State in the early morning was excellent and comfy, we were then taken by bus up to the start at high elevation. I agree with other runners that this part is a bit rough, but was no worse than, say, the Towpath Marathon, another great destination race that happens to start in the outdoors at low, early AM temperatures. Given the terrain challenges, the organizers deserve very high marks for their hard work and skill. The scenery was beyond praise. Being overweight, I found the steep downhills taxing, but a very fit runner should enjoy that first half. The halfway hill is big, but the cemetery hill is really as memorable as the other victims, err., participants say it is and will sap you unless you train like a hero. Volunteers were splendid; spectators deserve praise for being out there (that is, really far out there, as you will see if you run it). I plan to go back if I can.
Suzanne Bansley from Brattleboro, Vermont, USA (12/13/2013) "Small Town Charming Race" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a lovely, scenic, local, small town, charming race! It's about as beautiful as New Hampshire in the fall gets. The dam crossing was the highlight! So pretty! A very well organized race, not a thing missed. I especially liked the pre-race pasta dinner the night before with the first race director being the guest speaker. That was a perfect touch to a perfect race. Volunteers and supporters were fabulous. There were not too many, but those that were there were great. Only hangup was that there was a 5K fundraiser walk/run that overlapped the course around mile 20. It caused a little confusion at worst, no real problems. The shirt is a long sleeved tech shirt and it looks great, one of my favorites. The post race soup, bread, and treats were tasty and above and beyond. This is a great race and if you are looking to get a feel for New Hampshire, this race will do it. Read my detailed take on the race on my blog: http://empoweredbyrunning.com/?p=532
P. N. from Massachusetts (11/8/2013) "Well organized and very runner friendly" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There are a lot of choices if you are looking for a fall marathon but I think Keene may be one of the best. The organization is excellent with easy parking at Keene State, buses to get you to the start and then showers and food afterwards. The race director responds to emails almost instantly and the volunteers are very helpful and very friendly. To say the route is scenic is an understatement and it really feels downhill with the exception of the infamous cemetery. With 400+ runners it is not so small that you ever feel you are running alone but you don't have the logistical challenges that come with bigger city marathons. All in all, a great marathon that I'd go back to without hesitation.
K. W. from New Hampshire, USA (10/8/2013) "Apart from Boston, this is my favorite race." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I chose this marathon based on previous reviews of the race and could not have been more pleased with my choice. The weather was superb on race day, no wind, cool start and a good amount of shade. The first half of the race mimics Boston, in my opinion, which can lead to a faster than anticipated pace. I would say that the gem of the race was the out and back portion of the Surry Dam. Breathtaking is not an adequate description. I was completely taken aback by the panoramic views. The hill in the cemetary was the toughest portion but having people strategically placed at the top of each hill, was helpful. The cheering stations set up at the bottom of other climbs were a nice touch and the volunteers were top notch. The medal was great and the tech shirt is the nicest I have gotten. The personal touches of the marathon were evident throughout. I particularly appreciated the welcome we recieved on the bus upon arrival at the start, from the race director. The finish was also well organized and exciting with very personal recognition from the race announcer. I was assisted by a Keene State PT student, as I was struggling to walk at the finish. She stayed with me until I re-united with my family. I cannot recommend this race highly enough. I do hope that it grows, but not so much that the personal feel of the event would be sacrificed.
D. E. from California (10/6/2013) "Very nice course" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clarence Demar Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Pros: Very nice course during the first half, with mostly downhill running in the shade. The out-and-back by the dam was very nice. The spectators and volunteers were great. Cons: Late start because they didn't have enough buses. I showed up at the bus pickup at 6:45, but didn't get on a bus until 7:30. Normally, a 10 minute delay wouldn't be anything to be upset about, but I had a flight to catch out of Manchester, so every minute mattered.

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