May 18, 2024
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☰
Long Beach Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Long Beach Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 3.6 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 240 [displaying comments 201 to 211]
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dissapointed runner from So. California
(10/15/2003)
 "Disappointing for runners, great for rollerbladers" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Long Beach is once again trying to fix last years problems at the expense of marathon runners. The half-marathoners took boxes of food and there was virtually none for the marathoners. At the end there was no water to buy or get outside of the finish area? It was 84 degrees and we were dying. This race always starts late. Also, some of the mile markers were short and others were long. The 4-hour pace group was running low to mid 10-min pace, nearly 1-min slow per mile after the 16-mile mark. Pace groups are supposed to be an aid, not a false security. I chose to support this year and won't run this race again since the 8:15 am start is always delayed at least 15 mins. The sun is your worst enemy and the organizers must not be marathoners as they keep us these additional minutes. I'd understand if it were a one off thing but every year? I don't think so. I think Long Beach has bitten off more than it can chew with a marathon, half, 5k, bike ride, and rollerblade event. Let's focus on one race and make it great. Years ago when it was just the Long Beach Marathon the race was SPECTACULAR - get back to those days. | |
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Lora Sandroni from La Canada, California
(10/14/2003)
 "Great venue, good for new runners, beautiful site" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was only my second half-marathon and I was a little concerned but once there, it was great. Beautiful course with views everywhere and that was inspiring. Seemed organized and lots of good energy. Needed more people to root along the lines!! But why did it start at 8:15??? It got to more than 80 degrees by 10 a.m. Otherwise, many runners would have made their personal best times. I would do this one again for sure. | |
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Michael Bllixt from California
(10/14/2003)
"Diversity is the Spice of Life" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This course was a pleasure as well as a challenge to run. The weather made it more challenging than usual. The change of scenery from the shoreline views to the spectator friendly residential streets made this race an eventful and memorable experience. This event was well planned and the volunteers did a fine job. | |
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K. T. from Los Angeles, California
(10/14/2003)
 "Where was the Ultima" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I like the course because it is easy with no major hills. I did not even notice running up the bridge or the other small hills. However, they advertise Ultima (Gatorade-type drink) as being at many different places. Many times when I get to the designated areas, the workers would be saying 'water only'. I am a person who relies on sports drinks to run an effective race. I was very frustrated. | |
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B. D. from Vancouver, WA
(10/14/2003)
 "Nice race, bad water" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course was nice; not too many hills and plenty of support along the way. The second half of the course had more water tables than most races have total. My only complaints are: The only Ultima available was at mile 2 and then none until mile ten. It was about every 4 miles after that. The website said it would be available every two miles, starting at mile four. The water at the tables was warm city water out of hoses and tasted terrible. I normaly have a cast iron stomach, but Long Beach city water almost got the better of me a couple of times. The bottled water at the finish line had been sitting in the sun. 15 minutes after I finished, I went looking for more water and was told by race officals that there was none, that they had run out. On the plus side: Well organized, good expo and the volunteers were first-rate. If you want to run this one, carry your own supplies. | |
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c. d. from shoreham, NY
(10/13/2003)
"Let the athletes suffer" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The course was nice, the spectators were fantastic, BUT... I've run in a lot of different races before and I've never seen such little replenishment for the athletes after the race. Once you crossed the finish line, you could get warm water and an apple, then you had to pay for everything afterwards. Pretty lame considering we just ran for a few hours under the hot Southern California sun. since most of the roads were closed due to the race, I had to drive a few miles into the city to actually find some cold drinks and potassium. If you run this one, make sure you hold back some energy to go find replenishment after you're done. | |
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j. c. from atlanta
(5/30/2003)
"Very good for beginners" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 1st marathon, and I was very pleased overall. On the positive side, the course is extremely flat, the organization is top notch (plenty of water stands and lots of goodies at the finish line), and the urban landscape helps to keep the boredom away. On the downside, too many people have discovered this marathon, and the course is just too crowded. You have to spend the entire race weaving in and out of traffic, which is unlike other races that thin out after the first 5 miles or so. The only other complaint (other than the freezing weather that particular morning) was that the last few miles have the ugliest landscape (South Side -- yuk!) and the fewest fans. I would say Chicago offers a very complete package for convenience, course ease, and marathon experience, but you can do better in each of the other categories individually elsewhere. | |
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D. S. from Temecula Ca
(1/23/2003)
"Almost perfect" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I really liked the course. The organization was very good. Parking was user friendly too. I only had to walk a half a block to the start. In the early miles the water stations were not ready. I ran by a long row of toilets at about the 6mile mark that were behind a chain link fence and couldnt be accessed, what was up with that? Other wise the race itself was great, the volunteers were first rate as were the spectatators that came out. If I have a major complaint its that the Marathon doesnt offer a mailing of the bibs and chips. I hate the 200 mile round trip drive 2 days out of 3. Otherwise Great job gang. | |
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A Runner from Carlsbad California
(11/14/2002)
"Great Improvements! Great Event!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization deserves a lot of credit for the huge improvements that have been made from previous years events. I believe that this was only the 2nd year for the present organizers and the course changes were excellent. Also greatly improved were the Expo and Carbo dinner which was a very fun event at the Aquarium. The volutneers were very plentiful and were added a lot of positive energy. The T-shirt and medal design was outstanding.Ok, on the down side I didn't like the Ultima at the water stations. Long Beach really deserves recognition for a fine, quality event that showcases the city very nicely. | |
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A Runner from San Diego, CA
(10/21/2002)
"Long Beach is back and better than ever!!!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Perfect weather, enjoyable course. Had a wonderful time. Will definitely be back next year. |
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