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May 5, 2024

Around the Lake Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Around the Lake Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.3

Number of comments: 36 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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R. H. from MA (2/1/2008) "There are plenty of better races in New England." (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I ran this in 2007, and it was my first marathon, and I was fine with it at the time, but after running another one, this one just didn't stack up. First of all, you need to run eight times around the same loop, and this wouldn't be so bad, but there are an ultra and a relay going on at the same time, and there are pedestrians everyone, who don't care that a race is going on. Late in the race, you have no idea if you're passing (or getting passed by) someone for the first time or the fifth, or what race they are running and it really makes it hard to motivate yourself. The course wasn't very well-lit, and running in the dark isn't something I wanted to deal with at the later parts of a race. Come race day, the starting temperature was 87 degrees. It cooled off considerably later on, but at times the rest stations were unmanned, or the water cups were filled to 1/2 or 1/3rd of the way up, which wasn't enough considering the heat, and it was ridiculous for rest stations to be unmanned during a looped course. The primary rest station was at a very weird angle from the course, and a bit of a hassle, and it was really hard to get to it without stopping, and because of the way the race was split into three types, it made for an anticlimactic finish because no one knew that I had finished except for me. All in all, it was mediocre at best. The course was okay the first time around, but after that just repetitive. There are so many good marathons in New England, and Mass. that it doesn't really make much sense to run this one unless you're desperate for a race in July.
D. P. from Boston, MA (11/21/2007) "First-Timers Be Aware - This Race is a Challenge" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, and while I had a good time, I'd caution other first-timers to know what they're getting in to. The course, overall, is well lighted and the volunteers friendly and helpful. Dodging pedestrians became a bit of a challenge for me after the heat and exhaustion sunk in, but that's what you get on any non-closed course, I imagine. The real challenge for me was the heat and humidity. I ran with bottles of water and sports drink, and kept my stomach so full of fluids that it was uncomfortable, yet I still cramped up on the second to last lap. Sweat was literally pouring off of me the entire time. As someone who went from running 3 miles to running 20 in a period of a few months, I had eased my transition into running long distances by training early in the morning to escape the heat. This undoubtedly kept me healthy during training, but I found myself wishing I'd acclimated to heat a little more before this race. Also, if your impressions of marathons come from watching New York, Chicago, and Boston be aware that this is a very different beast. Crowd support is there at the end of each lap, but is largely non-existent on the loop itself. As there are only a couple hundred runners, chances are also that you will be running alone much of the time. There's nothing wrong with that, but it may not be your ideal first-marathon experience. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and recommend the challenge to anyone who knows what they're getting into. I'm planning on running it again next year and trying to break into the top 5.
D. D. from Mass (8/6/2007) "Not as good as expected" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I was a bit disappointed that on 2 occasions the mid-course water station had no water ready for runners. How is that possible w/ so few runners? Also, I was disappointed that the race organizer doesn't respond to emailed questions. The humidity was really difficult to deal w/ and the course is not as well lit as advertised. That said, the race was basically enjoyable and I'd like to do it again as part of a relay team.
S. G. from Maine (7/30/2007) "VERY low-key; lots of fun!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my fourth marathon. I like races that offer a lot of variety, and even though this one loops around a lake eight times, the idea of night running and running with the ultra marathoners was very cool. Poor word choice.... It was 84 degrees and humid as the race started but sort of comfortable throughout the evening. I am a pathetically slow runner, so I enjoyed being able to not push myself too hard (I ran Grandma's a few weeks ago) and enjoy the night. A few people whine about poor lighting (remember this IS a nighttime marathon) or some of the other stylistic shortcomings. The drinks and snacks were fine. There were also plenty of local people out for their "evening constitutional" until about 10 p.m.; then it was pretty quiet. Great local, low-pressure race.
D. I. from Gainesville, Florida (7/30/2007) "Great marathon for July!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did the marathon - not the ultra or relay. The event involves loops around the lake... eight loops for the maathon distance. The event takes place at night... starting at 7 p.m. The weather was warm, but not unpleasant, and it really cooled down as the night progressed. The course was well lighted overall, even though there were some dark sections. I never felt unsafe. There were ample opportunities for porta-potties, water, food, Gatorade, etc. as you finished the loops. The staff were VERY accommodating; they got me anything I asked for. There were cheerleaders at the end of the loop and at one aid station halfway through the loop. It was very well organized. I think it's a great marathon experience. Especially since it's difficult to find events in July! Congrats on a well organized event!
J. G. from Allston, MA (4/30/2007) "A great test of your mental training" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 A 5k loop course would seem like a great opportunity for stretching resources, allowing for maximum crowd support, and simplifying course logistics. After participating I still see the appeal in theory, it is just that the practical application was not quite what I was expecting. Besides the natural congregation of people near the finish line/aid station and the one other aid station at the opposite edge of the loop, there were functionally a dozen people offering any type of support along the course. The allure of racing at night was offset by the lingering 85-degree temperatures and nearly 100% humidity from the race delaying thunderstorms which left a remarkably unfriendly slick and muddy segment with a waterfilled ditch at a narrow gap between some shrubs and trees, just beyond the limits of paving (and light) at the checkpoint. At least 30% of the course was in eye-straining darkness contrary to the claims of it being a 'well-lit course' so bring a headlamp. I admit, this is the only marathon that has ever defeated me. More than the awful foot blisters, it was the mental fatigue and subsequent lack of motivation that forced me to stop short to focus on my next race. As I mentioned, the absence of spectators except at the two aid stations and one or two other outposts meant that you were left to the silence of your thoughts mile after mile. And because of the limited field of marathon runners, these were the only people you would encounter with the exception of the occasional walking relay participants. The isolation, the strain of constant vigilance from running in the dark over uneven terrain, and the mindboggeling barrage of mile markers painted around the course just fried my mental processing and killed off any motivation to continue punishing myself once I fell off my Boston Qualification pace. This all said, I will probably be back in the future to challenge this course once again, though maybe next time as part of a relay team instead.
J. O. from Sterling, MA, USA (1/11/2007) "Great run, though you will be doing a lot of loops" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization was superb. They held us up for the thunderstorms but got things going quickly. The sidewalks do get a little hard, and the sloppy grass we had to run over made things interesting, but this is the absolute best time to run a marathon in the summer! You will be doing a lot of loops, so make sure to bring your cheering section!
Justin Deeg from Cape cod, MA (8/22/2006) "Best idea since sliced bread!" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Mmmkay. I found this race on accident while recovering from a disastrous VCM earlier in the summer. I couldn't believe my eyes. A mid-summer marathon that starts with the sun going down and continues into the cool night! For people that want to race in the summer but hate heat, give this one a try. The course is a 5K loop around a lake on a sidewalk. It can be challenging, especially when the light is low, but the small number of runners makes it manageable. Seeing the course mile markers can be hard at times but I didn't care. I was just going for a BQ. Speaking of BQ: If you have to fly (run fast) and need support every 1.5 miles to make sure you meet your goal, this is the one. Any fans that showed up were great. Family members get to cheer you on 8 times as you pass by. The race director and all volunteers were top-notch. They set the example that every marathon, big or small, should follow. They were mainly concerned with one thing: The runner's safety. You can't ask for anything more. Food was the best I've ever seen at any race. There needs to be an evening/night marathon in every state during the summer for those that want something different. I'm off to run my first Boston thanks to this race!
D. K. from Mahopac, NY (8/12/2006) "Low-Key, Must-Do!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 If you like low-key marathons, or if you have a tendency to run into heat problems, this is a great run for you. It's low-key and peaceful (I like quiet runs with less than 500)... however, I even started to feel lonely toward the end. But the neatest thing was that you actually cooled down as the race went on... but not so quickly as to end up with tightening of muscles. Do this run for yourself... not for the medals or t-shirts. This one is an accomplishment because you know you were totally responsible for your performance.
T. B. from New Jersey (8/9/2006) "Great small race - I will do it again" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Around the Lake Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I thoroughly enjoyed doing this race. Even though it's a relatively small race, it had all of the amenities of a larger race. In fact, in most ways, it was administered better than larger races and the logistics of participating were a lot simpler. For example, it was very convenient having the host hotel within a few hundred feet of the start and finish area. Also, since the tent with food and drink were located in the start and finish area, the runners could get whatever food and drink they needed every 3.16 miles. There was also a fluid station about half way around the lake. All of the people "officially" involved in organizing the race and the volunteers were extremely helpful and friendly. Also, it was obvious that they wanted to do the best possible job. Running at night and finishing early the next morning were neat. I'm planning on returning to this race in future years, except next time I may do an ultra instead of the marathon.

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