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Hyannis Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Hyannis Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 3.5 
Spectators 2.7
Number of comments: 98 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
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Bobby Bou from Canton,Mass USA
(3/4/2004)
 "Great time" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Hyannis Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This race will never be the 'most beautiful' nor will it be the 'fastest, flattest, easiest course in the world', nor will they serve lobster, shrimp and champagne for the post-race. Sting and U2 will never join together for the post-race concert and it may never be the most organized race in the entire country. It will, however, give runners something to look forward to, something to train for during those cold, freezing winter months when running is at its worst. Rain or shine or snow will not keep the true runners away from this race; they will suck it up and rise to the challenge. I will not complain about paying $15 dollars for a hot shower because I have NEVER been offered the chance for a hot shower in the last 17 marathons I have run, anywhere. Number pick-up was fast and easy. Unlike a lot of half-marathons, medals were given for the finishers of the half. There were plenty of water stations, and the race went off on time (unlike the first Rock'n'Roll Marathon). Number pick-up was easy(unlike New York), and ALL were welcome to run (unlike Boston). Results were displayed instantly, and race photos were available 72 hours later. This marathon is a small marathon, run in middle of winter and it is what you make it. I like it, we had a great time and will continue to come back. God bless America! It was beautiful day for a winter run in New England and yet there are still complaints from some. Guess they weren't there the first year. | |
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Neil Lacey from Ayer, MA
(3/4/2004)
 "Had a great time" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I had no problems with the race organization. With 2000 people starting, it was a little slow getting started but not too bad. There was an attempt to organize runners by their expected mpm with signs posted in the starting area. But I think some runners ignored this or else didn't notice because I lined up according to my pace and I sure passed a lot of people. Maybe larger signs would help next year. | |
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B. C. from Worcester, MA
(3/3/2004)
 "A Fun Family Day of Running" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Hyannis Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 A real treat to be able to have 12 of my family and friends all start and run together for various distances of 10k, 1/2 marathon and full marathon. Sure it's busy for the first mile or so... but for a short time, we all ran the same distance. Even my 8-year old ran the 10k and he beamed with pride as he stood next to his 'Go the Distance Dad' with side-by-side medals. If you treat the race for what it is - the New England runner's equivalent to baseball spring training - you can have a real blast with people you care about and people who just may have cabin fever from winter. Most runners I saw were happy to train for Boston and not be on a treadmill. Need I say more? Bravo to the race committee for getting Bill Rogers and the Hoyts to not only meet runners, but run themselves. These men are true heros in our sport and more importantly, heros for all. They were all so gracious with their time. They made each person they met feel like no one else was standing around. Running the first 6 miles of my race with Bill was a once in a lifetime thrill... thank you! A couple of improvements are in order in this pre-spring rite of passage: (1) the start should be moved up to 9:00 for better traffic control with a 8:30 early marathon start, (2) the first water stops need to be at mile 2 and 4 rather than 2 and 5, (3)mile markers could be heightened so as not to confuse them with the second lap mile markers of 14-26, and (4) promote the race more to the locals so they can come outside their houses and cheer us on. After three visits to this race in 2002, 2003, and now 2004, I'm pleased to schedule it again for next year. | |
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D. B. from Arlington, MA
(3/2/2004)
 "First Marathon - Get Tough" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Hyannis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I think I would have liked this marathon better if I hadn't had the flu both before and during the race. Was all set for a 3:50-4:00, but came in at 4:21:19. With that being said, the race was decently well-organized, but I was very lonely on the second lap. 2000+ runners started, but only 230 or so were doing the full marathon, and let me tell you, it was tough the second time around. There were almost no spectators except at the start/finish, and the volunteers were basically the only happy faces I saw for a long, long time. The weather was supposed to be 50 and sunny, but the wind whipping off the water made it feel much colder. Pre-race seemed to be well-organized, but there was almost no food left by the time I finished. Wouldn't recommend this as a full marathon - almost everyone did the half and next year I'll probably do the same. | |
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S. Z. from Knoxville, TN
(3/2/2004)
"Great course, great volunteers and great weather" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The 2004 marathon was my 7th marathon and easily ranks as one of my top 3 experiences. February weather in Mass. is a crapshoot, but came up a 7 this year. Unlike some previous commenters, I never felt endangered by traffic because the volunteers, including police, did a great job controlling traffic along the more congested parts of the course. Similarly, I found that the course was well marked and had a monitor at all locations where one might make a wrong turn. I agree that the start is a hassle and that separate starts for the marathon, half and 10K would be much better than the joint start. There also was a problem with the chip I had in that the 'official' net time for me was just my gun time. My actual net time was over a minute faster. It's true that there weren't many people along the route, but the wonderful course made that no big deal to me. Water and sports drink stations were adequate, and the post-race food was OK. The pasta dinner the night before was quite good. I stayed at the Sheraton and also would recommend that. All in all, I had a great time with a PR to boot. | |
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Ethan Bagley from Worcester, Massachusetts
(3/2/2004)
"Great first marathon" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first complete marathon, and I had a great experience. The course was well laid out and pretty flat aside from a hill or two, and my only complaint regarding the course at all was the somewhat confusing layout of the second-loop. There was an occasion or two when I had to ask which way to go, although the volunteers (who stayed out so long, thank you) were always quick to point out the proper path. The marathon itself was pretty well organized, there were ample water stations and the police force kept the traffic at bay except for one isolated incident of a driver being a complete jerk. My only complaint in this regard was that the first water station was not well staffed enough, and was lying in ruin by the time I got around to it, with no water to speak of. The pasta dinner the night before featuring Bill was amazing, and I am extremely happy that I got the chance to participate in that part of the event. Both the dinner and the post-race food were ample and satisfying. The spectators and the other runners both out on the course, and at the start were friendly; there was no pushing for space, no harsh words. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and the weather was fantastic. I will look forward to running this marathon again next year. Thank you to Paulie and all the runners, volunteers, and the police force for a great experience. | |
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G. R. from Rhode Island, USA
(3/1/2004)
"Nice course - organization needs a little help" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 It's tough running a marathon when you are trying to set a steady pace mixed in with 10K, relay and 1/2 marathoners - even so, the 1st loop was thoroughly enjoyable aided by the gorgeous weather. The start was a fiasco with no attempt by the organizers to organize the runners by pace. The second loop was simply tough - 2000 other runners stopped at the 1/2 way point and 220 marathoners were left - well strung out - still, I PR'd. I am glad that I stayed in the hotel becasue the lines for porta-potties were huge. Overall: great course but be prepared for a solo effort - there are few runners on the second loop and just a few (great) volunteers to cheer you around. And full marks to the pasta dinner with Bill Rogers. | |
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M. D. from Rhode Island
(3/1/2004)
"Great weather, but insane drivers" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Hyannis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I was impressed by the ample, close parking and the organization. Plenty of water and Gatorade along the course and the weather (besides the ubiquitous ocean winds) was magnificent. At the start, you were elbow to elbow with a few thousand of your closest friends, then towards the end I was hard-pressed to see any other runners. I think the marathoners should start 15 minutes ahead of the pack, perhaps. The course had many twists and turns which made it very confusing. I had to ask at least 4 times, 'Is this the right way?' The traffic was the biggest problem, though. The race website says something to the effect that the course isn't closed to traffic, but the roads aren't busy. Probably true on a typical last day of Feb, but when the temps approach 50 deg. every wacko on the cape gets a taste of spring and gets behind the wheel. I didn't feel safe during 25% or so of the course. The police force did an outstanding job with limited resources, however. The post-race food was good, but after sitting out for 3+ hours and being picked over, being hungry helped. The t-shirt and finisher's medal were nice, and the volunteers all did great (right down to the guy who relaced my sneaker after removing my chip). I would do this again if the traffic situation was less treacherous, and as long as the weather was nice like this year (not last). Overall, I give it a 7 out of 10. | |
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John G. Lent from Vergennes, VT
(2/29/2004)
"A fun race to do at least once" (about: 2004)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Hyannis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Having run over 90 marathons, I have a few suggestions. First, the weather was great and so many of the spectators and runners were in great spirits. Capping the marathon at 300 is a good idea. Starting a multiple event at the same time is tough for the marathoners ? it?s a bit crowded. 10 AM is a late start, particularly when hotels consider late checkout at noon or 1 PM (it should start around 8 AM). Everyone wants a shower and does not want to pay $15. With an earlier start, the traffic would also be more bearable. Without sounding too negative, I did have a good time and would recommend it for doing a February race. | |
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S. P. from london, england
(2/28/2004)
 "$15 for a shower" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Hyannis Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 They charge runners $15 for a shower. Need I say more? |
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