May 4, 2024
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☰
Washington DC Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Washington DC Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 3.6 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 84 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
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A Runner from Virginia
(3/27/2002)
 "Runner from Virginia" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 This was my 7th marathon in the last 18 months. I was excited about running a marathon close to home with all the possibilities of running past some of the most wonderful and recognized monuments in the world. Unfortunately, most of the run was away from the most scenic and desirable areas of DC, and instead wrapped around some rather common streets that can be found anywhere. Another problem with the race is that the start and finish are in two different places. Accordingly, gear bags had to be dropped off in trucks at the start and delivered to the finish line. Trying to get your bag after the race was more difficult than running the 26.2 miles. Most everyone had to wait up to two hours in the hot sun next to the smelly port-a-potties while volunteers stumbled to find each bag among the thousand that were checked-in at the start. It was simply unbelievable how unorganized the bag pick-up was. If the organizers don?t improve this part, they well never get anyone back to run this marathon. There was no music, bands, cheerleaders, or community organizations out to support the runners either. Only in the last 6 miles or so was there any fan support to speak of, and they did a nice job. In other words, it was a very bland run. The Washington DC marathon should and could be one of the best if they improved the course, fan support and the organization, but until they do, I would suggest you find another one to run. Oh, one other thing. Beer at the end would be nice. | |
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A Runner from Maryland
(3/27/2002)
 "Kudos to DC Marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 After reading many of the previous comments I decided to chime in with my opinion. This was my 7th marathon; ranging in size from 100 runners to 20,000+. I decided to run the inaugural DC Marathon because it was close-by and it fit into my training schedule for this year's Boston. Overall, I felt H2O Entertainment did a fantastic job. Sure there were some missteps but that was to be expected for a first-time event. I won't be critical unless the problems aren't corrected next time around. I, too, waited 45+ min for my bag (which is unacceptable) but enjoyed discussing the race with everyone around me. I thought the course itself was excellent. Minimal hills, varied scenery, good spectator support (for a first time event) and outstanding volunteer help. The finish corral and services were better than most except the physical size needed to be increased. It became very crowded as people completed their run. For the 'back-of-the-packers' (and I applaud anyone who completes a marathon regardless of pace) this is probably not the best choice. I can't fault a city such as DC for not wanting to keep the roads closed much over 5 hours. My suggestion for these runners is to find one of the many marathons that are less urban and will keep the course open until all are finished. My most enjoyable marathon fits this catagory. In conclusion, again I applaud H2O Entertainment, the city of Washington DC and all the volunteers and spectators. I feel that this run will only get better and has the potential to be a great springtime marathon. | |
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A Runner from Washington, DC
(3/27/2002)
"Fantastic beginning to a wonderful event!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my second marathon (first was marine corps in oct), and I have to say I would choose this over the marine corps any day of the week. The course was great, integrating neighborhoods that often get overlooked by visitors and even long-time residents of this city. Crowd support was plentiful in most places and I'm sure will only get bigger in future years. Race organization was phenomenal, particularly for a first-time event. There were a few missteps made (read prior posts), but they got the most important thing right the first time: the fluid stations were frequent and adequately stocked, even for back-of-the-packers. Great start...I look forward to joining you all again next year! | |
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A Runner from New Jersey
(3/27/2002)
 "Good start, but there is some work to do" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The entry fee is not a good value compared to other marathons that cost $70-$80(Chicago, NYC) in terms of goodies and the like. Course markings need to improve as well. Running on Palm Sunday is not the best of ideas. (traffic and patience) The course itself is quite good and provides a good challenge. I thought fan support was good particularly froom mile 23 on, which is where I think a runner gets the most benefit. This race can be a viable alternative to the Marine Corps Marathon if it wants to be. Overall, a good start for DC. | |
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A Runner from Los Angeles
(3/27/2002)
 "Respectable Debut" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Would definitely recommend this to others, and consider running it again. | |
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A Runner from Gaithersburg, MD
(3/26/2002)
 "destined to be a tradition" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third marathon and the most enjoyable. The course is terrific, with many nationally and locally famous sites. The best moment was experiencing the incredible panoramic view of the city while coming down 13th Street - it really helped me to finish strong. There was more logistical support than I've ever seen before. The glitches were minor compared to what was accomplished. This should become a classic spring event. | |
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A Runner from Charlotte, NC
(3/26/2002)
 "Disappointing" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 On this same website, I entered a comment as soon as I registered, titled 'Hopeful.' I am glad I have already run 11 other marathons that know what they are doing. Even the Rock and Roll Marathon, during their inaugural run was better organized (despite some water problems). If this was not the first year for the race, I would be even more critical. Having said this, my comments will closely mirror other disappointed runners. The course was fine, my time was great, but the $80 fee was a waste of money. A white short sleeved t shirt (there's a new one), half- hour wait for baggage (God bless those who waited ONE HOUR), inability to properly mark a 'runner reunion' area, not to mention course marking problems, Palm Sunday issues, and making the race miserable for some slower runners. I will not run this race ever again. However, for the sake of other runners and for the citizens of the great city of DC, I hope the organizers get their act together and note how Boston, Chicago, NY, etc... run a marathon. Good luck to those wanting to run this one in 2003! | |
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A Runner from Arlington, VA
(3/26/2002)
"Has great potential of being one of the best" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I gave this a 5 star rating for the course, and only a 4 star rating for the other two areas because I see this Marathon just improving as time goes by. This is my 3rd marathon and I thoroughly enjoyed running it. There were a couple of gliches that I'm sure will be worked out before next year (ie., baggage pick-up and a couple of streets where policemen allowed side traffic to proceed when the light turned green). My other two marathons have been the Marine Corps Marathon and I thought the DC Marathon route was much better. In fact, the finishing line is much better than the Marine Corps. The course was basically flat; there were some small hilly areas, but nothing too hard to master. I set a PR and improved my time by at least 46 minutes. Being from this area I plan and hope to run this each year. I see this marathon as becoming one of the top marathons in the U.S., and in the world, to run. It was a lot of fun and I give it '2 thumbs up.' A job well done to all who organized this event. | |
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A Runner from New Jersey
(3/26/2002)
"Great for a First Timer -If under 6 hrs." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I loved it. The energy from the DC fans was amazing, and I really appreciated those in the sparser areas. The hill at M19-21 is not condusive to fan presence but the ones that were there did a great job. And here's to those who, while stuck in church traffic, were honking and cheering us on. It is too bad that the baggage claim was such a mess. Do you really want marathoners standing in line for an hour? Great course - I loved it! | |
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A Runner from Alexandria, Va
(3/26/2002)
"Great Experience" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was the first marathon that I have done but I thouroughly enjoyed the experience. The long hill between M20 and M22 was a nice challenge before the mostly downhill final four miles. The meeting area at the finish could have been organized better. I gave the race 3 stars for spectators because there are stretches in the course where the spectators are sparse. However when present they were very loud and supportive. I would do this marathon again. |
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