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May 5, 2024

Frederick Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Frederick Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.9

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.8

Number of comments: 116 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 12 > ]

M. S. from Rockville, MD (5/4/2008) "New course with some rough edges" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Frederick Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Overall a good event with the following comments. Don't see the need for power bars at mile 6. The table really got in the way and created a choke point here, which was also a relay exchange point. Don't agree with the 'gently rolling course' description. Those were real hills, nothing gentle about them. I don't mind hills, not complaining, but it seemed like every course description and elevation profile was accompanied with a statement saying its not as hilly as it looks. In my book, it was a good hilly course, 2nd half anyway. Bathrooms at the fairgrounds are not as reliable as a portajohn, which do not back up. Note to self, given a choice, stand in line for a portajohn over a real bathroom before an event. The website says there are finisher shirts. There were none. At least thats what they told me at the information desk.
J. H. from Pennsylvania (5/4/2008) "Logistical Problems again to get to the start" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Frederick Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 For two years in a row there have been significant difficulties getting to the start for many runners. In 2007 the shuttle bus never came to pick up me and about 60 other runners at the Holiday Inn missing the start by 20 minutes. This year, using the directions to the fairgrounds traffic was again backed up on I-70 resulting in many runners, including myself missing the start again by 20 minutes. This was my 77th marathon and I've run marathons with has many as 39,000 participants without these issues. Corrigan sports has to fix this if they want repeat marathoners. Big plus of the race are the spectators, police/traffic control and volunteers. They are #1 and I would say even worth the headaches of getting to the start.
B. W. from DC (2/11/2008) "Overall a good half marathon; great fans" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first half marathon and the fans really helped pull me through. For the size of the race, the fan support was phenomenal! Overall I had a great time and everything that I needed was there. I would definitely recommend the half marathon for anybody else. There were some minor concerns though: (1) Parking near the start was very limited and (2) there was a pretty long wait to catch the shuttle from the half marathon finish line to the main expo area (and I couldn't see the first marathon finishers as a result). And (3) there were only a few porta-johns early in the race and the water stations for the first 6 miles or so were a little understaffed for the number of runners. So you either had to wait in line or do without.
N. N. from Balto, MD (6/26/2007) "Small-Town Feel" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Frederick Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 First half of the course was very nice! Second half of the course was absolutely terrible. End of the race was okay, but there was no food to speak of (unless you count doughnuts and water). Don't bother with the expo - complete waste of time.
L. R. from Maryland (5/18/2007) "Okay Race" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Frederick Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 Overall, I thought this race was just okay. Nothing great but I'm glad I did it. I hated the second half of the marathon course. It went through fields and developments and there were very few specators. I would suggest making the race two loops if possible. The police/EMT/volunteer support was GREAT!! I also liked that there were water stops every mile for the last six miles. We couldn't find any food at the end, just Munchkins and Soy Joy bars. Maybe we missed them but it should have been better marked. I love the medal that was given out; it's definitely one of the better ones. We missed one of our friends because of the bus situation which really stinks. We all would have rather run together. All in all, it was an average race.
W. B. from Maryland (5/15/2007) "A marathon worth running" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the half in 2006 and really enjoyed the race, so I came back this year to run the full and had a great time (and BQed). Temps again were great and the wind was tough from the far turn to the finish. I can't imagine tougher conditions coming in from mile 21.5. We took an early 5:45 am bus from the Holiday Inn Express and got to the start at 6am. I can't imagine the distress of the folks who couldn't get to the start but it must have been hard to take. All I can say is, get to the start early! I was disappointed with the expo (even worse than last year), but the shirts and hat were terrific value. I loved the donuts last year and the munchkins this year were a big disappointment. I was better to be able to spread out outside, though, and overall I thought it was about the same at the end as last year. One thing that just cannot be beaten, though, are the volunteers and police. They are simply OUTSTANDING. You'll not find better, more caring and enthusiastic people anywhere. Especially impressive are the water/gatorade/food stops every mile for the last seven. That's exactly right and something too many forget. Run Frederickexcept for the hill at mile 25, the course is rolling and interesting. BTW, the comment about the 'huge' hills in the first five miles - what race were you running? The first five miles are probably the flattest on the whole course! Finally, the finishing times are posted within minutes. I can't remember another race where it's done this quickly. You finish, get a great medal, get some food and drink, and your time is up. Amazing. Great work by the timing company.
Tammy Massie from Gaithersburg, MD (5/10/2007) "Nice very low key/small marathon" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Last year I ran the half (due to running a marathon the week before). This year the marathon was the first marathon I ran after a 100 miler. My only goal was to finish under 6 hours. The pre-race pickup was an easy experience. It was a small expo, but there were a few vendors (which made my husband happy because my $$ spent was under $50). Sunday morning, my husband dropped me and a friend/runner off. This meant we did not deal with the bus fiasco. There definitely could be more porta potties at the start; however, I don't worry about lines with chip time. The course is beautiful, especially during the first 15 miles or so. The spectators were very nice and friendly. They definitely thinned out as my race went on, but those sticking it out for the back of the packers were VERY ENTHUSIASTIC! Also, all the sheriff/police officers, EMTs and volunteers were all nice and supportive. One section that I had a little difficulty was mile 19 or so where there was alot of construction. Unfortunately with the exposed dirt and 20+ mph wind led to a massive dust storm which got into my eyes, nose, mouth etc. This somewhat was caused by weather but also the course. I liked the fact that at mile 17 and mile 25 there was a Brusters Ice Cream, I went off course and got myself a treat. They have HUGE waffle cones and very good ice cream/yogurt. Next year I hope Brusters considers sponsoring an aid station there. The aid stations were pretty good. As they promised there was water and gatorade frequently. The banana's and pretzels were a nice treat (I think more pretzels less potatoe chips would be good). Since I eat Snickers Marathon bars, I did not pay attention to the availability of gels or bars for those in the back. Overall, I had a good time. I will do it again. I found everyone to be nice, friendly and helpful. There were enough runners in the back of the pack so I could always run with someone.
J. Y. from Maryland (5/10/2007) "Great course, tough last mile" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I had a great time. The course was wonderful and took you through most parts of Frederick. The tree-lined streets and running by the fields were my favorite parts. Plenty of water, gatorade (mixed just right), and gels at the right spots. The last mile had a couple hills that were unexpected and annoying. But other than that, it was a great experience and makes me want to run more races in the future. Thank you!
A. V. from Baltimore, MD (5/10/2007) "overall a great day" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I can't comment on the expo as my packet was picked up by the team captain; I ran in the team relay. If I could have changed anything, I would have arrived before 6am to park at the stadium start/finish. I arrived at the mall around 630am. The line for the bus wasn't too bad, about 4 busloads of people but only 1 bus came every 10 minutes. Finally around 7am, 3 buses came and picked up a fair amount of us. I will say that I saw alot of non-runner's on these buses. We arrived around 715am, just enough time for me to run into the stadium to use the restroom because I was running leg 1 of the relay. Made it to the start a few min after the gun so I had lots of people to pass! The first 6.4 miles were great, it went right through the historic area. Crowd support was fine but I was amazed at the police/fire services. There were police on every corner doing an amazing job and EMT's riding up/down on the course. In all my races, even big city, I've never seen such a great job. Well done guys. The water stops were fine but since I ran only 6 miles, I kept on running past . When I finished my leg, I chose to walk back to the stadium... 2 miles direct. It seemed like I would have waited awhile for the buses to leave back for the stadium, I think I actually beat them. The water stations were just being dismantled and roads opening up on my way back. I don't recall seeing any runner's left. Someone made a comment about starting 15 min late and not seeing these? The finish area was fine, there were vendor booths giving away free stuff. I think I walked away with 4 t-shirts including the finishers. There were plenty of food such as Utz chips, bananas, apples, rita's ice, Thomas english muffins/bagels, Dunkin Donuts, Soy Joy bars, etc... and plenty was left hours after I finally went home. I will agree that there should have been some food at the 1/2 marathon finish and my teammate that ran leg 2 walked back to stadium because the buses weren't moving. Overall it was a great day to be out with friends. I would go back again but only to run the whole thing! Pros: Course Police/EMS Shirt/Medal Weather (bit windy) Cons: Not all miles were marked Buses Food @ 1/2 finish (thou plentiful @ stadium)
A. I. from Baltimore, MD (5/9/2007) "Better when it was smaller" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Frederick Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I did the Frederick 1/2 in 2006 and had a great experience - fast course (great weather!!), lots of food at the finish, and it was easy to get in and out of because it was just the right size. This year (2007) I also did the 1/2 and found the course to still be pretty and fast, the weather great, and tons of police around limiting traffic. However, I'm not a fan of the bigger races where you spend a few extra hours getting in and out of the event due to shuttles and traffic, and that's what this race has become. It's a shame - we were so impressed last year that we vowed to do it every year, but we probably won't be back next year. Too much hassle even when we live nearby! I suspect Corrigan Sports took the race over because it was growing so fast, and it's already a victim of its own success if you ask me. We were extremely dissappointed with the food this year too - last year we got unlimited full donuts, this year we barely got a few Munchkins! Last, I thought the 'Expo' was a joke. It was supposed to go until 8:30 but when we got there at 7pm NO ONE was at their booths - which were very few - except one radio station promo guy. They should just call it packet pick-up and not embarrass themselves with the 'Expo' label, because it clearly was not.

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