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May 5, 2024

Charlottesville Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Charlottesville Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 3.6

Spectators 3.0

Number of comments: 240 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 24 > ]

C. P. from Charlottesville, VA (4/7/2015) "Race that still needs work." (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Charlottesville Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I live in Charlottesville and am used to running around town, but the course seemed designed to use ALL of the longest, steepest hills in town. Organization isn't too bad, but the giveaway bag is poor and the lack of portajohns at the start is still inexcusable. The small field and remote areas that are covered during the last several miles does make for a lonely, uninspiring experience. All-in-all, this race is physically challenging, but still needs work. As one other reviewer put it, I've seen 5k's that were better run.
R. P. from Virginia, USA (4/6/2015) "Good hard course, but meh organization" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Charlottesville Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Overall this was not a bad marathon, but the organization could have been better, for the following reasons: * Five portajohns for 1100+ race participants (three races) and spectators! Do the math - that is 200+ people per john * No race information in bag at the race start not even a map. I know you can get this online, but shouldn't you make this available to folks in the race packet? * Info wasn't disseminated about where drop bags were to be left. Maybe this could be in the race packet? * No shirt in race packet. I was a late registrant and the website said you might not get the right size, but it never said anything about not getting a shirt at all, as I was told at packet pickup. The rest of the race was fine plenty of water and gel stops. The course was very hilly and had many turns and intersections. The latter were well marked, and the police did a good job with traffic. It was hard sometimes to take a good line because the course was not always closed to traffic. The expo was very limited, but I had low expectations. Overall, Im not sure if I would do this again.
P. R. from DC (4/5/2015) "New challenging course; poor organization" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I've run this half marathon 5 times. I'm not sure when they changed the course (it's been maybe three years since last I ran), but it's a real monster now. The hills are relentless. I ran as a tune-up for Boston and sure got a good workout, but I was disappointed that the half no longer takes you out to the country. The new course is mostly residential and nondescript. It's basically the C-ville 10 Miler on crack. Separately, perhaps there have been cutbacks, but organizationally, 2015 was a mess. There were a bunch of intersection crossings without anyone to stop traffic. A few of the turns on the course were not clearly marked. There are only five water stations on the course, which isn't awful, but the last two were unmanned when I ran through! Volunteers hadn't showed up to work them yet! All-in-all, if you're going to charge $115 for a half marathon, there are some basics that you should get right. I'm hoping that they change the course back to what it was.
J. B. from GA (4/7/2014) "Beautiful and hilly course" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Charlottesville Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 If you're looking for a challenging but beautiful course on the east coast in a cozy but gorgeous town, this is a great choice. The course was challenging but not unrealistic, the hills in mile 24 and 25 are a bit much but didn't ruin it. In terms of organization, they could use a bit more in keeping the race traffic-free. All in all, i would love to do it again
James Towey from Richmond, VA (4/5/2014) "Great Changes" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Charlottesville Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this marathon twice before 2014 but those prior races were before the recent changes in the course and other features. The course is much, much better than a few years back, particularly the start, finish, and the elimination of two loops of the river park. I've seen some complaints written about hills toward the finish but, hey, this is Charlottesville, which has hills, and marathoners should seek challenges, not whine about them. The nature of the course doesn't allow for many spectators if that is important to you but it is a very nice course. The changes to the finish are great and the food = some of the best post-race food ever. Nesquik is a must and the rice and beans from whole foods were perfect. Nice job on the improvements staff! Finally, this year's medal may be the most handsome of my 43.
J. S. from Alexandria, VA (10/14/2013) "Great race, looking forward to 2014!" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Charlottesville Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have done this race twice and love it every time. The course is beautiful, the officials and volunteers are so nice, and the finish line is fun and lively. If you're looking for a great, scenic run with great people, I would definitely recommend this race.
G. M. from Northeast US (10/14/2013) "Adventurous" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Charlottesville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is my 2nd time at the Charlottesville Marathon (chance to visit UVA campus for LAX game)- and I really enjoyed the changes. The greenery throughout the course was refreshing. Spring didn't reach us at home until May. I enjoyed the terrain though my training buddy whined about a hill or 2. I hope to run it again in a year or so.
P. H. from US (5/15/2013) "Mediocre Race at Best" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Charlottesville Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 This was my 8th out-of-state marathon and I've seen how well organized races should be run - this one wasn't. The online presence and course information was lacking. The packet pickup had no signage and it was a struggle to find the entrance (had it not been for other runners with their tell-tale bags I'd still be looking). Others mentioned already the late gun, lack of porta-potties and the disorganized starting line. I've seen 5K charity races better prepared. And then there was the course. Consistently misplaced mile markers which was mildly irritating as I wore my Garmin but I can totally sympathize with those who didn't. The out-and-backs throughout the course were alright but why didn't they find a little more scenery on the campus or through town? Certainly would have been a bit better for spectators who traveled with the runners. And finally, who thought putting such a steep hill at mile 25 was a good idea? The course was tough and gives you plenty of opportunity to experience rolling hills but it's almost inexcusable to have a 3-mile flat riverside trail followed by that hill at the end. The best parts of the race were the weather and the other runners especially the pace groups! Both outside the control of the organizers. I'd hoped for much more but don't regret finishing even if the final hill busted my PR!
G. Y. from North Carolina, USA (5/6/2013) "Challenging Course But Lacking Organization" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Charlottesville Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 The course is tough, but has some great sights. What was up with the medal? A race sponsored by Miller Lite and not a single free beer after the race - REALLY??? Maybe this was an off year because the previous two years seemed to be much better organized. Why is it that there just can't be more porta-johns available? I understand that races are for charity, but between the medal and shortage of other runner amenities there was a disconnect. C'Ville is a great place and deserves a first class race to show it off.
G. Y. from North Carolina (4/9/2013) "Dont buy all the hype!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Charlottesville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 This was the third time running the course and was by far the most disapointing. The course is nice, but the hills are not for the beginner. The sponsor should be called Miller Tight! What was that medal ... an after thought? They should market the the medal as the 'smallest in the nation' The previous year's medal was light years better! - What is the deal with not even getting one beer for running the event - com'on really? I'm all about raising money for charity, but put a little back into the race. C'ville is a great place and wonderful community the race could have and should have been better - more port-a-johns!

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