calendar icon May 18, 2024

Charlottesville Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Charlottesville Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.0 
 
 
Number of comments: 240 [displaying comments 201 to 211]
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Michael Madder from Bournemouth, England (6/17/2004)
"A wonderful day. A fantastic marathon." (about: 2004)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


We were in the USA for three weeks as part of my 60th birthday celebrations. Looking for a mid-April marathon after I'd decided not to run Boston I chose Charlottesville. I reckon that was the best move I made in a long time. I'm amazed at the negative comments that some runners/walkers have registered. The course was everything it claimed to be and the friendliness of all the helpers and supporters was a huge plus. I managed not to let the shouts of, 'Awesome!' go to my head and finished within my target time of 4hrs. If the numbers increase I can foresee the need for changes in the final sections but this year the traffic was managed expertly.
 

E. H. from Madison ,WI (6/8/2004)
"Beautifully Challenging" (about: 2004)

2 previous marathons | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


I had a great time! Just be sure to prepare for the rolling hills, they never stop.
 

J. J. from Crystal City, VA (6/3/2004)
"First-time marathoner - it was hard but amazing" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


It's a good thing I didn't get a chance to drive the course the night before - I might have packed it up and left town!

The course is brutal, especially the last five miles which isn't ever flat. If you're running to have a good time, choose a different race. If you're out to challenge the limits of your physical ability, this is the race for you. Good luck.
 

K. B. from Big Sur, CA (5/14/2004)
"What a GREAT place to run!" (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The Charlottesville Marathon truly lived up to its reputation as being one of the most beautiful places to run in the United States. Several of my friends from California joined me in running the race and we were all just amazed by the scenic nature of the course.

We loved running pass the cities historic sites and then into the surrounding countryside that was just beautiful.

We look forward to making Charlottesville an annual event for our group, however next year we're planning more vacation time to spend exploring this great area.
 

B. C. from New York, NY (5/10/2004)
"Best Race Ever!" (about: 2004)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks to all the many folks involved in putting on the Charlottesville Marathon. As a veteran of many races this event with it's incredible course, terrific city and great volunteers has moved to the top of my 'Most Favorite List'.

The race seemed to fly by as I and many other runner's commented to each other on the incredible scenic nature of the course! Then the water stop volunteers made everyone feel special as they cheered us on along the way. Then the final push along the cities historic downtown mall was the coolest finishing area I've ever run.

Finally, having directed a few small road races myself and knowing how expensive finisher awards can be, I couldn't believe we all received a custom-designed ceramic medallion. This is a true treasure that I hope the race will always offer.
 

M. B. from Boston, MA (4/29/2004)
"AWESOME RACE!" (about: 2004)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I have run so many marathons and other roads race that I've lost count, but compared to other events Charlottesville is by far the BEST!

If your a person who loves running and the experience of doing it in a beautiful setting this is the perfect race. Charlottesville offered me the experience of getting back to that feeling I had as a child of running for the pure joy of running. I predict this race will quickly move to the top of a lot of runners 'MUST DO LIST'. I belong to a large running club in Boston and I sense more and more people are looking for running experiences like Charlottesville. They are tired of the way a lot of races have become big corporate affairs in large cities and want to escape to a beautiful city where they can connect with other runners and experince the local enviroment.

I WILL BE BACK! :)
 

j. z. from washington dc (4/28/2004)
"NOT a PR race, but great views" (about: 2004)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


1.) Hills - add 15 minutes to your PR
2.) Well organized
3.) Too much traffic on parts of the course - do not try to do a training run on these country roads prior to the race
4.) Not good for a first marathon: hilly, few fans, a little boring (if you can't be entertained for hours on end by looking at horse country). Did I mention hilly?
5.) Even the cops were nice/friendly
 

B. H. from Virginia (4/25/2004)
"Challenging but rewarding" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


If you're looking for a nice, easy course, this is not it. However, if you're looking for a challenging course with gorgeous scenery, I would highly recommend this event. Just be sure to do some intensive hill training before running. Believe me, you'll need it. Overall though, the spectators present were great and the volunteers were extremely nice and helpful!
 

L. P. from Florida (4/25/2004)
"Awesome - BEST Ever" (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was truly one of the best races I have ever run, from the course with all its beauty to the volunteers with all their hospitality. I felt so welcomed. Everyone was very helpful. The course was breathtaking with its panoramic views.

I stuck around for the end of the race and there were volunteers everywhere to welcome every runner as they came in, including this older gentlemen, the last racer. It was a very emotional ending to a beautiful day.
 

K. S. from Denver, CO (4/24/2004)
"Beautiful Finisher's Medallion!!!!" (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Charlottesville Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Before the event I had no idea that Charlottesville was awarding ALL finishers of both the marathon and half a handmade ceramic finisher's medallion. I ran the Big Sur Marathon a few years back and received one at that race. Apparently the race director from Charlottesville contacted the artist who makes the Big Sur medallion and she agreed to make theirs. This is so unique in the running world and really makes for an award that you want to display!

Good job and I just hope I don't break mine. ;)
 

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