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Sri Chinmoy Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Sri Chinmoy Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.0 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.2 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 47 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

 

Fighting Illini from Chicago (9/23/2012)
"Friendly" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Sri Chinmoy Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I ran this marathon for the first time in 2012. The course is a ~3mi loop, flat, fast, and mostly shaded. Extremely helpful: there is a fully stocked aid station (water, cola, salt/seaweed, watermelon, chips, candy, etc) at every mile! Since it is a loop, some runners set up their own 'stations'. The scenery is nice enough - it does feel a bit long around the 7th loop, but at the same time, the familiarity of the scene makes it very manageable! Runners and spectators (most are Sri Chinmoy followers) are very friendly and supportive during the race. Parking is easy; note that there are multiple parking lots so some may be a bit of a walk to the starting line. This race was on a Friday, so the nearby showers (open-air at swimming pool facilities) were helpful for those who needed to go to work. No race-day registration, so sign up beforehand. Registration includes simple cotton tshirt and simple medal. In summary, this marathon is great in its simplicity, course convenience, and runner-friendliness.
 

Eliot W. Collins from Raritan Borough, NJ (8/26/2011)
"Nice Way to Spend a Thursday in August" (about: 2011)

50+ previous marathons | 6+ Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


This was my sixth time running this race. The course is a scenic, three-mile loop around Rockland Lake. Part of the experience here is that everyone involved is extremely enthusiastic and supportive of everyone else.

Most of the runners were followers of Sri Chinmoy, and they came from all around the world to run this race. There were also several 50-State Marathoners and Marathon Maniacs who apparently came here to run a race in New York other than the NYC Marathon. I also saw many of my local ultra-running friends, who, like me, will show up at any long race that is available.

Some traditional features of the race were missing this year. No one was reading inspirational sayings. There were no sitar or violin players. There were no groups of women singing.

Despite this, I look forward to returning for the seventh time in 2012.
 

Eliot W. Collins from Raritan Borough, NJ (8/26/2010)
"Nice Way to Spend a Tuesday in August" (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons | 4-5 Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


This race is exactly the same every year, and so is my review:

This was my fifth time running this race. The course is a scenic, three-mile loop around Rockland Lake. Part of the experience here is that everyone involved is extremely enthusiastic and supportive of everyone else.

Most of the runners were followers of Sri Chinmoy, and they came from all around the world to run this race. There were also several 50-State Marathoners and Marathon Maniacs who apparently came here to run a race in New York other than the NYC Marathon. I also saw many of my local ultra-running friends, who, like me, will show up at any long race that is available.

I look forward to returning for the sixth time in 2010.
 

Grannie Annie Singer from Suffern, New York (8/26/2010)
"Around Rockland Lake... "a few times"" (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Old time running of marathons is what one should expect doing this marathon. I live half-an-hour from the lake, so this was the ideal long day training for my upcoming New York Marathon. All marathons needs are met. From 3 hours to the promised 7, we had food, bathrooms and support, all of which were exceptional. Music at different miles was soothing. Since it is 3 miles around a lake, this is a 9-lap race... so if one is a slow marathoner, there is always another runner nearby. Great enthusiasm by support of organization..
 

M. R. from New York, NY (8/24/2010)
"Unique and Fun. Great End of the Summer Marathon" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Sri Chinmoy Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I ran this marathon for the first time on August 24, 2010. I saw it listed on the calendar and was surprised and intrigued that it was on a Tuesday. I figured it would be a nice way to cap off summer training. My plan was to use it as a training run, but I knew I would push myself to run the whole thing, which I did.

The weather was perfect. After a brutal, hot, humid summer, the day was cool (mid to high 60's) and cloudy. Could not have asked for better August running weather.

This marathon is small and there's no stress. I pulled into the parking lot at 6:30 a.m. (for a 7:00 a.m. start) picked up my number, changed, stored my bag, visited the restroom, and headed to the start. All very smooth and easy.

Be aware: the run is really 9 loops of the lake, since the starting line is down the path a bit. There were three aid/water stations and some interesting spectator support around the lake. Drummers, singers, and a poet who was reading verses from Sri Chinmoy. ("When we are propelled by the power of inner faith we can do the impossible.") Be sure to Google Sri Chinmoy and do some reading about the organization before you run this race. All were wonderfully supportive and I was glad that I had some understanding going in.

The course is flat and pretty. There were just enough interesting things along the way to make each loop go quickly. I was concerned that going around so many times would be boring. It wasn't. In fact, I found myself thinking in terms of laps rather than miles. The finish line seemed closer when I told myself "three laps to go!" rather than "nine more miles."

I recommend this marathon for anyone looking for a fun, low-stress, end-of-the-summer run.
 

A. W. from IL (9/6/2009)
"A great change of pace" (about: 2009)

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


I ran Self-Transcendence to check off New York, as this was my 23rd state. (I am also a Marathon Maniac.) What a blast this race was - so different from my other marathons. The park was beautiful, with deer in the woods at the start, and the lake was full of swans, egrets and lily pads. The race had a very international feel, and the people were vigorous supporters of their various teammates. I stayed at the Super 8, and while it was not that posh, the staff were very welcoming and helpful, even from behind the bulletproof glass in the outer lobby! The best part of the night before was being clued into Tarantella's, a gem of an Italian restaurant. We arrived after 11 p.m., hungry, and were told the only sitdown place to eat in Nyack still open would be Tarentella's. I am not kidding when I say that it was hopping. This has to be the town that does not SLEEP; folks were coming in and out the entire hour we were there. The food was EXCELLENT and the young waiter was silly and personable.
 

M. R. from Brooklyn, NY (9/3/2009)
"A very useful training" (about: 2009)

3 previous marathons | 1 Sri Chinmoy Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I ran this race as a training run, and found it useful. Because of the relatively late start (7 a.m.) for a summer's day (which was warm but fairly low in terms of humidity), the final 10K sapped me, and I didn't run a PR. Nevertheless, the run was scenic, the course was flat, and the competitors were friendly. I would recommend it.
 

Eliot W. Collins from Raritan Borough, NJ (8/26/2009)
"Nice Way to Spend a Tuesday in August" (about: 2009)

50+ previous marathons | 4-5 Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


This was my fourth time running this race. The course is a scenic, three-mile loop around Rockland Lake. Part of the experience here is that everyone involved is extremely enthusiastic and supportive of everyone else.

Most of the runners were followers of Sri Chinmoy, and they came from all around the world to run this race. There were also several 50-State Marathoners and Marathon Maniacs who apparently came here to run a race in New York other than the NYC Marathon. I also saw many of my local ultra-running friends, who like me, will show up at any long race that is available.

I look forward to returning for the fifth time in 2009.
 

D. J. from Tri State Area NY CT (8/25/2009)
"Flat, Fast, Fun Weekday Run!" (about: 2009)

50+ previous marathons | 4-5 Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I set a PR today on a beautiful course around Rockland Lake. What can be better than a Tuesday-morning marathon?! There were swans on the lake, bright sunshine, and these really cool Eastern European and international runners to chat with on the course, and before and after the race. Those guys run some incredible distances, and I dabble in the ultra world. :) Today was tons of fun for me, and I set a PR. The three-mile loops are great!
 

b. d. from New York (8/25/2009)
"Another Enjoyable Self-Transcendence Marathon" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This is my second Self-Transcendence - I did it last year also - and again I enjoyed the experience. The runners and all of the volunteers were so friendly. Yes, it features nine loops, but I personally do not find this boring, and it helps me break the marathon down.

Again, thanks to the organizers for a well-planned race. I will be back next year for my third in a row.
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]


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