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Sri Chinmoy Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Sri Chinmoy Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 3.6
Number of comments: 47 [displaying comments 41 to 47]
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Jamie Booth from Wayne, NJ
(8/11/2005)
 "Not bad if you don't mind laps" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Sri Chinmoy Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, and what attracted me to this particular race was the course being continuous laps around a beautiful scenic lake. I was unsure of how I would do for my first marathon, so I liked the comfort of knowing I would be passing my bag, which was full of any items I thought I may potentially need or want (Band-Aids, knee support, new socks, drinks, etc.) over and over. The course was easy, flat, on a paved bike path. After the first four laps, it gets a little mundane (and dizzying) to run the same course over and over. The staff and spectators were great. The food and drinks available during and afterwards were spectacular. It is put on by a large group, therefore everyone knew everyone, and I being not apart of that group, knew no one. Today, after having run two different and exciting marathons since, there would be no point to run this race again, but it wasn't a bad experience. | |
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J. P. from New Rochelle, NY
(8/25/2004)
"Impressive Event" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Sri Chinmoy Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am training for the Chicago Marathon, and used this race to do a 23-mile training run. I was skeptical, especially when everyone started praying at the starting line. But I've gotta say, this was a really pleasurable experience. Running nine times around a lake is sorta dull, and the caliber of competition here is pretty low. But the organizers miss no details--medals, great food and volunteers, lots of water. I wouldn't come here looking for a PR, and you might go crazy by loop #7. But in all seriousness, they run a fantastic event. | |
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S. R. from New York City
(3/26/2004)
 "Great course for recreational marathoners" (about: 2003)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am a marathon runner from New York City and was looking to run a good, well-monitored course for my first marathon in 5 years. I had run on point-to-point courses before and found in some cases, especially in small races (less than 1000 runners) that the aid and support was inadequate for medium-paced runners. Those races only had water/electrolyte fluid stations. The unsponsored races did not have any food stops! The race at the lake was quite enjoyable for me. The 3-mile loop was long enough to make counting easy (8+ laps only to count) and short enough to make you feel like you were making fast progress on the course. The aid stations were unbelievable - with cookies, chocolates, bagels, chips, fruit, and even seaweed! I know from past races that once the faster runners finish, most of the supplies aren't replenished and the support factor decreases. This race, however is a great one for 3+ hour marathoners. The crowd is really supportive - there are some 200 helpers which is amazing for such a short race. The race results are posted quickly. There is a post-race feast. I should say that the course seemed a bit difficult for the 2:30 marathoners because there are quite a number of runners on it. After a few laps, people tended to clog the road. But, there was a couple of lead bikes who did clear the course quite effectively. The race is definitely worth doing, especially for people who want to run a very organized, well-staffed on a nearly perfectly flat, fast road loop. | |
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Matt Boulton from Canberra, Australia
(3/22/2004)
"A long day for me, but well worth it" (about: 2003)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Sri Chinmoy Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm a member of the Canberra, Australia branch of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. I came to New York to participate in the Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race (also held by the Marathon Team), which is probably the longest race in the world, and definitely the longest race over a measured, certified course. So the marathon, held 2 weeks later, was essentially a warm-down for me. Don't get the wrong idea, I'm no legendary runner, I am simply inspired by events that push the limits of human endurance. As the 3,100-Mile Race is held on a half-mile loop around a concrete city block smack bang in the middle of Queens, over a duration of 2 months, I certainly did not find the marathon's 3-and-a-bit mile loop around beautiful Rockland Lake boring! And as it turned out, I was out there longer than almost anyone. I had mistakenly thought that my recent ultra-marathon experience was a great base for running a marathon, but I misjudged my body's need to recover. So, soon after the start of the marathon, I found myself near the back, running at a very slow pace, which eventually became a walk. After a couple of laps, I got over my disappointment at doing what was turning out to be my slowest time ever, and just enjoyed the scenery. I loved going past the aid stations, where I could stock up on supplies of M&Ms and Cytomax to keep me going. All too soon, the frontrunners had finished, and I was yet to complete a half-marathon! But once I passed that milestone, I knew that I would definitely continue to the finish, however long it took me. The awards ceremony came and went, and I was still out there, with an ever-dwindling band of brave souls. I passed the time chatting with other tail-enders, and I was really enjoying this unique marathon experience. When I was on my final lap, dozens of finishers were walking by me in the opposite direction, heading for the buses that would take them home. I was embarrassed to find so many cheering me on, as I finished off my snails-pace marathon! My time, as I passed under the race clock, was 7 hours 42 minutes. If you measure value in time spent doing an activity, I definitely got more than my money's worth! And please note, if anyone intends doing this year's marathon, the fee is $40 before July 31. | |
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Eliot Collins from Raritan, New Jersey
(9/4/2003)
 "Flat Course, Pleasant Scenery - Not Worth $55" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 This was the first time that I have run this race and it was my 52nd marathon overall (plus 23 ultras). Although this race was open to the public, it was essentially a 'club race' for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. They all seemed to know each other, and I was one of the few runners who was not a member of their group. The race was preceded by 15 minutes of prayer and/or meditation. We then ran nine laps around Rockland Lake State Park. The course was perfectly flat and the scenery was nice, but most runners would find it somewhat boring after a few times around. The aid stations were well stocked with a variety of items, and there were many enthusiastic / supportive volunteers. Other than the volunteers, however, there were very few spectators. The post-race meal was pseudo-vegetarian. There was cheese and egg in some of the dishes and no one could tell me for sure what was in the pasta and hot-dogs. There was plenty to eat, and I enjoyed it, although it might not appeal to everyone. Unfortunately, there was no race photographer or finisher's medal. I probably will not get a finisher's certificate, either. There was also no chip timing or lap counters, so it would have been easy to cheat. Most races that charge $55 provide these items, so I felt that I did not get my monies worth. Apparently, members of the Sri Chinmoy organization came from all over the world to run this race and they seemed to enjoy themselves. I would not, however, recommend that anyone not in this group make a special trip to New York for this marathon. | |
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Robert S. from Rockland County, New York
(8/31/2003)
 "Beautiful multi-loop course in a state park" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, and have reviewed other race reviews here and will try and give the appropriate stars based on what I think others seem to look for in a marathon (as well as my personal take on the event). I just ran this race. It's the second year running. The course is 9 laps around Rockland Lake in Rockland Lake State Park, and is as flat as a pancake. Therefore, I have given it 3 stars, because there wasn't variety in the terrain as seems to be expected from other runners. The three mile loop around the lake included shaded areas as well as areas in the sun. There are views of the lake and the surrounding hills. It is a very attractive course. I could see the frogs hopping out of the water and the water lilies were in bloom. I don't feel the lack of variety was a drawback in the scenery department. This is actually great for myself, though. My wife and son came to watch part of the race, and instead of only seeing me on one lap we saw each other several times. I stopped for a few minutes and spent some time with them during the race on a couple of laps. Very relaxed atmosphere on this multi-loop course! There were approximately 800 runners in total, and their families comprised the fan base. The fans were enthusiastic, but compared to other races the number of spectators would merit something lower than a three stars; but their enthusiasm was great. This is not a certified course, and would most likely appeal to those who love to run rather than those who are looking to race or measure their performance for 'official' purposes. They did have markers every mile and a clock at the half-marathon marker. Otherwise you would need to keep your pace with your own watch and track your own laps. Neither of these proved too difficult though. They did have premium aid stations every mile on this three-mile loop. The first aid support was tremendous, with plenty of supplies for just about everything you would need out on the course - from petroleum jelly to Tylenol. The award for every runner this race is simply a t-shirt, which is enough for myself, but I've read that others expect more. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team that organized the event is topnotch in the area. I trust their course measurement for accuracy and their overall organization. Given the criteria that others seem to have, such as a certified course and generous awards, I would say that they would be perceived this as a three-star event for organization. I loved this race and took the day off from work to run it. I've taken time off from work before and was much more disappointed with how I spent my time. So all in all, that may point to how great this event can be for some. There is a pool at the state park. My wife took my son in early before I finished the race and I met them there for a swim afterwards - which was another nice touch for this event. You can actually plan for a day in the park, not just a day at the race. The food after the race was great. I should've had my wife stop by and picnic, but I knew that would've been inconsiderate to my fellow runners. My only concern is that the race is organized by Sri Chinmoy, which is a group of meditation students. At the start of the race there was a moment of meditation. I appreciated the moment, but found that since it wasn't announced, and not being a student of Sri, I was a little unsure of what was expected of me. The majority of runners and fans were practitioners of Sri Chinmoy, so I simply followed their lead and didn't say a word for the two-minute moment of silence/meditation. If it had been announced at the beginning, much like a prayer, I don't think I would've mentioned it. Most people who run in the NYC area might be familiar with the Sri team and might expect the moment of meditation. Overall, I loved this race and would give it a very subjective 5 stars across the board. I was speaking to one of organizers for previous running events from the Sri marathon team and she stated that they plan to run it next year; then I plan to run it next year. It's a great way to start the Labor Day weekend!! | |
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Eliot Collins from Raritan, New Jersey
(8/29/2003)
"Flat Course, Pleasant Scenery - Not Worth $55" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 This was the first time that I have run this race and it was my 52nd marathon overall (plus 23 ultras). Although this race was open to the public, it was essentially a 'club race' for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. They all seemed to know each other, and I was one of the few runners who was not a member of their group. The race was preceded by 15 minutes of prayer and/or meditation. We then ran nine laps around Rockland Lake State Park. The course was perfectly flat and the scenery was nice, but most runners would find it somewhat boring after a few times around. The aid stations were well stocked with a variety of items, and there were many enthusiastic/supportive volunteers. Other than the volunteers, however, there were very few spectators. The post-race meal was pseudo-vegetarian. There were cheese and egg in some of the dishes and no one could tell me for sure what was in the pasta and hot dogs. There was plenty to eat, and I enjoyed it, although it might not appeal to everyone. Unfortunately, there was no race photographer or finisher's medal. I probably will not get a finisher's certificate, either. There was also no chip timing or lap counters, so it would have been easy to cheat. Most races that charge $55 provide these items, so I felt that I did not get my money's worth. Apparently, members of the Sri Chinmoy organization came from all over the world to run this race and they seemed to enjoy themselves. I would not, however, recommend that anyone not in this group make a special trip to New York for this marathon. |
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