calendar icon Apr 29, 2024

Delaware Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Delaware Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.8 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 170 [displaying comments 161 to 169]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 > ]

 

J. K. from Laurel Maryland (5/17/2004)
"Nice job for the first one" (about: 2004)

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


This is a nice race. The course was pretty boring (4 loops). Medical assistance on the course would've been nice, at least sunblock. The post-race food ran out shortly after I finished, but then again I don't think they anticipated the kind of race day turnout they got. Aid stations were well spaced and plentiful. Spectators were average for a small marathon.
 

M. G. from Boston (5/17/2004)
"Another state done" (about: 2004)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


This race was the one if you needed Delaware. Thanks to the 50-staters, or this course would have been empty. Don't put Delaware on this list of places to see, but it's all about the people and never about the run.
 

K. P. from Takoma Park, MD (5/17/2004)
"Good, small event" (about: 2004)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


For my 5th marathon I was concerned the small size of the DE run would be a negative aspect of the marathon. After the first loop, I really settled into the run though, and thought the course route complimented the number of runners involved.
The double-backs of the route allowed for the runners to support each other in lieu of spectators (which were few and far between). (Having said that, the spectators present were very supportive and positive.) Plus, after the first time around you know exactly what you have to work with how to pace yourself for it.

I would recommend this run to anyone nervous about starting out in running marathons or anyone needing to feel the warmth of a small group. The runners and volunteers involved were so friendly and encouraging that I had a great time.

It wasn?t the most scenic run, true, but I thought the organizers worked well with what they had to work with.

Well done and thanks to those involved in organizing it! (And a great big thanks to the 50-clubbers who are so enthusiastic and helpful for the novice runners out there! Y'all were awesome!)
 

A. M. from Pennsylvania (5/17/2004)
"Not bad for a last-minute event" (about: 2004)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


I know this was late in the making, so I applaud Wayne for pulling everything together so quickly. There were a lot of nice touches. Thank god for the chip timing or this could have been a disaster. The four lap course became a little disorganized when runners started to get lapped. The faster runners had to weave through the slower runners and dodge them coming head-on on narrow parts of the course. This course was just not designed for 600 runners. By the end, the race volunteers had no idea who was leading, and they didn't know who won until after he crossed the finish line. It was actually a little comical watching the motorcycle policeman driving around looking for the leader to lead him/her in. It is a pretty flat course which is good for speed, but a lot of turns makes it a little less than desirable. Plenty of water and Gatorade. This race is a great idea, but if there are as many runners next year, the course needs to be re-thought.
 

L. S. from Germantown, MD (5/16/2004)
"Not bad for a relay run" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


As a relay race, this course wasn't so bad; everyone ran the same route and about the same amount of miles. Easy parking and access to food - and most importantly, the stadium bathrooms. Having run a marathon before, I don't think I would have liked running the same loop 4 times. Having music along the course was a nice touch. Volunteers were very friendly.
 

David Terrill, Sr. from Tarentum, PA. (5/16/2004)
"Overall, I'm satisfied with the DE marathon" (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


From a strategic standpoint, I use a repeating loop course to my advantage, and refuse to be bored by the course. One can plan their tactics based on the knowledge of the terrain. Also, the location of porta-johns can be squirreled away in the back of the mind in the event an unplanned nature break becomes an overwhelming neccessity. Happened to me.

A major advantage of the repeating loop course is that it minimizes traffic disruptions. This is significant in an urban setting, especially on a Sunday morning, as access to religious services is affected.

Spectator turn-out was rather sparse, and virtually non-existent in many places. But most of those in attendance were vocal and enthusiastic.

Fluid stations were well spaced, staffed, and stocked. Kudos to the volunteers for making a positive impact on the marathon experience.
 

Anthony Albergate from Ridgewood, NJ (5/16/2004)
"Fast, flat course slowed by the heat and humidity." (about: 2004)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I was very impressed with the availability of parking and the frequency of the water/Gatorade stations. However, there was a shortage of food by the time I finished(5:04). Two suggestions: one, enough food for all finishers, and two, one loop instead of four. Thanks for a terrific experience!
 

sutah robins from jersey shore (5/16/2004)
"Round and round she goes" (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Great marathon. 4 loops along the river. The few spectators along the course were enthusiastic - especially the lone Marine on the hill. I did not carry any energy gels and thought the bananas and oranges enough. Like the pizza and sandwiches at the finish. I also liked the little placards along the course noting how many marathons the participants raced. Except for mine. This marathon was 5 marathons in 5 weeks for me. I ran the fastest time in 5 weeks. Weather perfect. Slight drizzle for two laps then summer sun to finish. Perfect.
 

G. R. from Annapolis, MD USA (5/16/2004)
"Good effort for the inaugural race, but..." (about: 2004)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


1. Thank you for race-day packet pickup. It was a joy not to have to book a hotel room just to be able to pick up my chip and goody bag.

2. Plenty of parking at the baseball stadium, good supply of restrooms there, too. Minimal lines.

3. The course is not exciting or pretty. The only 'nice' part is along the waterfront park. Most everything else is along old abandoned industrial sites and rail yards. They need to try and move this into downtown. Also - it is a 4-loop course, so you see it over and over again. It gets boring.

4. That said, the course is very flat, and if it would not have been for the high humidity and heat, I would have easily PR'd.

5. They also ought to consider trying to move this event back a couple of weeks. It was very hot and humid for this (2004) event in middle-to-late May.

6. Crowd support was non-existent, but thank you for those that did show up and cheer us on. Those that did were great.

7. A nice touch - they had signs up along the course with each participants name and how many marathons they have completed. This will probably have to go once the event grows in size (500 runners in 2004).

8. Water and Gatorade support was frequent, enthusiatic and well spaced. Thank you.

9. Decent finisher's medal and T-shirt for a $50.00 entry fee.

10. All of the post-race food was gone when I finished (4:41). Absolutely nothing left.

11. Ditch the ankle-band timing - it's uncomfortable for most.

All in all, the only reason I ran this was to get Delaware off my 50-state list. I wouldn't make it a 'destination' run by any means.

I give it a 6 out of 10. Not bad for the inaugural event, but again, I'd only run it to check it off 'the list'.

Good running!
 

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