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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 21 to 31]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 17 > ]

 

J. L. from new York ny (5/12/2014)
"lots of work to do" (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Delaware Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


Pros: Good post race food, good swag, medal and awards.

Cons: course wasn't marked well at some spots at all, some even cut course. Cars almost hit a few runners. People on river walk in the way of the race. Course was too congested on the uphill and downhill section should do a different route. If you want a fast time AVOID this one.
 

R. S. from Delaware (5/7/2014)
"Almost no chance of good marathon running temperat" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Delaware Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This race is super in almost every way but the most important..........weather. The average high in Delaware in mid-may is about 74 degrees...add in a little sun and you are more than likely going to be overheated and run slowly. A recent study by the US Army has determined 41 degrees to be the ideal running temperature. In mid-may the chances are very low of even hitting mid 50's. Bottom line if you are looking to check Delaware off of your 50 list or put another notch in your belt, do this race. If you are a 3rd tier runner and want to try and get a win, then go for it. BUT, if you are a regular 3:00 plus runner, looking for a PR you had better look for a cooler race to run.
 

Bill Scargill from South Jersey (5/18/2013)
"Made in the Shade - family friendly marathon" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Delaware Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I thouroghly enjoyed this race. The organizers have created not just a marathon, but a running festival. My 13 year old daughter really enjoyed the 1.2 mile kids race on Saturday. The half and marathon relays are great for bringing the marathon experience to new runners. There is something for everyone. The course gives you a great mix of city and natural views along the scenic Christiana and Brandywine Rivers, about half the course is shaded. The New Balance race shirts, hats, beer glass and finisher's medal are all more than what you get in any other race, this was my 49th marathon. Run the DE Marathon, you won't regret it!
 

David Weiss from Valley City, OH (5/14/2013)
"Pleasantly Surprised...Very well done!" (about: 2013)

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


I must say I had no clue what to expect w this race; I just knew it was close to DC where I wanted to visit, knocked another state off the list; this was my first race coming off an injury, and it seemed to get good reviews on marathonguide.com; so I signed up and went for it!

I must say; superbly done race!
The good....fantastic organization for this race; excellent facebook update and community of runners chatting pre-race (even ended up splitting a room night before the race w another runner who posted on the facebook about splitting the cost of a room), excellent pre-race emails; not-too-expensive hotels in the area (a Clarion in New Castle was a short 10 minute easy drive to the start line); ended up having a nice pre-race meal in Little Italy at Rocco's; parking for the race was an absolute snap; a great party atmosphere at the start and finish; lots of bathrooms; loved that the marathoners were given our own start before the 1/2'ers so it wasn't too crowded; I ended up LOVING the 2 loop course, just 1 major hill about 6 miles into the loop, loved the park setting, running near the waterfront area, etc.; I thought for a fairly small town, there was excellent fan support; police and volunteers were plentiful throughout the course for direction and traffic control; there were plenty of stocked aid stations with nice volunteers (and the drinks were cold and tasted good); forgot...swag also decent, nice pint glass, decent shirt, etc....very nice, heavy duty medal; food at finish was very good....and the chocolate milk from some company there was ice cold, and absolutely fantastic...another huge plus, access to showers post race at the Y with showing of your race bib....that was terrific, because I then was driving to DC to go out to dinner, and I was able to be freshly showered for the drive, results were posted in a very timely fashion
...the bad...really nothing major I can think of; the road camber was rough on my feet, especially the one that I previously injured
...the ugly...my time...wasn't really fully prepared after injury

Overall, excellent, excellent job by the folks putting this race on....Kudos..I had never gotten off a highway exit in Delaware, and I really enjoyed my short stay in Wilmington, and enjoyed the race
 

A. B. from Pennsylvania (5/14/2013)
"Small well organized marathon" (about: 2013)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Delaware Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have nothing but good words and praises to say about the organization of this marathon. Top notch. Everything from start/finish lines through aid stations, signs, volunteers and communication was excellent. Parking was easy and reasonable hotels near by.

It's a double loop course (you can't fit 26.2 miles into Delaware otherwise). The course is not easy with some long hills late in the race. The temperature was in the low 60s but quite humid.

Bottom line, great but tough marathon.
 

A. W. from Erie, Pennsylvania (5/14/2013)
"Great race!" (about: 2013)

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


Like many others, I did this race as part of my quest for 50 states. I honestly didn't have high expectations since this was a smaller race but I underestimated the quality of this race and really had a great time! The course was challenging- somehow I didn't realize it was going to be hilly so that was tough. However, because the course was a loop, I knew that if I could just get up that monster of a hill I would be coming back down it eventually. Also, the course was really scenic and beautiful so that made the hills more tolerable. There were more spectators than I thought there would be and because our names were printed on the bibs, everyone could cheer us on by name! The water stops were staffed by friendly people and I never had to wait. There were a lot of police officers ensuring the safety of marathoners from traffic on the course, which was much appreciated. The medal is beautiful and I have never seen so much post-race food in my life. I could tell the race organizers really cared about this being a positive experience for all of the runners, and it really was!
The only downside- I did not get a women's shirt in my size because they were all out. They gave me a men's shirt instead which was fine, no big deal. Also, I heard that the roads re-opened before the 6 hour cut off. I did not experience this personally but if it's true, that would be a big negative. I am a back-of-the-pack'er and it would be devastating to lose the course support before finishing in the alloted time.
 

L. M. from Virginia Beach, VA (5/13/2013)
"Fun but Ouch!" (about: 2013)

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


I was really impressed with the overall organization of this marathon. From pre-race communication to the finish this was a stress free marathon to travel to. The Face Book page gave us a venue to ask questions and stay super motivated and, for me, to get real antsy to get to the race. The hills were killer for this flatlander so if you live at sea level, make sure you find some hills to do your hill training. The double loop was kind of nice because there were tons of spectators cheering us on as we went back out for the second loop. Loved the swag and the after spread! The volunteers were awesome. The locals were super to come out and cheer us and hand out oranges, watermelon, etc. We stayed at the Doubletree which was only .5 miles to the start/finish. We also ran by the hotel at miles 12/25. I would do this again but I would prepare for the hills next time. :-)
 

m. s. from mansfield, tx (5/13/2013)
"Great running celebration in Wilmington" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Delaware Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Well organized race with great volunteers. Course is a bit confusing at times with the relay and half directions but the volunteers did a great job directing traffic. A LOT of turns and more than a few hills, not an ideal race for a BQ. Nice views along the river and well stocked aid stations. This one sells out, register early!
 

J. S. from NJ (5/12/2013)
"Awesome course and event!" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 6+ Delaware Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is an incredible marathon for anyone who wants to try their first or complete their 100th. Plenty of support on the course and many amenities make this a favorite for me!
 

D. N. from Iowa (5/28/2012)
"Pleasantly surprised!" (about: 2012)

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


I needed Delaware to complete my 50 states, If I had to do it again I would definitely choose this race. Pre race communication was top notch. Packet pickup was hassle free and included awesome swag. Course was scenic and challenging, The many shaded parts of the course were welcome as was the support of the race volunteers. Fluids were plentifull on the course which was needed on this day.
After the race while enjoying refreshments I was approached by the race director who welcomed me to Delaware and personally thanked me for choosing his race. This conversation reinforced my opinion of this gem.
 

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