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Newport Marathon (RI) Runner Comments

Back to Newport Marathon (RI) Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 138 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 > ]

 

J. E. from Ellicott City, MD (10/23/2006)
"PLENTY FOOD EVERYWHERE & GREAT MASSAGES" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Having done races where I would see a pinecone and thought it was an apple, I want you to know I definitely noted the food. The aid stations were very well stocked with fruit, p'butter, pretzels, drinks, cookies and it seems whatever you might think you'd want. I even ate peppermint patties 'cause I haven't had one in years. I was never hungry or imagining things. This was the best food supply I have seen in my short marathon career. Other runners who have been at it for years agreed with me.

The course was as stated. The wind was nice while it was at your back pushing you forward a bit, but you paid for that help after the turn at Sachuest Point. It was nice to be running and WALKING along familiar roads and remembering past events since I used to live in the area. Having enthusiastic people out in the residential areas early in the morning cheering you on wildly was such a nice and appreciated gift. Seeing the ocean. A gift! The school was an excellent location with all the necessary facilities. Loads of volunteers all over. Massages BEFORE and AFTER a race! What a treat. Since I'm slow, I made my reservation before I left and got back just in time. Food was available inside also. That was greatly appreciated. Hot New England Clam chowder! Wow! Nice people doing the race. Nice people at the fluid/food stations. Nice people inside who gave you gifts and great food. Cool weather. What more could you want?? I am sure a lot of work was done this year because I read the comments from last year and met some participants. Danny G. and his crew did a fantastic job and I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all.

This event was my 10th state and I can join the 50 staters club. But I have 40 more to go before I come back. Hope to see you in 4 or 5 years.
 

S. P. from WV,USA (10/23/2006)
"Great,hilly, organized marathon" (about: 2006)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


What a great race! Rolling hills, lots
of food and drinks at every H2O stop,
even for the slower people,since it was also a 50 miler. Cool(42 and got up to 53) and very windy,20-30MPH winds with gusts up to 50MPH according to the weather station, but after all,it is on the coast of Rhode Island.
Everyone at the Aid stations were so nice to us. A special Thank You to the race director,support people,Bridge to Fitness, and the other sponsors for all the food choices. The race could not be such a success without all of them.
 

D. S. from Wakefield, RI (10/22/2006)
"Beautiful Course, Good Organization, Fun Day" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


This was my first marathon and I was a little nervous about it being smaller and potentially less organized, and I was nervous about the 3 loop format. I was pleasantly surprised that the Breakers Marathon was well organized, the aid stations were well stocked, well run by friendly volunteers, and perfectly situated around the course. The loops worked well for me because I knew when to expect the aid stations, the hills, and the spectators on the 2nd and 3rd times around. The course was an absolute joy to run, especially the first loop with the ocean stretch. Wind was a factor, but the weather was otherwise perfect. It was nice to have the school gym available pre-race to keep warm, to use facilites, and to get a massage from the several tables available. The shirt and medal were also nicely designed. Thanks to all who helped make this a wonderful first marathon experience. I can't wait to run it again next year.
 

E. P. from Springfield, ma (10/22/2006)
"Scenic ocean views, rolling terrain, amazing food!" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Great race - they treat you like a king regardless of your pace. Having lobster for the post-race meal is great!
 

Danny Gough from Rhode Island (1/19/2006)
"Great scenic destination marathon." (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was a great marathon and has HUGE potential as it grows into one of New England's premier running events. It is tough to find a more scenic course and more enthusiatic volunteers than the ones that supported the Breakers Marathon. I am already looking forward to running this again next year!!!
 

t. R. from Erie,Pa (11/10/2005)
"avoid this race if it is possible " (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 5


Course: 2 stars. When you have 26 miles to deal with, most certainly you could come up with a better course than this. I know I was told it was a multi-loop course before I went but still. And even a fifth grader could divide 8 by 4 and place the water stops 2 miles apart. The course was actually marked pretty badly considering they only had to mark 8 miles and how about putting up some safety cones in the 2 to 3 miles of heavy traffic on narrow roads with no shoulder, or at least signs warning of runners on the road.

Finding the finisher's medals and lunch was a bit of a scavenger hunt and directions were about as good as the course markings.

The spectators that were present were enthusiastic and supportive. In fact one spectator left to get utensils to mix the Gatorade powder and water. The volunteers weren't provided with any.

The race director was the rudest person I have ever met. I feel this is the worst run event I have ever attended.
 

J. E. from Boston (11/2/2005)
"Great race, well organized, Don did a great job." (General Comments)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


What a beautiful day to run and what a great course it was. Don did a great job organizing a very tough event. All of the police involved for safety must have cost a bundle. But I really appreciated the fact that they were there. I know it isn't easy to put on an event this size for the first time and I think it came off really well. I had a great time.
 

Danny Swindle from Newport, Michigan (10/27/2005)
"Small nice race" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I was a little worried about the comment that the hills were runnable but would be a challenge for us flatlanders. It turned out that they were a challenge but definitely doable. I have to say that the guy in the wheelchair and his support group should have been an inspiration to everyone running, walking, or watching. I hope you made it to the end.

Pros:
Small races are where it's at.
The start was at a school which we had access to the gymnasium beforehand to stay warm.
Newport, RI is a very nice area to visit.
Gave out running shirts which I can use instead of T-shirts (I believe I have enough T-shirts already).
I wasn't running the 50-mile race.

Cons:
Not many spectators if you're into that.
Three loops had some scenic routes but a run down Oceanview would have been nice.
Medallions were not handed out at the finish line.
 

David Hurley from Roanoke, VA (10/27/2005)
"Great Course" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 1


First, I would like to say that the efforts of all the workers that volunteered their time are appreciated. The following comments are from the heart and hopefully will make the Breakers the marathon that it has the potential in becoming.

Usually I do not have problems at all commenting about marathons; however, this one is unique in the fact that nothing was really terrible and nothing was really outstanding. The course is a definite at the top the postive list. E-mails were answered promptly. When we picked up our packets, a lady volunteer took the time to draw us a short cut map to the start. Sometimes starting place, etc. are taken for granted by people who live there.

There should have been more than one hotel listed for runners. We stayed in a beer budget hotel that charged champagne price with no late check-out. The pre-race dinner was fine except we were sitting at a table with two strangers and the server would only give us one check. (This is an uncomfortable situation for people who have just met.) It would have been great if there had been a hospitality committee. No one came by even to speak to us at the dinner.

The school provided a warm and dry place for runners before and after the marathon. The volunteers at the aid stations were very friendly and very encouraging. There should have been more water stops along with toilets throughout the marathon. Post-marathon food was not plentiful. Homemade soup would have tasted delicious. Canned soup is not very tasty, especially when it is cold.

The shirt is attractive; however, I would have paid more for a long-sleeved one.

Thanks again for your efforts. I am sure it will be a better marathon in the future.
 

robert hildebrandt from Fairbanks, Alaska (10/27/2005)
"needs better organization" (about: 2005)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Newport Marathon (RI)
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 1


I am a slower runner & by loop #3 the police were gone & runners had to fend for themselves against traffic on a narrow road w/ a narrow shoulder. Course was not marked. Needed arrows or signs. Water stops were adequate. Had to hunt for the finisher's medal. NO age-group awards for the under-age 40 runners. NO lap counters. I suspect some people did not run the full distance. Weather was OK. Finish-line food was OK. I am a 50-stater & I am glad that RI is out of the way. I would not do Breakers again.
 

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