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Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.4 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 195 [displaying comments 181 to 191]
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P. M. from Maryland (5/9/2006)
"Super Inaugural Marathon" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I've only two previous marathons to compare it to, but this one takes the cake in terms of race organization, spectator enthusiasm, and sheer number of volunteers. Great course through the Poconos, with net elevation loss of about 1500 feet (with hills the elevation gain/loss, according to my gps, was about 6200/7700, so no piece of cake). I shaved off 10+ mins from my current marathon time. Already looking forward to next year. Thanks Stroudsburg and environs, for your hospitality.
 

M. G. from Pennsylvania (5/9/2006)
"Well organized, FAST course, great qualifier." (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I cannot imagine a first-year marathon being organized any better. Fantastic job. The course is very fast, mainly downhill, with some small rolling hills and a mix of towns and countryside. Crowd support can be sparse at times (what do you expect running down the side of a mountain?) If you are looking for a Boston qualifier, this is it. I was, and I PR'd by over 15 minutes.
 

m. f. from philadelphia (5/8/2006)
"Make an attempt to run this race" (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The field was small but the race was great. The spectators were few but unbelievable! The course had a lot more inclines than what was shown on the website. There were no race clocks throughout the race and I forgot to wear a watch, so I had no clue what time I was running until I came into the stadium to end the race.
 

B. C. from Pittsburgh, PA (5/8/2006)
"Very fast course" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


This was my 18th marathon and I set a P.R. by almost three minutes. This was probably the fastest course I have run.

There are some small hills mostly from miles 18-23 but you should be so far ahead on your time from the 1600' decline before them that they will be a welcome change. I also thought for such a rural course that the crowd support was pretty impressive.

P.S. I do not recommend the Best Western hotel. It is outdated and probably the noisiest hotel I have ever stayed in. If you must stay there, request a room far away from Main Street. There is a bar with bands playing there on weekends and then people hang out under your room until 3:30 a.m. yelling and blowing their horns.
 

KEITH WRIGHT from EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA (5/8/2006)
"STEAMTOWN - ONLY BETTER" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I enjoyed the fact that all the roads were closed, nothing better than a totally traffic-free course. Many more declines than inclines, and well shaded country roads. Spectators were sparse due to the remote area, moreso than due to the road closures.

Volunteers were the best!!
 

Eliot W. Collins from Raritan, NJ (5/8/2006)
"Wonderful Race in the Pocono Mountains" (about: 2006)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is a great race, especially if you enjoy running in solitude on rolling country roads. The best part was that most of the roads were entirely free of traffic. The local residents, instead of complaining about being inconvenienced, continually cheered me along.

The volunteers were outstanding, and remained remarkably upbeat, even after waiting for the last finishers.

I recommend this race, and I will return in 2007.
 

Tim Schneider from Allentown, PA (5/8/2006)
"Awesome experience for a 1st-time marathoner" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The course is scenic along country roads with no traffic because of road closures. The race has a personal feel, with many friendly spectators and working volunteers all throughout the course, with fewer runners. Both fans and working volunteers cheer, yell out your number and make eye contact with you throughout the course. Together with talking to other runners I met during the race, I was thrilled and never bored the entire course. Although the drop in elevation is the greatest east of the Mississippi, the course comprises many ups and downs, providing a real sense of accomplishment in completing the course. The announcer says your name and time as you cross the finish line. I cannot wait to run my next race.
 

T. F. from Ephrata, Pennsylvania (5/8/2006)
"Amazing" (about: 2006)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my seventh marathon, and so far the best event I have attended. For an inaugural event, the organization was outstanding from pre-race to finish. I loved the road closings! No traffic hassles (of course, few spectators too, but my wife was able to reach the course 3 times) - course downhill and scenic... you can definitely PR here. This race is only going to get bigger and better. Volunteers were terrific, both in number and in spirit.
 

s. g. from Spring Lake Hts., N.J. (5/8/2006)
"Challenging and organized" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


There were as many hills as drops. The course was beautiful but quiet. If you're looking for big crowds, this isn't for you. The race had a great vibe; the organizers and community should be happy with the results. I was...
 

L. H. from PA (5/8/2006)
"Beautiful course" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 1 Pocono Mountain Run For The Red Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The course was more challenging than I anticipated, but the sections through the woods were fantastic - beautiful scenery, mostly downhill, few distractions. Relatively flat start, then lots of down grades, then rolling hills towards the end. The organization and volunteers were great - everyone was friendly and helpful. Spectators were sparse, but enthusiastic. I would definitely do it again.
 

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