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Apr 30, 2024

OBX Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.3

Organization 4.5

Spectators 4.3

Number of comments: 183 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

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J. W. from Michigan (11/21/2012) "Good, not Great Marathon" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my 45th marathon (35th State) and I found it to be slightly above average. The first half of it was nice, including the challenging trail run from mile 10 to 13. The second half was disappointing with much of it on the main roadway along side traffic with a blazing sun. Why not utilize the road right next to the ocean? The finish was frustrating as it involved numerous turns in the last half mile and you never saw the finish line. There was a lack of Gatorade in most of the first half. The race ends in a nice town that is basically shut down for the runners. Good food and 2 beers per runner. :( The medal was okay, but small. With a few improvements this could become a much better event.
D. L. from Colorado (11/20/2012) "well done small town marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was marathon number 105 for me - very impressed with organization and volunteers; seems everyone said thanks for running our race - very cool! Unlike prior comments I did not have any issues with bathrooms - many along route or aid stations - more than adequate. First half of course was wonderful - enjoyed the dirt road/trail section miles 10-13. Bridge at 23 mile was a pace breaker but lead to nice section at finish. Traffic control was excellent - always a consideration when picking a marathon.
John Pierce from Camp Lejeune, NC (11/15/2012) "Great course with dedicated spectators." (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was not my first race, but it was my first full marathon. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the trail section. I've seen some complaints in previous reviews about the trail section, and cannot figure out why...It's beautifully maintained with only a few mild inclines. Fast course, but the bridge at mile 23 is challenging. The bridge isn't overly steep, but the fact that it's at mile 23 makes it a true gut check. The spectators are wonderful and very enthusiastic. I would certainly recommend this race to others, even for their first full.
T. M. from Chicago (11/14/2012) "Beautiful place, so-so marathon" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Always want to thank the people who take their personal time to put on events for runners. OBX is a great place. Pros & cons to any marathon, but water and bathrooms are what runners value the most. This marathon fell way short on aid stations. First one not until mile 3, and then they were too few and far between, like every 2 to 2.5 miles, in some cases 3 miles apart. Pretty unacceptable, especially in a place where it can get warm. Would suggest they start at mile 2 and go every 1 to 1.5 miles. Moreover, there was only water at most of them - less than half of the few stations they had was there any gatorade. If this can be fixed next year, this race will be greatly improved and on par with others in the region like Myrtle, Va Beach, etc. In any event, thank you race committee for all you do for runners.
R. Bishop from Southeastern PA (11/13/2012) "Solid event, don't let the 'hills' scare you!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Outer Banks marathon was a solid, well-organized event. This was my N.C. medal for a 50-state marathon mission, and I don't regret it at all! Overall it was beautiful, scenic, and enjoyable. Everyone is different when it comes to things they like about marathons...for me I don't like pancake flat courses. I appreciate hills for a change in momentum, terrain and an added challenge. This course was practically pancake flat save for the bridge around mile 23 and the section where you run into the Nags Head Woods Preserve for a few miles (that was my favorite part of the course); the first half of the course was quite scenic running past the awe-inspiring Wright Brothers Memorial, not to mention the gorgeous views of Kitty Hawk Bay. The second half of the course was where things got problematic, and this will all be dependent on race day conditions: there is no shade. If you have a cloudless sky and a warm day (it was a high of 73 that day), it can really be draining. There were very, very few sections where there was any shade. Winds were low that day, but I imagine wind can be a problem some years as well. The miles along Croatan Highway were pretty bad. Simply because it was warm with full sun, and FLAT concrete as far as the eye could see. You sometimes made a right hand turn into a nice residential area, only to go BACK onto Croatan Highway. You start to scan the distance looking for the bridge leading into Manteo because it really seemed endless at times. I found the flat sections of Croatan Highway were the worst part and I was anxious to get it over with as soon as I could. The views of Jockey's Ridge State Park were the only saving grace to this part, in my opinion, as well as the sections that took you off course to get another glimpse of the water. The Washington Baum Bridge is pretty overhyped as being a big hill, it's not nearly as terrible as it looks from afar. It's a slow climb to the top, but not nearly as bad as hills in other races I have run (Blackberry Mountain at the Hatfield McCoy Reunion marathon instantly comes to mind). Once you get to the top it's smooth sailing to the finish, but those final miles still felt like the longest miles ever. Pros to this race: Good organization, plenty of communication from the race director considering the area had gotten pummeled by Hurricane Sandy weeks beforehand. Four Gu stations were perfectly spread out, plenty of water/Gatorade and aid stations. It was probably the first marathon where I was NOT dehydrated despite the warm/sunny conditions, they really come through with ample support on the course. Good quality shirt, the medal is OK, and you get plenty of food, beer, and fluids at the finish. The ice cold towels were a lifesaver! Cons: I was disappointed that the pirate theme was not prominent at the race this year. No sign of it on the shirts or medals, and I really looked forward to that. I saw some dressed in pirate gear but it wasnt a huge theme. Porta-johns seemed lacking on the course, luckily I didn't need to worry about it that day! The lack of shade is the major factor to this race. You just have to know in advance the sun WILL cook you if you had a picture perfect day like we had this year!
B. G. from Raleigh, NC (11/12/2012) "Flat and fast" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This race had an excellent course, good organization, and wonderful post-race party. The course was really great - started in shaded residential area, went though a cool forest, and finally across the bridge - which really was not too bad. The final run through Manteo was aided by lots of spectators. There was plenty of water, gatoraide, and Gu (even after the half marathoners had gone through). The temperature was warm, especially the last hour, so the race could have started earlier to help. The expo was small but well organized. My only complaint was the pre-race information was inadequate. There was no emails send to the registrants. I had to email several times to get updates. Apparently, Facebook updates were given, but Facebook should not be the source of information for the race. Also, there was no in-race runners updates for spectators unless one bought the iphone app. After spending $100 for registration, race updates should be provided for free. All in all, an excellent race, location, and course.
D. S. from Raleigh, NC (11/17/2011) "Overall, an okay marathon" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first OBX marathon. Some comments: Pros: Easy shuttle to the race start from Manteo. Yes, we had to be there at 5:45 and the bus ride was pretty long, however, I thought it was organized well. In addition, the volunteers were awesome at the aid stations. I never had a problem getting water/gatorade. The finish line was nice. Manteo is a great town. The food was plentiful. I didn't have beer or the bbq sandwiches but I had plenty of water, gatorade, bananas, and protein bars. The medals were also terrific. In addition, I am very happy with the photos of the race. I have at least 10 awesome photos to choose from. Cons: I didn't particularly like the trail section of the course. It was pretty hilly and if it was flat, I bet I would have shaved at least 2 minutes off the race. It was pretty isolated and lonely. The 2nd half of the race was way too warm. I think they should start the marathon at 7:00. I still don't understand staggering the half and the full. The half started way up by the Wright Memorial. If it started earlier, maybe I would not have been so hot on the back end of the course. Running down the highway was also boring but hard to have a race at the beach without running on a main straightaway. All in all, a nice race. I did well so that added to the good rating! I would consider doing it again.
E. S. from Duluth, GA (11/17/2011) "Where's the Finish line??" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Overall, I really liked this race. There were some beautiful views of the sound throughout the race. It wasn't too big, so you didn't get lost in the crowd. The emails and information in the race packet kept you informed about how to get to the start and what to do. The EXPO was excellent for a small race - I love the free running belt and the charm on the metal. Being an ECU grad, I love the pirate theme. My biggest suggestion for next year is to move the finish line to the end of that long stretch after turning off 158 into Manteo so that runners can see it from a distance and be motivated to keep going or run faster. As it was, they had someone telling you that you were half a mile from the finish, but you still had to make three or four turns before even seeing the finish line. It is a little demotivating to think it's right around the corner, and at every turn not see the finish. I agree with others that the trail was tough. From miles 10-13 it was pretty hilly for a 'flat course,' and zapped my energy, which was hard to regain afterwards. The water stops should be closer to the mile markers toward the end. I remember reading in the race packet that there would be water and gaterade at almost every mile from 20 on (with the exception of mile 24, which was strange), but when I got to the mile marker, it was still another quarter of a mile before actually getting to the aid station. By that point, you're living mile to mile, and it would have been better to at least know that the water/gaterade wasn't going to be there until a little ways after the mile marker. The volunteers were excellent! There wasn't an aid station I didn't easily get water/gaterade, and there wasn't a place on the race where I was confused as to where to go. The fans were great when they were there. Being a smaller race, there weren't a lot of fans. There were many times toward the end where I was the only one around. As far as a destination goes, it was very nice. It would be better if they could get the lighthouse opened for the weekend so people from out of town could get the full experience while visiting this great area.
D. C. from Elgin, South Carolina (11/15/2011) "I fell in love with OBX!" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I participated in the 'Blackbeard Challenge' and ran the 8k on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. I can honestly say this was a great even from start to finish and fun, fun, fun! The pirate theme is pervasive throughout the event and while some people might find it cheesy, I thought it made the weekend a unique experience. My 8k pictures even have a pirate chasing me across the finish line! Course: With the exception of the miles on the highway in the back half (which is nicely broken up by neighborhood miles along the water, for the most part) I loved the course. The views of the water were great, the Wright Brothers Memorial was cool to see, etc. I did not think the trail portion was that bad and I do not really run on trails at all. I liked being out of the sun! Also, I ran up every step of the bridge (slowly) and it is doable. I can't drink Gatorade on the course because it upsets my stomach, but I could see why others would need it more often. It was hot out there in the later miles and probably should be at every water stop. Expo: Good expo with everything you need. Smaller than many races but it gets the job done. Cool race gear, in my opinion. Organization: The facebook page and emails do a great job of communicating with the participants, and the info packet they sent out had everything I needed to know. It was very reassuring to have no logistical questions. Medals/Shirts: My favorite so far!! Follows the pirate theme and the medals are incredibly unique and cool. The shirts are great but I heard the women's sizes were cut very small and they are trying to get this fixed for next year. Knowing the huge variation sizes in women's shirts, I always just get an XS men's, so I didn't have this problem. We stayed at a great hotel right on the water for very cheap. Race day transportation and parking was a non-issue. I was never alone on the course but never crowded either. All the spectators were very enthusiastic and excited to see us - they kept thanking the runners for coming. There isn't a ton of crowd support, but you never feel alone. The locals are thrilled to have runners there and it shows. I just had a really great time with this event. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're looking for a great midsize destination marathon, this is the one!
T. L. from Dallas, Texas (11/15/2011) "OBX MarathonA great Adventure!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 OBX Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Three of us in our party ran the full marathon. We loved this marathon and had a wonderful time overall in the Outer Banks. This was my 30th different marathon, and it is one of my favorites. The things I particularly liked: The half marathon started 13 miles south of us and weren't a factor in our race. The course was very unique, very memorable, and not too terribly hard. Love love love the medal with the attached charmvery original. The festive finish area, especially nice due to such a sunny and pretty day. Other factors to consider: The second half is quiet and does have stretches on roadsides of high speed trafficno bands or people out there, no shade. It really tests your will... Our female small tech tops were child size, but we were told to come back at 5:00 for an exchange, which we did...a long line of us women doing so, so they missed their mark on shirt sizes this year. Nice shirt though! Although I loved the trail section the most I did not keep my pace, and it was a struggle to switch back to road and get back on pace. I would not shoot for a PR on this course.

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