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May 18, 2024

26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer Runner Comments

Back to 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.4

Spectators 4.7

Number of comments: 118 [displaying comments 71 to 81]

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D. V. from Georgia (3/6/2008) "Great race!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 As others have said, the long section on Butler Ave. on the way back got pretty brutal, but that was largely the heat, I believe. The best section was around mile 12-16 where you're running in shaded neighborhoods. A welcomed relief! The expo should be somewhere larger where you actually have room to see the vendors. The crowds were so thick that I gave up trying to look around. Organization was absolutely amazing - especially the water stops and the amount of Gu that was passed out. My biggest complaint is how crowded Butler Ave. was towards the finish. I was running with the 3:30 pace group, and fell off just a bit, so I was stuck running alone and literally was weaving in and out of a sea of walkers. I LOVE the fact that so many people are out raising money for such an incredible cause and that so many people did walk the half.... I just wish that the road had been divided so runners could have a clear path to run during the last grueling miles.
J. G. from Jacksonville, NC (3/6/2008) "5-Hour Pace Group Leader was Outstanding!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran/walked with the five-hour pace group for the first 15 miles. I found the pace group leader to be professional, enjoyable, responsible, and on-pace the entire way. Her instructions were to complete the marathon in five hours using the clock time. Although we crossed the start line three minutes and 33 seconds after the clock started, the pace group leader finished at 4:59:24 by the clock. After 26.2 miles, you cannot get much closer than that. Thank you, Whitney, and great job!
R. B. from Fort Wayne, IN (2/28/2008) "Great for the 1st year" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first full marathon, and the purpose of this race is the reason that I chose to participate. It was great that all of the proceeds go to the breast cancer cause. Pros: Plenty of water stations Very large supportive crowd throughout the entire race Very nice race t-shirt and book Cons The heat, which they already moved up the start time for next year Running on the beach, although scenic, is not ideal Walkers in the way at they end of the race on the bridge There was not enough food for the finishers. They are definitely going to have to change that for next year, as the race size increases. The expo was quite crowded and should be held in a larger facility
B. L. from Massachusetts (2/28/2008) "Great cause; well done." (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Other than a few minor nit-picks, this was a fine event - especially considering it was a first-time event. Some things just can't be figured out until you actually do them. I would change the venue of the expo to a larger room with better traffic flow. The return shuttle buses could have had better signage, and the hand-soap and paper towels were gone by the time I finished the half. I've only done two other half-marathons. But I've done some other large running and cycling events so I have a decent frame of reference. The weather is out of anyone's control, so I can't say much about that. At my speed, an hour earlier won't matter much! :o) I wasn't crazy about the way the pavement was crowned on the off-ramp or the bridge. But again, that's really out of anyone's control unless the start/finish location changes. I personally liked the beach. I didn't mind the sand at all. I would have liked more shade on the rest of the course but I don't know where the heck you'd find it! The only real downer was that I understand that some marathon participants were swept off the course because of a road closure snafu. As a slow guy, I really feel for them. The organization was great: Plenty of water and sports drink. The first water stop was a little overwhelmed but they recovered quickly and no one went without water that I saw. Race support and local support was excellent as others have mentioned. Overall, this was a great event. The sponsor support and the amount of money raised makes it even more so. I will most definitely be back next year. I have no doubt that next year's race will be near perfect. Thanks to Donna and Jeff for an outstanding day.
B. M. from Chicago (2/27/2008) "Very nice job, particularly for a first-time run" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I actually ran the half-marathon, so maybe you'll take this for only half value. I thought the race was very well organized and the course was interesting... lots of very nice scenery and the beach was wonderful, as were the parallel streets we ran. Plenty of water and electrolyte replacement fluids (Chicago take note) despite the unusually warm weather. I've run 30 marathons and ultras and I would rate this one (although I only did half) as one of the better organized. The crowd was very supportive and I can see the numbers growing larger in years to come. Well done, I say.
J. Q. from wa (2/25/2008) "Not bad for its 1st year!!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I had a great time at this race - the people (runners), volunteers and crowds on the street were very alive and supportive. I had a lot of fun. - The expo was good easy to get around; just a little slow on the register's line. - Nice technical shirt. - Loved the book gift. - Nice finisher medal. - I LOVED RUNNING ON THE BEACH, though yes, the start can be a lot earlier because of the heat. It was really HOT!!!! - I saw Jeff Galloway along the course giving high-five to people and running along the course. That was a highlight running next to an Olympian. =D - The first water stations I passed werent ready for the hundreds of runners, but all of the other ones were good. - The neighbors were just amazing, handing out ice/water/oranges/bananas/pretzels, playing music, and offering hundreds of "thank you's" and cheers!! It was great; I loved it!! =D Great job!!!! I will consider doing this race again if the start is earlier, and if you KEEP THE BEACH part!! It was all for a great cause.
k. r. from usa,nc (2/25/2008) "Brutal Course" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My thoughts are in line with all the others. The freeway was not fun, nor was the beach (although beautiful). Also my pace group (4:45) was passed by the 5:00 group at mile 18, even though we were only off pace by 4 minutes. Subsequently, my pace group completely disbanded and the leader tossed the group sign. The 5:00-group leader was terribly irresponsible as well as off pace (too fast). I ended up coming in at 5:01 and they were nowhere in sight.
D. P. from Utica, NY (2/25/2008) "Can't wait for next year!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After suffering through the inaugural Atlanta ING (ran only the 1/2), I was skeptical about registering for this one. However, "The CAUSE made me do it," and I am so glad that I did. Organization was top-notch. Water stations and volunteers were plentiful, as were porta-potties. The spectators were A1 - always thanking the runners. I hope everyone remembered to thank the spectators and volunteers. Yes, the temps were high - coming from central NY, they were brutal. But would starting an hour earlier make a difference? Somewhat... and I understand the start will be an hour earlier next year. Shirt was great and the medal was the best. I know some disagree... but the beach run was fabulous. I am a slow runner and only ran the 1/2, but I found the sand to be very hard-packed and enjoyed this part of the run (please leave it). Expo was a little crowded, especially on Saturday. Could use transportation to the finish line for spectators - especially those from out of town, without a car. I have run 6 marathons and this one is top notch. Thanks to Donna and Jeff for allowing me to have a wonderful experience. I will be back next year!
J. S. from Minnesota (2/24/2008) "Excellent effort!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was very impressed with how well organized everything was, from hotel greeters, to water stops, to GU stops, etc. My quibbles have, for the most part, have been addresses: late start, "the bridge," walkers in the way. This is really minor, but I also thought the finish area was lacking in post-race food. Maybe we in the Midwest are spoiled by Twin Cities, Chicago, Grandma's and others, but I was hoping for more than plain bagels and bad bananas. Thank you to everyone involved - I am sure subsequent years will be even better.
M. C. from Palm Coast, Florida (2/23/2008) "loved it!!!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 For the first year it went better than any one could have expected. Lots of water and stations. Loved the "locals" with their water hoses. And the beach was so nice. Yes it was hotter than normal, but no one can control the weather. Only two changes: more buses and snips at the bag check. Thank goodness that I did not zip-tie my bag right, or I would have been out of luck.

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