Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

May 2, 2024

Providence Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Providence Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.6

Organization 3.4

Spectators 2.9

Number of comments: 169 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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

B. C. from Massachusetts (5/6/2014) "Small-scale race with small-scale structure" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I knew, going into this race, that it was not going to be the NYC Marathon experience I had last November. That said, there are a lot of things that could have been done differently, regardless of size. Pros: The small field of runners meant shorter lines at the start line port-a-potties. The runners at this race were SO FRIENDLY The course was very scenic. I enjoyed seeing various neighborhoods, running along the water, going though downtown. Cons: Water stops were inconsistent. At one point, it was almost 4 miles between water/aid stops. That's too far in a marathon. Other times, they'd appear a mile apart. Regardless of what the website says, the first half of this race is HILLY. Be prepared. Very few spectators. I think this is a con for most, although truth be told - it was a nice change of pace from NYC where you had people screaming at you every step of the way! :) But if you need crowd support to motivate you, this is not the race for you. *Finish line: Very lackluster experience. I had someone sort of shove a medal in my face. Did not make me feel special or like I just accomplished something. Then the food selection was bananas and small slices of meat-filled wraps. So for the vegetarians, just bananas. This worked out well for me to get a local spring marathon in, but I wouldn't do it again. Nor would I recommend it for any first-timers.
A. T. from Chicago (5/6/2014) "Loved this race - scenic plus easy logistically" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Loved the course - very scenic; along water, through trees; on a bike path; some hills; pretty residential areas along the water. Super easy logistics. $2 bus from the airport (ask at Information Desk right before exiting the airport) - every half hour - right to downtown, which is right where start/finish is, Convention Center for packet pickup; and Omni, Biltmore, Courtyard. Biltmore gave 2:00 checkup. Couple water stations were kind of far apart. Volunteers were great.
S. T. from Boston (5/6/2014) "Not a bad marathon" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The first half of the marathon is easier than the first. The second half seemed to b mainly up hill. Maybe I am wrong because it was just windy and I burned out.. But I think it was harder. My second half marathon slowed down by 10 minutes. First half was a 1:20.. Nice people in charge. Good race to test the waters of a marathon. I feel it sets the bar so a second one will make it easy to improve.
M. J. from New York, NY (5/5/2014) "holy wind batman" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 There isn't really much to write about Providence. This race is low key, relatively small compared to other major cities, and mostly a residential and bike trail race. They got rid of the switchback that most people complained about and my GPS was pretty close to 26.2 at the end, but there were tons of turns so you really have to take the tangents or you will go long. The aid stations were still weird, they'd be really spread out and then two would be right on top of each other. I highly recommend bringing your own aid if you are a slower runner. My actual trouble with the course was the wind, which is out of their control. There were headwinds and crosswinds for a significant percentage of the course and it definitely demoralized me and other runners and slowed us down. I'm pretty sure the slower pace groups may have been behind. It was cheap, there were hotels within walking distance to the start/finish and you could sit and drink beer with your friends after a low key race. Its not bad if you need to knock RI off of your fifty states. And kudos to the race director for listening to previous year's feedback.
S. A. from Rochester, NY (5/4/2014) "One of the worst organized marathons" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I ran this course on 5/4/2014. The packet pickup was seamless but I noticed only one sensor on the bib. Typically, there are 2 sensors. I also noticed in the runner's booklet (pdf) that they wanted us to download and register the RaceJoy app for runner tracking. It's one of the worst app that I have used. Typically, in all the marathons I have run (this was my 7th), We get elegant instant messages at 10k, 20k, 30k, and finish line. The RaceJoy wants my family (each) to download the full app for 99 cents and wants me to carry my iPhone. How silly is that? Anyway, I started the run. There was water in mile market 1 (why?), then no water until mile marker 6 (wow). THen there was water at mile marker 6.5 and no water until mile marker 10. How silly is that? No one was manning the mile marker 3 water station. Why? The race proclaims that it's a flat course. This is a lie. It's quite hilly apparently but the race organizers wanted more entries and therefore they indicated that it's flat. There were more security (orange vests) privately owned, than there were volunteers. The crowd was very sparse as well. In the entire race, I don't think I saw more than 100 people gathered over the 26.2 mile course. Then it was windy - very windy. It was so windy that I ate dust and drank the ocean waves as it spat on our faces. Finally, at the finish, I received the medal and 1/4 chicken tortilla. When I asked for another 1/4 chicken tortilla, I was flatly refused. I was told that each runner gets one banana and one 1/4 chicken tortilla. The finish line festival was very sparse - so sparse that I hardly noticed others. I don't think I'll run this again.
C. F. from Orange County, NY (5/4/2014) "I can cross RI off my list" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Thank goodness this was marathon #10 for me. This would have been a horrible experience for a first timer. It was a not-so-great experience for me. THE BAD: Packet pickup: horrible. 6:15am on race morning, and there was zero energy. Quiet as a library. Volunteers were not directing racers as to which line (by race #) they should wait in, so several people waiting in the wrong line (thinking either line could accommodate any runner) were told to re-queue for the proper line. There was no signage either. Nobody told you where to find your race shirt - you just followed the crowd. When I got there (pre-registered for a small) all they had left were larges. Start was 10 minutes late. Race finish: I was wrapped in a heat sheet, and handed a bottle of warm water. No medal. I left the finish area, and asked another runner where to go for medals - he pointed back to the finish line. I had to go back into the finisher area where the current batch of tired runners were just crossing the finish line and ask for a medal. I was not directed to any food or other beverages. I helped myself to a second bottle of warm water, made an attempt looking for food and found a table with very tiny, very skimpy chicken wraps and bananas. I gave up and went back to my car which was well stocked with snacks. I learned that lesson after running NJ Marathon in 2010. RI Convention Center Parking Garage: advertised on the race materials as $10. Sign out front said $12. When I went to leave, I was told $13. I said 'What happened to $10?' The attendant said the website was wrong, but did charge me the $10. I did not like the course. I know that's personal preference, but I didn't care for all the hills. A great deal was also along water, and it was so very windy out on race day, that it actually felt like you were running through water in several areas. Course could have been marked better for the last 2 miles, but there were spectators to keep you on course. We ran through several quaint neighborhoods, and it was like the townsfolk were afraid of us. Very, very few people cheering from their homes, and I saw a few actually peeking out of their windows as if the streets were being unwelcomely invaded. THE GOOD: Plenty of port-a-potties at the start area. Many course marshals and police at all intersections. I never felt like traffic was an issue. Cars were always stopped in plenty of time for crossings. Tons of water stops with enthusiastic volunteers. There must have been enough port-a-potties on the course too, because there was rarely more than 1 person waiting. SUMMARY: I used this race to cross RI off my list, and it met that need. And also because I couldn't resist a race on Star Wars Day. May the fourth be with you.
J. S. from Providence (5/4/2014) "Please remove the bikes!" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Providence Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 While I understand part of the race takes place on the East Bay Bike Path, how about closing the path to bikes while the race in ongoing? Many of the cyclists are weekenders, therefore marginally able to handle their bikes in the midst of many runners. Therefore, they are unsafe. Promote runner and cyclist safety by closing the path to bikes during the race. Simple.
S. S. from Massachusetts (10/6/2013) "Not terrible, but definitely room for improvement" (about: 2013) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 This was my first full marathon. The following were positive attributes: 1. The police did a great job preventing traffic from entering the race course. 2. Plenty of standing room at the finish line for spectators. The following were areas for improvement: 1. Some of the mile markers were off; two in particular that I remember were in the late teens and early 20s. I was moving pretty even-paced at just under 8 min/mile and I remember my consecutive splits being around 6:30 and 9. 2. The volunteers handing out water filled it to the brim, making it difficult to drink and making it splash easily. I have volunteered at 5 marathons giving out water, and one of the first things we're told is slightly less than halfway filled. 3. The finish food was nasty. Typically, after long distances, I can eat anything. However, I actually ate 1/4 of a bagel and threw the rest out because it was so inedible. 4. Not the most picturesque marathon; there were parts that were ok, but the good majority of it is run in ugly, gray suburbs.
S. I. from Providence, Ri (5/27/2013) "Wrong distance, technically an ultra" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Providence Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The mile markers were way off at points. The 14 mile marker was off by .25 miles. I was running with a pack of runners and all our Garmins, Polars, GPS watches were reading similarlythe mile markers were long. By the finish line the course was almost .4 longfour-tenths of a mile long!!! That is ridiculous! I couldn't believe it. But sure enough, everyone I asked afterward ad the same results... 26.5-26.6 long. Just for kicks, I plugged the course into mapmyrun.com and guess what? 26.6 The race directors need to get their acts together. It is utterly ridiculous that they'd make a long course. FYI: in case you're skeptical because it lists itself as a 'USATF certified' course, consider that the distance it self-reported. A USATF official isn't out there measuring it. The organizers report the distance. Anything longer than 26.2x is an ultra marathon. So congrats to all the finishers... We all just ran an ultra. Sucks for all of us who missed our Boston qualifying time because of the long course.
J. T. from Warner Robins, Georgia (5/21/2013) "An Emotional Marathon Experience" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ran this marathon as a relatively last minute decision and signed up the day of the Boston Marathon, after the bombings. Got family in SE Massachusetts and came up from Georgia wanting to reconnect with my blood family and my running family in New England with BQ hopes. Well about the race, Race packet pickup was a breeze with plenty of parking in and around Providence Place both during the packet pickup and during the Marathon. I was able to get in or out without any problems. The Omni hotel was a great choice for the expo and pre-race gathering venue with ample restroom availability bewteen the hotel and porta-potties outside was fine. The pre-race organization effort was terrific, no coral issues and a phenominal and very moving National Anthem. The tone was emotional with this being the first major Boston area Marathon since the bombings. Police presence was just right, enough to promote feeling safe but not too much like you're in a police state. The officers were also very friendly and genuinely supportive of the event and it's runners. Post race food and beverages were plentiful and well attended to. They roped off a pretty good size courtyard area where you got your massages( as I believe, I didnt get one) and your complimentary Naragansett Beer which was a treat as I can't get them in GA. The course itself was a unique blend of suburban and metropolitan settings which made it cool. You started off in downtown Providence then made you way out to Barrington via Veterans Memorial Parkway. Right from the start, it appeared that the first few mile markers were wrong and I shrugged it off but then became concerned as others were off too. I ran with the runners hope that it will all work itself out in the end with the finsih line at 26.2x. Well the course in the first 10k took you over some decent hills that fresh legs could tackle easily and then out to Barrington where the course took you out to a point/penninsula with some nice ocean/bay views. The city felt far removed. Coming back out and away from the point, the course went for several miles along a relativley flat long section of wooded bike paths that I liked. Soon after that, you were making your way back to the city as you were reminded with some super Providence Skyline views from about 7-8 miles out which I found surreal with the thought that we are actually running to the city way off in the horizion. Several miles of this were on the bike path right on the river which was cool. Had Water and City Skyline views, best of both worlds. Was brought back to earth soon after that as you hit those hills that were no problem in the beginning with fresh legs but menacing on the back 10k. Additionally there was a short, steep hill around mile 23 or so that forced me to walk for a few seconds but per my Nike+ sport watch was good to go pace wise for qualifying for Boston. Soon after this hill you were entering downtown and my watch was around 25.0 with no sight of the finish line. I continued to run with hopes that the next left would reveal the finish line but it didn't and my watch showed 26.22 before taking that left. After making that turn, sprinted like hell when the finsih line was visible. When I finished the race, my watch said 26.45 and the official time was 3:25:05, I missed my Boston Qualifier by 5 seconds! This is my biggest complaint on the course, the Marathon needs to be at 26.2x or dont have one. The distance needs to be right and the mile marks also need to be right. I cut every possible corner and ran every possible tangent. The Course Distance Needs To Be Correct And The Mile Markers Need To Be Right! I spoke with nearly a dozen runners after the race and they confirmed my assessment. Look, they also only fielded a fraction more 13% Boston Qualifiers, it was the long course distance that did many of us in, not the hills, its a net zero gain, and not the weather as it was cool, overcast and a bit drizzley at race start. I think that the race organizers did have their act together and other than the markers and course distance, they got everything else right and sponsored a good race. There was were more GU and water stops there than any marathon I ever ran before. Spectators were great and so was law enforcement. Last thing I think needs fixing is the course distance and mile marker accuracy! Remember, Marathoners train for months for a particular race and its the race sponsors duty to them to get the course distance right! By the way, I BQd the following weekend, 5/19/13 at the Poconos Run for the Red Cross at 3:23:40 for a course 26.26 miles long per my watch and their official time. I would run the Providence race again more as a casual training run, if I'm home in Mass at the time but would not activley seek it out as a BQ race until they fixed the mile markers and the course length problem.

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

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use