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Rehoboth Seashore Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Rehoboth Seashore Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.3 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 103 [displaying comments 31 to 41]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 11 > ]

 

D. D. from Lewes, Delaware (3/21/2015)
"First time running Rehoboth" (about: 2015)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my fastest time ever. The course is definitely flat and if you're looking for a PR this is the race. Spectators were few and far between but very nice. This was a really small race and barely anyone was there an hour before the start. There was plenty of parking and you could easily show up at 6:45am and be fine. There were no corals and no pace teams. The half marathoners broke off to a separate course at mile 3 but there was never really any problems with congestion at the start. The course did not have enough bathrooms at all and I saw multiple runners (male and female) hitting the sides of the course. There seemed to be plenty of water/Gatorade but the stations are a bit farther apart than every 2 miles once you go in to the state park area. Post race food/drinks was excellent with a large spread of hot food and different beers.
 

c. m. from Philly, PA (1/23/2015)
"Good Running Community - Okay Race" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


The location is nice for December. This was my first Rehoboth Beach Marathon. I found myself fishing around the website for answers to simple questions. The website needs a facelift. To find the informaion, I 'friended' the Facebook page. The race director is very prompt with answers. I thought many of the questions asked should be addressed and added to the website. Could have saved her lots of time. The course was nice. There were several 'out and backs' of which I am not a fan. I hate passing runners wondering when do I get to the turn around point, over and over again. The course LACKS BATHROOMS. I get it. It's on scenic trails, but for the love of God, the first port-a-potty at mile SEVEN...and there is only ONE?! I chewed 6 minutes of my time because I HAD to go. At mile 13ish, I had to walk off the course to the nearest bathroom to go again. It was one of those days for me and so disappointing that there were not enough bathrooms.The running community for this race is nice. It's rarevery 'home-townish.' Perhaps if I didn't need the course amenities, I would have liked the race more. It was okay.
 

K. M. from Richmond, Virginia (12/19/2014)
"A Must-Do December Marathon" (about: 2014)

2 previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I can't say enough positive things about this race. It's scenic, flat, and fast. There was no wind at all this year, and although there had been rain earlier in the week, the trail sections of the course were completely free of any puddles or standing water. The volunteers and race directors were top notch (one of the race directors has a very active FB page for the marathon where she promptly answers any questions leading up to the race). Water stops were plentiful, and GUs were provided at three different spots on the course. They changed the course this year to include 3 miles of new multi-use trails that recently opened just north of Rehoboth in Cape Henlopen State Park, and that section of the course was definitely my favorite part of the race. If you want to join the 50 States Club, run Rehoboth as your Delaware race. If you want to do a December marathon, run Rehoboth. If you want to attempt a BQ, run Rehoboth. You won't regret it.
 

W. G. from Pennsylvania (12/12/2014)
"Flat, scenic, well organized, friendly race!" (about: 2014)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I ran the December 2014 half-marathon last week and it is now my favorite race of the year! I loved that it is small (rolled out of my hotel at 6 am, parked a block from finish line/Starbucks, did bib pick up and had time to warm up!). Flat! Loved that at least 5 miles of the half were on trails. Even though a small # of participants and spectators, the way the course is laid out made it feel bigger! Loved the state trooper hollering support. And the food tent! Hot food, pancakes, salad, bacon, mac and cheese and 3 choices of craft beer. Just outstanding.
 

S. D. from Pennsylvania (12/9/2014)
"Classic small town race" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 3 Rehoboth Seashore Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my first road marathon in 2012 and remains a sentimental favorite. I returned for the third straight year intrigued by the course change. A lot of people whined about the additional trail, but I loved it. I was worried there would be boring straightaways, but the section through the marsh really was beautiful. When the weather cooperates, as it did, this course is just about perfect. (My training was not, so my time this year was a lot worse.) Note that there is a fair amount of rail trail/crushed stone instead of asphalt, but it's predominantly fast and flat. The congestion at the start works itself out pretty quickly, but if you are hoping to go out at a quick pace get to the front.
Parking is fairly easy so don't feel you have to stay somewhere near the start. There are several great restaurants in town that are still open in December, and tax-free shopping.
There are frequent water stops with helpful volunteers. Crowd support is minimal but enthusiastic.
The post-race party is always a good time. Free beer, plenty of water, lots of food unless your finish time is over 5.5 hours, a DJ, and the chance to meet other runners. Overall, there is just a very positive, warm vibe.
 

j. l. from Massachusetts (12/8/2014)
"very well done" (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Scenic and gentle course. Terrific volunteers and staff. a post-race party that was among the best. Class act awarding a runner finishing her 50 states with a Delaware plaque. I highly recommend this race.
 

R. H. from Nashville, TN (12/8/2014)
"One of trhe best" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my 48th overall marathon on 40 different courses. This rates among the best. I am a no frills guy so the simple expo was welcome. Parking feet from the start was fantastic. I wish they had opened the public restrooms which would have alleviated the lines a bit at the porta potties but that is a minor issue.

The course was the best. It is as flat as you could hope and most of it was on firm packed crushed gravel which was so easy on the knees. The scenery on the trail portions was beautifulbay and marsh.

The aid stations were easily maneuvered and the volunteers always smiling. Plentiful aid stations also.

We got very lucky on the weather. The rain held off until after noon and the temps were perfect in the mid 40's with a cloud cover and no wind, perfect for running a marathon.

If you are trying to knock off Delaware, this is the race to run.

Thank you to the race organizers, all of the volunteers and the spirited spectators.
 

A. T. from Chicago (12/6/2014)
"Make this your Delaware race!" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


Loved this race. Great FB page; WONDERFUL RD. Great course  lots of variety and scenic (ocean, woods, streams, trails, beach mansions and cottages). Great post-race party  music, lots of food, beer. Lots of aid stations and great volunteers. Stay at Atlantic Sands  on Boardwalk and one block from Start and walking distance from finish  and only $116 for ocean-view room on hotels.com.
 

C. B. from Allentown, NJ (1/12/2014)
"Fun & fast qualifier!" (about: 2014)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Added on late following a disappointing Philadelphia marathon and could not have been more pleased. Have run several smaller marathons previously but none more organized with such fun, enthusiastic staff and volunteers. Parked steps from the start/finish with morning-of bib pickup, 45 minutes prior to start, couldn't have been easier. Such a pleasure to not have to sit around trying to keep warm for several hours prior to race start. Ample restroom facilities few feet from the start line. Crowds at the start/finish were great, much more sparse along the course but was more than expected for a late fall beach town-based small race. Course was a nice mix of roads and gravel paths (a nice respite for the legs). Spectators were supportive and on-course fluid stop volunteers were great and well-spaced/stocked. The military cadets and traffic police offered encouragement. What a friendly run! And did I mention fast? Some very minor hills through the park otherwise flat, flat, flat. Headwind on way out was welcomed tailwind for the return. Finish after-party tent was unparalleled. Plenty of non-alcoholic variety for rehydration and even more choice for a well-deserved pint following a truly enjoyable race. Food was great and, yes, a departure from the traditional postrace fare of banana/orange/bagel. Didn't find a pancake with berries to be too heavy however despite other posted comments. But I didn't choose the race for the food/party (but if you do, would highly recommend!), but rather for the opportunity to BQ. Outstanding race on all measures!
 

Duane D Watts from Berks Co. PA (1/5/2014)
"My Highest Recommendation!" (about: 2013)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rehoboth Seashore Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my 9th marathon. I did not register in time to run any of my other options this year, so this, being in December was my last chance. The folks on their FaceBook page assured me that I would not be disappointed, and I was not. The organization for this race is much better than my last marathon, which was much larger. Each mile was clearly marked, there were course directors where they needed to be, and it was not too crowded on the course.
The hydration stations were every 2 miles there were plenty volunteers and they did a good job.
The course is very flat and fast. There is some wind, being next to the ocean, but not too cold for December, and the flatness added to the wind did not compare to the Pennsylvania hills I'm used to training on.
The after party was very nice - an opportunity to really socialize with fellow runners after the race, in the shelter of a big tent. The hometown crowd was very friendly and supportive, but if you are accustomed to big races where people cheer from every mile of the course this one is a little quiet through many of the middle miles.
I went to try to qualify for Boston, and I succeeded, with over a minute to spare.
Out of 9 marathons I've run since before 2001, I give this one my highest recommendation. If you are a 50 stater, this is your December marathon. If you are trying to qualify, or run a pr, this is a good one. Oh, and bonus: great shopping and eating in this seaside resort town, so bring your family and make a weekend of it. My wife loved it!
 

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