calendar icon May 5, 2024

Bucks County Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Bucks County Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.3 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 30 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

James Hrubesh from New Jersey (7/3/2018)
"Sadly Disappointed" (about: 2017)

50+ previous marathons | 4-5 Bucks County Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 4


There are many things to like about this marathon. The volunteers are enthusiastic although hampered by disorganization. The course is flat, scenic, and peaceful. The food pavilion at the finish has become worthy of positive mention..... but, I've run the 'Bucky' for the past five years, in '16 my fellow 'Bucky' contestants and I had to rummage through the back of a pickup to claim our hard earned 'Bucky' sweatshirts. This past year there was finally a low key awards ceremony for place finishers, however I was told that there were no awards for my age category but they would be mailed. I've attempted to contact the race director five time since then to find out where my awards were. To date I've received no response or the promised awards. Additionally an 88 year old man ran the half, under the cut off time, on his birthday and was grouped in as 4th 'Over 70'. Really? It's a race close to home, I have family that has always come to cheer me and the other runners, but I won't be returning until there is a race director who authentically cares about the runners. By the declining numbers of runners each year it seems that other runners have not been very impressed either.
 

Paul Isaac from Folcroft, PA (11/13/2017)
"Small Marathon with flat course, scenic setting." (about: 2017)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


If your looking for a flat course to do a PR, the Bucks County Marathon is a great choice. All concerns about running on a narrow tow path being a problem with runner congestion were laid to rest, but it was open to bikers-some of which rode without paying attention to the runners-so it's necessary to be alert at all times. Despite this issue, I found a lot of comradery among the marathoners who gave encouragement to each other. Also, the setting of the race at beautiful Washington's Crossing State Park,PA was ideal because it was just large enough to accommodate the parking needs of the runners and I found it very quiet and welcoming to city dwellers used to a noisy and chaotic environment. Getting back to the course, there only a few small hills and one point where you had to navigate steep steps. There was also one spot on the course, after the half-marathon turn around point where I went off course a little because there weren't any Marshals there. One great plus for me about the location of the race was that it was well within driving from my house in suburban Philadelphia, so I didn't need to book and stay overnight at a hotel. Also the registration fee was very reasonable and the finisher's medal was very nice and unique. Finally, there was a small but great tasting post-race buffet at the pavilion which served as the 'race headquarters.' If your looking for a laid-back and welcoming marathon the Bucks County Marathon is clearly your best choice.
 

M. L. from New Jersey (11/23/2015)
"Great Small Town Race" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This race exceeded my expectations. The price was affordable, the start time was such that if you're within 90 miles away you can drive there the morning of. Plenty of parking, no lines at the porta potties. Flat course, only issue that I had on the course was between miles 12-14, there was lots of pebbles/small rocks and you had to really watch where you were running. Not sure why the last hydration station at mile 24 was abandoned. But they left the fluids and cups there so I helped myself. The best part was the post race meal. It was a real HOT meal. Not cold pretzel or bagels. There was a BBQ and buffet with lots of choices! It was a no stress race. Great as practice marathon or for a first time marathoner.
 

J. S. from CT (11/17/2015)
"Fantastic" (about: 2015)

2 previous marathons | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Pat McCloskey puts on a great marathon! It is a small, well-organized, laid-back, beautiful course with immaculate trails. It is flat, the 18 steps at mile 8 are no big deal at all. Volunteers were extremely nice. There aren't a ton of spectators but the ones there were very supportive. If you're looking for a beautiful small town marathon with absolutely no hassle, this is the one!
 

S. S. from Lancaster, PA (11/16/2015)
"Great race if you're not trying for a PB." (about: 2015)

3 previous marathons | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Beautiful course, flat as can be, friendly and supportive runners, spectators and organizers, nice shirt and good post-race food. This race is on a path with more pebbles, roots and leaves than I expected. Therefore, it's not the race to choose for your fastest time but still a very pleasant one.
 

c. m. from Yardley, PA (1/23/2015)
"Great Small Race" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


I was hesitant to sign up because this is literally in my back yard. I run on the Delaware Canal often and feel like I'm cheating becase it's 'natures treadmill.' It was odd running on my path with a bunch of other runners. It was tight at spots, but folks were considerate of the spacing. The race director does a nice job with organization. The website has everything you need to know, and there is an extensive Guide delivered to runners before the race. No spectators, but I don't run for them, so fine by me. Lots of great volunteers. Nicely done race.
 

D. Z. from G'bury, CT (12/11/2014)
"What I think a marathon should be" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Bucks County Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Pretty course. Helpful volunteers. No cars. Parking near the start/finish. Room to run comfortably. Orderly, punctual start. Variety of post race food.

You won't find bands, cheering crowds, an expo, people running in costumes, relay exchange points or half marathoners on the course. This race is all about running a marathon in a great place. An old-school race with chip timing in stead of tongue depressors. My favorite. I'll be back.
 

R. C. from Montclair, N.J. (11/18/2013)
"A real bang for the 'buck'" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Here's a back-to-basics race that offers a scenic course out and back on the Delaware Canal towpath combined with runner-friendly logistics at an affordable price. Park your car, walk to the starting line and go. No shuttle buses through multiple time zones to get the start, no cattle calls or five-hour lineups waiting for the gun to go off. Not many spectators along the course once you leave Washington Crossing park at Mile 1 until you return 25 miles later, but running through the woods in late Autumn with the peaceful Delaware River as your guide is my idea of crowd support. The race is reasonably-priced and offers good value. Would have liked a few more water stops in the final miles, since the weather was bit warm this year, but otherwise, the organizers of the Bucks County Marathon produced a worthwhile event.
 

T. L. from Ulster Co., NY (11/18/2013)
"Altogether great low key race" (about: 2013)

1 previous marathon | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and I was happy I chose this one. It was well organized, laid back and stress-free. The Washington Crossing Park was a nice start/finish venue. The tow path was a nice surface to run on with pleasant and varied scenery. The course was as flat as they come.There were plenty of water stops with great volunteers all along the way.

The fans on road and bridge crossings and even the residents in their backyards cheered on even the lowliest runner at the end. I know some like the hoopla of the big races, but I much prefer the small-town local race feel. The wave start was very civilized and I never felt crowded on the narrow path. The hot food at the end was just right. Loved the nylon string goodie bag, long-sleeved tech shirt and marathon car magnet.

My only complaints would be mile 12-14 had a chunky gravel topping on the surface that I couldn't wait to get off of and having to do a circle in the park for the finish felt a little cruel.
 

C. W. from Pawling, NY (12/13/2012)
"Flat, straight, soft, and scenic!" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Bucks County Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


This was my seventh marathon and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The course runs along the historic Delaware Canal and is an out and back beginning in Washington's Crossing Park. The path along the canal is hard packed dirt and was really easy on the legs. There were plenty of water stops along the way and there were plenty of spots for fans. My only negative comment was that there weren't enough port-a-potties at the beginning of the race.
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]


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