Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Apr 28, 2024

Charleston Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Charleston Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 2.9

Organization 3.3

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 90 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

B. B. from Apex, NC (1/24/2013) "Getting better" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Charleston Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my 7th marathon. 4 road races, 3 trail races. The first few miles were great, but then we headed North out of town and the scenery dropped like a rock. The stretch where the marathon splits off at mile 10 was DESOLATE. I thought I was running into Area 51. The pier, while visually breaking the monotony, was tough to negotiate, and the course needed some tape or something along that section to help guide the runners. Not intuitive at all. And the last 8 miles were just awful. I certainly won't win a marathon, but I was near the front. In the closing miles, corner marshals were focusing on incoming runners, not on those on their way to the finish. At many turns I had to yell out 'Which way?' when approaching. I did not miss any turns, but the closing miles of a marathon is not a good time to 'need to think'. Mixing the marathon and half together meant that the faster marathoners were mixed back in with the slower half-marathoners, many taking up the entire width of the course, which forced us to bob and weave through them in North Charleston. Was a little disappointed in the finish line location, with those sharp turns at the end to make up the distance. Also, the postrace shrimp and grits were devoured by the time I got there at 11:30. So was all the 'good' beer; only Lite was left, blech. We did, however, find an outstanding outdoor bar/grill right on the race course (DIG in the Park) which was fantastic for dining and spectating. Awards ceremony was not well-publicized; I would've skipped it but my friends said I should go check my time (had to hunt down the tent, needed a bigger sign), and found out I was eligible for AG awards. Couldn't pick up award early, had to wait for marathon awards at '1-ish', which was about 1:15. My friends all enjoyed the half-marathon, but would have liked gels available at the 6 mile mark. I took my own gels with me, as well as a handheld water bottle, and took water at every aid station, so I cannot comment on the presence or absence of nutrition.
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (1/24/2013) "Well Organized" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Charleston Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Pleasant, well organized race on a flat course. The race offered race AM packet pick up- a definite plus for out-of-towners,free and easy parking at both the start and finish, good aid stations with lots of food, and the nicest shirt and medal that I've recieved in 29 marathons. The course was beautiful for the first 4 miles, but not much to look at after that, though flat as can be. The course was well marked with splits called each mile-unusual for a smaller race. Perfect weather and friendly people as well. I think the organizers got the big stuff right. A good way to race S Carolina
M. B. from Albany, NY (1/24/2013) "Good small marathon!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Charleston Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I spent a long weekend in Charleston and ran the marathon on the first day. I am aspiring to run a marathon in all 50 states, and this was #11. Overall I enjoyed the experience. The expo was about as expected for a small marathon - small but adequate. The long-sleeved shirt was nice. Free parking was easy close to the start. Start was on time to the second. The first 5 miles were scenic, through old Charleston and up King St. Next part was not scenic, past warehouses and railroad tracks. Thankfully the temperature was cool, as there was little shade. There was a long out and back section to a short run on a pier - which was cool. One good thing I have never seen at a race - at every mile marker, there was an automated speaker system blurting out the elapsed time of the race. This was good because I left my watch in my motel room. It also negated the need for periodic digital clocks or people yelling times. The hydration stations were adequate. The post race food was not great. They had shrimp/grits which was okay, but little else. They did have free beer though :) The shuttle back to the start was quick and efficient.
Noah Moore from Charleston, SC (1/24/2013) "Charleston Marathon - a recap from a (proud) local" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Charleston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 For the past two years I have run the Charleston Marathon (mostly because I wanted to support a local race) and both years I wrote reviews that were, well, not so great. Each year I kept thinking about what people from out of town must be thinking as they ran the race and, well, I was really embarrassed... This year was NOT the same. This year I knew that those people were thinking the same thing as me. This was a great race! A few things before I get to the start. This was my ninth marathon and my second time pacing a race (last year I paced the half marathon). This year my running partner CSR and I were the pace leaders for the five hour marathon group. My disclaimer about the title: I have lived in Charleston for over eighteen years so I now consider myself a local, but not a Charlestonian (believe me, there is a difference and a Charlestonian will let you know that difference in a very polite southern way). The route this year was much improved. Props go out to Howie Schomer for all his work. He spent countless hours mapping routes that would work and, in my opinion, hit a home run with this one! The first few miles of the race are absolutely beautiful. Runners go down Lockwood Blvd and then around the Charleston Battery. The rest of my review is on my web site: http://www.mooreonrunning.com/2013/01/charleston-marathon-recap-from-proud.html
T. M. from Atlanta, GA (1/22/2013) "The out and back portions were terrible." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Charleston Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I am glad to know that I'm not the only one that didn't like the course, especially the out and back portions going through non-scenic, industrial areas. Very mentally challenging. Port-a-potties along the course were very few and the course could have been marked better. I won't be doing this marathon again.
Z. C. from NJ (1/21/2013) "Start and Finish line are in bad areas!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I am running the 50 states and I picked Charleston for my marathon in South Carolina. I was so disappointed. If you are from out of town I recommend renting a car. The start and the finish lines are both in bad neighborhoods. There is no way to get to the start from any of the recommended hotels. The Taxi services know that so they charge you double the amount of money. There is a shuttle from the finish to the start but what good is that if you do not have a car. The course is just ok. I agree with the other reviews, it was confusing. The first few miles is the best part. I was very disappointed but I would like to give them a chance to work out all the kinks. It is their 3rd time and Charleston is a beautiful place to visit.
M. P. from Columbia, South Carolina (1/21/2013) "Much Improved" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Charleston Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is my 4th year for this event, first year when it was only the half marathon and all three of the marathons. The locations for the start and finish are a big improvement. The course changes for this year are good, but it would still be better to have more of the race in downtown Charleston if possible. There was more drink/food along the course and at the finish. There was more room for the post-race celebration at the new location and the convenience of the high school facilities as well. Overall the changes seem to reflect some of the comments from runners over the past several years. Charleston/North Charleston is a great location for a marathon and I want this one to continue to grow.
N. K. from Lancaster, PA (1/20/2013) "Good marathon that could be great" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Charleston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was a good marathon, but several things should be enhanced. My wife ran the 5K, and when she finished there were a number of food and drink options. When I reached the finish line near the 3:30 mark the options were severely depleted. They were out of shrimp and grits when I finished and it took them a while to get more. The shrimp and grits was good, though the overall quantity and quality of post-race amenities was lacking. The shirt was a bit of a disappointment as well. It was a rectangular painting on the front which makes it a little awkward to wear. A fun graphic would be more ideal. There were a lot of good things about the race. The course was fun, including the time spent running on the pier. Porta-potties were plentiful, and the medal was great! There was plenty of parking for both the marathon and 5K. The convention was decent for a smaller race. Aid stations were great. I really enjoyed the steel drum band and all of the other music on the course.
M. C. from New York (6/15/2012) "Magical beginning; a sandwich saved me at the end" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Charleston Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The first miles of this race are spectacular. The weather was crisp and clear and the light hit the homes so that their beauty stood out. Okay, the out and back at the end wasn't as glorious, but friendly volunteers gave out sandwiches and coke; this was helpful if you weren't trying to PR. Someone mentioned there was no bathroom at the start. Many people were using the bathroom of the local supermarket that sponsored the race. A lovely local youth orchestra performed during the pasta dinnerthey were so good, I initially thought the music was being piped in by a radio. The race needs to be clearly marked all the way through. I was injured during my training and so had to run slowly; at one point, I wasn't sure which way to go. Overall, a great experience!
d. l. from Charlotte, USA (4/21/2012) "Incredible race, organization and spectators !" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Charleston Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is an incredible race, the organization is PHENOMENAL ! The safety for the runners is impressive, the supplies and volunteers extraordinary, and the course and the city of Charleston are gorgeous ! We will be back next year !

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

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