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May 3, 2024

New River Marathon Runner Comments

Back to New River Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.5

Number of comments: 26 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

B. G. from South Carolina (5/5/2013) "Tough course, disappointing medal" (about: 2013) 1 previous marathon \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the half marathon in 2013. As expected the course was hilly and challenging. There were few spectators, but the course itself was nice. There seemed to be an adequate number of water stations offering Gatorade and water. The course was not closed to traffic, but I felt perfectly safe, since I saw only a handful of cars and they kept their speed slow. At the end, they had a local band playing, which was a nice touch. The t-shirt was nice. However, the 'medal' was disappointing, since it was a magnet.
A. L. from NC (5/5/2013) "A very tough course. Amenities limited" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Wow, what a tough course. The elevation map really doesn't do it justice. I had to walk up two hills. Saw tons of marathoners go out the first half too hard and paid dearly in the end. Amenities are limited with this race. The finisher's medal was a magnet attached to a lanyard. Only food at the finish line were bagels, oranges, and bananas.
B. F. from Winston-Salem, NC (5/5/2013) "Very challenging but very rewarding" (about: 2013) 1 previous marathon \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I enjoyed this race very much although I believe that the staff could have done a better job with providing more pre-race activities and giving out 'real' medals. That being said, I would still enjoy running this race again. The hills are challenging, especially around miles 13 to 20. The course has an elevation gain of 1700 ft. Be sure that you are prepared for it. Read my full review here http://www.forkstofeet.com/2013/05/new-river-marathon-review.html .
L. R. from Florida (5/15/2012) "Beutiful but difficult" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my fourth marathon. The course was beautiful but it was a very difficult run for me. I am from Florida so it was hard to find many hilly places to train. I read some reviews that said it was mostly flat. I did not find this to be true. Most of the run was up a mountain. The last 6 miles where along the river and that was flat. The hills around mile 17 were the most difficult but you were rewarded with a amazing view at the top. There were plenty of water stops along the way and everyone was super friendly. Even though this marathon was hard for me to do I would do it again, just with some more hill training.
D. S. from Michigan (5/7/2012) "Scenic run through the NC highland" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Plenty of hotels about 10 miles away in Boone but some runners camped in the field behind the start/ finish (Riverside Restaurant). Don't count on your Garmin to find the venue though! You are seemingly out in the middle of nowhere, but that is part of the fun. It's a scenic route spent mostly along the New River. If you take away the one significant 'up and down' feature in each half of the course, it's a fairly relaxing, rolling and pastoral jaunt. Very good organization throughout the race (portapotties, water/Gatorade, mile markers). Volunteers filled up my water bottle and I saw what few people who lived along the course step out and assist the stations! I was a little disappointed at the finish line though. A tired volunteer sat off to the side, next to a box, and handed me a piece of wood on a ribbon (the same piece of wood/ ribbon that the 5K and 1/2'ers received). There certainly wasn't the post race food and 'festivities' that was advertised either (or maybe I missed it? water and bananas was all I saw). I enjoyed the camaraderie of the eclectic group of racers that this run enticed. I do recommend this run, but that downhill pounding in the first half really takes it's toll later on!
T. C. from Charlotte, NC (5/7/2012) "Great small town race that will make you hurt." (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my 3rd marathon and I had run the half last year (2011). I knew what I was in for with the hills and came back anyway. Great race, well organized, very friendly spectators. Yes - the hills will hurt you if you're not prepared (and even if you are). The rain at the beginning? Well - nothing the RD could do about that but smile. Would I run it again? Yes, someday, but probably not next year.
J. G. from North Carolina (5/7/2012) "Gorgeous, well-organized, soul-satisfying race" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This has got to be one of the prettiest courses on the east coast. Great scenery everywhere. Friendly, caring people who take care of all your needs. Some of the best volunteers anywhere. Top-notch organization; no detail overlooked. Easy parking at the start/finish line. GREAT tee-shirt; not a technical one but a really pretty one. The only negative is hills hills hills. But the thing is in the mountains; what do you expect...Some of the hills are not runable, so be prepared to walk and enjoy it. Overall this is the 2nd slowest marathon I have done (out of 100+) but one of the most memorable. My sincere thanks go to Ken the Race Director and to the volunteers for all their hard work.
C. B. from Fort Jackson,SC (5/6/2012) "This race broke me off!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 If you are not an experienced and elite runner, then I would not recommend this race. The course was difficult to me and I've ran 13 marathons, however, the scenery was beautiful and the spectators were supportive and very friendly. If you decide to run this marathon be prepared to run up a mountain (literally). Good luck!!
M. W. from South Carolina (11/15/2011) "Scenic & Beautiful, but watch out for the hills!" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, which I thought I was conditioned for, but I soon learned that was not the case. The hills killed me, especially the monster incline gravel road around mile 18 or so. The scenery is spectacular and picturesque. Part of the course runs through some Christmas tree farms and the views almost seem unreal. I would DEFINITELY recommend this race, but only to an experienced runner. PS- Take a camera with you!
M. A. from Atlanta, GA (5/10/2011) "A New Must-Do!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 New River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Inaugural marathons are often a risk; this one was all reward! The good: Everything! Specifics: 1. Porta-potty to runner ratio: First race of any size I've seen get this right. Lines never more than a 3-5 runners deep, at most. 2. Scenery was beautiful! Running by the river was perfect, and the whole thing was just gorgeous. I'm not from the area, so maybe it's all old hat to locals, but this was really one of the prettiest courses Ive seen. 3. Locals were supportive. When I hear roads open to traffic, I worry. They're right when they say there's not much traffic to worry about. For those cars I saw, most gave a friendly wave or rolled down a window to say something positive. 4. Volunteers were AMAZING. I was in the back of the pack in this one and the aid stations were still stocked. (Great number of aid stations too!) The volunteers were all quite friendly. The on-course medical/fire support was up and down the road, keeping an eye on all of us. Great group of people! 5. The medal is fabulous! If you're running for something heavy, shiny and cheaply-made by the thousand, this isn't your race. I have tons of those. This medal is a handmade, wood ornament, branded with the race logo. It's wonderfully unique! 6. Mile markers were always at the mile marks! 5Ks were marked too. It always amazes me how many races manage to lose the mile markers. They fall over, tip over, get run over, and who knows what else happens, I just want to see them. And at this race I did. Every mile. Every time. Seems simple, but it's not, so shout out for a well-marked course! 7. Love the race shirt! It's purple - very nice change from white! Plus, they had gals' and guys' sizes. The needs tweaking: There's only one road to the parking lot, and we all got there all the same time. Bit of a traffic-jam getting in to park, but the RD handled this very professionally. The 15-minute delay at the start seemed to get everyone in and ready - the best solution with the least inconvenience. Well handled! If you're running next year, plan to get there a bit earlier than you might typically for a smaller race. The heads up: Can't say they didn't warn you. That hill at 17 is as steep and technical as the course description and elevation chart describe. The view at the top is great, but you'll do some work to get to see it!

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