calendar icon May 17, 2024

Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.0 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.1 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.7 
 
 
Number of comments: 66 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

 

D. S. from North Carolina (11/8/2015)
"NOT a great marathon" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon
COURSE: 1  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 2


1. Savannah is a beautiful city, but you wouldn't know it from running this route. I'm surprised they couldn't find anything better than down one side of a 4 lane highway.
2. The start area and expo is too small for this many people. It was quite a mess to get there and get your packet. Uber ride was 65$ to get back to hotel.
3. They essentially cancelled the race after about 2.5 hours because of the heat. When I finished I had only run 24.5 miles (under 3:30). It was only 75 degrees!! This could happen next year too! What was really ironic was that people were still finishing hours later. I could easily have done that extra 1.5 miles, but apparently they had blocked of that little section without any notice!
So, if you sign up for this one, just BEWARE! They may very well cancel it if it gets above 70 degrees! And you will NOT get a refund for the race, much less what you spent on hotels and travel.
 

C. H. from SC (11/8/2015)
"Disappointed with this marathon compared to 2013" (about: 2015)

3 previous marathons | 2 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 3


Not enough bathrooms. Some of the water stations were out of water around mile 8 for the walkers and it was 80 degrees.
Most disappointing was the lack of music on the track. The music is really motivational and I looked forward to it but the bands seemed less in number and further apart.
 

Jeni Enjaian from South Carolina (5/31/2015)
"Not a Fan of RnR Races but This One Was Good" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I took advantage of early bird pricing and a discount when registering. This is only way to go if interested in Rock n Roll. Otherwise it's impossible to get your money's worth.
I don't remember as many specific details about this race as I would like but here's what I do remember.
The packet pick up location is less than ideal. I should amend that to say that having the pick up at the Convention Center works in terms of vendor space and proximity to the river front. It does not work as well when trying to reach that location. With just one road onto the island traffic frequently backs up. The only other option is a ferry across the river. We had enough time to do this. It was a bit of a hassle though.
As for where to stay, there is an exit about 20 minutes out from Savannah with plenty of affordable hotels. The parking pass we purchased online ahead of time came with directions. We had no trouble parking on race morning.
The corral set up was expansive but not confusing at all. I do not remember having any congestion issues once the race got started.
I enjoyed the course. The only negative thing I have to say about it is that the split from the half marathoners got lonely fast. Not only did the majority of the participants turn off with the half marathon course but the full marathoners also had to continue onto a freeway overpass closed to spectators. This was the first year after a course change that took out several highway miles (apart from a mile or so at the split) and instead sent the marathoners through the campus of Savannah State University. Apart form the many speed bumps this was my favorite part of the course. Several student groups came out to various corners to vigorously cheer the marathoners. Plus we also got to run a lap around their track.
The finish at Forsyth Park was pretty and had plenty of room for people to stretch out and relax. If a good deal can be had, I recommend Savannah for a Rock n Roll Race.
 

P. G. from Minneapolis, MN (1/18/2015)
"lousy management" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 4


This was my second R&R marathon and will be my last. R&R's focus is on making a profit, not putting on a quality race. No problem with the profit motive, but they are cutting corners and screwing over the participants.

Too few porta-potties at the start, UNLESS you pay extra to buy into their VIP club in which case you can use one of the VIP trailer latrines... maybe! One member of our group bought enough R&R logo stuff to get a VIP pass but he and his daughter still couldn't get through the line for the VIP latrines before the start. In the space taken by the VIP trailers, organizers could have had dozens more porta-johns.

Savannah is a great destination, but very little of the course passes through the most scenic areas of the city. Many switchbacks.
 

J. W. from Jesup, GA (11/18/2014)
"Awesome" (about: 2014)

6-10 previous marathons | 4-5 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run this 1/2 marathon for the 4th year in its existence here in Savannah. I am registered for the 5th year already. Great course, terrific events leading to the run, great hospitality and fans along the way. The medal was a way better with a decorated ribbon and more elaborate decoration. I never have been a runner in marathons, but the RnR Savannah keeps me motivated!!!
 

C. R. from Jacksonville Fl (11/13/2014)
"Overall a pretty good race!" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The first half of the marathon course is great! When the marathoner's turn left for the second half the course is less than stellar. Running a highway, embankment and through parking lots. Overall a pretty good race.
 

L. M. from Buffalo Ny (11/15/2013)
"Awsome amazing fun race" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The course is beautiful tremendous crowd support throughout the whole course. Loved the kids who were rap dancing and cheering us on. Love running through the University of Savannah the college kids were out cheering us on. As we left the University we ran around their sports field track. The kids were our cheering us on. It was awesome. Southern hospitality was evident everywhere we ran. People were so cheerful and friendly. The city of Savannah is so beautiful the streets had huge trees shading the streets. I loved this race. This is my 12 th marathon and one of my favorites. I would do this one again. this was my third rock and roll and definitely my favorite of those three. Loved this race
 

c. l. from Washington, DC (11/13/2013)
"Flat and fast, great destination race" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run many of the RnR events and usually, they do a great job for a half marathon and the corresponding full marathon leaves a lot to be desired. Not the case in Savannah. I ran the full marathon and found the course support, entertainment and spectators to be fabulous throughout. There is one section, that you run 2x since it is out and back, on the highway and that was the worst part. No shade, no fans, but there was an aid station and a band set up. Otherwise, this is an A+ coursetakes you through the different areas of the city, flat and fast. It was easy for my husband to drive around adn see me at different spots on the course and he found parking near the finish. The finish line still had plenty of food and drinks when I finished and Forsyth Park was a nice place to just chill after teh run and listen to the music. We had perfect weather too. The expo is still at the convention center on Hutchinson Island. I was there waiting when it opened on Friday, so I can't speak as to any backups in traffic, etc. Glad I picked this one for my GA race in my quest for 50 states. Plan an extra day or two to explore the city, there is plenty to see and do.
 

James Wiggin from Arlington, VA (11/12/2013)
"Great race course and great town, poor management" (about: 2013)

3 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 5


I trained very well and got a PR on this course by 9 minutes! Had a great time interacting with the locals who provided great support the entire 26.2 miles and beyond. The whole town was geared up for this race the week leading up to it and continued to be very friendly and accommodating to runners in the week after the race. It was a beautiful city and we had great weather.

However, I was very disappointed with Rock N Roll's management of the race. I showed up to the starting line about 15 minutes before the gun only to find bag check was about a half mile from the start line - poor layout. So I ran to bag check only to find that they had already closed and they were adamant about not accepting anything else. They had to drive less than 2 miles to the finish line and they couldn't stay open later than 15 minutes before the start? Don't understand. I know a lot of slower runners like to show up even after the gun has gone off to avoid the mass start hysteria. Bag check should be open until at least 15 minutes after the gun. The finish area was even worse. I was exhausted and could only handle fluids while in the finish shute and I was not given a bag to hold all of the food items I earned and needed so I didn't take anything. I tried to go back and the officials were rude to me and wouldn't let me back in even though I clearly ran and clearly needed nutrients. I tried to go get my free beer only to find three bartenders trying to serve 13,000 runners!? Very disappointed in Rock N Roll. The awesome spectators and crowd support along the course are the only thing that saved this race for me.
 

S. G. from Georgia (11/11/2013)
"Great crowds, scenery and very flat." (about: 2013)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The crowds were great. Especially at Savannah State University and at the finish but all along the way the people were great. The hotels are a rip off. I'd advise staying in Hilton Head (30 - 45 minute drive to start plus you can enjoy the beach)or in midtown or the Southside of Savannah. RnR needs to ditch the Truman Pkwy stretch. It's just cruel. GREAT JOB SAVANNAH (except for greedy hotels).
 

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