May 13, 2024
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Marine Corps Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Marine Corps Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 3.9 
Spectators 4.6
Number of comments: 937 [displaying comments 881 to 891]
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Rina Pellegrini from Philadelphia, PA
(10/30/2001)
 "First Time Marathon- great experience" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and it couldn't have been a better one. The course was boring in the beginning but it was great after that. The crowds in Georgetown and around the monument were great. They kept calling out my name and it gave me much inspiration. The race could have had a better system of picking up the packets. Thank god I got my packet on Friday night. The line on Saturday was out the door and down the street. This made the expo very crowded. | |
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A Runner from Alexandria, VA
(10/30/2001)
"Great Race but the Corral Starts Have to Go" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is the second time I've entered the MCM, and the first time I've finished. The support throughout the race was terrific, and the water and food stops were well-placed and well-manned. If only I didn't have to wait 13 minutes to get to the start line!! I ran it in '99 and it only took 4 minutes from the back of the 5 hour balloon. Running that close to the Pentagon was poignant and the construction worker waving the American flag was inspiring. Thank you to all the Marines!! | |
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A Runner from MA
(10/30/2001)
 "Nice course, Poor Organization" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 It all started at the expo. Long waiting line, in the cold, peole cutting through the line, etc. On marathon day, long, slow line to drop off clothes. Weather was nice, a bit windy. People were nice and cheerful along the way. Very nice course. In terms of repeat, probably I will try another race next year. | |
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A Runner from Alexandria, VA
(10/30/2001)
"My first marathon and I finished; what a feeling!!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The 26th Marine Corps Marathon is my first and what an experience. I signed up to run with the St. Jude running team. The St. Jude team provided newsletters and lots of support leading up to the marathon. The tent they provided us the day of the marathon was wonderful. They checked our bags, had lots of food and drinks before and after the race, and great people working the tent to take care of any need that we had. When the marathon started, I had to do some recalculation on my times. It took me 25 minutes to get to the start line so I had some time to make up out on the course. I just kept focusing on making up the 25 minutes and getting to the 22 1/2 mile point prior to 2 p.m. I was disappointed that the water point between mile markers 10 and 14 was empty. That was a long stretch with no water. I made sure I rehydrated in case they were out at any other points. I believe it was the 18 mile water point that was empty, also. Other than the couple of empty water points, the marathon and all of the workers for the marathon were absolutely fantastic. The crowds were great with lots and lots of support throughout. I was told by a veteran runner to put my name on the front of my shirt. I received hundreds of personalized cheers because of the name on my shirt. What a great motivator that was! The course for the 26th Marine Corps Marathon was wonderful for a beginner. It was flat almost the entire way. The few inclines that we faced were minimal. I took full advantage of the many downhill slopes. At the finish line I received a big hug from two marines. The joy I felt upon completion of the race is almost indescribable. After I showered and changed, I went to the Survivor's Party and danced for a couple of hours. I am looking forward to doing a second marathon and improving my time. | |
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Robert Smolen from Charlotte, NC
(10/30/2001)
 "Course was excellent, all else was chaos." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 Poor location for expo; use ballrooms or some type of expo center (need to allow pick-up and chip verification first, and then vendors; won't feel so rushed, we'll spend a lot more money). Was at race 1 1/2 hours early; after bag check and bathroom, had five minutes to start. (Example- spent 25 minutes looking for the bag check tent; it wasn't well marked and several marines did not know either; ended up walking in circles. Others were in same boat.) Needed more time to stretch. No excuse for slow bag check. Way too congested at finish. Should have kept spectators fenced away from runners until well after bag pick-up. Should also give runners a chance to go back for more water. I highly recommend you visit the Disney and Chicago marathons to see how they are organized. All aspects of their areas are well organized; from expo to finish. | |
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A Runner from Seaford, Ny
(10/30/2001)
"Very interesting course" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I was a little dissapointed with the refreshments, at two consecutive water spots they had run out of water by the time I arrived. | |
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A Runner from Woodbridge, VA
(10/29/2001)
 "Great new course and, as always, super fan support" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You sent the right message by not cancelling the 2001 MCM. It's spirit and integrity at its best. Fans come out in rain or shine, heat or cold. We love you fans! Crossing the finish line is one of my best experiences. Everyone should run this marathon at least one time. You'll want to do it over and over. I've run 3 MCM's and many more to come. Thank you to the Marines and all involved. You make our country proud. | |
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A Runner from North Carolina
(10/29/2001)
"Beautiful course, but course support was poor." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Mile markers were not consistently marked. Water supply wasn't sufficient for the amount of runners. Wish there had been a results booklet and video, also wish there were more after-race activities. Awards ceremony should be scheduled later to allow more participants to observe. | |
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A Runner from Norfolk,VA
(10/29/2001)
"Will always remember the Firefighter" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my third marathon but definitely the one I will remember the most. Going around the Pentagon after everything was going on was really emotional. Every single runner around me stopped to look. As we were running through some of the underpasses people would start to yell USA, USA. The memory I will always take home was the guy dressed in the full firefighter gear. He was dedicating the run to all the firefighters that lost their lives. He was constantly running around me and at times I would run passed him because he had to pull over to put Vaseline on areas where he was chafing. The back of his neck was raw but he did not once take the gear off and he kept on going. That kept me going. I would recommend this marathon to any first-timer. The Marines put on a great race when they could have canceled it. Furthermore, I came in slightly under 5 hours and had no problems with running out of water or cookies. I loved the crowds, they really kept you going. But at times they overpowered the race course so that you could not pass other runners. | |
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A Runner from Minnesota
(10/29/2001)
"Wouldn't recommend it." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Interesting course, but this race needs organization. Running out of water can be avoided - but it happened in this race. The Galloway training teams should be coached about etiquette - when a group of 20 or so does their minute walk, everyone in the vicinity has to dodge walkers. It also would help if spectators were separated from runners at the starting line - mass confusion! |
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