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Jun 4, 2024

Veterans Marathon (PA) Runner Comments

Back to Veterans Marathon (PA) Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.0

Number of comments: 26 [displaying comments 11 to 20]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

J. A. from Pittsburgh, PA (3/1/2017) "Old School" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 No timing chips mean that you start at the gun and your time is recorded on a slip when you cross the finish line. Which worked out just fine. There isn't a huge field in this race so there are stretches where we were alone - I ran this with a couple of friends. There are plenty of the requisite water stops and port-a-johns, but since this is an out-and-back on a crushed limestone trail there are not very many spectators. The scenery is beautiful and it's a nice change of pace from a big city marathon. The organizers and volunteers are terrific. I'd run it again.
L. K. from Slippery Rock (11/15/2015) "Scenic and quiet" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 31st marathon. I was just looking for a small race run on a soft surface. This marathon had exactly that. The course was scenic but it did get very lonely after the turn around. The organization was great, the volunteers were awesome, and the post refreshments were delicious. I would recommend this marathon if you want a quiet and peaceful race.
R. G. from St. Marys, PA (11/14/2015) "Beautiful course for (potential) PR" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This event is held on the Ghost Town Trail starting at Saylor Park in Black Lick, PA. The park is an ideal setting for pre- and post-race mingling. There was plenty of parking, and my car was accessible for last-minute gear decisions. This was only the 4th year of the event, but the race directors have things well-organized. It is a small event, but that is somewhat intentional due to the venue (rail trail). This also means that there is not much crowd support, so you have to be prepared for that going in. (I gave 2 stars, which is probably unfair...by their nature, trail events don't give spectators much ease of access). One thing to be aware of...even though it is held on a rail trail, there is a bit more grade than you would expect. That being said, there is still potential for a PR if you hold back on the reins at the start. There are no age group awards, but a very nice finisher medal. The price is nice on the wallet....just $26.20 if you register before July 4th!
M. Y. from Pittsburgh (11/12/2015) "Awesome small marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great race. It is very well organized and the course is very fast. I was able to park 10 feet from packet pickup, 150 yards from the start and 50 yards from the finish. It is refreshing to do a race without all the logistics and hassles of the bigger marathons.
Charlie Ross from mid Michigan (11/10/2015) "I want to run this one again." (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 104th marathon (1st time I ran this one) and it was one of the best. The out and back course on Ghost Town Trail is beautiful.. The uphill on the way out is easily manageable and losing the 370 feet in elevation on return leg is confidence boosting..
J. R. from Carlisle, PA (11/8/2015) "Everything you love about small-town races" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This one is a gem. Yes, it's off the beaten path, but then again, the course is a perfect 'beaten path'- out and back along 13.1 miles of crushed stone dust rail trail. Perfect community support, race morning packet pickup, plentiful aid stations and great views through the Black Lick Creek valley make this one worth it. NO hassles at all, just a small field of dedicated runners. Highly recommended.
E. B. from IL (11/11/2014) "Great people and an awesome cause" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 27th marathon and I am 66 years old and a member of 50 sub 4, the name speaks for itself. The race director, the volunteers, and the cause are great. Since it is a very isolated area, there is not much fan support, but those present were great. A few personal comments on the race itself: it is an out and back on crushed limestone which is a wonderful surface to run on. The elevation is gradual, but steady for 11.5 miles and then levels off to the turn and back to about 14.5. Therefore, the last 11.5 is basically downhill, it would seem like negative splits would be a no-brainer. Everyone has a different perspective, but I found this challenging. In order to attempt a 3:30s marathon, I turned at 1:48 and thought it would be a breeze coming back down. However, the 11.5 mile uphill, no matter how gradual, was strenuous and I had very little left by mile 15. The downhill saved me as it was a struggle all the rest of the way. I finished in 3:43, which is very respectable for my age, but not what I thought was possible on this course. My recommendation is to absolutely run this race, but respect that incline going out.
C. H. from Pennsylvania, USA (5/22/2014) "First Marathon.. Great Choice" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I couldn't have picked a better one. I loved the scenery along the trail.. a few waterfalls and right next to the river made for a great run. The trail was well maintained and there were plenty of aid stations along the way which contained water, gatorade, and candy as well as pretzels. Very fast out and back makes for a course where you could definitely PR. Would recommend to anyone thinking of running this race. At a cost of only $26.20, it's definitely worth it!
Benjamin Brown from Winter Park, FL (11/27/2013) "Excellent value, respectful, & easy on the joints" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm trying to run a marathon in every state & there are lots to choose from in PA. This race for Veterans has great directors and a good atmosphere...something I look for in races. I also love a great course in the countryside...this is a peaceful run along a creek with several waterfalls on an excellently maintained crushed gravel trail that you could practically rollerskate on. It's nice to not have to think about your steps. They even blow all the leaves off of it...every mile! You get a great shirt and nice metal...something I don't really consider when picking a race, but it's worth mentioning considering this race only costs $26.2 (plus $12 more if you want the shirt). I'm very happy with my choice, plus my wife and I both PR'ed with almost no soreness the next day. You run at an almost unnoticeable uphill on the way out, then have the benefit of the gradual downhill on the way back, a great mental and physical bonus. If going, I also recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites in Blairsville, they really accommodated a late check out since the race starts at 9AM. I can't think of any better race in the area or around this time of year. Thanks!
Joe Hill from Greensburg, PA (12/14/2012) "Well run small marathon" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Veterans Marathon (PA) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It's quite obvious that this event was put on by runners. Course was an out and back, easy on the joints, scenic run. Slight grade on way out made for a quicker finish. Packet pickup the day of the race worked out smoothly. Sending the half marathoners off 30 minutes later was a great idea. Despite the small size, there was a medical tent available as well as post-race food. The rail trail race doesn't really lend to crowds, but those that were there were quite enthusiastic. Highly recommend this race. Very low cost, so not much of a medal, but so what! Great inaugural. I hope to be back every year.

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