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Runners Marathon of Reston Runner Comments

Back to Runners Marathon of Reston Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 5.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.0 
 
 
Number of comments: 26 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

F. L. from N.J. (3/31/2014)
"Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail....." (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Yes, this race had something for everyone. The weather was just awful, but as awful as IT was the event itself is a gem! Pre-race info was excellent, in fact, it was on par with the type of information you'd receive from Boston, New York City, etc. The race committee (Anna, Bill, Chris, Dennis, Ellen, Kevin, Pat and Serge) thought of everything. Pasta dinner at the high school overlapped the packet pickup hours making it super convenient. Every aspect was well organized. Race morning, plenty of convenient parking, wait indoors for race and walked by an official to the starting line. Course was exceptionally well marked with huge mile markers and on the paved trail portions there was a broad white line. Aid stations every two miles were well stocked and every critical intersection, driveway, etc. was 'stocked' with outstanding volunteers.

So, then why were my grades less than all 5 stars? Well, it seems this amazing race committee couldn't control the weather. OMG - the morning began cool and wet but as the day wore on we experienced, a lot more rain, then freezing rain, then hail, then snow and then the temps dropped! Yes, the runners were tough and put our heads down and plowed through it, but the volunteers - THEY WERE AWESOME. I have never in 149 marathons seen ice cold, frozen solid and drenched volunteers have so much enthusiasm and encouragement for the runners. So, while I'm sure the course itself is lovely (it is definitely challenging), my head was looking at the ground so I didn't get to enjoy it. And, with the weather as lousy as it was, spectators were few and far between (BTW - I'm good with that).

Post race we were again welcomed into the high school for hot coffee, chili, pizza, and a very, very warm spot to defrost. And...at least as experienced by me - a lot of attention for the well-being of each and every athlete.
 

J. B. from Vienna, VA (3/31/2014)
"Attention to detail, efficiency & cheerfulness!" (about: 2014)

1 previous marathon | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The organizers had carefully thought of everything for us, and mobilized an army of cheerful volunteers who provided excellent pre-race information and dinner, as well as encouragement during and after the race. It was much needed as the weather was miserable, but thanks to all these factors I came away with a great feeling about this race. I intend to repeat next year!
 

Amy Yanni from Ft. Myers, FL (3/30/2014)
"Aptly named: truly a runner's marathon." (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my 130th marathon and I rank it top tier for all the attention to detail that only other runners appreciate. Even tho I made an errant turn with about 8 othe runners, I own that. The course was marked and even lined with limestone. It was in the first half, we turned right and ended up on Soapstone when we should have gone straight. I gave 5 stars for spectators as there were plenty of aid stations as well as volunteers along the course, and they were standing in a cold rain. Dedicated doesn't begin to describe them. The warm building before and after, hot food and drinks, great awards and again, absolutely fabulous volunteers who are on top of everything make this a exceptional marathon. The half even starts 15 minutes after the full to minimize the clogging that happens when the races are combined.
 

Michael D'Agostino from Boston, MA (11/27/2013)
"Very well organized - Scenic & Challanging" (about: 2013)

1 previous marathon | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The Reston Runners inaugural Marathon was incredibly well organized and very well put together. The route itself is both scenic and challenging, and the organizers/volunteers were kind and willing to help at every turn. Water and Gatorade stops were plentiful and the food after the race was spectacular. This marathon is set up perfectly for a first time marathoner who is looking to challenge themselves and is absolutely challenging enough for the most seasoned of marathoners. I have plenty of great things to say about this race, but in a nutshell there was a true sense that this marathon represented what running should be about: the Runners.
 

N. W. from Reston, VA (10/1/2013)
"Small, local, scenic race" (about: 2013)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


The Inaugural Runners Marathon of Reston was a great event, well-organized and a lot of fun. Its a small race so there weren't too many spectators, but sometimes, if your family can attend, that's all you need. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of the (paved) wooded trails of Reston. Five stars other than being small and local lacks spectators. As a bonus, this race had some of the best swag I've ever received. At the finish party there was an array of great food - including pizza, unfortunately I never have the stomach for anything that heavy after a race.
 

K. H. from Ashburn, VA (4/2/2013)
"Fantasticly run event - inagural" (about: 2013)

3 previous marathons | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about running an inaugural event, but given that it was being managed by Reston Runners, and the fact that was a short 20 minute drive to the start for me, I decided it would be a perfect small race for me to get back into my marathon form (after 12 years of off).

I was right to choose this race. I cannot think of one single negative about the experience. The course was very well marked (hillier than I expected, but nothing severe), and though the spectators were few in number, they were enthusiastic, and at least for me, spaced so that they were there when I most needed them! My family was also able to navigate the streets of Reston and find perfect spots to cheer me on and take pictures at least 5 or 6 times during the race. Aid stops were well stocked with anything and everything a runner would want. I LOVE finishing on a track.

Just something about running into a 'stadium' and setting foot on that synthetic material for your last few hundred yards that put a little spring in your step, even after 26 miles. Thanks to all of those involved volunteers and runners, for making this a great event. I will be back next year. I hope it doesn't get too big, but I wouldn't mind seeing a few more participants next time round, come on out and be part of what is sure to be a great race in 2014!
 

Dave From Clifton from Virginia (3/29/2013)
"Volunteers On the Course Were Great" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


From all the runners, all I heard was how well the race was run. Credit goes to the RMR Race Committee. Zone 2 was particularily well managed.
 

M. K. from Potomac Falls, Virginia (3/29/2013)
"What a welcoming and well-organized event!" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this race. The organizers thought of everything and I was impressed with their attention to detail. I felt like I was part of the family! The course had just the right combination of roads and scenic paths that challenged but didn't overwwhelm me. The course was well-marked and there were lots of cheerful volunteers. Thank you, Reston Runners, for putting on such a awesome race! I'm definitely coming back next year.
 

M. M. from Reston, VA (3/27/2013)
"Friendly Well Organized Event For Runners By Runne" (about: 2013)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The attention to detail is apparent from the time you pick up your packet and the adjacent pasta dinner to when you gorge yourself on the variety of tasty post-race food. This is by far the most enjoyable marathon experience I've had. Once word of mouth gets around about this race, it will be a small marathon destination of choice. Much better race experience than the profit dominated Rock and Roll marathon in DC the week before. Put this race on your calendar for next year! I know I will!
 

Steve Kaufman from Vienna, VA (3/26/2013)
"A great race!" (about: 2013)

1 previous marathon | 1 Runners Marathon of Reston
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran the half marathon but the many people I spoke to who ran the full marathon had the the same reaction as I did. Everything went extremely smoothly - no muss, no fuss before, during and after the race. A beautiful, incredibly well-marked and well-paved course, much of it winding through woodlands (hilly but not too hilly). Wonderfully-helpful and encouraging volunteers (one for every two runners!). Very knowledgeable and responsive organizers. Easy to get to by car with convenient parking a short walk from the start (and expected to be accessible by Metrorail (subway) by next year). Ample indoor bathrooms at start and finish in addition to plenty of portapotties along the route. Lots of refreshments to choose from along the course (with ample hot, not just cold, food at the finish, served in a high school cafeteria.) I can't think of a way to make this race even better - but I bet the people running it will find a way to do so next time.
 

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